New Media Intelligence #4: Instagram’s On-Screen Tips for Reels, TikTok’s Exclusive Messi-Focused Live Match, YouTube’s Format-Specific Filtering, and More
Staying up-to-date and using social platforms effectively helps creators improve content creation and distribution, build meaningful connections, and sustainably generate income.
Last week’s update on all things new on social platforms powering the creator ecosystem.
Check out the previous dispatch.
I’m, very much, about new media and the creator space—it’s a massive part of my personal and professional dealings. So, if you’re anything like me—and honestly, whether you're a creator or a brand rep, you should be—this weekly series will get you up to speed on the latest updates across social platforms. As we know, social platforms are the driving force behind the creator economy. They are the engine [read: tech] that powers content creation, distribution, and monetization, enabling creators to share stories, build communities, engage audiences, and ultimately generate income. Whether through video, images, or text, these platforms give creators — across all facets (music, film, comedy, lifestyle, fashion) the tools to reach global audiences and turn their passions into livelihoods.
These updates are key for maximizing engagement, staying competitive, and taking advantage of new features to better your content and interactions. Keeping up with the evolving landscape of these platforms helps you stay agile, relevant, and always ahead of the curve.
INSTAGRAM UPDATES (6)
On-Screen Tips for Reels Performance
Instagram is testing a new feature that displays on-screen tips for Reels, explaining why specific clips perform well.
These in-stream notes provide insights into what’s driving reach for each Reel. You can view a breakdown of performance notes by tapping through, highlighting key factors the algorithm favours.
While this could be a useful tool for creators, it may take up screen space that general users don’t need; or maybe Instagram will release this feature exclusively to Creator accounts to better serve those who can benefit from it.
‘Chains’ Feature for Sharing Photos
Instagram is working on a new ‘Chains’ feature for sharing related photos with friends in your feed. Here’s how it works:
Start a Chain: Share a photo to start a chain, and let friends add their own photos to it. You can also remove photos from the chain at any time.
Exclusive to Friends: Only followers you follow back or Close Friends can view and add to your chain, ensuring that the feature stays within trusted circles.
Instagram Explains Why Carousels Sometimes Start on the Second Slide
Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s head, explained that carousels sometimes start on the second slide if you’ve already seen the post but didn’t swipe through.
Instagram gives these posts a second chance by automatically showing the second piece of media. Mosseri also noted that carousels generally get more reach than single photos due to this second-chance approach and the higher interaction from multiple slides. He even suggests adding music to carousels (as we’ve previously covered here - #4) to make them eligible for Reels tab exposure, which can increase reach.
Instagram Confirms That Including Your Own Logo on Reels Won’t Affect Reach
Following up on this (#14), Mosseri has clarified that adding your own logo on a Reel will not impact its reach.
The restriction is mainly on logos from other apps; if it’s your own branding, you’re in the clear.
New “Mentions” Feature in Instagram Stories
Instagram now allows you to mention people in Stories during creation without using the sticker and even gives you the option to hide the mention.
Instagram Updates Trending Audio Section with New Charts
Instagram has revamped its Trending Audio section with a new chart-ranking feature. Now, users can see which tracks are trending, with a ranking system highlighting the most popular and newest audio choices. This update makes it easier to find relevant music for your posts.
YOUTUBE UPDATES (2)
We had quite a number of YouTube updates last week, so I imagined there would be less to report on this week.
YouTube Adds Hashtags to Shorts Videos
YouTube is now displaying hashtags on Shorts, making it easier for viewers to discover related content. This small but impactful change could help boost discoverability for Shorts creators.
YouTube Analytics Introduces Real-Time Format Filtering
YouTube has improved its Analytics with real-time format-specific filtering. Creators can now track real-time views separately for Longform videos, Shorts, and Live streams, without data mixing.
This update provides quick insights into which format drives traffic, enabling faster strategy adjustments. The new analytics feature includes three filters:
Longform Videos: Traditional YouTube content.
Shorts: Short-form vertical videos.
Live Streams: Real-time broadcast content.
BYTEDANCE UPDATES (9)
TikTok to Stream Exclusive Messi-Focused Live Match
Adding this here because I find it really interesting
TikTok will exclusively stream a Player Spotlight live broadcast featuring Lionel Messi during Inter Miami CF’s first match in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
This special stream will focus solely on Messi as he takes on the pitch, bringing fans an up-close view of his performance. The event was live on @MLS and simulcast on @InterMiamiCF, starting five minutes before kickoff on 25th October. This marks the first time TikTok has streamed a live soccer match focused on a single player, giving fans a unique, immersive experience.
TikTok Introduces “Mentions” in Stories
TikTok now allows you mention people directly in Stories.
STEM Feed Now Available to Users Globally
TikTok’s STEM feed is now available by default to all users in the U.S., U.K., and Ireland, not just teens. This feed, initially aimed at younger users, promotes educational content around science, technology, engineering, and math. TikTok’s expansion of the STEM feed aligns with its push to offer more educational content on the platform.
In Nigeria, we have the Explore tab (as we’d previously reported #4)
Live Event Countdown Sticker for Stories and Videos
TikTok has introduced a Live Event countdown sticker for Stories and videos, allowing users to set a visible countdown for upcoming live events.
Trial Live Session Required for Creator Network Entry
To join TikTok’s Creator Network, new creators must now complete a trial live session. This requirement ensures creators are familiar with the live format before full acceptance into the network.
Favorite Sounds on TikTok Now Public for CapCut Use
TikTok now lets users make their favorite sounds public for use in CapCut. This should improve creative possibilities by allowing sounds to be used in video edits directly within CapCut. This will be useful to me.
TikTok Adds Mentioned Posts to Stories - Instagram Style
TikTok has added a feature similar to Instagram’s, where users can add posts they’re tagged in to their own Stories.
Auto-Rotate Feature for Landscape Videos
Posted this before but here we go again
TikTok has added an auto-rotate option for watching landscape videos. This feature, accessible under Settings and Privacy - Playback, ensures videos are viewed in the correct orientation for a seamless experience.
CapCut Introduces AI Voices with Emotions
CapCut now offers AI voices with emotions, allowing creators to add a new layer of expression and personality to their videos.
That’ll be all for now…