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Major ad tool announcements from TikTok World 2026

The app’s sixth annual event was a showcase for its updated marketing offerings, including new artificial intelligence-powered elements.

Updated May 14, 2026

Meta takes on Snapchat with new Instants app

Instants encourages users to share candid moments via disappearing images.

Meta adds incognito AI chats to WhatsApp

The new feature offers users an enhanced level of privacy and security, but raises concerns regarding the safety and accuracy of chatbot responses.

X updates History tab for iOS

The revision divides viewing history into content types, including video and long-form articles, so users can more easily find previously viewed posts. 

Snapchat says ‘what it means to be a teenager’ hasn’t changed

A new report from the app examined teen behavior online and offered insights into the perspective of younger users.

TikTok introduces 2026 FIFA World Cup creator correspondents

The app has been expanding its sports engagement, and 59% of users say watching events on TikTok is more fun than viewing actual games.

Meta expands AI chatbot access to Threads

The company said its trial rollout will be available in Argentina, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Singapore, where users can query via tagging.

Grok downloads fall nearly 60%

Elon Musk’s xAI chatbot is struggling to compete with similar artificial intelligence projects from OpenAI, Meta and Google, per the Wall Street Journal.

TikTok expands TikTok Go in the US

The travel affiliate program allows creators to earn commissions by tagging relevant businesses in their posts.

Meta updates parental supervision tools

New controls in the company’s Family Center dashboard will build on Instagram’s existing Your Algorithm option, and additional alerts will provide more oversight.

LinkedIn will enable consultants to book business direct from their profile

Consultants will now be able to add an in-app link to book a session with them, which will also facilitate payment in-stream.

TikTok launches counterfeit goods detection initiative

The TikTok Real program incorporates insights from more than 300 experts and is designed to remove fake products from the app.

Instagram tests captions on each post within carousels

The option would give users more opportunity to add context and potentially generate more engagement with their carousel updates.

Threads updates its branding

A new logo and font for the platform comes as it continues to grow its user base and compete with larger apps like X for market share.

TikTok launches ad-free offering in UK

Users can pay a monthly fee to disable data tracking for targeted promotions, in line with current regulations.

YouTube publishes brand growth playbook

The guide offers suggestions for building businesses on the platform and tapping into the evolving creator marketplace.

YouTube is testing clear screen viewing for Shorts

The option would let users hide on-screen function buttons and is already available on competitor platforms such as TikTok and Reels.

Snapchat hosts AR developer bootcamp

The event last month was intended to boost creative collaboration between the most active Spectacles developers ahead of the Specs device release.

LinkedIn uses AI to improve feed relevance

The company is using artificial intelligence-powered generative recommendations to assess user actions across the platform.

Is Meta really dying?

The New York Times recently published an opinion piece suggesting that the company is at the beginning of the end, but it’s more complicated than that.

Instagram eyes long-form content on CTV

Tessa Lyons, Instagram’s vice president of product, told audiences at Scalable Summit that short-form videos may not “be enough to succeed on TV,” per ICYMI.

Pinterest updates ad relevance

The platform is using offline activity and additional integrated data points to predict potential user interest in Promoted Pins.

Meta outlines the features of its AI glasses range

The company published an explainer on its various models as sales of the devices continue to rise.

Threads adds new posting options and animated mini stickers

The platform will automatically separate longer text blocks into multiple posts and offer a limited release of animated stickers.

LinkedIn partners with Amazon Ads

The collaboration will let advertisers buy CTV ads targeting professional audiences via Amazon DSP.