Our Favourite Digital Updates from the last month

This past month has seen some exciting updates and changes in the digital world! Here are some of our favourite updates that could help you stay ahead of the curve!

Instagram: Carousel Posts Now in Reels Feed!

Instagram now lets you add music to carousels, which could help boost engagement by showing your posts in the Reels feed! Plus, new text tools let you enhance photos and carousels with captions and stickers.

Key Tips:

• Carousels vs. Single Photos: Carousels tend to get more engagement because they offer multiple chances for interaction.
• Wider Reach: Adding music to carousels could improve visibility by appearing in the Reels feed.
• Text Hook: Use Instagram’s text tools to create a catchy first slide, setting up the rest of your content.
• Make It Pop: Use visually striking images and experiment with stickers to grab attention.

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Instagram’s Hashtag Confusion Answered!

In a recent Q&A, Instagram cleared up the hashtag debate. Yes, relevant and trending hashtags can help you reach more people, but using irrelevant ones might hurt your engagement!

DOs & DON’Ts:

• DOs: Use 3-5 hashtags that are relevant to your content, business, or audience. Bonus points for trending hashtags!
• DON’Ts: Avoid irrelevant hashtags—using too many can lower engagement by showing your content to the wrong audience, which may impact its reach.

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Meta: Customising Site Link Thumbnails on Meta Ads

Meta now lets advertisers customise the thumbnail images for Site Links, giving more creative control over ad visuals!

Key Highlights:

• Customisation: Upload your own square images (300 x 300 pixels or larger) for Site Links.
• Limited Visibility: Site Links won’t show in all ad placements.
• Tracking: Use UTM parameters to track clicks and measure effectiveness.

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Google Searching of the Future!

Google Search is getting smarter with enhanced Lens features, easier shopping, and even the ability to find songs you hear! Plus, AI is giving Search results a whole new look, helping you find more useful links.

Key Features:

• Lens Updates: Search with video and voice using Lens, and get AI-powered insights just by pointing your camera.
• Shopping Made Easy: Use Lens to find product details, reviews, prices, and where to buy—all in one place.
• Circle to Search: Quickly identify songs by circling your screen, no app switching needed.
• AI-Organised Results: AI sorts search results for easier exploration and discovery.
• Better Web Links: AI Overviews now include prominent links to helpful websites, making browsing easier.

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LinkedIn Introduces In-Feed Video Carousels

Video uploads on LinkedIn are up 34%, and in response, the platform has launched in-feed video carousels featuring short-form videos in a scrollable format, matched to your interests. While some question if short videos suit LinkedIn’s professional vibe, this move is aimed at boosting engagement by tapping into the rising popularity of video content.

Business Tip: If you’re into short-form video, try repurposing your content for LinkedIn, as engagement is expected to grow with this format!

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TikTok’s New Feed Personalisation Features

Ruby from the OMD Team spotted new TikTok setting that offer a more personalised experience, giving users better control over what they see. Finally, no more random videos throwing off your feed!

Business Tip: Business owners can use these settings strategically by tailoring their feed to show content their ideal customers create, reducing competitor exposure and avoiding irrelevant distractions. Stay focused and streamline your TikTok experience!

Pinterest’s Advertising Makeover!

Pinterest has introduced new AI-powered tools to make advertising easier and more effective. The updates include automation for targeting, budgeting, and ad design, along with features to highlight sales and discounts.

Key Features:

• Pinterest Performance: Automate targeting, budgeting, and ad creation to save time and boost results—early tests show up to a 15% improvement!
• Promotions: Use personalised promotions and AI-created ads to reach customers with the right offers at the right time, helping boost sales.