Social Media Industry Round-Up #95: Meta’s AI Studio, Snapchat Olympics Filters, How to Grow Your YouTube Channel & TikTok’s New Marketing Guide

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Meta AI Studio Characters & Creators.?

Meta has been working on its AI Studio, which lets users create their own AI characters and creators (so far only available in the US).?

Users can either create their character from scratch or use Meta’s prompt ideas. Users can then ask AI character questions through Instagram DMs, Messenger, and WhatsApp.?

New Google Search AI-Powered Elements.?

Google has just released some new AI tools to enhance search and improve discovery on the platform:?

• Google Lens search on desktop: Users can search anything they can see on their screen by tapping or selecting, and then narrowing down the results with a search bar.?
• Integrated product listings: When users have multiple tabs open when searching for a product, Google will create a comparison page to see them side-by-side.?
• Find pages with conversational queries: Access your history and type something like, “What was that ice cream shop I looked at last week?” and Chrome will show relevant pages from your browsing history.

New TikTok App Center.?

TikTok has launched a new hub where business accounts can access TikTok tools built by third-party developers. TikTok App Center has been created to empower small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).?

Marketing Guide for CPG Brands.?

TikTok has published a new playbook for CPG (consumer packaged goods) brands, which includes platform usage stats, available ad tools, creative tips, ideas and inspiration and how to map out content.?

But why should CPG brands be on TikTok? TikTok users are:?

• 48% more likely to discover new products and immediately purchase them on TikTok?
• 2.7x more likely to engage with brands online?
• 2 in 5 users who discovered a product on TikTok went to a physical location that sells the item?

Snapchat's Rise & Olympics Filters.

With the Paris Olympics in full swing, brands and platforms have capitalised on the moment and created content around it.?

Last week, Snapchat added new AR experiences, in partnership with the International Olympic Committee. This includes AR lenses, official highlights, filters and more.?

During Snap’s Q2 performance update, the platform reported increased users and revenue. The platform has now reached 850 million users, as well as Snapchat+ reaching 11 million paying subscribers.

'Portal to Paris' & X's Olympics Insights.

Continuing with the Olympics topic, X has reached record engagements on the platform thanks to Olympics content, and this is an opportunity for X to win some advertisers back.?

X said: “A global audience tuned in on X to participate in the vibrant conversation. Fans, commentators, brands, and athletes alike all joined in to share memes and reactions around the monumental Opening Ceremony.”

They’ve launched a “Portal to Paris”, which highlights all of the Olympics trends and clips in a dedicated space.

How to Grow Your YouTube Channel.?

YouTube’s Creator Liaison, Rene Ritchie, has shared YouTube insights and pointers via Shorts, including the algorithm, thumbnail strategies, how to use Shorts to grow long-form following, and more.

Verification for LinkedIn Company Pages.?

It was about time! LinkedIn has just announced that they're rolling out verification badges for Company Pages.

LinkedIn has said that, to verify a page, they’ll look at:?

• Accuracy of certain data points on the Page (for example, location, website URL)
• Active Page admin presence
• Page is claimed (not a Listing Page)
• Compliance with LinkedIn policies

Users can request verification through the verification settings page, and LinkedIn will be approving Pages at its own discretion.

However, we think this is a good process as verified badges hold more value when they're 'earned' and not 'paid for'.?