April 2023 Social Media News

Each month, the Dooley team curates a list of the most impactful social media news and feature updates that marketers need to know. Let's get to it!

This Month, We're Covering:

?? Is this the end of Linktree? Instagram is rolling out an update that will let you include up to 5 external links in the bio.

?? Did Snap get a little too aggressive with its AI bot? Previously only available to Snapchat+ subscribers, the My AI chatbot has given generative AI technology top billing in Snap’s app. But some users are unhappy.

?? Maybe TikTok's upcoming AI tool will get a warmer welcome. They're currently testing an avatar/profile picture generator that uses AI to generate artistic renderings directly in the app. It looks like fun!

?? And ICYMI: Our most popular recent update gives you a rundown on where social media is headed in 2023.

What Else Do You Need to Know?

Here are a few more share-worthy items we’ve been reading this month…

Channel News & Updates

• LinkedIn is launching a video series called "Catalyst" highlighting how successful business people have overcome challenges in their careers (LinkedIn Pulse) as well as rolling out new identity verification features to help keep it real on the app (LinkedIn News). If you have a Premium account, you'll soon have access to custom CTA buttons for your profile (Social Media Today).
• Twitter reinstated free blue checkmarks for accounts over a million followers but is also officially prioritizing the display of Tweets from those subscribed to Twitter Blue (Social Media Today). Twitter also provided more transparency into its recommendation algorithm with a Github data dump (TechCrunch). Meanwhile, Musk seems to be focusing in on AI as evidenced by the purchase of thousands of GPUs for Twitter's generative AI projects (Ars Technica).

• TikTok is launching a new in-stream shopping push (Social Media Today). Could they be the ones to finally make social shopping a thing in the US?
• YouTube is adding new Premium features to boost subscriber revenue (Social Media Today), as well as launching podcasts in the US (TechCrunch). YouTube is also offering NFL Sunday Ticket for the 2023 season starting at $249 (The Verge).

• Facebook will let users add videos to Marketplace posts (Marketplace blog). Meta also announced the shutdown of the in-app 2FA code generator feature, (@MattNavarra) so be sure to check your profile settings!
• Instagram is adding new Reels features like new metrics, hashtag and audio trends, and a feature to let creators recognize fans' gifts. They're also testing third-party access to their Creator Marketplace (Instagram Business Blog)
• Pinterest announced a big ads partnership with Amazon (Pinterest Newsroom).

Analysis & Stories

• Should your brand pay for a checkmark on Twitter? (Social Media Today)
• Elon Musk's Twitter reveals itself (Axios)
• Mark Zuckerberg unveils new A.I. goals; says not ditching metaverse (Yahoo! Finance)
• Effect creators making waves on TikTok (TikTok Newsroom)

Tips & Tricks of the Month

YouTube's Tips to Optimize Content for TV Viewing?→

Instagram Direct Messaging (DM) Tips for Businesses?→

Creator Partnership Tips for Nonprofits?→

Post of the Month

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Thanks for reading!

Share your expertise!

What are your opinions on the recent developments in social media? We invite you to share your perspective with the LinkedIn community in the comments below!