This week, Instagram is introducing a life-changing – no, not an overreaction – new feature, but…there’s a catch. X has updated its AI video tools, YouTube is giving more users access to its likeness detection tool, Meta plays security guard with tougher measures on link monitoring, and much more.
Meanwhile, Hannah Montana is getting ready to return to our screens with the release of the trailer for its 20th Anniversary special. And, the Beckham family drama continues, this time with the pot stirred (literally) by youngest son, Cruz. Read on for more social media news.
Instagram tests links in caption
@itstravelod via Threads
This could be heavenly music to social media managers across the globe. Instagram is introducing links in captions. Ok, now you’ve recovered, here’s the catch. The feature is only available to selected Meta Verified subscribers, and you can only add up to 10 links per month. Either way, it’s great news (albeit a slightly expensive and anti-climactic one…)
X’s Grok AI tool has been making headlines for the last few weeks, but this time it’s for something more positive. X has updated Grok’s video generation process, with users now able to use a selection of images to generate a video scene. The video can be up to 30 seconds long, and users can upload up to seven images.
Facebook is giving creators more ways to monetise Reels. Through the new “self-serve affiliate program”, creators can pick from a range of products and earn commission by promoting them directly within their Reel. If you have already signed up for Facebook’s professional program, you will find the tool in the Professional Dashboard. Current brand participants in the program include Amazon and Shopee. But remember, this is considered branded content, so make sure that paid partnership label is on.
YouTube is giving more users access to its likeness detection tools. ICYMI, the tool uses face scans, as well as government ID, to check content across the app and tell users if similar visuals have been uploaded – aka if someone is using your content. Originally only available to a small group of creators, YouTube is now expanding access to a larger group of government officials, journalists and political candidates.
Meta is adding an extra layer of security on Messenger to prevent users from clicking on dodgy links. The Safe Browsing tool sends warnings of potentially dangerous links and ideally stops users from clicking on them. But, because Meta can’t just apply this tool to all users’ devices (data protection and privacy, duh), Meta’s engineers have come up with a new system to keep scammers away. The updated tool uses both on-device and external database “retrieval elements” which result in a thorough security system that protects users while maintaining separation between users and its servers.
