(April 7) The Latest 2026 social media news

April 2026 Meta (Ads) updates

• Meta announced new ad and discovery updates at IAB Newsfront as follows: :
  • A new UI for Partnership Ads Hub.
  • A “Target audience” filter in Facebook Creator Marketplace and Instagram Creator Marketplace.
  • Reels trending ads are now available for content lineups aligned with major events such as Fashion Week, F1, Black Friday and NFL.
  • AI-powered powered features: AI-generated voiceovers and AI-translation features for voiceovers. (source)

April 2026 Meta (Misc) updates

• Meta Business Suite app now supports inviting collaborators for your Instagram Reels. (source)
• Meta Business Suite now supports photo stickers in the Story builder. (source)

April 2026 Facebook updates

• Facebook is now labeling ads run by China state-controlled media outside the U.S. as well. (source)

April 2026 Instagram updates

• Instagram is testing with users based in Japan, Mexico and the Philippines a new paid subscription called Instagram Plus that has the following features (source):
  • Create multiple story audiences.
  • Get story rewatch insights.
  • Search your story viewer list.
  • Extend your story’s expiration.
  • Send super hearts to stories.
  • Preview stories.
  • Spotlight your story.

• Instagram has a new splash screen that reminds beta testers to update the app for new features and other improvements. (source)
• Instagram has added on the main app a new “Teleprompter” feature for Reels on iOS. (source)
• Instagram has added a new action for chat groups. You can now press and hold on a group chat to see who’s in the chat. (source)

• Instagram is migrating to a black and white color scheme for buttons. (source)

April 2026 Instagram Edits updates

• Instagram has launched a beta testing program for Instagram Edits’s iOS app as well. (TestFlight Link)
• Instagram has added four new features for lnstagram Edits users as follows:
  • A new font, Dhurandhar The Revenge.
  • A new Al-powered feature for editing fonts, “Al Style.”
  • The ability to fine tune the position, the scale and the rotation of video assets (sounds, stickers, texts, overlays).
  • The ability to create complex templates. (source)

April 2026 WhatsApp updates

• WhatsApp is working on a feature that lets users see a list of which of their contacts are currently online. (source)
• WhatsApp is working on a feature that lets users summarize multiple unread chats. (source)
• WhatsApp is working on a feature that lets users create custom audiences for status updates. (source)
• WhatsApp is working on a premium feature that unifies chat settings within a list. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing a feature that replaces blank profiles (without profile photo) with photos from the address book. (source)
• WhatsApp announced new features for its users as follows:
  • A “chat transfer” feature from iOS to Android.
  • AI-powered writing tools.
  • Multiple accounts (two accounts per device),
  • Smart Storage.
  • Photo touch-ups with Meta AI.
  • Stickers Update: You can swap an emoji for a sticker. (source)
• WhatsApp will bring its messaging experience to Apple CarPlay OS as well. (source)

April 2026 Threads updates

• Threads is testing a custom feed that returns you to the posts you last viewed when reopening the app. (source)
• Threads has added two new reply filters on iOS, “Top” and “All.” (source)
• Threads is displaying in search the number of recent posts added by an account. (source)

April 2026 TikTok updates

• TikTok tests in-app games for TikTok DMs. (source)
• TikTok now has an “Archive” feature for stories and thoughts. (source)

April 2026 X (Twitter) updates

• X is rolling out a new photo editor on iOS. (source)

April 2026 LinkedIn updates

• LinkedIn will no longer allow real-time livestreams starting June 22. (source)

April 2026 Google updates

• Google is rolling out a new feature for Ads Performance Max campaigns, “Asset group theming.” (source)
• Google is sending out emails with updates on how Google Business Profiles may verify your business details via a text message or a call. (source)

April 2026 YouTube updates

• YouTube now allows users to like video comments in bulk with a new feature added in YouTube Studio (mobile), “Comments to heart.” (source)
• YouTube is also rolling out live stream Gifts and Jewels to six new countries: Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Taiwan and Thailand. (source)
• YouTube also announced that more content creators will have access to its web-based Effect Maker platform. (source)
• YouTube expanded its conversational AI tool to all smart TVs. (source)

April 2026 Bluesky updates

• Bluesky has launched an AI assistant called Attie that allows users to design their own social media algorithms and create custom feeds. (source)

April 2026 Mastodon updates

• Mastodon it’s redesigning a key part of its platform with a new look for profiles. (source)

April 2026 Snapchat updates

• Snapchat is testing a new feature with Snapchat Plus subscribers called “Your Questions to My AI.” (source)
• Snapchat has added several app icons for Plus subscribers themed around spring and Easter. (source)
• Snapchat has expanded its Creator Subscriptions program to all eligible users worldwide. (source)