Social Media Updates
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Retrieved from Threads on May 08, 2026
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.
By Andrew Hutchinson • May 7, 2026 -
Retrieved from YouTube on April 29, 2021
YouTube tests updated feed navigation
A new mobile app user interface for the platform’s Home and Subscription tabs switches placement from the bottom to the top of the screen.
By Andrew Hutchinson • May 7, 2026 -
Retrieved from Chris Clare/Threads on May 07, 2026
Threads adds playable music stickers in-stream
Users will be able to add tracks to their Threads updates as a native music-sharing option.
By Andrew Hutchinson • May 6, 2026 -
Retrieved from Meta on November 23, 2022
Meta is preparing to launch AI agents to undertake tasks for users
Meta's agentic tools would introduce users to a new phase of automation, in which AI tools can act on their behalf.
By Andrew Hutchinson • May 6, 2026 -
Courtesy of Meta
Threads adds direct messaging access on desktop
The highly requested update will offer social media managers new options in terms of integrating messages into their workflows.
By Andrew Hutchinson • May 5, 2026 -
Retrieved from Meta on May 06, 2026
Meta implements more protocols to detect underage users
New tools include artificial intelligence-powered visual analysis systems that estimate a user’s age based on height and bone structure.
By Andrew Hutchinson • May 5, 2026 -
Getty Images
Meta threatens to withdraw its apps from New Mexico
The move comes in response to proposed state regulatory measures designed to protect minors from accessing harmful content within the company’s apps.
By Andrew Hutchinson • May 4, 2026 -
Courtesy of Meta
Threads expands trending topic summaries to more regions
Topic summaries are determined by artificial intelligence, with the app’s team providing oversight to avoid violating community guidelines.
By Andrew Hutchinson • May 4, 2026 -
Courtesy of Instagram
Instagram adds AI Creator labels
The feature is rolling out for accounts that post artificial intelligence-generated content, and the labels will appear on profiles and content.
By Andrew Hutchinson • May 4, 2026 -
Retrieved from Meta on January 15, 2022
Meta acquires humanoid robot developer Assured Robot Intelligence
It’s the latest move in a race to add artificial intelligence to consumer-facing home technology, with xAI and Amazon also competing for future category dominance.
By Andrew Hutchinson • May 3, 2026 -
Retrieved from YouTube on May 03, 2026
YouTube experiments with new music generation and moderation tools
The platform will allow creators to replace copyrighted songs with royalty-free instrumental clips, while also using conversation context to filter video comments.
By Andrew Hutchinson • May 3, 2026 -
Retrieved from Reddit on May 03, 2026
Reddit posts strong Q1 results
The platform’s ad business drove a 69% year-over-year revenue increase to $663 million for the first quarter of 2026.
By Andrew Hutchinson • May 3, 2026 -
Retrieved from YouTube on April 29, 2021
YouTube tests variable display sizes for video thumbnails
The experiment is designed to improve the impact of header images in order to better conform to different device configurations.
By Andrew Hutchinson • April 30, 2026 -
Retrieved from Instagram on May 01, 2026
Instagram updates algorithm to benefit original creators
The app said it will no longer recommend photos and carousel posts from aggregator accounts and profiles that focus on reposting.
By Andrew Hutchinson • April 30, 2026 -
Retrieved from Google Play Store on April 30, 2026
Vine makes a comeback
A new short-form video creation app called Divine offers an open-source, artificial intelligence-free platform with an archive of more than 500,000 restored Vines.
By Andrew Hutchinson • April 29, 2026 -
Retrieved from YouTube on April 30, 2026
YouTube rolls out Multiview option to more subscribers
The update allows subscribers to watch up to four streams at a time on a single screen, and works on most living room and mobile devices.
By Andrew Hutchinson • April 29, 2026 -
Getty Images
EU Commission says Meta’s age restriction systems are inadequate
Preliminary findings indicate the company was unable to prevent children under the age of 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram.
By Andrew Hutchinson • April 29, 2026 -
Retrieved from YouTube on April 29, 2026
Google expands AI search mode to YouTube
The conversational query tool is currently available to Premium subscribers and offers more interactive results for user queries.
By Andrew Hutchinson • April 28, 2026 -
Retrieved from Threads on July 12, 2023
Threads tests emoji reactions to specific words in posts
The app is experimenting with an option that could allow users to react to particular parts of a post by attaching publicly highlighted reactions.
By Andrew Hutchinson • April 27, 2026 -
Retrieved from Manus on January 02, 2026
China blocks Meta’s Manus acquisition
The National Development and Reform Commission ruled that the $2 billion deal was invalid, and ordered the companies to unwind.
By Andrew Hutchinson • April 27, 2026 -
Getty Images
Lawmakers in Turkey pass teen social media ban
Parliament approved a bill that would restrict access for children under 15, mirroring similar legislation elsewhere.
By Andrew Hutchinson • April 23, 2026 -
Retrieved from Google Play Store on April 24, 2026
Meta launches Instagram spinoff Instants as a standalone app
The new app allows users to share disappearing photos, similar to competitor app Snapchat, with which Meta has a long-standing rivalry.
By Andrew Hutchinson • April 23, 2026 -
Retrieved from YouTube on April 29, 2021
YouTube reduces push notifications for unengaged subscribers
The change is designed to prevent inactive audience members from getting overwhelmed and unsubscribing altogether.
By Andrew Hutchinson • April 23, 2026 -
Retrieved from Meta on April 23, 2026
Meta breaks ground on 28th US data center
The new artificial intelligence-optimized project in Tulsa, Oklahoma, will be the company’s first in the state and its 32nd globally.
By Andrew Hutchinson • April 22, 2026 -
Retrieved from Meta on April 23, 2026
Threads launches Live Chats for the NBA playoffs
The feature will allow select creators and fans to engage in real-time discussions during live events, and is similar to Instagram’s Broadcast Channels.
By Andrew Hutchinson • April 22, 2026
