August Social Media Roundup

As we approach the end of summer (crazy that fall is already almost here!), social media platforms have been rolling out a slew of updates that will impact how we engage with content, manage our accounts, and connect with audiences.

Here’s a roundup of the most notable changes across major platforms last month curated by yours truly:

Twitter, er X Introduces a Dislike Button

One of the most talked-about updates this month is X’s (formerly Twitter) introduction of a "Dislike" button. The feature is currently being tested on the iOS app and allows users to downvote replies that they find unhelpful or irrelevant.

The button appears as a broken-heart icon next to the like button. This addition aims to give users more control over the content they see, potentially leading to more meaningful conversations by filtering out less valuable contributions. On the downside I'll be upset if I post an amazing meme and it gets dislikes!

Instagram Expands Carousel Posts

Instagram has doubled the number of photos or videos users can include in a carousel post, increasing the limit from 10 to 20. This update is particularly advantageous for brands and users who want to tell more extensive stories in a single post, whether it’s a comprehensive product showcase or a detailed event recap.

This change enhances Instagram's capability as a storytelling platform, providing more flexibility for creative expression.

Threads Enhances Content Planning and Analytics

Threads is stepping up its game with new content planning features. Users can now draft and schedule posts in advance, a significant upgrade for social media managers and creators who need to maintain a consistent posting schedule. Additionally, Threads has introduced an analytics dashboard, offering insights into view counts, interactions, follower growth, and audience demographics.

This feature is crucial for those looking to fine-tune their content strategy and measure their performance​. Is anyone currently using thread?

Let me know in the comments. I'd love to connect!

TikTok Adds Group Chats and Advanced Editing Tools

TikTok continues to enhance its user experience with the addition of group chats and custom stickers in direct messages. These features aim to make the platform more interactive and community-focused, allowing users to have more dynamic conversations. Additionally, TikTok has introduced new in-app video editing tools that allow creators to adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation directly within the app.

This update provides greater control over video aesthetics, eliminating the need for external editing software and enabling creators to produce high-quality content more efficiently. I personally still film my content outside of TikTok, but I'm interested in giving the in-app editor another go.

LinkedIn Introduces AI-Powered Content Suggestions

LinkedIn has quietly launched AI-powered content suggestions to help users and businesses maintain a consistent posting schedule. This feature suggests topics and even drafts post content based on trending industry news and user interactions. For professionals looking to increase their engagement on the platform, this tool could be a game-changer, making it easier to stay relevant and active without spending hours on content creation.

Spotify Integrates with Instagram

In an exciting cross-platform update, Instagram now allows users to link their Spotify accounts directly to their profiles. This integration enables users to share their favorite music more seamlessly, blending social media with music discovery.

Followers can now see what songs you’re enjoying and even save them to a dedicated playlist on Spotify, making music sharing a more interactive experience​.

Final Thoughts

August 2024 has brought a wave of updates across various social media platforms, each designed to enhance user experience, improve content management, and foster more meaningful interactions.

As always, staying updated on these changes is crucial for maximizing your social media strategy, whether you're a business looking to optimize your online presence or a user wanting to make the most of your favorite platforms.