Netizency's Social Recap: December 2020 Updates

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