Navigating the fast-paced world of social media can be overwhelming, with new features and updates emerging almost daily. No need to worry though, because we’ve compiled the latest and greatest social media updates from July to ensure you’re always in the know. From TikTok’s AI chatbot to YouTube’s new social engagement features, let’s dive into the latest social media news from the past month.
In the latest move in the AI race, Tiktok is preparing to launch its own AI chatbot, “Genie” to Western users. As per Semafor, the software will “simulate conversations, facilitate interaction and communications between humans and AI, and produce human-like speech and text.”
TikTok’s actually been working on this for a while, with its “Tako” chatbot tool available to users in the Philippines since last year. Unlike Tako though, which helps users find other videos, Genie aims to be a more comprehensive tool, integrating various AI functionalities into one stream.
Image Source: TikTok screenshot from Watchful.ai
Expect Genie to include features like the generative AI search function from Douyin, the app’s Chinese counterpart, which enhances discovery inside and outside the app. There’s also talk of integrating “StreamVoice,” which can mimic a person’s voice from a few samples, along with AI music generation and text-to-video creation tools.
While Meta has already rolled out its AI chatbot across all its apps, TikTok’s Genie seems poised to focus more on helping users navigate and utilize its expanding suite of AI tools.
Youtube is testing Community Spaces, a feature that lets fans interact via text posts in a dedicated area — an extension of the platform’s Community Posts. The move aims to build a stronger community within the app and is reflective of YouTube’s changing approach to integrate more social media-like elements.
Image Source: Lindsey Gamble
Though currently available on select creator profiles, YouTube is testing the feature with plans for a broader rollout soon.
X is testing a free trial for its X Premium subscription. Initially spotted by X Updates Radar, this trial could let users test X Premium features, including the Grok AI chatbot, before committing to a subscription.
There are concerns about this undermining the subscription’s original goal of combating bots, as spammers could exploit the free trial. However, with less than 1% of users subscribing, it’s a strategic move — X Premium seems more focused on revenue and promoting its AI bot. Overall, a free trial might gauge interest, but it’s unclear if it will significantly boost sign-ups.
Instagram is making Notes more dynamic by allowing users to leave notes directly on Reels or feed posts. Previously, Notes appeared at the top of the inbox or above the profile photo. Now, users can share notes on posts from friends or brands, reacting in real-time and seeing others’ reactions while scrolling.
Image Source: Instagram
These Notes will be visible for up to three days and can be deleted at any time. With competition from TikTok and Snapchat, this update reflects Instagram’s active efforts to increase engagement within the app.
YouTube is rolling out new features for Shorts to help customize and increase your Shorts usage. This includes auto layout to convert longer videos into Shorts clips by tracking the main subject. Available for Android, this feature optimizes content for the Shorts format.
Image Source: YouTube Official Blog
YouTube is also taking cues from TikTok by adding a text-to-speech option for automated narration on clips and auto-generated captions that can be customized with different fonts and colors. Additionally, creators can remix already remixed Shorts clips and use the platform’s new “Add Yours” sticker to prompt creative responses.
As Shorts continue to gain traction on YouTube, now driving over 70 billion daily views, these updates aim to embed the format further — another one of Youtube’s efforts for more community building and connections in the app.
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