July Social Media Digest 2023
July was a month of major changes in social media. Meta launched Threads, quickly attracting millions of users as a competitor to Twitter. Twitter itself underwent a dramatic rebrand to X, while Instagram introduced new Reels creation tools to support content creators. TikTok expanded its content options with text-only posts, and WhatsApp added video messages for more engaging communication. Overall, platforms focused on innovation, content creation, and enhancing user experiences.
Here we are with our monthly social media digest. July was the month of new applications and rebranding. Some SM giants were still refining their existing features. Anyway, it’s worth reading!
Meta launches a Twitter-like app
At the beginning of July, Meta’s Threads – Twitter’s rival became available in Google Play in some areas. The new app is similar to Twitter and Instagram at the same time. Users can log in using their Instagram profile. The new application has already gathered more than 100 million users, especially now that Twitter has set up limits on how many tweets users can read. Threads has basic Twitter functionality. However, the post can have 500 characters, links, photos, and short videos. It allows switching between dark and light modes. Hashtags are not available now, nor are voice notes. Well, is Threads going to become a Twitter killer, or is it going to be short-lived like Clubhouse?
Instagram keeps updating Reels
Instagram keeps pushing users to create more Reels. The platform launched Template Browser. So now creators can search templates in three different categories: ‘Recommended’, ‘Trending’, and templates you saved before. The new feature aims to streamline the Reels creation process. The browser can be accessed via the Reels creation flow, gallery options, or on the Reels tab. The creation flow is also going to be improved by adding new elements.
Twitter launches rebranding and becomes ‘X’
Twitter is transitioning to ‘X’. Its famous blue bird is disappearing and switching to an ‘X’ icon. The company has even got permission to remove the Twitter sign from the office building. The sign-up screen has already changed, but it is still in the company colors. The platform is also developing new features like job listings and video calls. ‘X’ is also updating its approach to advertising. The ‘promoted’ signifier has disappeared, showing only ‘ad’ in the upper-right corner. It is highly unlikely to meet the EU FTC requirements. Anyway, the platform is experimenting while drifting away from the Twitter brand. The details like the audio, the number of clips, etc. can be fully customized to maximize their use.
TikTok supports another form of content
TikTok makes text posts available to all users. This option has been in testing for some time. Now users can add a full-screen of text with music and stickers. You can use words to draw followers’ attention. Posts can include 1000 characters, and you can edit the background and fonts. This form of content creation allows users to share their work like lyrics, poems, etc. It might be an option for camera-shy users. The new feature is available from the camera tool. Besides that, creators can add hashtags and tags.
WhatsApp adds video messages
Now sharing direct responses has become easier. From now on, WhatsApp users can insert videos in their messages. Now users can say and show whatever they want within 60 seconds. The new feature aims at bringing WhatsApp in line with other messaging platforms and facilitates video usage. You can record a video by tapping the screen, switching to video mode, and holding to record. A hands-free recording option is also available. If you allow downloading, it will eventually clog your gallery, but you do not have to. Video messages can also be used by brands and be a feature that is a way for them to establish a connection and serve customers.
July was the month of breaking news and drastic changes. Are those changes forever? We’ll see. In the meantime, VAfromEurope will be back in a month with the hottest news of August.
