In the ever-evolving world of digital platforms, new features and updates are continually enhancing user engagement, e-commerce, and the overall digital experience.
Here’s a roundup of some recent changes across major platforms:
EXPLORE INSTAGRAM’S NEW FEATURES
Public Comments on Stories
Instagram now lets users comment publicly on stories, similar to how they comment on regular posts. These comments appear as small bubbles, creating a more interactive experience and making it easy for users to engage directly with the story content.
Extended Carousel Limit
Carousel posts on Instagram now support up to 20 slides, double the previous limit of 10. This change, implemented in early 2024, allows for deeper storytelling and better showcases for products, event recaps, and creative content.
Reveal Sticker
A new “Reveal” sticker adds an interactive element by blurring out story content until viewers tap or send a DM. This feature is ideal for teasing exclusive offers, upcoming launches, or hidden content, helping drive engagement and anticipation.
Product Tags for Enhanced Shopping
Instagram’s e-commerce capabilities continue to grow with product tags. Business accounts can now add product details like names, prices, and purchasing links directly within posts, simplifying the shopping experience for users.
Multiple Audio Tracks for Reels
Reels have been upgraded to allow up to 20 audio tracks, including music, sound effects, and voiceovers. This provides more flexibility for content creators looking to add layers of sound to their videos.
The first Release Candidate (RC1) for PHP 8.4 is now available, marking the beginning of the feature-freeze phase. The final, stable release is expected on November 21, 2024, and will include only bug fixes from this point forward.
Find out more details of this update here.
GOOGLE SHOPPING’S GETTING A BIG TRANSFORMATION
Google Shopping is undergoing a major transformation powered by AI. With a new personalized shopping homepage, users will now see curated product recommendations based on their needs. For instance, searching for “Men’s winter jacket for Seattle” will show a brief summary of top features to consider and display relevant options from trusted sources. The new design aims to streamline the shopping process by helping users make more informed choices without extensive research.
Find out more details of this update here.
GOOGLE SEARCH EXPANDS STORE RATINGS TO MORE COUNTRIES
Google is expanding store ratings in search results to include Australia, Canada, India, and the UK. Merchants in these regions can now show ratings for their stores through Google’s Customer Review program or independent review sites, boosting their visibility and credibility.
Find out more details of this update here.
GOOGLE EXPANDS TRAVEL FEEDS IN SEARCH ADS
Google has enhanced Travel Feeds in Search Ads, allowing hotel advertisers to showcase more detailed information, including prices, dates, ratings, and images. This expansion aims to make travel planning easier by providing users with up-to-date information on accommodations. In the future, Google plans to extend this feature to attractions, car rentals, and events.
Find out more details of this update here.
IS YOUR PHONE LISTENING? MARKETING FIRM CONFIRMS TECH BEHIND TARGETED ADS
A recent report by 404 Media confirmed that some marketing firms use software that can listen to users’ conversations through their smartphones. This technology, known as “active listening,” raises significant concerns about user privacy and the ethics of targeted advertising.
As these platforms continue to innovate, they provide exciting new tools for businesses and users alike while also bringing forward important discussions on privacy and digital ethics. Stay tuned for more updates as these features roll out and reshape the digital landscape.
Find out more details of this update here.
