The biggest social media headlines from February 2024

When it comes to social news and platform updates, February 2024 delivered! If you’re not all caught up on what happened in the social media industry this month, don’t worry. We’ve put together a list of the need-to-know news. 

Use these headlines and insights to sharpen your strategy, delight your clients, and become a more confident social media manager. Let’s take a look at what’s new in the world of social media marketing.

Here are the top social media updates from February 2024

In no particular order, here are the biggest updates from Meta, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Pinterest, and more.

What’s new from Meta (Facebook, Instagram, Threads) in February 2024

New way to boost posts and avoid extra fees
Meta announced a new way for small businesses to boost posts without incurring a 30% Apple service charge. 

Facebook is testing generative AI prompts
This test will allow users to create post captions through generative AI prompts. If you ever experience creative blocks, you'll love this update.

Instagram rolls out a new backdrop sticker for Stories
This AI-powered tool will replace the background of your images. So cool! Do you have access to it yet?

Instagram is working on a Friend Map
Want to track your friends? Well, you may be able to do that soon through Instagram.

Instagram tests new engagement feature for live streams
Instagram is currently testing out games for live streams to keep viewers locked in while watching. How fun!

Instagram adds a video cut-out option for stickers
Last month, Instagram announced that you are now able to make stickers out of still images. Now, you can create GIF-like videos that function as stickers.

Instagram is testing grid view
With this test, you'll be able to preview how photos or carousels will look in our feed before posting. Psst! Did you know you can preview your IG grid when you plan and schedule posts in HeyOrca?

You can now officially turn off your Instagram read receipts
To do so, head over to your Privacy & Security settings within the app. You're welcome! 😇

Threads is testing an in-app camera
One of the most requested feature requests for Threads was an in-app camera to make adding content easier.

Threads expands saved posts to all users
After a few weeks of testing, Threads will now be releasing the new saved post feature to all users.

Meta explains how the Threads algorithm works
Meta breaks down how the Threads feed works and how you can customize your feed.

Threads moves up in the rankings
The latest data from Appfigures shows that Threads jumped to the fourth most downloaded app in the iOS App Store in December.  

Threads will be adding trending topics
Adam Mosseri posted that Threads will be adding trending topics, but he doesn't see it as being a priority. 

Meta is testing fact-check markers on Threads
Fact-checks are coming to Threads, but they're not fully rolled out yet. Have you seen any fact-check labels pop up? 

Meta tests cross-posting from Facebook to Threads
Right now, the test is limited to iOS devices and isn't available in the EU. Can you see yourself using this feature?

What’s new from X (Twitter) in February 2024

New video playback quality in X (Twitter)
X is giving users more ways to enhance their viewing experience on the app! You can now choose the quality of the video playback in-stream.

X (Twitter) tests in-feed bookmark alerts
X is currently testing the ability to have in-feed bookmark prompts to remind you to revisit the bookmarks you've saved.

Advertisers can now sponsor creator videos on X (Twitter)
Advertisers on X will soon be able to run ads against a curated list of creator content.

X (Twitter) will soon let you sort replies
Soon you will be able to sort your X replies by trending, recent, and liked.

X (Twitter) adds topic tags to groups
Community admins on X are now able to add topic tags to groups for better discoverability. 

X (Twitter) is testing a dedicated video tab
With X moving towards a video-first approach, the app is currently testing a dedicated video tab in the bottom navigation bar.

What’s new from TikTok in February 2024

TikTok releases a new ads playbook
Want tips for running successful ads on TikTok? The platform has released a guide to help small-to-medium-sized businesses with content ideation. 

TikTok releases a guide to driving performanceTikTok is always releasing new guides and we love it. This newest one highlights effective ways to drive performance.

Universal Music Group pulled its music from TikTok
As of February 1, Universal Music Group pulled its music tracks from TikTok. This is a result of the two companies failing to reach a new agreement on usage rights. (Psst! You can still use sounds from our up-to-date list of trending audio for Reels and TikTok.)

You may see more tracks being pulled from TikTok
The TikTok and Universal Music Group drama continues. Artists who have written with Universal-signed artists could now also be muted. This sadly includes Harry Styles. 😭

New search page for TikTok
TikTok is prompting users to add a new dedicated search page to their device's home screen. If you're like us and use TikTok to search for anything and everything, you'll love this.

TikTok is encouraging landscape format videos
TikTok is incentivizing creators to start posting horizontal landscape video content that's over a minute long (🤔). If a creator participates, they’ll receive "boosted views" within 72 hours of posting. How do you feel about a horizontal video on TikTok?

TikTok shares how brands can use humour in their marketing
If you're looking to show your funny side more on TikTok, the app recently released a guide that will help you through it.

What’s new from LinkedIn in February 2024

LinkedIn releases new B2B Sales Playbook
Interested in learning the key habits of top sellers? You'll want to dig into this data.

LinkedIn is removing the Creator Mode option
LinkedIn will be removing the Creator Mode option, but you will still be able to find most of the features associated with it within your profile options.

New updates to the LinkedIn algorithm
LinkedIn is currently creating a "suggested posts" feature that will distribute content to targeted users for months. So that popular post you made two months ago could still get some attention.

What’s new from Pinterest in February 2024

Pinterest reveals the trendiest colours for 2024
If you create graphics, you'll want to check out the Pinterest Palette. According to Pinterest, these five colours "will be huge this year."

Pinterest is launching a streaming show
More news in the world of streaming! Pinterest's new cooking and lifestyle series is called Deliciously Entertaining.

What’s new from YouTube in February 2024

YouTube is the #1 streaming platform Viewers watch 1 billion hours of YouTube content on their TVs every day! Do you tune into YouTube on your TV?

New updates to YouTube Studio
If you access YouTube Studio from your phone, you'll love these updates! One of the updates is that you can now enable direct uploads from the management app.

Other social media news from February 2024

But wait . . . there’s more! If you’re a social media manager interested in creator pay or social media usage statistics, you’ll want to take a look at these headlines from February 2024. 

Snapchat now has 800 million users
Snapchat has reached 800 million active monthly users. Are you active on Snapchat? What's your favourite part about the app?

96% of creators make less than $100,000 a year
Kajabi surveyed 2,000 creators to get more information on how they make money online and how much they're making.

New report highlights social media usage trends
Pew Research Center has released a report that highlights Americans' social media usage. You'll want to see the results!

Summary

And that’s a wrap for February 2024! If you want to present these social media updates to your team or clients, you can make a copy of our February 2024 social media roundup presentation. Update the branding to make it yours. Then start sharing! 

And if you want the most up-to-date social media updates delivered right to your inbox, subscribe to the HeyOrca Brief newsletter. We’ll send you breaking social news and free resources daily.

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