Summer Social Media Updates Digest

Leading internet platforms keep pace with modern trends, consistently surprising their users. Each month, developers test new hypotheses, add features, enhance algorithms, and streamline the work of creators.

This season, major social networks have introduced a series of updates that not only expand functionality but also foster the creative potential of digital content authors.

Instagram: Updates for Carousels, Banners, and Best Practices for Reels

With each new enhancement, Instagram is getting closer to creators: it offers popular templates for short videos, provides guides for effective content promotion, and publishes tips and recommendations. What have the developers prepared this time?

Carousel Posts in the Reels Section. Now, photo carousels with added audio tracks appear not only in the main feed but also in the Reels tab. This feature opens up new possibilities for creators, significantly increasing their chances of being recommended and engaging with a larger audience.

Adding Fonts to Carousel Photos. Instagram is testing new features that allow users to add text to photos in carousels and customize the display format of each image. This creates a wide space for creativity and original content presentation. Text placement on images works similarly to stories: font variations, alignment, color changes, and effects.

«Best Practices for Reels» is a new section in the "Professional Dashboard" for creators, offering tips on increasing reach and attracting new followers. Here are some key insights from this section:

• Reels lasting between 30 to 60 seconds are shown to viewers more frequently, increasing the chances of capturing attention.
• The first three seconds are crucial. Use this time effectively to convince viewers to watch the entire video.
• For significant follower growth, it’s recommended to post an average of 10 Reels per month.
• Focus on engagement. The more interactions viewers have with a Reel (likes, comments, shares, saves), the higher the reach.
• Utilize trending audio tracks and relevant hashtags.
• Always publish Reels in high resolution. This helps algorithms to promote them.

The platform's development team also recommends limiting the duration of short videos. For example, posting Reels longer than 90 seconds can significantly reduce their reach.

«New Ideas». Following the recommendations for creating Reels, a new inspiration section has been added to the “Professional Dashboard.” This section encourages creators to explore short videos, audio, and accounts popular among their followers that produce similar content.

«Banners» Section. This new feature in the social network helps attract the attention of potential followers and the existing audience. Multiple banners can be displayed on the profile page and their order can be customized: live stream, channel, product (goods/services), or fundraising.

Telegram: New Currency, Tinder-like Feature, Paid Media, and Mini App Bar

Starting in June, the updated Telegram has introduced options for paid posts, mini-app structuring, hashtag and location-based story searches, and even a dating app.

«Stars» - New Digital Currency: To facilitate the purchase of digital goods and services within the Telegram ecosystem, a new payment method has been introduced. «Stars» can be purchased through in-app purchases on Apple and Google stores or via the PremiumBot, and then spent on various digital products offered by bots: online courses, in-game items on the Telegram platform, e-books, and more.

Mini App Bar. You no longer need to reload apps after switching to messages in the messenger. Simply minimize open mini-apps to a panel at the bottom of the screen and quickly access them later.

Paid Media Content on Channels. To view certain posts from channel creators, subscribers will need to pay for access. This update is closely tied to the introduction of «Stars»: users exchange digital currency for the ability to view photos or videos. The cost of viewing is displayed immediately.

TON Dating. This is Telegram's official Tinder-like app, powered by the TON blockchain. The app's standout feature is its profit-generation capability. The more active users are within the app, the more TON coins they can earn to their account.

TON Dating features detailed user verification. Its multi-step authorization process helps identify and combat fake profiles. During testing, only 3% of users were able to pass the moderation.

Another key aspect of TON Dating is its financial model. Subscriptions are free for women, while men are required to pay 2,500 «Stars» (approximately $50) for a one-month subscription, with higher costs for three-month and annual plans.

WhatsApp: Chat Filters and New Features for Communities