Social Media Updates: Latest News, Trends & Changes

October 2026 ChatGPT Ads updates

• OpenAI has added four new features in ChatGPT Ads as follows (source):

  • Bulk creation for product feed campaigns.
  • Product review status.
  • Report conversions beyond your campaign goal through the API.
  • Separate account, brand, and legal names.
• OpenAI is testing a new visual ad format in ChatGPT that will appear during the image generation process. (source)
• OpenAI is testing new labels for product results in ChatGPT (source):
  • “Best all-rounder.”
  • “Best for beginners.”
• OpenAI has added a new “Ads Manager” shortcut within the ChatGPT app for Windows. (source)
• OpenAI has automatically enabled creative enhancements for ChatGPT Ads. (source)
• OpenAI has announced four new updates for advertisers as follows (source):
  • A redesigned Conversions page.
  • Advertisers can now share feedback directly in Ads Manager.
  • More measurement partners: Northbeam, DV Rockerbox, and INCRMNTAL (desktop); Kochava, Tenjin, and Airbridge (mobile).
  • Weekly performance emails.

October 2026 Meta (Ads) updates

• Meta has announced new features for advertisers at New York Advertising Week as follows (source):

  • A new feature for Facebook Messenger, Meta AI, and Muse., “Direct checkout.”
  • Advertisers can generate product videos and receive recommendations for related products.
  • AI-powered audience discovery.
  • Deeper performance insights and faster creative testing in Ads Creative Studio.
  • Meta’s Ads MCP enables external AI tools to upload creative, preview ads, and prepare campaign drafts.
  • Meta AI can retain campaign context, recommend strategies, and uncover creative insights.
  • Meta AI can transform static assets into video while optimizing hooks, audio, captions, and endings.
  • Marketers can now use AI to build campaigns, generate creative, and adjust targeting or budgets through chat.
• Meta is adding the option to configure “Sequenced events” for lead generation campaigns. (source)
• Meta now allows advertisers to specify the age groups and genders best suited to individual creative assets. (source)
• Meta announced four advertising products and updates aimed at helping brands build awareness and reach audiences during key cultural moments as follows (source):
  • Ads Super Burst.
  • First Impression Ads.
  • Reels Trending Ads.
  • A new KPI, Aggregated View Time.

October 2026 Meta (xR) updates

• Meta has added four new features for Meta Ray-Ban owners (source):

  • Audio Balance.
  • Mono Audio.
  • Pedestrian Navigation.
  • Share location from phone to glasses.

October 2026 Meta (Apps) updates

• Meta has officially launched the Forum app for Facebook users based in the United States. (source)
• Meta has expanded the availability of its Pocket app to the European Union. (source)

October 2026 Meta (Business) updates

• Meta has launched Muse for Small Business, an AI-powered suite designed to help small businesses streamline workflows, automate tasks, and improve day-to-day operations. (source)
• Meta has updated its business usage rules late last week, easing the checks required for businesses seeking access to its users’ data. (source)

October 2026 Meta (AI) updates

• Meta now allows users to apply for early access to coming Muse features by simply prompting the assistant in that direction. (source)
• Meta will launch its AI-powered assistant Muse in the EU as well. (source)
• Meta has launched an iPad app for its AI-powered assistant Muse. (source)
• Meta has launched parental supervision controls for Meta AI as well. (source)
• Meta will integrate its AI-powered personal assistant Muse in WhatsApp as well. (source)
• Meta has added a new “Theme” setting on Meta AI apps. (source)
• Meta has introduced a new family of AI models called Muse Wonder with two flagship models: Muse Wonder and Muse Wonder Full. (source)

October 2026 Facebook updates

• Facebook had added a new “Canvas” feature for stories on iOS. (source)
• Facebook has added a new “Create a Challenge” feature on iOS. (source)
• Facebook has added a new “Page” label for Facebook Pages in the account switcher. (source)
• Facebook will soon allow you customize your feed algorithm using AI. (source)
• Facebook now displays full previews of pending group posts. (source)
• Facebook has added “Credentials” and “Specialties and Services” sections under the About tab on Pages, allowing admins to highlight their qualifications, expertise, and services. (source)
• Facebook has announced an algorithm control option that will let users tell the system what they want to see in the app using plain language. (source)
• Facebook has added a new “Reshare to Your Profile” option for page posts. (source)

October 2026 Facebook Messenger updates

• Facebook Messenger is testing a new “Close Friends” option on iOS. (source)

October 2026 Instagram updates

• Instagram is working on “Timestamped comments.” (source)
• Instagram is working on a new “Longform” tab for profiles. (source)
• Instagram is testing a new “Threads” sticker for stories on iOS. (source)
• Instagram has added a new ”AI song creator” feature for Instagram DMs. (source)
• Instagram now allows users to boost livestreams as well. (source)
• Instagram is working on a new perk for Instagram Plus, “Read-Only Mode.” (source)
• Instagram is working on a fresh new UI for the “Edit Profile” page. (source)
• Instagram is testing a Reels-first feed on iOS. (source)
• Instagram is internally testing two new tabs for creator series, including a dedicated section for short-form clips from those series. (source)
• Instagram is now showing a prominent message when you try to create or upload a Reel, promoting Edits as a better way to create Reels with extra tools. (source)
• Instagram has added an option to search within your Saved posts, making it easier to find whatever you’re looking for. (source)
• Instagram has added an option to access your saved posts and collections directly from Explore. (source)
• Instagram is testing a new AI-powered shopping assistant on iOS. (source)
• Instagram has added a “Managed by another business” label to profiles, showing how many businesses manage the profile you’re viewing. (source)
• Instagram will remove the “Linked Reels” feature on October 28. (source)

October 2026 Instagram Edits updates

• Meta may bring Instagram Edits to Meta Quest headsets as well. (source)
• Instagram may add support for creating and editing Stories in the Instagram Edits app. (source)
• Instagram has added the Liquid Glass design on Instagram Edits as well. (source)
• Instagram now allows Instagram Edits to create and edit carousel posts as well. (source)
• Instagram is working on a new bulk notification management feature, allowing users to manage notification preferences for all followed accounts at once instead of adjusting them profile by profile. (source)
• Instagram is testing a new “Sync Video Effects to Music” feature that automatically syncs eligible video effects to the beat of your selected music. (source)
• Instagram has introduced Instagram Edits in the Meta One subscriptions. (source)
• Meta now offers each user 10 GB of free cloud storage in its Edits app. (source)
• Meta has revelead the first perk for the Edits Plus subscription, 200GB of cloud storage per user. (source)
• Instagram has added three new features for Instagram Edits users as follows (source):
  • Audio Links.
  • Creator Kits.
  • Popular Topics.

October 2026 Threads updates

• Threads is rolling out an advanced photo editor on mobile with the following features (source):

  • Aspect ratio.
  • Backgrounds.
  • Layouts.
  • Overlays.
  • Reorder.
  • Stickers.
  • Split.

• Threads has added three new features for live chats as follows (source):

  • Group reactions.
  • Raise a virtual hand.
  • Web-based group chats.
• Threads is working on the ability to set a custom like for posts. (source)
• Threads is working on the ability to add a Substack newsletter to the profile. (source)
• Threads is working on letting users vote to turn tags into communities. (source)
• Threads is testing a standalone “Unreplied” filter on Android. (source)
• Threads is testing a new way to reply to comments by swiping left to quickly jump into a direct reply to that person. (source)
• Threads is widely testing a “Reply with this” shortcut for posts with images, allowing users to extract a cutout of that image and share it as a comment sticker. (source)
• Threads is testing a new “More threads for you” section” for each post on iOS. (source)
• Threads is rolling out thread connector lines for a more intuitive post tree structure. (source)
• Threads now allows parents to see who their teens have blocked. (source)
• Threads now allows users to add stickers to their bios. (source)
• Threads now has advanced content filtering options for the “Not interested” button. (source)
• Threads has added a new shortcut to the Meta AI Support Assistant in the Settings menu. (source)
• Threads has introduced Threads Gems, a new feature that highlights top-performing posts. (source)
• Threads has updated its advanced photo editor with a text tool. (source)
• Threads has launched Team Threads for the NFL Threads community, a dedicated group of NFL commentators, former players, creators, and community members to encourage football discussions throughout the season. (source)

October 2026 WhatsApp updates

• WhatsApp is working on a refreshed bottom navigation bar on Android. (source)
• WhatsApp is working on a feature that will move broadcast channels in the “Chats” tab. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing a new feature for users with a WhatsApp Plus subscription, “Focus schedules.” (source)
• WhatsApp is testing a new feature in the contact information screen, “Birthdat date.” (source)
• WhatsApp is testing a feature that will allow users to create a group chat from poll results. (source)
• WhatsApp has announced a new set of parental control tools to help parents better manage their kids experience in the app. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing a new Contacts tab on Android. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing a feature that lets users watch status updates at double speed on Android. (source)
• WhatsApp is rolling out the Liquid Glass design for the video player. (source)
• WhatsApp is rolling out a new alert for users on outdated versions of iOS or Android to help them update and protect their devices and accounts. (source)
• WhatsApp is working on adding Meta AI Studio on iOS. (source)
• WhatsApp is working on a new sound sticker format on Android. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing a new “Scheduled tasks” feature for Meta AI on iOS. (source).
• WhatsApp is testing a redesigned Settings tab on iOS. (source)
• WhatsApp has added a new feature for audio— and videocalls, “Guest Calling.”(source)
• WhatsApp is working on a call filtering feature on Android. (source)
• WhatsApp is working on a feature that will let users open links from the chat interface on iOS. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing a dynamic bottom navigation bar on Android. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing a redesigned chat bar for Android. (source)

October 2026 TikTok updates

• TikTok has added a new post sharing button in iOS, ”Viber.” (source)
• TikTok has added a new profile section on iOS, TikTok One Collabs. (source)
• TikTok has updated its Partner Program by dividing ad agencies into two distinct categories designed to better showcase their areas of expertise across the platform (source):
  • Agency Partner.
  • Premier Agency Partner.

• TikTok has announced new ad options at New York Advertising Week as follows (source):

  • Agentic Leads.
  • Buy Direct, an one-click, in-app checkout feature.
  • GMV Max enhancements.
  • Search Ads Campaign powered by Smart+.
  • Shopping Assistant.
  • Smart+ Creative Selection.
  • TikTok Ad Network (TTAN) expansion.
  • TikTok for Business MCP.
• TikTok has launched an enhanced user interface for “Memories.” (source)
• TikTok is working on a new “Campaign Reminder” feature that displays upcoming campaigns in a calendar, making it easier to track what’s next and manage campaign details. (source)
• TikTok is working on a new accessibility feature, currently identified in the code as “accessibilityLabels_tux_icon_flag_star_fill.” (source)
• TikTok has added a sidebar that gives users quick access to mini apps directly within the platform. (source)
• TikTok has launched its TikTok Plus subscription in Australia. (source)
• TikTok has added a new “Repost this comment” feature on iOS. (source)

October 2026 X (Twitter) updates

• X is working on a new design for X Calls on iOS. (source)
• X is working on a new design for the Grok tab on iOS. (source)
• X is working on a new design for the Grok tray on iOS. (source)
• X is working on a “Clipping” feature for longform videos on iOS. (source)
• X is working on a NBA Hub on iOS. (source)
• X is working on a NHL Hub on iOS. (source)
• X is working on four new subscriptions packages with access to Cursor, Grok AI and Grok Bot as follows (source):
  • XPass Premium.
  • XPass Plus.
  • XPass Super.
  • XPass Ultra.
• X is rolling out a new design for the X Spaces docked player on iOS. (source)
• X now allows X Premium users to link their Grok account. (source)
• X is working on a NBA Hub on Android. (source)
• X is testing a new “Clipping” feature for videos on Android. (source)
• X is testing a new “Screenshot” button in the share sheet menu on Android. (source)
• X has added a new AI-powered ad creation option called X Lift. (source)
• X has added a new “Call” for XChat on iOS. (source)
• X has introduced an unified subscription offering that brings together its social media features and AI-powered tools, including Grok and Cursor, under a single subscription structure called X Subscriptions. (source)
• X has launched a new in-app hub for MLB. (source)
• X is working on an “Offline Hub” feature on Android. (source)
• X is working on a dedicated “Live Streams” tab for profiles. (source)
• X is working on a “Edited on X” label for videos. (source)
• X is working on a Formula 1 hub on iOS. (source)
• X is working on Siri support for calls on iOS. (source)
• X is testing the ability to engage with quoted posts. (source)
• X has added a new feature for videos on desktop (web), “Copy link at current time.” (source)
• X has added a NBA hub on iOS. (source)
• X has added a Creator Academy section in the X Creators Studio. (source)
• X has introduced Video Kickstart Bonus, an invite-only program that rewards creators for sharing their video content on the platform. (source)

October 2026 LinkedIn updates

• LinkedIn is testing a new “Creator Discovery” feature within its Creator Marketplace, giving marketers additional search filters to more easily find the right creators for their campaigns. (source)
• LinkedIn is rolling out a new UI on Android and iOS. (source)
• LinkedIn is rolling out a new “Digital business card” feature that allows users to share their LinkedIn profile information via a scannable custom display. (source)
• LinkedIn is rolling out a new “Present” label to highlight users’ current job positions on their profiles. (source)

October 2026 Google updates

• Google is now showing three products in the “More products” grid within Google Search. (source)
• Google is now showing two rows of action buttons of the local panels within mobile search. (source)
• Google is now displaying the sponsored products search results block more like the organic products grid. (source)
• Google has added a new policy to the Google Business Profiles policy document, “Misuse of support channels.” (source)
• Google is testing a new “Target ROAS” calculator for Google Ads that helps advertisers determine an appropriate ROAS target based on their profit margin. (source)
• Google is testing in Google Ads a new billing interface with more clearly organized links for billing reports, transactions, payment methods and account budgets. (source)
• Google is testing a new Local Service Ads experience that hides business phone numbers until users hover over the ad or select “Get phone number.” (source)
• Google is testing a new AI-powered localization tool for Google Ads that can translate Search campaigns. (source)
• Google is now displaying the advertiser’s name within the click to call phone number call asset on the sponsored listings. (source)
• Google is expanding Loyalty Customer Match to AI Mode and Gemini. (source)
• Google is expanding Google Search Profiles to creators and publishers in India and Canada, with Brazil coming soon. (source)
• Google is giving advertisers a way to group eligible Video and Demand Gen campaigns through a new Video Campaign Groups feature. (source)
• Google is rolling out its Merchant Center Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) integration hub to U.S. merchants. (source)
• Google is rolling out a WhatsApp button in local business panels, allowing users to contact businesses directly through WhatsApp alongside options such as calls, directions and websites. (source)
• Google ow allows users to select multiple countries at once in Google Search Console’s Performance report. (source)
• Google will add support for dark mode in Google Search Console. (source)
• Google will begin identifying promotions, including coupons and deals, from websites and automatically adding them to eligible Search and Performance Max campaigns starting October 12. (source)
• Google is testing pharmaceutical product and prescription drug ads in AI Mode and AI Overviews in the US. (source)
• Google is testing a combined search terms and ad combinations report within Google Ads to show queries, ad copy, landing pages, and traffic sources together. (source)
• Google is testing in Google Ads AI-generated campaign goals and assets based on advertisers’ inputs. (source)
• Google is rolling out channel prioritization and budget allocation controls within Google Ads, allowing advertisers to prioritize channels and limit spending on lower-priority placements. (source)
• Google Ads has added a dedicated prediction markets policy section within Google Ads, outlining licensing, regulatory compliance, and advertising requirements. (source)
• Google has added dietary attributes to Business Profiles, allowing restaurants to highlight gluten-free, dairy-free, halal, and kosher menu options. (source)
• Google has added within Google Ads a new ad format named “Automotive model feeds” on search ads. (source)
• Google has launched its Universal Cart today in Google Search and Gemini within the United States. (source)
• Google plans to evolve its Google Discover feed into “a proactive, hyper-personalized experience” powered by AI while highlighting human perspectives. (source)
• Google is testing a redesigned local business knowledge panel that moves key information—including the business name, rating, description, and action buttons—to the top. (source)
• Google is testing Sponsored Products ads that display additional product attributes against a gray background. (source)
• Google is testing a subtle interface change that removes the horizontal dividing line beneath the Search navigation tabs. (source)
• Google is expanding its financial services verification program to more advertisers based in the United States and Canada. (source)
• Google has added in Google Ads a lead-scoring functionality to help advertisers qualify leads generated through lead forms. (source)
• Google has added in Google Ads a translation tool intended to help advertisers work with ad content in different languages. (source)
• Google is introducing in Google Ads a workflow for saving and testing changes to asset groups. (source)
• Google is introducing certification options for advertisers promoting online gambling. (source)
• Google has added in Google Merchant Center a way for brands to specify fast-shipping delivery days by country. (source)
• Google is requesting in some cases government-issued identification as part of business verification. (source)
• Google has updated its Smart Bidding learning documentation with a new seven-day limit and additional best practices, according to the article’s headline. (source)

October 2026 Google AI updates 

• Google is now showing the citation cards at the bottom of AI Overview responses on desktop. (source)
• Google has rolled out monitoring capabilities in AI Mode in Google Search globally for everyone. (source)
• Google is testing a new “Sitelinks” feature for ads shown in Google AI Mode. (source)
• Google is testing an “Add to Calendar” option within AI Overviews for event-related searches. (source)
• Google has introduced its new Nano Banana 2.1 image-generation and editing model in AI Mode. (source)
• Google is testing an AI Mode sidebar on the main Search results page to make AI conversations more accessible. (source)
• Google is rolling out Gemini 4 Argon in AI Mode globally for AI Pro and Ultra subscribers. (source)
• Google is testing within Google AI Mode the ability for users to designate preferred sources that can be prioritized in its citation experience. (source)

October 2026 YouTube updates

• YouTube is testing a new AI-powered feature for Shorts, ”Conversational Editing.” (source)
• YouTube is rolling out two new filters for ads on iOS, ”See too often” and ”Not too often.” (source)
• YouTube is testing on desktop (web) a layout that shifts comments and video details into a right-hand sidebar. (source)
• YouTube now allows users to play games as well during livestreams on mobile. (source)
• YouTube will add a new feature for YouTube Premium users, “Audiobooks.” (source)
• YouTube is widely testing the new homepage layout for videos that displays the “Like”, “Comment” and “Save” buttons on each one. (source)
• YouTube is rolling out support for GIFs in comments, allowing users to respond to videos with animated images. (source)
• YouTube has also added the “Likeness Detection” feature to the main menu of its mobile app. (source)
• YouTube has made its artificial intelligence-powered Ask YouTube search option available to all U.S. users. (source)
• YouTube is experimenting with AI-generated answers at the top of its search results. (source)
• YouTube has introduced a new security feature to help creators recover channels that have been hacked, “Temporary feature pause.” (source)

October 2026 YouTube Music updates

• YouTube is now labeling songs created with the help of AI. (source)

October 2026 Bluesky updates

• Bluesky is working on an automation label that will appear on profiles. (source)
• Bluesky has added new privacy & security options that let users prevent their posts from appearing in algorithmic recommendations and hide their account from logged-out users (source):
  • App passwords.
  • Allow users to be notified on your posts.
  • Ask apps and sites not to show my account to logged-out users.
  • Ask apps to hide my posts from algorithmic.
• Bluesky is testing a feature that lets creators add up to 10 links to their bio. (source)
• Bluesky plans to introduce payments in the coming months, allowing people to support creators, buy and sell things, and raise money through the social network. (source)

October 2026 Pinterest updates

• Pinterest now lets businesses turn eligible creator Pins into ads even without a pre-existing brand partnership. (source)
• Pinterest is testing a new screenshot prompt that offers two different layouts for sharing Pins to Instagram or Facebook Stories. (source)
• Pinterest has added a Barbie-themed experience in its “Restyle” option that allows users reimagine space in their homes decorated to resemble a Barbie DreamHouse. (source)

October 2026 Discord updates

• Discord is testing a new “Game Mode” feature for web browsers. (source)
• Discord has doubled the upload limit for Discord Nitro users from 500MB to 1GB. (source)
• Discord has added a new feature for all users, “Bookmarks.” (source)

October 2026 Apple Music updates

• Apple is working on a redesigned Apple Music app for Android with Liquid Glass elements. (source)
• Apple is working on a new “AI Labels” feature for Apple Music on Android. (source)

October 2026 Kick updates

• Kick has added a new “Schedule” tab for profiles on desktop (web). (source)

October 2026 Reddit updates

• Reddit is ending support for RSS feeds on November 13th. (source)
• Reddit has announced new ad options at New York Advertising Week as follows (source):
  • A new in-market audience segmentation.
  • Integrations with Bombora, Demandbase, Clay, G2, Octane 11, and Dreamdata.
  • HubSpot is now available in open beta for attribution and reporting, with Pixel and Conversions API support coming soon.
  • Max campaigns can now automatically optimise lead generation, creative rotation, and ad delivery.

• Reddit has added three new, AI-powered features for advertisers as follows (source):

  • A new campaign planner.
  • A new campaign optimization score.
  • A campaign budget optimization option.

October 2026 Snapchat updates

• Snapchat has added a Halloween-themed app icon. (source)
• Snapchat is working on new story insights, now showing views from followers and non-followers separately. (source)
• Snapchat is working on a new feature that lets users customize their Spotlight covers. (source)
• Snapchat is testing a new way to add location, time, and sound to Snaps directly from the text input box, with the option to add them as stickers. (source)

October 2026 Spotify updates

• Spotify is working on a dedicated “Cache Limit” feature on Android. (source)
• Spotify will expand audiobooks to more than 180 markets by the end of this year. (source)
• Substack now allows content creators to tag other chat participants by using their Substack handle in a chat thread. (source)
• Substack is introducing Sponsorships as a new revenue stream for podcasters on its platform with the following options (source):
  • An ad-free community for your biggest fans.
  • An option to fill ad breaks through sponsorship marketplaces.
  • Dynamic sponsorships across the podcast catalog.

October 2026 Tinder updates

• Tinder has added a new feature for its users, “Group hangouts.” (source)

October 2026 Substack updates

• Substack has updated its podcast analytics, with downloads now following IAB Tech Lab industry standards. (source)
• Substack is giving users more control over its algorithm with the following features (source):
  • Feed controls for video, audio, and long-form content.
  • The ability to adjust how much community discussion appears in their feeds.
  • The ability to mute specific keywords and temporarily reduce the visibility of unwanted topics.
• Substack now allows content creators to tag other chat participants by using their Substack handle in a chat thread. (source)
• Substack is introducing Sponsorships as a new revenue stream for podcasters on its platform with the following options (source):
  • An ad-free community for your biggest fans.
  • An option to fill ad breaks through sponsorship marketplaces.
  • Dynamic sponsorships across the podcast catalog.

October 2026 Twitch updates

• Twitch is now recommending random streamers in the “Notifications” section. (source)
• Twitch has added a new stream event, “Birthday celebration.” (source)
• Twitch has added a new way for viewers to catch up on streams they missed through a new “Stream Recaps” feature. (source)