AI is everywhere—it was only a matter of time before you could start adding AI on social media. Snapchat seems to have gotten that ball rolling. Meanwhile, TikTok is banned from government phones in most of the Western world and LinkedIn and Instagram and plodding right along with new updates. We’ve got the updates for this week below.
1. Snapchat is experimenting with AI chatbot
From Snapchat:
“My AI can recommend birthday gift ideas for your BFF, plan a hiking trip for a long weekend, suggest a recipe for dinner, or even write a haiku about cheese for your cheddar-obsessed pal. Make My AI your own by giving it a name and customizing the wallpaper for your Chat.”
2. Canada, the EU ban TikTok from government devices over security risks
Looks like the US isn’t alone—TikTok is banned from government devices in the EU and Canada, both citing security concerns.
From Euractive:
“To protect the Commission’s data and increase its cybersecurity, the EC [European Commission] Corporate Management Board has decided to suspend the TikTok application on corporate devices and personal devices enrolled in the Commission mobile device services,” said the email, seen by EURACTIV.
From CNN:
“Following a review of TikTok, the Chief Information Officer of Canada determined that it presents an unacceptable level of risk to privacy and security,” the statement said.
3. LinkedIn adds a bunch of new features
LinkedIn is upgrading its look and adding some pretty cool newsletter functionality. The Activity section is getting a huge makeover, and the app will now allow users to schedule newsletters.
This isn’t all—from Social Media Today:
In addition to this, LinkedIn also recently added SEO titles for newsletters and articles, and improved subscription options to streamline newsletter sign-ups.
4. TikTok on a car screen?
You heard that right. TikTok and Mercedes Benz have partnered to integrate the app directly into the car screen. You can stream not just one, but TWO separate TikTok accounts to the car’s independent screens.
This seems ill advised at best. Here is TikTok’s explanation:
“From passing time waiting while stationary in your vehicle to simply enjoying a moment to yourself while your car is at rest, before heading in to your destination, TikTok will be your new favorite activity when parked, delivering you a stream of videos tailored just for you. Passengers can get in on the fun too! The two screens in the vehicle run independently, so both the driver and passenger can log in to their own accounts and For You feeds.”
5. Instagram launches Broadcast chat feature
The seems like a bit of a misnomer, as it’s less of a chat and more of a message sign up. However, the idea is that you can opt-in to receive updates from people, brands, topics, etc. The app has seen a surge in private message engagement, and this seems like a move to keep that momentum up. From SMT:
Instagram Channels is a ‘broadcast chat’, which will support text, images and polls, all within IG Direct.
Once you join a channel, it will be added to your IG Direct chat list. You can then read and react to messages posted in the chat – though you can’t post yourself to the chat feed.
