Social Media Trends and New Features Monthly Report | September 2024

⚡Welcome To The September Social Media Trends Report

Want to stay on top of the latest trends? Welcome to the Monthly Empowered Social Media Trends Report! We’ll help you choose the trends that matter most to your business. We analyze social media data all month and deliver a report at the end of the month so you can get ahead. But first...

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Now on to the monthly trends…

⚡ Instagram

Instagram Introduces Signature Sound for Reels

Instagram's Creative Audio and Brand teams have designed a new sonic identity for the platform, introducing a unique signature sound for Reels. This sound, described as being intentionally punctuated but imperfect, will play at the end of every downloaded Reel. The development of this new sound is part of Instagram's commitment to everyday creativity, emphasizing that sharing doesn't necessitate perfection. Source: Instagram

Broadcast Channel Replies

Instagram is introducing a new feature enabling replies in Broadcast Channels. This option allows subscribers to comment within the channel, though these replies will only be visible when tapping on a specific message in a Broadcast Channel thread. This update provides a forum for topical discussions based on each announcement or post in the channel, enhancing interaction among fans without diverting them to other group forums. With an increasing amount of engagement happening in DMs, Instagram is continuously seeking ways to foster connections and discussions around content, maintaining its key differentiator as a social network. Source: Social Media Today

Instagram Introduces Comments on Stories

Instagram is rolling out a new feature that allows users to comment on Stories, with the comments being visible to all viewers of the Story. Positioned above the function controls and viewer details, these comments serve as conversation prompts that could increase engagement on Stories updates. This update aligns with Instagram's ongoing efforts to foster interaction within the app, particularly as users increasingly turn to private DMs for discussion and sharing. While creators have the option to switch off Stories commenting, engaging with this feature could potentially boost reach by generating more engagement with content. Source: Social Media Today

Birthday Indicators in DMs

Instagram is enhancing user interaction with the introduction of birthday indicators in the Notes section of DMs. This new feature not only helps users remember their contacts' birthdays but also creates another avenue for engagement within the platform. Plus, users will see a confetti animation when they tap on a birthday note, adding a festive touch to the birthday greetings. Source: Social Media Today

Dedicated Section for 'Add Yours' Sticker Templates

Instagram is enhancing user experience by adding a dedicated section for 'Add Yours' sticker templates in Stories. Now, users can easily access and use templates categorized under 'Trending' and 'International Hits' in their own Stories. This strategic move to make templates more accessible aims to encourage more users to generate content, thereby boosting user engagement on the platform. Source: @lindseygamble_ via Threads

⚡ Threads

Profile QR Codes for Easy Sharing

Threads has introduced QR codes for profiles to streamline the sharing of user presence on the platform. Users can now find their unique QR code in the 'Share Profile' tab when viewing their profile. This new feature simplifies the process of sharing and connecting with others on Threads. Source: @oncescuradu via Threads

Threads Gains Momentum in App Download Rankings

Threads is demonstrating promising growth, as evidenced by its rise in app download rankings. According to app analytics provider AppFigures, Threads moved up to 6th place overall in August, with 28 million cumulative downloads for the month. This steady climb in the rankings indicates that Threads is gradually gaining a larger share in the micro-blogging space. Although still trailing behind platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, the rising trend suggests that Threads is becoming a significant player in the social media landscape. Source: Social Media Today

Meta Secures Threads.com Domain

Meta has acquired the "Threads.com" domain, potentially simplifying the process for users to find Meta's Threads platform online. Previously, the Threads app was accessible via "Threads.net" due to another company owning the ".com" domain. However, with the acquisition of the other company by Shopify, Meta has now secured the rights to the "Threads.com" domain. This change might not have a significant impact on how users interact with the app, but it could contribute to the app's overall growth by reducing confusion and directing more traffic to the correct site. However, Meta has not yet disclosed its specific plans for the "Threads.com" domain. Source: Social Media Today

Threads Allows Users to Add Up To 20 Photos and Videos Per Post

Threads has expanded its content capabilities, now enabling users to add up to 20 photos or videos to a carousel in a single update. This update follows Instagram's similar expansion last month. While the format on Threads is not quite the same as Instagram's carousels, the ability to add multiple images or videos to an update enhances posting options and content diversity. This change also facilitates easier cross-posting from Instagram, possibly encouraging more content flow and engagement within the Threads app. The update is currently available in the latest version of the app. Source: Social Media Today

Threads Algorithm Favors Posts that Prompt Discussion

Understanding the Threads algorithm can help users boost their presence on the platform. A recent experiment suggests that posts prompting a high volume of comments are more likely to appear in the Threads feed, indicating that the algorithm values discussion over likes and reshares. This aligns with Meta's goal of making Threads a platform for positive and engaging conversations. Whether controversial or not, posts asking questions seem to stimulate more engagement, potentially providing a boost in the algorithm. Therefore, asking questions could be a key strategy for users looking to increase their reach on Threads. Source: Social Media Today

⚡ LinkedIn

Opt-Out Option for AI Training Data Usage

LinkedIn has updated its User Agreement and Privacy Policy to clarify its usage of user data to power its AI models. The platform is leveraging all publicly shared information in the app to train its AI tools. Unlike Meta, LinkedIn does not explicitly exclude Direct Messages from this agreement, suggesting that information shared in messages could also be used for AI training and ad targeting. However, the platform has introduced an AI training opt-out option, allowing users to choose not to have their data harvested for AI training purposes. It's worth noting that while an increasing number of platforms are adding data sharing opt-out options, they've likely already used historic user information without explicit approval. Source: Social Media Today

'Share Quote' Option for Newsletters and Articles

LinkedIn has rolled out a new 'Share Quote' feature for Newsletters and Articles. This feature, which becomes available when users highlight text from a Newsletter or Article, allows them to easily share excerpts from these pieces. By selecting 'Share Quote', users can open a post creation box with the highlighted text placed in quotes and the Newsletter or Article automatically attached. This update simplifies the process of sharing content and adding personal insights, thereby assisting creators in expanding their reach. Source: @lindseygamble_ via Threads

LinkedIn Expands Language Support

LinkedIn has broadened its language support by adding 10 new languages, taking the total to over 36 languages. This expansion allows users to view the app in their chosen language, improving engagement and accessibility for users from different regions. While LinkedIn's language setting aligns with the default language set on a user's mobile device, the platform also offers translation tools for understanding member-generated content. This inclusive update is crucial in ensuring that all users, across over 200 nations, can fully utilize the app's various features. Source: Social Media Today

⚡ TikTok

Create Your Own AI Voice-over Voice

TikTok is allowing users to create AI simulations of their own voices for voice-over on their clips. This feature enables users to replace the generic template voices in the app with their own digital voices. Users can create their AI voice by speaking into their device and use it for future clips. This feature also allows users to translate their custom voice-over into other languages. While this development has potential efficiency benefits, it also raises questions about the role of AI in social platforms, particularly in terms of authentic human engagement. Source: Social Media Today

'Delete and Re-Edit' Feature for Uploaded Clips

TikTok is testing a feature that allows users to start over with their in-app video projects. The 'Delete and Re-Edit' function enables users to remove all edits made to their videos within the app and recreate their clips from scratch. This feature could be particularly useful for users who want to try a different approach or improve upon their original idea. It's important to note that the option only applies to edits made within TikTok and won't undo edits made in third-party apps. The feature could prove to be a valuable update, especially for those who primarily create and edit their content within the app. Source: Social Media Today

TikTok Introduces Instagram Notes-Like Feature

TikTok has launched a new feature that allows users to share short, text-based "thoughts" in the app. This content is displayed in a speech bubble on the user's Stories bubble at the top of their inbox, as well as on their profile image. This feature is similar to Instagram's Notes option, which has proven popular among younger users. As TikTok and Instagram continue to incorporate similar features, this development further blurs the line between the two platforms. TikTok's new option is currently being tested with select users. Source: Social Media Today

Topic Management for Personalized Content

TikTok has introduced a feature that allows users to manage topics to tailor their 'For You' feed. Users can now adjust the amount of content they see from creators outside of their followed accounts based on categories such as sports, food & drinks, lifestyle, etc. The preferences set for different topics only affect the 'For You' feed and not other areas of TikTok like the 'Following' feed, profile, and inbox. This feature provides users with a more personalized content experience, although it may take some time for the platform to adjust the feed after preferences are set. Source: TikTok

⚡ X

X Sees Decline in User Base in the US and UK

Contrary to Elon Musk's claims of increasing usage, recent data suggests that the X app is losing users in key markets like the US and UK, possibly due to Musk's controversial political stances. The app has seen a significant decline in active daily users, with Similarweb data showing a drop from 8 million to around 5.6 million in the UK within a year. The US user base has also fallen by about a fifth over the same period. Despite claims of being the top news app in several regions, third-party measurement providers report a decline in X's users, while the company's revenue is also decreasing. Source: Social Media Today

⚡ YouTube

More Thumb Frame Editing Options for Shorts

YouTube is providing Shorts creators with enhanced customization options for their thumbnails. The platform now allows users to edit their Shorts thumbnail frame after uploading, including the addition of text and filters to the selected image. While YouTube currently does not support the upload of custom Shorts thumbnails, the platform suggests that this level of customization may not be necessary given that most users discover Shorts through the full-screen video display rather than through thumbnail selection. Source: Social Media Today

'Add Yours' Sticker for Shorts Now Available to All Users

YouTube has expanded access to its 'Add Yours' sticker for Shorts to all users. This feature, which suggests a trend of platforms adopting successful features from each other, encourages participatory content by prompting viewers to create their own versions of Shorts clips. Despite the potential risk of homogenization across platforms, this move aligns with YouTube's aim to boost content creation and engagement on Shorts, which currently averages over 70 billion cumulative daily views. Source: Social Media Today

⚡ Additional Links We Think You’ll Like

• Meta Shares Reels Tips for Holiday Promotions [Infographic]
• Marketers: Weird Is Back, Embrace the Absurd
• New Report Highlights Key 2024 Video Content Trends
• TikTok Shop Mastery: 3 tips to advertise for business growth
• 2024 Instagram Study

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Thanks for reading our September trends report!

-The Empowered Team