This week’s top stories: TikTok set to launch AI avatars, Threads rolls out API, and YouTube tests community notes feature
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Welcome to the Battenhall Weekly, Edition #20
TikTok plans to enhance its advertising capabilities with new AI tools, including Symphony Digital Avatars and Symphony AI Dubbing. These tools will help brands and creators reach a wider global audience, with customizable avatars that can speak multiple languages and dubbing that can translate videos automatically. However, critics are questioning the tools’ accuracy, and how users will respond to the new features.
Meta has postponed the launch of its Meta AI chatbot in Europe following regulatory concerns. European authorities, including the Irish Data Protection Commission, objected to the company’s plans to use public posts to train large language models. Meta, however, says it’s important to harness this data in order to develop an optimal experience for users, and still intends to introduce these products to the EU at a later date.
Meta has launched a new API for Threads, which enables developers to create unique integrations with the platform. Developers can now publish posts, manage replies, fetch content, and access insights such as views, likes, and reposts via the API. Initial testing with partners like Grabyo and Hootsuite has demonstrated capabilities, such as automating posts and integrating Threads content into social media management platforms.
In an opinion piece in The New York Times, US surgeon general Dr. Vivek Murthy has urged to Congress to move to add warning labels on social media platforms, similar to those on cigarette boxes. Dr. Murthy hopes this initiative will alert parents and younger users about the mental health risks associated with social media use, drawing parallels to the effectiveness of warning labels on tobacco products in raising awareness and influencing behavior.
YouTube is testing a new feature called ‘Notes’ that enables viewers to add community-sourced context to videos. For example, users can suggest if a video is a parody or if it includes older footage presented as current. YouTube plans to refine its note evaluation system based on viewer feedback, aiming to enhance accuracy and relevance. The feature is currently available in English to select mobile users in the US.
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