Facebook Updates March 2021
Facebook is Working on an Instagram for Kids
Facebook is reportedly working on a new version of Instagram, specifically designed for kids. Instagram currently blocks any users under the age of 13 from signing up to create an account, although many children are joining the app and lying about their ages. This is so common in fact, that according to Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, building a separate version for kids may be the best way to stop them from doing so, and potentially exposing themselves to more risk.
“We have to do a lot here, but part of the solution is to create a version of Instagram for young people or kids where parents have transparency or control. It’s one of the things we’re exploring.”
Facebook Tests New ‘Green Screen’ Creation Option for Facebook Stories
As highlighted by user Mamun Billah, Facebook is now testing a new ‘green screen’ option within the Facebook Stories creative tools. This will enable users to overlay their own video over a selected video or still image.
Green screen feature comes to facebook stories section! @MattNavarra pic.twitter.com/np9uMuQJaZ
— Mamun Billah (@mamun91bd) March 20, 2021
Instagram Updates March 2021
Instagram Adds New Tools to Protect Younger Users & A New Safety Guide for Parents
Instagram is again upping its efforts to combat younger users being influenced or contacted by predators when using the app – this is thanks to its new range of features. Instagram are continuing to make the platform a safer place for younger members of the community (13-18) by supporting teens and parents with new resources.
As per Instagram:
“When an adult tries to message a teen who doesn’t follow them, they’ll receive a notification that DM’ing them isn’t an option. This feature relies on our work to predict peoples’ ages using machine learning technology, and the age people give us when they sign up.”
New Instagram Feature: Instagram Announces That Story Drafts Are On The Way
Instagram has announced this month that story drafts are finally on the way. According to Instagram, story drafts have been a highly requested feature, so they’ve given it the go-ahead. The option will provide more flexibility when users create stories, and it will also be beneficial for brands that are looking to post their updates at relevant times. Shortly after Instagram’s announcement tweet, app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi shared these images of what the story draft process will look like:
Twitter Updates March 2021
Twitter Begins Testing a New Option to View YouTube Clips In-Stream
Twitter has started testing an option to view YouTube clips in-stream. According to a post by Twitter’s support team account, the company have this month begun testing a new way to watch YouTube videos directly from your Twitter timeline. This essentially means you’ll be able to click and play a video without having to leave the conversation you’re currently viewing.
Twitter’s Looking to Improve DMs by Considering New Search Features for Direct Messages
Back in January 2019, Twitter noted that it was looking at how it could improve DMs, and now, Debugger reports that Twitter’s planning to launch an updated DM experience in May this year. Twitter is looking to improve user experience by adding a search bar at the top of its direct messages tab to enable users to search for a particular conversation.
Soul searching? Hard. DM searching? Easy! Go ahead and try out the new DM search bar. We’re testing it out on iOS and web with your most recent DMs. pic.twitter.com/vwGlBjz4B5
— Twitter (@Twitter) August 14, 2019
LinkedIn Updates March 2021
LinkedIn Launches ‘Do Business Where Business is Done’ Campaign to Encourage Relevant Content
You may have noticed the gradual rise of non-business posts on LinkedIn over the past few years. Many people share updates about their personal family life, some share memes, others share jokes or more light-hearted content that’s not specifically related to their business interests.
As explained by LinkedIn:
“Sure, your buyers enjoy watching a skateboarder roll down a hill while lip-synching to Fleetwood Mac and drinking Ocean Spray Cran-Raspberry juice. LinkedIn is different, though, and it’s different by design. It’s a place where professionals nurture relationships and grow their careers. If your business message is sandwiched between the skateboarder and your best friend’s vacation photos, it’ll feel out of place.”
In Other News
TikTok is reportedly working on a group chat feature for later this year, making it easier for users to chat and share content with their friends.
As reported by Reuters:
“Video-sharing platform TikTok may launch a group messaging feature this year, people with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters. […] Group messaging is part of owner ByteDance’s plan to develop TikTok into more of a “social interactions app”, one of the sources said.”
Also this month, YouTube rolled out a copyright check tool to some users. This tool analyses your videos prior to their upload to ensure content is completely unique.
As we get into the second quarter of the year, we look forward to seeing what the future of 2021 holds for the social channels. Stay tuned for our guide to future updates in the world of social media.
