Let's Get Digital - Channel Update - August

This is a curated list of digital and social updates in August - what's hot, what's happening, and the direction of digital across many platforms... looking at this.. in our opinion if you don't have in-app or web purchase capability then expect to lose out to those who do...

Ones to watch.. Pinterest (already going great guns), Tiktok, and Snapchat for eCommerce.

Google:

* Ads API Version 11.1 is now live.

* Asian-owned business attribute added for Business Profiles.

* Bloggers and Business content guidelines added.

* Display & Video 360 launches New Custom bidding Options.

* Dynamic rendering for Google Search is no longer recommended.

* Editor & API now supports Discovery Ads, Plus new audience insights.

* New snippet for Quoted Searches showing how they look.

* Search Console Coverage Report removed Indexed but you find on unsubmitted.

* Search Image Preview Overlay - instead of straight to the picture - live on Web.

Working on:

* Adsense FLEDGE API testing delayed.

* Helpful content algorithm update started rolling out.

* Product Reviews Update.

* Search Console removing International Targeting Report 22nd September.

Instagram:

* Adds new features including Sticker, IG-FB cross-posting, and FB reels Insights.

* Allows sharing via QR codes.

* Cans relatively new Affiliate program.

* Creator Studio can now schedule reels.

* Expands NFTs Platform to 100 Countries, making in-app NFTs accessible.

* Now tracks users via their in-app browsers and Facebook.

* Shares how it recommends content to users on the home page.

* Tightens content settings for teens.

Meta:

* $37.5 Million settlement reached in location tracking lawsuit.

* WhatsApp has a standalone Windows app.

Coming:

* Automated Ad Optimisation Options via “Meta Advantage” Program.

* Facebook ending live-shopping 1st October.

* Facebook is adding a Customer support Division to Handle User Queries.

* Messenger to match WhatsApp with end-to-end encryption.

* WhatsApp’s Community Feature live for beta users.

* 3 New privacy changes coming to WhatsApp.

Testing:

* Twitch-like platform called super.

LinkedIn:

* Tag to highlight phone number-verified accounts.

Testing:

* Human-curated discover feed.

* Improves its In-app Search Engine for better search results.

Coming:

* Features for visual content growth.

* Working on new prompts for recruiters and candidates.

* Rolls out option to pin comments in reply chains.

Pinterest:

* Board Sticker to help drive more traffic.

* Meta’s Stacy Malone moves to become VP of Global Business Marketing.

* Posts 9% increase in Revenue in Q2.

* Streamlined In-app purchase process for Shopify Merchants.

Coming:

* New “Shuffle” app for photo-editing - invite only on iOS.

Snapchat:

* Hits 1 million+ paid user for Snapchat plus

* Parental control feature “family Center”

Testing:

* In-stream e-commerce with new product stickers.

Tiktok:

* Launches new shopping Ads to improve E-commerce Integration

* Focuses on transparency, showing why you are seeing an Ad

* Partner with Ticketmaster - ticket selling within the app is possible.

Working on:

* Ability to share Tiktok Stories to Instagram and Facebook.

* Feed to show more local content.

* Informs creators/users who added their videos to favourites.

* New app search feature.

Twitter:

* Debuts Twitter Pixel and new Conversions API.

* Launched a new program for student-athletes to monetise content.

* Location spotlight feature in Twitter Bio for Small Businesses.

Coming:

* Developing reply filter for a better Twitter experience.

* Elon musk sells $6.9 billion in Tesla Shares to prepare for Twitter trial.

* Having content moderation issues with Twitter Shops.

Testing :

* New pro Account Options, Including Updated link buttons and shopping tools.

* Special tag to highlight phone number-verified accounts.

* Tweet per month feature keeping public count of your tweets.

* Tweet Tiles.

*?Podcasts are expected.

YouTube:

* Better Audience Behaviour Insights.

* New prompts for shorts content, New insights into channel recommendations.

* Reply to a comment with Video Feature.

* Updated Editing UI to help Creators move into shorts, and new analytics feature

Testing:

* Dedicated page for podcasts.

* Shorts will start adding watermarks to downloaded Videos.

* Targeting options for CTV Campaigns, Improved CTV buying Tools.

* Zoom into videos feature.

Reddit:

* Developer portal launched to give third-party apps and bots a boost.

* Giving away free collectible avatars to its best users.

Other digital updates:

* Apple is expanding Ads on IPhones and IPads.

* BeReal now has 10 Million Daily Active Users.

* Clubhouse is planning its comeback.

* DuckDuckGo promising more transparency blocking Microsoft Ad Scripts.

* Microsoft adds Bing Adds Coupon Codes to Shopping Searches.

* Microsoft announces automotive Ads, network expansions, and 7 other updates.

* Shopify adds collaboration tools to connect Brands with Creators.

* Twitch lets partners stream on YouTube and Facebook.

* Wix Integrates Google URL Inspection API.

Testing:

* Bing tests people also ask feature in Carousel UX.

Curated, checked and commented on by Amanda Hill - if you have any digital, eCommerce, or social requirements for business, get in touch.