Scroll, Shop, Socialize: From Threads to TikTok, This Week in Bytes

5 Things You Need To Know

Threads Launches Desktop Version 🖥️

As traffic on Threads continues to decline, Meta announced it’s launching a version of its X alternative that can be used on web browsers. This latest update was announced this past Tuesday by chief executive Mark Zuckerberg with a photo of his younger self in his dorm posted on Threads. Is this the move that saves Threads, or just keeps social media teams content? 

Instagram Crams 4 Ads On One Screen 

Instagram is testing a new ad layout that places four sponsored posts on screen simultaneously. It’s reported that sponsored posts from different businesses will be grouped together based on recent interest in related products and/or services. The new layout will be displayed between Reels videos and advertisers will be able to disable this feature by opting out in their settings.

Blank News Articles on ❌

News articles posted to X will no longer display headlines or text in the latest overhaul to the platform formerly known as Twitter. In an effort to “greatly improve the esthetics” of the platform, only the lead image will be visible when a link to an article is tweeted, encouraging users to add their own context. Musk did not confirm when the change will take effect.

Chronological Feed for Meta Users in Europe 

Meta is adding a chronological feed for Reels and Stories in Europe in an effort to comply with the EU’s Digital Services Act. Users in Europe will also receive additional options to opt out of Meta’s recommendation algorithms such as a follower-only feed and more strict search results.

TikTok Search Ads 💰 

Advertisers on TikTok will now have the ability to place ads alongside organic content that appears in search results. The new feature, dubbed the “Search Ads Toggle,” leverages advertisers’ existing in-feed ad creative with the ultimate goal of extending the reach of campaigns. Advertisers will have the ability to turn off this ad placement.

Moe*-ment of the Week

*moment of excellence

#TikTokMadeMeBuyIt

TikTok is open for business. TikTok Shop, which rolled out widely in the U.S. this month, enables users to purchase products in just clicks from the comfort of your For You feed. The video-based app is seeking to sell more than $20B (yes, billions) in products by the end of the year to challenge e-commerce platforms. Have you seen a shift in your FYP?