36 Latest Digital Marketing Updates July 2024

Greetings, my dear views and followers; this is Sorav Jain with the Latest Digital Marketing Updates July 2024. We are seeing some major developments across platforms that both influencers and brands need to know about. 

Let’s begin with YouTube, the king of videos. YouTube has added a new save option for music found in Shorts, and Meta is expanding its Reels overlay ads to more advertisers. Meanwhile, Threads is testing a reshare feature that properly credits creators. 

Guess what? WhatsApp may soon launch an AI-powered selfie generator tool. Finally, Threads is celebrating its first anniversary by reaching 175 million users. Get ready for all the updates in this post breaking down these trends. Let’s kick in!

1. Threads Share Usage Insights To Mark The Year’s Anniversary

Threads is celebrating its first anniversary with new features and insights into app usage, now boasting over 175 million monthly active users.  Threads has added party hats to profile images to mark the occasion and introduced alternative app icons. Additionally, sharing a post with the “One Year of Threads” tag this week will trigger a confetti effect, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.  Enthusiastic users are embracing these updates by updating their profile pictures to match the party theme. These birthday elements will be available for a limited time.  Threads also released new user data from a Wakefield Research survey of 2,000 U.S. users, offering fresh insights into app engagement.

2. Threads Reach 175 Million Users On The First Anniversary

Threads, a text-based social programme designed to attract individuals unsatisfied with Elon Musk’s X project, has emerged as a significant participant in the social media market. Threads used Instagram to build its audience, which is now prospering independently.

Is Threads a legitimate rival to X? Can it replace real-time conversational engagement? Can it become Meta’s envisioned billion-user app?

Threads’ first-year performance data is inconsistent, but the groundwork is laid for potential development, particularly if X falters. Threads first responded to Musk’s contentious reforms at Twitter/X, which included massive layoffs, loosened moderating, paid checkmarks, and more. Musk’s polarising presence on X, with his regular posts sent to nearly all users, has driven some away, benefiting Threads.

The future of Threads depends on its ability to capitalize on these dynamics and expand its user base.

3. WhatsApp is Testing An AI Selfie Generator Tool

Meta is developing a new AI tool for WhatsApp called “Imagine Me.” This program uses language prompts to produce AI-powered variants of users’ profile images.

To utilise the functionality, submit one or more selfies and type “Imagine me…” followed by the chosen setting. Depending on your description, the AI will create a fanciful environment for your profile image.

4. YouTube Expands Channel @Handles To 75 Languages

YouTube is increasing its @handles feature, introduced in 2022, to 75 additional languages, allowing more producers to use this brief channel listing.

YouTube Channel Handles

As indicated in the image, @handles are now available in 75 languages, which improves channel advertising.

YouTube states:

“Creators and spectators can personalise their unique handles in their language. Handles are displayed on YouTube, Shorts, and in comments, so select one that matches your public identity.”

Your @handle is unique to your channel and functions similarly to Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram handles. It also serves as a unique channel URL, which provides additional branding opportunities.

This extension enables producers in additional regions to develop a distinct presence and select @handles that resonate with their target audience.

Additionally, YouTube has launched a new function, YouTube Studio, to provide easier access to critical insights into shopping performance.

5. Meta Switches AI Labels From ‘Made With AI’ To ‘AI Info’ Tag

Meta is updating its “Made with AI” labels to “AI Info” to reduce confusion about what the tags signify. Some Facebook and Instagram users were unhappy with their uploads being tagged as “Made with AI” when they only used digital tools for minor retouching.

Meta AI Label Example

When AI tools are detected in an image or indicated by the user, the tag will say “AI Info.” Tapping it will provide an overview of how AI might have been used.

Meta explained:

“Our labels didn’t always align with people’s expectations and lacked context. Some content with minor AI modifications was labelled ‘Made with AI.’ To improve this, we’re updating the label to ‘AI Info’ across our apps, which users can click for more details.”

This change aims to prevent users from being unfairly criticized for posting AI content when they’ve only applied minor retouches, which is particularly important for artists and photographers.

This adjustment reflects the evolving AI landscape and the need to define AI’s role in visual creation clearly. As AI-generated content becomes more common, distinguishing between human and machine contributions might become less relevant. However, there is currently a need to define AI’s actual contribution better to ensure clarity and trust.

6. EU Commission Says Meta’s Ad-Free Subscription Offering Violates DMA

Meta’s proposal to provide EU customers with an ad-free subscription option to comply with developing EU legislation may result in substantial penalties. The EU Commission decided that Meta’s ad-free subscription, launched in November for €9.99 per month, did not comply with the Digital Markets Act. The DMA intends to give European social media users greater control over their personal information.

Although the subscription allows users to opt out of adverts and data tracking, privacy advocates claim it weakens GDPR safeguards against “data capitalism.” The European Data Protection Board initiated an inquiry, concluding that Meta violates the DMA. Meta could face fines of up to 10% of its worldwide turnover if upheld.

7. Google Search Tests The Top Quality Store Badge Near The Site Name

Google is testing a new placement for the top-quality store badge and icon in mobile search results. The badge and icon will now appear next to the site name at the top of the snippet instead of at the bottom.

8. Google Search Tests Long Search Bar Variations

Google is experimenting with a more extended search bar, allowing users to input lengthier searches. They are also experimenting with the search bar in grey and other colour options.

9. Google Local Service Ads Now On Mobile Local Business Finder

Google Search now displays Local Service Ads (LSAs) directly in the mobile edition of its local business finder interface. While LSAs have previously been available in Google Maps for iOS, they are also available in this search experience.

10. Facebook Tests’ Clear Mode’ For Uncluttered Reels Viewing

Facebook is testing a new feature called “Clear Mode” for its Reels, which offers users a cleaner viewing experience by hiding descriptions and UI buttons. This option, showcased in screenshots by researcher Radu Oncescu, allows users to activate Clear Mode by long-pressing on the screen. 

It aims to make Reels more enjoyable to watch without the distraction of on-screen text and function buttons, which is especially beneficial for viewing clips with obscured elements.  

Similar functionality has been in testing on Instagram (IG) for several months under Meta, though it has yet to behasn’t widely rolled out. Facebook’s iteration of Clear Mode appears to follow behind IG’s timeline for release. TikTok has offered a similar feature for years, enabling users to remove UI and text descriptions by long-pressing on individual videos. 

However, this feature resets with each new video swipe, reinstating UI elements.

11. Meta Lowers Age Limits For VR Social Experiences

Meta has announced intentions to add chat and phone functions to VR for 10-12-year-olds, allowing kids to communicate with parent-approved connections. This effort will enable young people to participate in virtual experiences like the Apollo space missions, explore gorgeous locations like Mt. Cook in New Zealand, create groups, and play games in controlled surroundings. While Meta has improved these capabilities with parental control tools and stringent age verification methods, the move highlights continued concerns about the impact of social media interactions on young people.

12. Youtube Tests The ‘Add Yours’ Sticker For Shorts

YouTube is testing a new feature for Shorts that mimics Instagram’s “Add Yours” sticker, which itself was borrowed from TikTok’s Duet option. While originality seems undervalued here, platforms still encourage creators to produce unique content.

Currently in limited testing, YouTube’s version of the “Add Yours” sticker functions similarly to Instagram’s. It allows creators to prompt viewer participation by posing challenges or questions. Here’s how it works:

Creators involved in the experiment can use the “Add Yours” sticker from the sticker picker after recording a Short. They can then type in a prompt to encourage viewers to respond.

Viewers can then add their responses to the prompt, fostering interactive engagement.

This strategy, popularized by TikTok, aims to boost user interaction and content creation. 

TikTok’s success demonstrates its ability to engage users through participatory trends.

Unlike TikTok, YouTube and Instagram users are typically less inclined to create content themselves. However, direct prompts like this could encourage more viewers to participate, sparking new trends.

While somewhat derivative, this approach could reshape engagement dynamics on YouTube Shorts.

13. YouTube Adds New Creative Options For Shorts

YouTube is rolling out changes to Shorts, expanding users’ creative options. One major innovation is Android’s auto layout, which simplifies the conversion of more extensive videos into Shorts. This function adjusts the field of view to focus on the main subject, optimising content for Shorts’ vertical format. Additionally, YouTube released a text-to-speech function inspired by TikTok that allows for automated video narration. These upgrades aim to improve customisation and usability, particularly for creators looking to expand their Shorts content.

14. LinkedIn Expands Access To Its Automated “Accelerate” Campaigns

LinkedIn is increasing access to its automated “Accelerate” initiatives, which use AI to speed the entire campaign production process. Accelerate, first tested in October last year, analyses campaign URLs and a company’s LinkedIn presence to identify the best campaign ideas.

According to LinkedIn:

“With Accelerate, you can set up a comprehensive campaign and receive automatic optimisations to effectively engage the right B2B audience with compelling creatives, all within five minutes.”

This functionality enables LinkedIn’s AI to create campaigns from start to end with minimum input. It includes Microsoft Designer for creative components and received tremendous response from early testing with select partners. LinkedIn is now rolling out Accelerate internationally to all marketers in English, along with additional capabilities for incorporating customer data and exclusion lists into the campaign targeting. 

15. Whatsapp Introduces New Safety Measures For Group Chats

WhatsApp’s new context cards improve transparency for group invitations. These cards will now display who added you to a group, who created it when it was made, and a description (if one exists). This update intends to assist users in avoiding spam or undesirable groups created by unknown individuals. It’s part of WhatsApp’s efforts to improve group safety, including new reporting capabilities for user security.

WhatsApp’s emphasis on private group conversation has improved user engagement, particularly among Western users who value the app’s encrypted messaging security.

16. Google Maps Adds Stop Advertisements

Anthony Higman was driving using Google Maps when a new ad format appeared. As he was heading to his destination, a Royal Farms ad suggested he “Add stop” at a nearby gas station. Higman shared his surprise on X, noting he hadn’t searched for gas or food, yet the ad was displayed along his route.

17. Google Tests Country Labels In Search Result Snippets

Google is testing a new feature that shows a country label next to search results to indicate where the website operates. In a screenshot shared by Marguerite Smal and later reshared by Top Click Media on X, Google displayed a “South African” label alongside the country flag and name at the top of the search result snippet next to the site’s name.

18. Bing Search Tests Labelling Images With Nutrition Details

Bing is experimenting with a new feature in its search results that adds nutritional information to images. This includes labelling food items with descriptors like “high calcium,” “lean protein,” “anti-inflammatory,” and others. Khushal Bherwani discovered this update and shared several examples on X showcasing how these labels appear alongside images in Bing’s search results.

19. Threads Is Testing A Media Reshare Option That Credits Creators

Meta is exploring a new feature on Threads to combat content theft: a “Use media” option that allows users to reshare images and videos with proper credit to the original poster. This feature encourages a more respectful approach to sharing content, fostering a more robust creator ecosystem. 

While it may not prevent all instances of unauthorized reposting, it provides a straightforward alternative that promotes transparency and acknowledges creators. This initiative aligns with Instagram’s recent efforts to prioritize crediting original content and supporting its creator community.

20. Meta Plans To Allow New Studies Into Instagram’s Impact On Teens

After years of divisive discussions and denials on the platform’s effects, Meta will launch a pilot programme that will enable academics to carry out thorough studies on Instagram’s impact on teenage users.

The programme, as reported by The Atlantic, seeks to compile information on how teens’ use of social media is influenced by various global areas. 

Meta will accept up to seven research ideas focusing on particular topics, including examining regional differences in the effects of social media. Selected usage data, such as follower counts and usage trends, will be made available to approved academics; however, sensitive data, including user profiles and post-specific characteristics, will continue to be prohibited. 

By making this change, Meta is attempting to offer a more in-depth analysis of Instagram usage and maybe validate or disprove reports concerning its adverse effects on teenagers.

21. X Will Allow Users To Request A Community Note On Posts

X is expanding its Community Notes feature by adding a new feature enabling users to request notes on postings they believe contain questionable assertions. This feature can be used through the desktop post menu, “Request Community Note.” 

If X says a user thinks a post might benefit from a Community Note, they can make the request themselves. Contributors to Community Notes receive an alert and can propose a note after a sufficient number of requests are made. 

This project hopes to enhance the current Community Notes system by enabling non-contributing X users to indicate postings that might need more explanation. 

Users must also have a confirmed phone number associated with their profile, which is a prerequisite for X Premium subscriptions. This update could strengthen efforts to combat misinformation on the platform by encouraging proactive user engagement in flagging content that warrants scrutiny.

22. Google Expands ‘Emoji Kitchen’ For World Emoji Day

Google has revealed a new feature coming to YouTube Shorts and enlarged its Emoji Kitchen platform in honour of World Emoji Day. Emoji Kitchen—first released in 2020 for Android smartphones—now works with Google Search, enabling users to construct original emoji concatenations inside the search engine.

Google claims that customers must enter “emoji kitchen” into the search bar and select “Get cooking.” This will display a pop-up with two tabs: “explore,” which allows users to examine how a single emoji pairs with other emojis, and “combine,” where any two emoji can be blended into a new hybrid emoji. Users can also look through pre-existing “recipes” to get ideas.

In addition to this Search integration, Google announced that YouTube Shorts will soon feature an emoji mash-up effect, enhancing the creative options available to users on the video platform.

These updates are designed to provide a fun and interactive way for people to celebrate World Emoji Day by unleashing their creativity through playful emoji combinations and sharing them across platforms.

23. Meta Expands Reels Overlay Ads To More Brands

Meta introduces a new advertising type called Reels overlay ads within its rapidly expanding Reels content section. These advertisements, which come in single or carousel formats, will be shown prominently on-screen with prominent calls-to-action (CTA). According to Meta, these advertisements are either videos placed between Reel clips or banners on Reel videos first seen at NewFronts in May.

This action takes advantage of Reels’ enormous popularity, which currently generates 200 billion views daily on Facebook and Instagram. Meta is repositioning itself as an entertainment hub instead of just a social network, with its algorithm driving engagement through suggested Reels content. This change emphasises how businesses can use Reels to resonate with a captive audience through intriguing promos.

24. YouTube is Developing Thumb Frame Customization For Short Clips

YouTube has made it clear that unique thumbnails for Short clips will not be introduced at this moment. Rather, the platform is creating a comparable solution to improve creator possibilities. YouTubers may design unique header pictures for their videos with custom thumbnails, essential for drawing in viewers.

CustomizationAccording to YouTube, customization options are still significant, even though custom thumbnails are not considered vital for Shorts because the majority of viewers encounter them within the Shorts feed. To optimize visual attractiveness, YouTube is now evaluating features that let authors adjust their Short “thumb frame” after uploading and investigating text insertion and filters.

In other words, YouTube is developing methods that give creators the same flexibility and customization as traditional thumbnails, even though direct custom thumbnail uploads won’t be possible.

25. Google Search Continues Tests With Highlighted Snippets And Light Backgrounds

Google Search is experimenting with different formatting options for its search result snippets. Users have recently noticed that Google is exploring the usage of blue highlighting for phrases related to their search results rather than bolding them. 

Furthermore, there is ongoing testing wherein a light background colour is applied to specific terms in search result snippets. With these modifications, the user experience and engagement with search results may be improved by making pertinent terms more noticeable and distinct within the snippets.

26. Google Search Tests A “Back To Ai Overview” Button

Google Search is experimenting with a feature that allows users to return to the AI Overview section after scrolling past it. Once a searcher has moved past the AI Overview to view regular search results, a button labelled “Overview” appears. Clicking this button takes users to the AI Overview section they initially scrolled past. This feature is designed to make it easier for users to navigate and revisit important information at the top of their search results page.

27. Google Tests Renaming Short Videos To “Quick Takes”

Google is currently experimenting with renaming the short video carousels in its search results as “Quick Takes.” These quick videos are snippets sourced from platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and others, which Google showcases directly within search results. The proposed change aims to provide a more precise and descriptive label for these brief video highlights featured on the search engine.

28. X Is Testing An Option To Block Links In Your Post Replies

X is taking considerable steps to keep users on its platform, including limiting the reach of articles containing external links, changing link previews, and offering native long-form posts. It’s now testing a new feature geared at creators: restricting links in post replies.

Nima Owji, an app researcher, provided an image of this experimental feature, which prevents other users from adding links to their responses. This keeps debates centred on X rather than sending users to other websites.

Pros: This feature prevents spammers from publishing unrelated links, such as cryptocurrency schemes, particularly in popular postings.

Cons: It may limit discourse by restricting people from providing links contradicting the original assertion. However, X thinks that Community Notes could meet this demand.

This feature could be beneficial, especially for high-profile users looking to reduce spam and enhance engagement. Users can enable it per-post basis, providing flexibility while maintaining a focused discussion.

29. Threads Improves Pinch To Merge Images Option

Threads has added a new feature that allows users to compress and merge posted photographs within the stream. This functionality is available on iOS and Android devices, despite original rumours that it was limited to iOS.

While a tiny enhancement, this interactive feature improves the overall Threads experience. Users have been interacting with this feature, increasing interest and activity on the application.

Threads is now taking things a step further. When you pinch two photographs together, they will eventually blend into a single image. This upgrade provides more creative possibilities for your postings.

To explore this feature, ensure you have the most recent app version. The increased merging feature will be available shortly.

30. Threads Is Developing An Easier Way To Access Likes And Saved Posts

In May, app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi discovered a back-end code element on Threads referring to a section called “Your Feeds.”

This “Your Feeds” section would enable users to easily access different elements of the app, including the main “Following” feed, a list of saved posts, liked posts, and more. Some users speculated that this could lead to variable feed algorithms, allowing for a customizable in-app experience or alternate feeds based on different user groups.

However, the Threads team clarified that it is another way to access these elements, though they are still working on it.

Radu Oncescu shared new screenshots showing that Threads is continuing to develop the U.I. for these alternate “feeds,” which currently only provide access to liked and saved posts. This feature could offer further customization for Threads users.

On the desktop version of the app, you can already set up streams of liked and saved posts, along with “For You,” “Following,” “Search” strings, “Your Activity,” and your profile. The in-app “Your Feeds” display mirrors this setup, and Threads may eventually implement list functionality, offering more ways to interact with different topics and potentially custom algorithmic timelines.

31. X Has Added A New Setting To Opt Out Of It Using Your Data To Train Grok

Last week, X quietly added a new feature to your account preferences, allowing X to use your posts and activities to train its Grok A.I. chatbot.

X has automatically enabled this setting for all users, allowing it to use your postings and interactions with Grok to enhance the system. This data may also be shared with xAI, a technically third-party company that may operate outside of the initial user agreement.

X has been open about using public posts to train Grok, aiming to create a more current and informed chatbot than its competitors. Elon Musk has emphasised Grok’s better timeliness and absence of restriction, portraying it as a leading example of A.I. development.

32. Whatsapp Reaches 100m U.S. Users

While WhatsApp has long been the biggest messaging platform globally, it hasn’t been a significant focus in the U.S., where platforms like Messenger have been more prevalent until now.

WhatsApp recently announced it has reached 100 million users in the United States.

As per WhatsApp:

“It’s been a long time since we’ve written about WhatsApp’s momentum, and today, we have some exciting news to share. As of this month, WhatsApp now has 100 million users in the United States. This milestone has been a long time coming, and it proves that WhatsApp is the solution to the cross-platform divide in America. Whether you have an iPhone or Android, people want private and secure messaging that works well for everyone, and that’s what we do best.”

Although Messenger still leads with nearly 200 million active U.S. users, WhatsApp has gained traction as more people seek enhanced privacy and secure messaging.

This trend reflects a broader shift toward exclusive, intimate messaging chats with friends rather than public social media updates. The permanence of social media posts and the angst and arguments in the comments have led many to prefer private conversations. 

Coupled with growing concerns about data privacy, this has driven a steady increase in WhatsApp downloads.

33. Youtube Adds An Option To Save Music From Shorts

YouTube now allows artists to store music directly from the Shorts feed, making it easier to reuse Shorts audio across many applications.

You may “Save Music” from the Shorts U.I. and save the audio to your preferred sounds folder. Previously, artists had to employ a workaround to store Shorts’ music, but this new capability makes the process easier and encourages greater engagement with music snippets from Shorts’ content.

This update attempts to improve music discovery and offer creators new options to create content based on audio cues. Given the importance of music to TikTok’s success, YouTube is also focusing on it, adding music remix options for Shorts earlier this year.

34. Bing Tests Related Searches At The Top – Below The Search Bar

Bing is experimenting with a new style in which related queries appear at the top of the search results page, below the search field. These linked searches are the same as those previously discovered at the bottom but are presented in a different format at the top.

35. Google Testing Save Button For A.I. Overviews

Google is testing a new feature that allows users to save A.I. Overviews to their Google Interests list. You may notice a “Save” button at the bottom of A.I. Overviews if enrolled in Google Labs. This option saves the overview and search to your “Interests” list.

Glenn Gabe found this functionality and offered samples on X. He wrote, “A.I. Overviews Update: In labs, I discovered the possibility to SAVE my A.I. overviews. This button stores A.I. overviews to a private collection within the Google Search App. After saving, a notice acknowledges the activity and the collection can be accessed as any other app.

36. Google Gemini Adds Related Content & Verification Links

Google has announced a significant update to Gemini (previously Bard), which includes more links to related content and sources to validate its responses. The update aims to “reduce hallucinations and make it easier to explore websites for further learning.” Currently, this option is accessible for English prompts in a few countries, but it may not always display.

To get extra information, click on the chip at the end of a paragraph in Gemini’s responses, which will take you to websites where you can learn more about the issue.