X has started to make good on its promise to privatize likes. Also, they’re launching some new analytics for premium users. Google is tying Google Lens to YouTube search and adding QR codes for channels. There’s a lot going on in the social media world! Let’s take a look.
1. X has started to hide likes on all posts
Public likes are officially phasing out on the platform formerly known as Twitter!
X is rolling out private likes as soon as today, according to a source at the company. That means what users like on the platform will be hidden by default, which is already an option for X’s Premium subscribers. Following the publication of this story, X owner Elon Musk reshared a screenshot of it, saying it’s “important to allow people to like posts without getting attacked for doing so!”
2. YouTube is adding channel QR codes
Pretty self-explanatory, but it should make the marketing more interesting.
From YouTube:
“Up until now, creators who wanted to share their channel with others had to copy and paste the channel link, which is difficult to do offline. Now, we’re experimenting with Creator QR codes creators. In the experiment, users will be able to share their Channel QR code on or offline with others to easily scan.”
3. Google is testing a Google Lens search… for YouTube videos
Well, this is interesting. Ever see something and just NEED an explanation from someone who knows more than you do? Google has you covered.
We’re experimenting with the ability to search on YouTube via Google Lens 🔎 👀 If you’re in the experiment, you’ll see a Lens button on in the search bar. From there, tap the Lens button to search what you see and receive relevant YouTube content as your search results. You’ll also be able to get more information about the visuals by clicking “Search on Google.” This test is rolling out to a small percentage of viewers who watch YouTube on Android mobile devices.
4. X launches analytics for premium subscribers
If you have ever worked in social media, you understand the importance of good analytics. X is offering some better in-platforms numbers for their premium users.
- Advanced Analytics: Includes data on total impressions, engagement rate, profile visits, video performance, and link clicks.
- Customizable Display: A large bar chart that can be adjusted to show different data points and date ranges.
- Premium Access: Analytics are now behind a paywall, requiring a subscription to X Premium.
5. Instagram enables music for image carousel posts
Carousels are no longer just a swipeable picture gallery. Instagram has added more options, and now users can create a whole experience with video, stills, and a soundtrack.
To be clear, you’ve been able to add music to still image carousels for some time, but you couldn’t add a track to carousels with a video component. But now, you can, providing another means to put together more specific image, video, and music packages for your I.G. posts.
