Social Media News Round-Up: Snapchat's First Commercial & more

Social media platforms are constantly evolving and updating with newer features to increase relevance and stickiness for users, brands, and businesses. Here is our roundup of Social Media News for this week.

Social Samosa brings you all the latest social media news, platform updates, and trends dominating the digital ecosystem.

Social media news this week was dominated by Snapchat launching a new video ad product for the Discover tab - First Commercial, and more.

Instagram Threads tests new updates

Threads, a messaging app for users’ Close Friends on Instagram is reportedly shifting the focus from Close Friends and making it inclusive for all Instagram messages. Read more here.

Instagram launches new anti-bullying features

For the National Bullying Prevention Month, Instagram is announcing two new anti-bullying features to reduce harmful interactions, including harassment and negativity, in comments. Read more here.

Facebook lists steps taken to safeguard mental health of users

Acknowledging the possible ill effects of their products on mental health, Facebook is working on several tools to give people more control over what they consume online. Read more here.

Messenger introduces virtual reality experiences for the Halloween season

The virtual reality experiences on Messenger have been launched as users continue to be socially distant in the face of the pandemic this Halloween season. Read more here.

Facebook’s Portal TV brings Netflix, Zoom, and more features

Portal TV is now adding Netflix, Zoom for working remotely and connecting with friends, new titles in Story Time library, and more. Read more here.

Facebook launches mental health resource center

Facebook has announced the launch of a resource center, in collaboration with mental health authorities in addition to a few other initiatives. Read more here.

Facebook launches new features for Groups

In addition to the new features and programs for Groups, Facebook will be including tools such as Admin Assist, Q&A, and more for group users and admins. Read more here.

Twitter shares an update on limiting abusive behavior

Following the backlash Twitter faced for having double standards on policing Tweets that wish harm on others, the platform shares more information on the subject. Read more here.

Twitter improves image cropping methods post bias accusation

The recent conversation around the Twitter image cropping methods led to reviewing the test for bias in the systems and improving how images are displayed. Twitter has announced the development of a solution for these areas. Read more here.

Snapchat launches First Commercial for advertisers

First Commercial, now available to advertisers in Snapchat Ads Manager is the first ad that a user sees while watching any premium Show in the Discover tab on the app. Read more here.

LinkedIn launches Stories in India with local additions

LinkedIn has launched Stories in India to aid members to share everyday professional moments and experiences with their communities more casually, creatively, and authentically. Read more here.

LinkedIn launches features to prompt professional communication

LinkedIn has launched new tools to aid users to keep an eye on safety and limit inappropriate content and prompt users to stay respectful on the platform. Read more here.

Google announces Audiovisual Speech Enhancement in YouTube Stories

The new audiovisual Speech Enhancement feature in YouTube Stories (on iOS) allows users to take better selfie videos by automatically enhancing their voices and reducing background noise. Read more here.

Pinterest announces shopping touchpoints, ad formats, and more

Pinterest is launching ads alongside visual search results, more places to shop, and new conversion insights, for advertisers to easily see the impact of both their paid and organic Pinterest content. Read more here.

YouTube tests reminder prompts in comments & new section in Subscriptions

The reminder in comments would prompt users to be more respectful, and the new section would aid users to keep a track of upcoming content, as a part of the YouTube tests. Read more here.

Facebook launches new features to support LGBTQIA+ Community

Facebook is sharing resources in partnership with LGBTQIA+ advocacy organizations, releasing new product features, premiering shows on Facebook Watch, and more. Read more here.

Snapchat releases new meditation features with Headspace Mini

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, Headspace and Snapchat team up to launch new Headspace Mini content to support snapchatters’ rising stress levels. Read more here.