This week, Meta is doubling down on paywalls and AI agents, LinkedIn is listening to its users and getting rid of AI content that clutter user feeds (even if they put it there in the first place…), X is trying to turn itself into an in-stream stockbroker, and Threads is quietly building out an entire ecosystem for podcasters.
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift has sent Swifties into meltdown with her Law & Order appearance at the Emmys seemingly revealing clues to a launch. Is it Rep TV? Is it Debut anniversary? If anyone can work it out, it’s Swifites. Read on for more social media news.
Meta doubles down on AI
Image credits: Meta
Meta has dropped new subscription options across its apps, called Meta One. The new offering gives users expanded access to AI usage and other premium features across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Video creation tool Edits is also getting its own paid tier, Edits Plus, which will require users to pay to use the majority of AI features. AI is also now handling the tedious admin work of setting up WhatsApp Business accounts and Meta’s AI assistant Muse now has a dedicated Mac app and “Muse Connectors”.
Meta has unveiled a full suite of podcast features on Threads, including podcast profile cards, custom episode link cards, full transcripts, guest tagging, automatic episode release reminders, and dedicated in-app podcast analytics.
Following community backlash over low-quality content, LinkedIn officially killed its one-click AI post generation tool and replaced it with Post Proofreader for Premium members. Instead of generating posts for you, it will polish grammar, style, and conciseness.
At its annual Pinterest Presents showcase, Pinterest announced Visual Search Ads, placing sponsored products directly inside visual search results and Pin close-ups to tap into its 80+ billion monthly visual searches. They also introduced AI Restyle, allowing Pinners to visually redecorate real-world rooms with home décor products.
X is taking another step toward Elon Musk’s “everything app” vision with the rollout of its Cashtag Partner Program in the U.S. Users tapping on stock or crypto tags (like $TSLA or $BTC) can now execute trades directly in-stream by connecting through brokerage partners such as Interactive Brokers, Coinbase, Kraken, and Moomoo.
