August 2024 Social Media Updates: What’s New on Your Favorite Platforms

August has been full of exciting changes and innovative features across all major social media platforms. Here at Gerber Media, we’re always eager to keep you in the loop with the latest updates, helping you stay ahead of the curve. From Instagram to YouTube, here’s a rundown of what’s new and worth exploring on social media this August.

Instagram: More Frames, More Music, and a New Look

Instagram has been bustling with updates this August. The platform now allows users to include up to 20 frames per carousel, doubling the previous limit of 10. This enhancement is a game-changer for creators, providing more space to tell detailed stories and deliver educational content.

Another exciting feature is the ability to share notes to Reels or posts, making connecting with friends and followers easier over shared experiences. And if you’ve been feeling nostalgic for the early 2000s, Instagram has got you covered with a new feature that lets users add music to their profiles. Unlike Myspace, the song won’t play automatically – visitors can choose whether to listen or not.

Instagram is also testing a new rectangular grid layout for the main feed, similar to the Reels grid. While still in the testing phase and available to a limited number of users, this update could significantly change how your posts are displayed.

TikTok: Shopping Made Easy and Enhanced Messaging

TikTok is making big strides with its new Amazon integration. Soon, you’ll be able to make Amazon purchases directly from TikTok, thanks to ads that seamlessly guide users from discovery to checkout. This feature follows Amazon’s partnerships with Meta and Snapchat, further tapping into the online shopping habits of users.

TikTok is also enhancing its messaging features with a new group chat function that allows up to 32 participants. With private messaging becoming a central focus for social media platforms, this update is a natural evolution of TikTok’s offerings.

LinkedIn: In-Feed Video Carousels for Enhanced Engagement

LinkedIn has introduced a game-changing feature this August: In-Feed Video Carousels. Drawing inspiration from TikTok, this new tool is designed to increase engagement on the platform and modernize how information is delivered. For businesses looking to captivate professionals with compelling visual stories, this feature could be a powerful addition to their LinkedIn strategy.

Facebook: A New Flexible Ad Format

Facebook has been busy phasing out its dynamic creative ads in favor of a new flexible ad format. This tool optimizes your content by automatically choosing whether to display a single image, video, or carousel based on what’s most effective for your audience and placement. This change allows users to focus more on crafting engaging content, with Meta handling the optimization across various placements.

YouTube: Informative Notes, Podcast Migration, and Expanded Reactions

YouTube introduced several key updates this month. Eligible users can now add brief, informative notes to videos, providing additional context or details that aren’t immediately apparent. This feature is perfect for creators looking to enhance viewer understanding and engagement.

Additionally, Google Podcasts is being phased out, with users encouraged to migrate their subscriptions to YouTube Music or another podcast app. This transition aims to consolidate Google’s media offerings and streamline user experiences.

Lastly, YouTube has expanded its Reactions feature to all platforms, including live chat on computers and Android devices, as well as iPhones and iPads. Reactions allow users to express their feelings in real-time with anonymous taps, making interactions more dynamic and engaging.

What Are You Excited About?

These updates reflect the ever-evolving landscape of social media, offering new ways to connect, engage, and share. Have you experimented with any of these features? Which ones are you most excited about? 

Share your thoughts in the comments below!