The Social Media Updates You Need To Know About - August 2024
Social media platforms are always updating, rolling out new features to make the user experience better and give businesses more tools to work with
Keeping up with all these updates can be near impossible for busy business owners and managers, but don’t worry - we’ve done the hard work for you! Here’s a rundown of the latest changes you actually need to know about.
1. Instagram: Vertical Grids
Instagram is making a big change by switching from a square feed to a vertical grid. This new layout fits more with the platform's push for full-screen, immersive content that looks great on mobile. Personally, I think this is a great move to make the feed more visually engaging and dynamic.
What this means for you: The vertical grid gives more room for creative expression, so make sure your social graphics are designed vertically—1080 x 1350 is a good size to go for. This way, your content won't get awkwardly cropped in the new grid view.
2. Instagram: WhatsApp Links in Profiles
Instagram is also introducing the ability to include WhatsApp profiles as external links. I think this is super useful for businesses wanting to connect directly with their customers. It opens up a new channel for communication, which could lead to more direct sales and customer engagement.
What this means for you: By adding WhatsApp to your profile links, you’re making it easier for potential customers to reach out directly, which can enhance customer interactions and possibly drive more sales.
3. Threads: Paid Ads Are Coming!
Meta’s new platform, Threads, is gearing up to introduce ads soon. This signals that Threads is moving towards monetisation, which isn’t surprising. I see this as a natural progression for the platform as it grows.
What this means for you: Ads on Threads present a new way to reach a wider audience, so it's something to consider for your marketing strategy. It could be a good opportunity to ‘get in early’ and experiment with this new ad space before your competitors do!
4. Threads: Scheduling Posts
Another exciting update for Threads is that you’ll soon be able to schedule posts directly through the Meta Business Suite. This is a game-changer for anyone managing multiple accounts or trying to plan content ahead of time.
What this means for you: Being able to schedule your Facebook, Instagram and Threads posts in one place means you can keep your content consistent without having to be online all the time. It’s all about working smarter, not harder!
5. LinkedIn: Better Search and Editable Scheduled Posts
LinkedIn is getting smarter with its search engine, adding semantic search capabilities. This means the platform can now understand the context of your search better, not just match keywords. I think this will make finding relevant content easier and more intuitive.
What this means for you: With better search functionality, your content has a better chance of being found by the right people. So, think about SEO when creating LinkedIn posts. The fact you can now edit scheduled post in LinkedIn is certainly an update the Catalyst team are glad of - you cna now make last minute edits to your content without the need to start from scratch.
6. Pinterest: Autumn 2024 Trend Report
Pinterest just released its Autumn 2024 trend report, which is packed with insights into what’s going to be popular next season. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve, this is a must-read.
What this means for you: Using Pinterest’s trend report to guide your content strategy can give you a real edge. Aligning with upcoming trends keeps your brand relevant and engaging for your audience.
Have a read for yourself here.
7. Instagram: Focus on 'Views' and Bigger Carousels
Instagram is shifting its focus towards reach and engagement by prioritising 'Views' as a key metric over likes and followers - or ‘Vanity Metrics’ as I like to call them! Plus, they’re letting users post up to 20 photos or videos in a single carousel, which is great for content variety and better storytelling!
What this means for you: Moving the focus from to engagement-based metrics like 'Views' is a positive change, in my opinion. It encourages more meaningful interaction with your content. And with the expanded carousel, you can get more creative and tell a deeper story in a single post.
There you have it! These updates are bringing fresh opportunities to connect with your audience and enhance your social media strategy. Keep these in mind as you continue rolling out your social media content.
