This week, platforms are getting generous with features across YouTube and Instagram, giving users access to new features. Meta has also launched a new AI assistant in its updated support hub, and TikTok get geographical with a new feed option.
Meanwhile, two things are taking over our TikTok feeds: an AI-generated Christmas tune and a friendly seal. Read on for more social media news.
Meta launches new support hub and AI assistant
Image credit: Meta
Meta has launched a new support hub for Facebook and Instagram users. The hub will include tools to report account issues, recover accounts you’ve lost access to and get answers through an AI assistant. The new AI assistant is designed to offer personalised help that can also manage your profile and update settings.
TikTok is launching a “Nearby Feed” so you can explore what’s happening near you. The feed has been designed to help you find new restaurants, shops and places to explore. As per ”Posts in the Nearby Feed are shown to people based on location, the topic of the content, and when the content was posted.” The Feed is following out in the U.K., France, Italy, and Germany.
Instagram is testing early access Reels with a select group of users. The Reels will let you lock your Reel for only followers to view before it’s shown to everyone else. The Reels show a clock with a star icon in the grid and a blurred cover saying “Early Access”. Once clicked, a pop-up will appear encouraging you to follow the creator to watch the Reel.
YouTube is rolling out A/B title ad thumbnail testing to all creators with access to Advanced Features. Creators can now test up to three variations and will be displayed to viewers over the course of two weeks. YouTube is also now letting YouTube TV viewers watch C-SPAN content in the app and is rolling out seasonal stickers for gifting on live-streams.
Snapchat has launched an AR village for brands to showcase their products and promotions this festive season. “Snapchat Winter Village”. Available until the end of the month, you can visit Chopard’s paper-like reinterpretation of its boutique, Lancôme’s train-inspired “Lancôme Express”, and Boss’s Augmented Factory. The Winter Village is available to users in France, the U.S., the U.K., Germany, the Nordics, Benelux and the Middle East.
