YouTube to increase the cost of its Premium service

The platform is raising individual prices by $2 per month and family prices by $4 per month, with the rate hikes set to take effect in June, according to 9 to 5 Google.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 12, 2026

Most EU residents don’t trust firms in the US or China with their data

A new survey from Politico found that the vast majority of EU web users trust tech companies in their home region significantly more.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 12, 2026

WhatsApp partners with Arsenal Football Club

The deal launched with a documentary premiere and will include exclusive digital experiences for fans in the official WhatsApp Channel.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 9, 2026

Meta removes ads that encourage litigation against the company

Facebook and Instagram ads from U.S. law firms including Morgan & Morgan and Sokolove Law have been deactivated, according to Axios.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 9, 2026

YouTube tests 90-second unskippable ads on CTV

The company’s overview of nonskippable ads still lists 60-second ads as the maximum length available, but a Reddit user discovered longer segments.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 8, 2026

LinkedIn adds video playback speed controls

Users can now decide whether to play in-stream videos at half speed or double speed, providing new ways to engage with short-form clips.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 8, 2026

Meta Superintelligence launches Muse Spark AI model

The company said this is the first in a series of large language models intended to reimagine its entire artificial development stack.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 8, 2026

X expands AI translations and adds in-stream photo editing

The app also updated reply settings, allowing paying users to give second-degree connections the ability to comment on posts.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 7, 2026

YouTube expands Media Kit insights and adds AI tools

New demographic data points could be valuable for brand partners, while Google’s latest Nano Banana model will help with image generation.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 7, 2026

Meta looks to grow Threads in Japan

The new profile will be used to share Japan-specific information for users as Meta continues to challenge X for dominance in the microcontent sphere.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 6, 2026

Meta will soon release new AI models developed by Alexandr Wang

The company plans to eventually offer open source versions as its Superintelligence group works to catch up with industry benchmarks, per Axios.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 6, 2026

Authorities need to establish clearer rules on social media age checking

There will be gaps in enforcement until there is a definitive solution to ensure that the same standards apply to all platforms.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 5, 2026

Meta pauses all contracts with Mercor after breach

The data contracting firm works with all the major AI providers, including Anthropic, OpenAI and Meta, and was hit by hackers last week, per Wired.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 5, 2026

TikTok and ACRCloud partner on Derivative Works Detection system

The enhanced protections will help musicians who use the app’s SoundOn service identify misused audio tracks and combat copyright violations.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 5, 2026

YouTube experiments with TV-style channels for CTV viewing

The feature will launch with “Coachella TV” in April and offer 24/7 streaming access to archival performances and 2026 festival highlights.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 2, 2026

Instagram allows creators to schedule Trial Reels

The update will allow creators to decide when non-followers see their content, which could help align posts with regional engagement times.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 2, 2026

70% of teens in Australia still access social media despite bans

Although a new report found that about 4.7 million teen social media accounts were removed, deactivated or restricted, children still had access to the apps.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 1, 2026

YouTube connects AI chatbot to smart TVs

The platform’s AI tool will allow users to “make conversational queries” about in-app content and get in-stream responses.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 1, 2026

YouTube’s BrandCast 2026 advertiser event scheduled for May

The annual presentation will be hosted by comedian Trevor Noah and will include a performance by musician Chappell Roan.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 1, 2026

YouTube creators can now like video comments in bulk

The new Comments to Heart option will automate positive engagement and simulate personalized interaction on high-volume channels.

By Andrew Hutchinson • March 31, 2026

Meta avoids Motion Picture Association lawsuit over PG-13 ratings

Instagram had been using the proprietary ratings scales without permission and will now include a disclaimer saying it “didn’t work with the MPA.”

By Andrew Hutchinson • March 31, 2026

Meta’s new Ray-Ban glasses will support prescription lenses

The latest AI-enhanced designs support all-day wear, allowing users to capture and record images and video in virtually any situation.

By Andrew Hutchinson • March 31, 2026

Instagram confirms live test of its new subscription package

The Instagram Plus offering will give creators new features and is now live testing in some regions.

By Andrew Hutchinson • March 30, 2026

Meta outlines AI benefits for US construction industry

The company discussed how its AI approach to cement and concrete development can help producers compete on cost and build supply chain resilience.

By Andrew Hutchinson • March 30, 2026

LinkedIn shares tips on using articles to enhance engagement

The company noted that long-form posts help maximize reach, and that posts on its app are a leading reference source for AI chatbots. 

By Andrew Hutchinson • March 30, 2026