New Social Media Updates and Features to Know This Week

This week has brought a host of exciting social media updates, especially for 16- and 17-year-olds, as platforms continue to prioritize safety while improving the user experience. Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube are leading the way with new features designed to make social media a safer, more engaging space for teens. Additionally, key announcements from Snap and YouTube summits have introduced tools that will benefit both users and creators. Here’s a breakdown of the most important updates this week and how they’ll impact you.

Social Media Updates Instagram Tightens Safety for Teens

Instagram has been in the spotlight for how it handles minors’ safety, and in response, the platform has rolled out new protective measures for teens. The most notable update is that accounts for users under 16 are now set to private by default, meaning only approved followers can see their content. For teens aged 16-17, new accounts will also be private by default, but users can adjust these settings if they prefer a public profile.

In addition to stricter privacy settings, Instagram is limiting who teens can interact with. They’ll only be able to message people they’re already connected with, reducing the chance of unwanted messages or tags from strangers. The platform is also enforcing stronger filters for sensitive content to make sure teens are shielded from harmful material, including anti-bullying tools that will filter out harmful interactions. To help with screen time awareness, Instagram will send usage reminders and automatically switch on sleep mode at night to silence notifications. Parents will also have access to supervision tools, giving them the ability to monitor their child’s screen time, conversations, and the content they consume.

These updates are part of Instagram’s ongoing effort to create a safe and positive environment for younger users—a move welcomed by many who have been calling for greater protections for teens on social media.

Meta Introduces New Ad Formats for the Holiday Season

In preparation for the upcoming holiday season, Meta has introduced several new advertising features across Instagram and Facebook, designed to help businesses capture more attention during this busy shopping period. New ad formats include options for adding promo codes directly to ads, a feature that’s perfect for driving conversions during sales events. Advertisers can also add multiple links to a single image or video ad, providing more flexibility for brands looking to drive traffic to multiple destinations.

For local businesses, Meta’s update includes a tool that highlights nearby in-store shopping opportunities, which is great for encouraging foot traffic during the holidays. Additionally, new travel retargeting options will help brands in the tourism sector re-engage with potential customers who are planning trips or vacations.

These updates are a smart move from Meta, giving businesses more tools to connect with their audience during a time when consumers are actively shopping and planning.

YouTube Adds New Tools for Creators

At YouTube’s Made on YouTube event, the platform rolled out several exciting new features designed to support creators and enhance user engagement. One of the most notable updates is the Community feature, which allows creators to build fan groups directly on their YouTube page. These groups are an easy way for creators to engage with their community in a more personal and interactive way, without needing to rely on external platforms like Discord. Fans can initiate conversations, and creators can control who has the ability to post, ensuring that the space remains positive and focused.

YouTube is also introducing a new feature for Shorts, where creators can add prompts to their videos, encouraging viewers to respond with their own videos. This is similar to TikTok’s popular Duets feature and will likely increase user engagement by inspiring more content creation.

Another exciting update is the expansion of YouTube’s auto-dubbing feature. This AI-powered tool will now support French and Italian, in addition to English, Spanish, and Portuguese, making it easier for creators to reach global audiences. YouTube is also testing ads that appear on pause screens—a feature designed to be less disruptive but still effective for advertisers.

Bluesky Implements New Safety Features

Bluesky, a growing competitor to X (formerly Twitter), is making moves to improve trust and safety on the platform. One of their latest updates ensures that users who block the creator of a list are automatically removed from that list. This simple but important feature aims to reduce harassment and spam, making the platform a more comfortable space for its growing user base.

Snapchat’s Updates for Older Teens

Snapchat is also stepping up its safety measures for teens. Users aged 16-17 can now share some content publicly, but with safeguards in place. For example, only people who already have mutual friends with the teen will be able to view their public posts, and replies to these stories will be filtered. Additionally, teens won’t have access to post metrics, helping to reduce the pressure to perform or gain likes and followers—a welcome move in a time when social validation can often impact self-esteem.

During Snapchat’s Partner Summit, new AR lenses were announced, along with updates to Spectacles. These features are likely to appeal to younger users, enhancing the interactive and creative elements that Snapchat is known for.

TikTok Adds a Much-Requested Editing Feature

In a move that will make life easier for content creators, TikTok has finally added a feature that allows users to delete a video and re-edit it with the push of a button. This small but significant update eliminates the frustration of having to start from scratch due to minor mistakes like typos or editing errors. It’s a simple, user-friendly addition that’s sure to save creators time and effort.

X Introduces New DM Blocking Feature

X is testing a new feature that allows users to block someone from sending direct messages without needing to block them entirely from their account. This gives users more control over their interactions and is a welcome update for those looking for more nuanced ways to manage their online communication.

With all of these updates, it’s clear that social media platforms are constantly evolving to better serve their users and protect their communities. Whether it’s enhancing safety for teens, providing businesses with new advertising tools, or supporting creators with more features, these platforms are making strides to create safer, more engaging, and more flexible spaces for everyone. As social media continues to grow and play an important role in our daily lives, staying on top of these updates is key for both users and businesses looking to thrive in the digital space.