Social Media Platform Updates You Don't Want to Miss

Social media platforms are constantly introducing new features and updates. Some get plenty of attention, like the new "unskippable" video ads Instagram is testing on its feed. Here are three social media platform updates you might have missed and what they mean for your strategy.



Instagram: Call-to-Action Wording Impacts Reach

Now, Instagram hasn't always been consistent in its creator recommendations. Social Media Today reminded readers the platform recently posted a video on how to create a 90+ second video, less than a month after saying that longer videos could hurt distribution. However, there is one announcement the same publication urges creators to take seriously.

A bit of background: Instagram uses artificial intelligence to recommend content on a user's page. Algorithms evaluate what a user has viewed and engaged with, and Instagram shows content that aligns with those preferences. 

In May 2024, Instagram announced those recommendations would no longer include content that "explicitly asks for engagement." In other words, Instagram doesn't want creators boosting interactions by asking users to respond with a specific word, phrase, or emoji. 

So, if you want Instagram to suggest your reels to potential audiences, steer clear of those techniques. Don't end a short video by asking people to "drop a heart." Don't even ask for a follow or share.

Instead, add a call-to-action (CTA) that inspires genuine engagement. Ask people to share their thoughts on the topic you're discussing. Alternatively, invite them to learn more by clicking the link in your bio. That request is okay because you're creating customized relationship starters, not fishing for engagement points. 

LinkedIn: Image Size Depends on Post Type

LinkedIn doesn't have the same reputation for algorithm flip-flops. Its updates tend to fly under the radar, but some deserve more publicity than they get.

For example, LinkedIn recently announced a change in image sizes for sponsored content. Sponsored content allows you to pay a small fee in exchange for LinkedIn sharing your post with a target audience. That content may be a paid ad or organic content you choose to upgrade.

The recently announced changes make sponsored content more noticeable by increasing its image size. Organic posts will still have a small thumbnail preview image, but sponsored original content will have an image that's at least 360 by 640 pixels.

If someone reposts or shares that original content, the image will default to the smaller thumbnail size. Reshares won't distract from the original sponsored article, but your followers can still broaden your reach.

TikTok: Message Streaks Get New Emojis

Less than a year after TikTok Shop announced its U.S. launch, the popular platform has brought another feature to its eager audiences. TikTok is introducing a direct message "streak" function, something previously synonymous with Snapchat.

TikTok and Snapchat appeal to similar age ranges, with 41% of Snapchat users and 35% of TikTok users under 30. Many TikTok users have maintained Snapchat streaks with their friends — sometimes for years.

Snapchat is a messaging app first and foremost, while TikTok mostly hosts short-form video content. You can use the in-app camera to create videos up to a minute long, or three minutes if you upload the video. TikTok does have a direct messaging function, but it's always played second fiddle to the video component.

The new TikTok Streak may be an attempt to change that. If you've interacted at least once a day for three days, you'll get a special badge and fire emoji on your conversation. Your streak will update every day until you break it.

TikTok Streaks are new, so we'll have to wait and see what happens with business accounts. For now, though, it's the perfect opportunity to encourage dialogue. Starting a streak with a follower is a unique way to get their attention!

Stay Current With Social Media Updates

As the internet shows us daily, social media marketing never stays still. Keeping up on your own can be challenging, especially when you have many other tasks on your to-do list.

At Optimize Digital Marketing, we can help. From boosting your presence in search results to getting you noticed on Instagram, we're here to move you toward your goals. To learn how you can benefit from our services, schedule a free demo today.