As we reach the end of August, several important updates have been introduced across social media platforms. These are worth noting if you are looking to improve or develop your digital marketing activity.
Here is the latest social media news from August.
YouTube Tests AI-Generated Video Summaries
YouTube began testing additional artificial intelligence features, including AI-generated video summaries designed to give users more context about videos.
YouTube explained: Were starting to test AI auto-generated summaries on YouTube, so that its easier for you to read a quick summary about a video and decide whether its the right fit for you.
To begin with, you may see these summaries on watch and search pages. While we hope these summaries are helpful and give you a quick overview of what a video is about, they do not replace video descriptions, which are written by creators.
The feature could improve the user experience, support accessibility and help viewers decide whether a video is relevant to them before watching it.
YouTube Introduces New Video Reports
YouTube added new reports to YouTube Studio.
Within the Analytics > Content > All section, creators could view new and returning subscribers and analyse subscriptions by content format.
This made it easier to assess the performance of different types of content. It was particularly useful for creators publishing YouTube Shorts or using the platform to livestream.
X Offers Creators a Larger Share of Revenue
Following Twitters rebrand to X, former Twitter Blue subscribers became members of X Premium. Eligible creators could earn revenue by offering paid subscriptions to users in exchange for exclusive content.
X announced that it would reduce the percentage it deducted from creators subscription revenue.
Apple and Google would continue to deduct fees from payments processed through mobile devices, although Elon Musk said he intended to negotiate these fees to help creators retain more of their revenue.
To offer paid subscriptions through X, creators needed to be at least 18 years old, have more than 500 followers and have published at least 25 posts during the previous 30 days.
X Makes Spaces Available on Desktop
X also expanded its Spaces feature for desktop users, allowing them to use professional audio equipment to produce higher-quality live audio content.
Spaces had been available on mobile devices for some time, while desktop users were previously limited to listening. The update allowed desktop users to request permission to speak during a Space.
This provided businesses and creators with more opportunities to produce live, podcast-style content as part of their digital marketing.
It also allowed users to connect with their audiences and collaborate with others in their industry to provide listeners with deeper insights and specialist knowledge.
Threads Introduces New Features
It was a busy month for Threads as the platform continued establishing itself within the social media market.
Threads launched with relatively limited features, but Meta quickly began expanding what users could do to attract and retain more people.
Users could share their Threads posts through Instagram direct messages, helping them bring Instagram followers across to the new platform.
Alternative text functionality was also introduced to improve accessibility.
Threads added a dedicated mention button to user profiles, making it easier to mention and connect with other members.
Users could also view the posts they had liked and arrange their following lists by the earliest or most recently followed accounts.
Threads continued attracting people seeking an alternative to X. These updates were introduced quickly to keep users engaged and help the platform compete with established rivals.
LinkedIn Helps Users Highlight Their Skills
LinkedIn introduced a feature allowing users to highlight their top skills within the About section of their profiles.
This made it easier for jobseekers and professionals to present their knowledge and experience to recruiters, employers and potential clients.
LinkedIn also enabled users to link to external media from the Projects section and associate relevant skills with individual projects.
LinkedIn explained: For example, if youre a photographer, you might link to a website featuring your online portfolio and tag hard skills such as Adobe Photoshop and soft skills such as communication or collaboration.
Instagram Expands Collaborative Posting
Instagram expanded its collaborative posting functionality, allowing users to submit their own photos and videos to an existing post when the feature was enabled.
The original creator could review each submission before deciding whether to approve and display it.
This could be valuable for businesses looking to increase user-generated content and encourage engagement by allowing followers to submit content for possible inclusion on their profiles.
That concludes the social media updates from August. Continue monitoring the latest platform developments as we head towards autumn.
Social Media Tip for August
Put your social proof in front of potential clients.
Online reviews are among the most familiar forms of social proof and can have a significant influence on purchasing decisions.
Research from BrightLocal found that 88% of consumers trusted online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Consumers also did not rely on the first review they found, checking an average of two or three review platforms before deciding whether to use a business.
With this in mind, ask satisfied clients to leave reviews on your social media profiles and other important review platforms.
Once you have received these reviews, turn them into social media content. Sharing screenshots or branded review graphics on your feed can show potential clients what you do well and give them greater confidence in your business.