Instagram:
- Adds a FAQ option allowing business accounts to set up common questions in their private messaging feed
- Considers adding a timer to Stories showing how long each one has left before it’s gone
- Tests sharing Reels to Facebook to be featured on FB’s Watch and News Feed
- Launches shopping tags for Reels, adding it to the shopping list including Stories, Live, IGTV, and the regular main feed
- Introduces new tools for Reels, including a new watermark, audio mix, and voice over
Twitter:
- Adds more misinformation warnings letting users know if they are about to like a tweet containing fake news
- Relaunches account verification with a new process that will be available in account settings as of January 2021
- Beefs up mobile account security with new physical key compatibility
- Enables frequency capping to all ad campaigns to ensure that business ads reach new users
- Brings tweets to Snapchat and Instagram through new interactive embeds
- Considers a new reply control, enabling users to limit tweet replies to followers only
- Introduces tool to turn off retweets
- Starts testing ‘Spaces’, a new audio rooms feature
Snapchat:
- Introduces the new Spotlight feed, its own take on the ‘For You Page’ containing the best curated content on the platform
- Promotes Google’s ‘Year in Search’ showing 2020’s key events via AR portal lens
TikTok:
- Launches a photosensibility accessibility features including a warning popup if a video has the potential to trigger an epilepsy seizure
- Tests extending maximum video length to 3 minutes
- Premieres on TV thanks to its new partnership with Samsung, bringing the platform’s content to TVs in Europe
- Launches a new Small Business Resource Center with case studies, creative tools, and more
- Tests shoppable live streams based on a deal with Walmart
LinkedIn:
- Tests ads on Stories with a few advertisers before a global rollout
- Expands Page admin roles, including ‘Super Admin’, ‘Curator’, and many other new Page administrator roles
- Introduces new ‘Products’ Tab for brands to showcase their merchandise directly in their Company Page
YouTube:
- Automates video chapter creation with the help of its machine learning prowess
Google:
- Adds messaging features to Google Maps and Search allowing customers to direct contact line with businesses
- Releases new Shopping Gift Guide with the top trending gifts for the holidays
- Adds new AR ‘Try-on’ ads within Google Shopping, enabling users to virtually try on products from the comfort of their homes
WhatsApp:
- Rolls out ‘Carts’ to simplify in-app shopping and expand the app’s e-commerce potential
Reddit:
- Acquires Dubsmash, a lip-synch short-form video app to compete with TikTok
