April has been a month of significant developments in the social media world, with platforms rolling out new features that are likely to influence both user behaviour and marketing strategies. Here’s a round-up of the most important updates you need to know about.
- Instagram Launches Video Editing App
Instagram has released its new video editing app, “Edits,” which promises to be a game-changer for content creators. Offering multi-channel editing, project management, video effects, and even the ability to add captions and royalty-free music, Edits aims to provide a one-stop-shop for video creation.
Instagram has also introduced advanced features like AI-powered video effects and expanded collaboration tools, with the potential for some premium features to be offered for a fee in the future. For creators looking to produce high-quality content, Edits is definitely worth exploring.
- Meta Launches Revamped Friends Tab
Meta has returned to Facebook’s core mission of fostering meaningful connections with the launch of the revamped Friends Tab. Initially rolled out in the U.S. and Canada in March, this new feature consolidates updates from friends — posts, Stories, and Reels — into one centralised feed.
The update also includes birthday reminders, quick access to friend requests, and a live view of who’s online, shifting the focus back to personal connections rather than algorithm-driven content.
- LinkedIn Profile Buttons get Calendly Integration
LinkedIn has partnered with Calendly to enhance its Premium offering. A new feature allows users to add a customisable “Book an Appointment” button to their profile. This direct integration means visitors can easily schedule meetings without the hassle of back-and-forth communication, streamlining the process and making lead generation even more efficient.
- Instagram Launches ‘Blend’ Reels Sharing Feature
Instagram’s new “Blend” feature for Reels has officially launched after months of testing. This feature allows users to create a shared feed of recommended Reels with a friend or group chat. The feed adapts based on each person’s interests and interactions on the app, making the experience more collaborative. The goal is to gain greater engagement and make sharing more dynamic and less transactional.
- Bluesky adds Verification
Bluesky has introduced a verification system, now allowing users to receive blue checks. What’s notable about this update is the introduction of ‘trusted verifiers’ – organisations like The New York Times can now issue blue checks to their journalists directly within the app. Bluesky’s moderation team will still review each verification to ensure authenticity, helping to maintain credibility within the platform.
- Threads Growing in Popularity
Threads has gained even more momentum, attracting 200 million new users over the last year. In comparison, X has only gone up by 50 million. Despite a larger user base for X, Threads is carving out a strong position, particularly with its ramped-up features. While Bluesky continues to show modest growth, with 30 million new users, it hasn’t yet presented a serious challenge. For users seeking an alternative to X, Threads is quickly becoming the platform of choice.
