(April 24) The Latest 2026 social media news

April 2026 Meta (Ads) updates

• Meta has expanded the beta availability of Meta AI business assistant in Meta Ads Manager to all advertisers and ad agencies worldwide. (source)
• Meta has announced two updates for Meta Pixel and Conversions API:
  • An AI-powered set-up for Meta Pixel.
  • A one-click solution to set Meta Conversion API that requires zero technical skills, no costs, and no maintenance. (source)
• 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 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 testing a new app menu view that replaces the grid layout with a list view. (source)
• Facebook is now labeling ads run by China state-controlled media outside the U.S. as well. (source)

April 2026 Facebook Messenger updates

• Facebook is testing a new “Moments” feature on Facebook Messenger’s Android app. (source)
• Facebook added a new “Facebook Dating” shortcut in the Facebook Messenger’s main menu. (source)

April 2026 Instagram updates

• Instagram could add a built-in “Voice-over” feature for stories. (source)
• Instagram is testing on iOS two new filters for private messages shown in the “Requests” section, “Most followers” and “Most recent.” (source)
• Instagram now allows users to control media sound levels on desktop (web). (source)
• Instagram now allows users to quickly add another profile banner without having to tap on the “Edit profile.” (source)
• Instagram has updated the “Branded Content” settings with two new options under a new “Creator Marketplace” section:
  • Creator Marketplace settings.
  • Unlock more features on desktop. (source)

• Instagram has added two new options to the profile action menu for creators who have opted into the Creator Marketplace:
  • View Portfolio.
  • Save to Creator List.  (source)

• Instagram has updated profile banners with a new design that makes them more visible. (source)
• Instagram has added a new way to start a Blend or share a post directly from suggested posts within a shared message. (source)
• Instagram is rolling out an updated UI for the “Insights” section. (source)
• Instagram is working on a feature that will allow users to cross-post Story highlights to Facebook. (source)
• Instagram is now available as a native app on Android-powered tablets. (source)
• Instagram has expanded the “Your algorithm” feature in the “Explore” tab. (source)
• Instagram is grouping “Also from Meta” shortcuts into a new menu to house additional shortcuts. (source)
• Instagram is limiting the number of trial Reels users can post for up to 30 days. (source)
• 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 a new “Teleprompter” feature to the main app 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 is testing on Instagram Edit’s iOS app a new “Related topic” tag for reels shown in the “Inspiration” tab. (source)
• Instagram added new features for its Instagram Edits users:
  • Adjust video color.
  • Find and replace caption transcript.
  • Highlight specific words.
  • Pin key projects.
  • Save fonts and text styles. (source)
• Instagram has launched a beta testing program for Instagram Edits’ iOS app as well. (TestFlight Link)
• Instagram has added four new features for Instagram Edits users as follows:
  • A new font, Dhurandhar The Revenge.
  • A new AI-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 will allow you to generate private summaries of your unread chats. (source)
• WhatsApp is working on a feature that will offer Android users more control over the messages they receive from business accounts. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing out a feature that will allow you to quickly create and copy stickers from images. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing an optional plan called WhatsApp Plus that offers new features for users who want a more personalized messaging experience. Full list of features:
  • Change your app’s theme.
  • Choose a custom app icon.
  • Get premium ringtones.
  • Pin extra chats.
  • Send premium stickers.
  • Upgrade your chat lists. (source)

• WhatsApp will no longer let users create new avatars. (source)
• WhatsApp is working on real-time linked device activity. (source)
• WhatsApp is testing chat themes with 49 color options on desktop (web). (source)
• WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that will allow you to add new members to group chats from the mention picker. (source)
• 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 rolling out a feature that lets users share their recent views count on their profile. (source)
• Threads has announced a new “Live Chat” feature for Threads Communities, but it’s currently being tested exclusively in the NBA Threads community. (source)
• Threads has announced a new feature for its users, “Live Chat.” (source)
• Threads now has a “Fullscreen” button for horizontal videos on iOS. (source)
• Threads is set to introduce private messaging on desktop (web) as well. (source)
• 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 is testing a new comment filter for post comments on iOS, “With media.” (source)
• TikTok added ByteDance’s Seedance 2.0 AI model to TikTok Symphony ad suite. (source)
• TikTok added a new privacy setting on iOS, “Allow AI to remix content.” (source)
• 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 will remove the X Community feature on May 30th. (source)
• X has added three features for X Premium and Premium+ users on iOS:
  • An improved “Cashtags” feature. (source)
  • Custom Timelines powered by Grok. (source)
  • The ability to snooze certain topics and videos in the “For you” timeline. (source)
• X now displays posts with 2+ images and clips in a “Carousel” layout on iOS. (source)
• X launched a new design for “Video” section available for each profile on iOS. (source)
• X added a new “Shared media” feature for private conversations on iOS. (source)
• X has expanded globally the ability to snooze specific topics in the “For you” timeline. (source)
• X has added the following updates to the “Cashtags” feature:
  • Live data (price) for stocks and crypto.
  • Stock suggestions in the post composer. (source)
• X will launch a standalone app for X Chat on April 25th. (source)
• X added a new “Groupchat Links” feature for X Chat. (source)
• X is rolling out a new photo editor on iOS. (source)

April 2026 LinkedIn updates

• LinkedIn now allows LinkedIn Premium users based in the US to test various AI models on a new platform called LinkedIn Crosscheck. (source)
• LinkedIn will launch an “AI-labor marketplace.” (source)
• LinkedIn is testing an “automatic captioning” feature for videos that duplicates the post’s description in a light blue stripe on iOS. (source)
• LinkedIn has expanded its AI-powered conversational search tools worldwide and to all users. (source)
• 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 has expanded the “Likeness” detection feature to actors, athletes, creators, musicians, and other celebrities. (source)
• YouTube has partnered with SiriusXM to handle audio ads for podcasts, music, and other “audio-first” content in the US. (source)
• YouTube added a new “Short feed timer” feature that will allow you to set a daily time limit for watching Shorts. (source)
• YouTube now allows users to set a 0-minute Shorts limit, effectively removing Shorts from home feed. (source).
• YouTube added a new AI-powered feature for shorts editing, “Reimagine.” (source)
• YouTube added four new features for livestreams as follows:
  • “Gifts” are now available for horizontal livestreams.
  • Personal ad-free windows for each fan that shows support with a Super Chat, Super Stickers, or gift purchase.
  • Streamers can now go live in both vertical and horizontal formats at the same time.
  • YouTube will automatically hold back ads for everyone when Live Chat engagement is at its peak. (source)
• 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 added new enhancements for photos uploaded on the platform as follows:
  • A new limit for file size, 2MB.
  • A new upload resolution for images, 4000×4000.
  • Photo carousels. (source)
• 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 added a new “Place loyalty” feature for Snapchat Map locations. (source).
• Snapchat is now showing when your Buddy Pass free invites will be refilled. (source)
• 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)