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Can you believe December is almost here?
As the year winds down, the social media world is still buzzing with new developments, and we’ve been keeping tabs on all the action.
From user migrations and innovative AI features to fresh tools for creators, we’ve packed it all into this quick five-minute roundup to help you stay ahead of the curve. Let’s dive in!
1. Users migrate from X to heavily moderated network Bluesky
A mass exodus of users from X (formerly Twitter) has benefited the social media platform Bluesky this winter, with over 1 million new users said to have joined the platform since the US election.
The recent influx, largely from the UK and America, has helped Bluesky grow to over 20 million users worldwide. A drop in the ocean compared to X and Threads but significant enough to keep an eye on.
Bluesky was developed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, and not surprisingly takes it’s design cues from the Twitter of old, arguably with far more control over what users see on their timeline.
The platform is open for anyone 13 years of age upwards, although anyone under 18 has additional settings applied to ensure that the content they see is safe. It’s policed through a blend of human and automated moderation technology. And it allows users to have website addresses for handles, which could act as a verification system for public figures and organisations.
As X, Threads, Mastodon and now Bluesky all offer similar forms of text-based social media services, it’s a space thats highly competitive. And with so many options it will be interesting to see whether institutions embrace the range of platforms or go all in on just one or two. Either way, it might be worth staking your claim to your ideal institution handle on Bluesky as developments unfold.
2. Australia considers a ban on social media for under 16s
Australia’s government has tabled new laws in the parliament’s lower house this month to prevent children from using social media under the age of 16. The ban would cover platforms such as X, Instagram, TikTok, and others.
The newly proposed legislation provides a framework for the ban but is expected to head to the Australian Senate next, and if approved wouldn’t come into effect for at least twelve months while the finer details and approach to enforcement are worked out.
Critics have said the proposals are too blunt an approach, whilst technology experts have warned there could be significant hurdles to making the age-verification technology effective and safe.
3. YouTube announces ‘Communities’
YouTube is testing a new "Communities" feature designed to help creators and their fans connect more easily. Fans can start conversations and share comments, while creators maintain control over participation and content.
This dedicated space encourages ongoing dialogue that flows naturally across videos and posts, with fans driving much of the activity by sharing their passions.
Currently available to a small group of creators and their followers, the feature is expected to roll out more widely in early 2025 and could offer universities a fresh way to engage with their audiences on social media.
4. Instagram adds photo editing to DMs
Instagram has added new photo editing capabilities to direct messages.
Users will be able to edit photos by drawing on them or adding stickers before sending them in direct messages.
There will also be the option to create custom stickers from users own photos, bringing the direct messaging features closer to what’s available in Stories.
The new features could be helpful for institutions wanting to add a personal touch to direct messages to prospective and existing students.
5. Snapchat releases new Snap Star Collab Studio
Snapchat influencers can now share engagement and demographic data publicly to attract advertisers.
The new feature will also make it easier for universities to reach out to social media content creators that have the right engagement stats, and a positive connection with their institution.
6. YouTube introducing extended ad breaks and search across comments
YouTube is increasing the duration of its ad breaks to provide longer uninterrupted content to viewers. The new format could increase viewing sessions after it was found it would improve brand recognition and reputation.
And in a small but useful development, YouTube is to enable users to search using terms found in the video comments.
Searchable terms will appear in blue and bold and can be opened while the video continues to play in a mini-player.
7. Instagram unveils annual Creators of Tomorrow list
Instagram has launched it’s ‘Creators of Tomorrow’ list celebrating emerging talents who are inspiring through digital content and bringing people together in the process.
This year, the company has highlighted 25 creators in 5 different categories, that are designed to recognize the key emerging movements gaining traction in the app.
The five categories include highly creative users who are tapping into the latest editing tools, creators using the latest AI tools, and those who are creating posts with the most shareable content.
8. Facebook adds new features to attract younger adults
Meta has introduced new community and video features to engage with younger users on Facebook.
The platform is testing local and explore features to provide information on events happening nearby and personalized content to compete with platforms like Tiktok and Instagram.
9. Meta adding new AI features
Meta has been testing some interesting new AI features over the past few months.
They include ways to allow users to create AI-generated profile pictures and avatars, and chatbots that are capable of generating images, providing content suggestions and increased personalization.
Meanwhile, Meta has implemented labeling solutions for AI-generated content to mark photorealistic images created using AI tools with visible watermarks to inform users.
10. Meta laying the foundations to bring out ads on Threads?
Meta looks set to bring ads to it’s growing Threads platform at some stage, although it has fended off concerns by stating they aren’t likely to come in until the platform reaches over a billion users.
The company has, however, been experimenting with ad formats extensively and recent leaks suggest Meta could introduce them as early as next year.
What do you make of the social media developments emerging this winter? And what trends are you most excited to see early next year?
We'd love to hear your thoughts on social media!