WhatsApp introduces Strict Account Settings, a lockdown mode enhancing security for users facing sophisticated cyber threats like journalists and public figures. This feature locks accounts to restrictive settings, blocking unknown attachments, silencing unknown calls, and limiting app functions. It can be enabled via Privacy > Advanced in WhatsApp settings and will roll out soon to bolster protection beyond default end-to-end encryption.
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Meta will test premium subscriptions on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, offering exclusive features, enhanced productivity, creativity, and AI tools while keeping core services free. It plans to integrate Manus AI and offer freemium AI video creation via Vibes. Features will differ by app and target a broad audience, separate from Meta Verified. Meta will gather user feedback during rollout.
Pinterest's new Media Planner in Ads Manager simplifies campaign planning by enabling users to create media plans for brand awareness and consideration campaigns. It allows exploration of audiences by demographics and interests, estimates key metrics like impressions and CPC, and models various budget and media scenarios to optimize campaign outcomes without needing extra tools or spreadsheets.
Meta is expanding ads on Threads to all global users next week after initial rollout last spring. Threads has 400M+ monthly users and offers new ad formats, controls, and brand safety features. Ads use Meta’s AI and integrate with existing campaigns, appearing natively in Threads feeds. Account management is simplified, and third-party brand safety verification is available, helping businesses connect with engaged communities.
Elon Musk published X's AI-driven "For You" feed algorithm code to boost user engagement by personalizing content. The feed combines posts from followed accounts and AI-recommended posts based on recent activity. The algorithm limits repeated posts from the same creators and penalizes excessive posting. While new user time spent is up, Musk admits the algorithm "sucks," and usage is declining amid competition from Meta's Threads.
Instagram now lets all English-speaking users manually customize their Reels by adding or removing topics via a slider icon, showing related video examples. This may reduce usage since AI recommendations boost engagement. Users want control but rarely use it. In 2026, users can pick three top interests to tailor feeds. This aligns with wider social media trends to address algorithm concerns but may not greatly change behavior.
WhatsApp has launched new features for group chats: member tags, text stickers, and event reminders. Member tags let users define their roles, useful in larger chats. Text stickers allow users to turn any text into a sticker and add it directly to sticker packs. Event reminders help participants remember important dates for group events. These updates complement existing features like large file sharing and voice chats.
Meta is acquiring Chinese AI startup Manus to boost AI integration across its platforms. Manus, based in Singapore, creates AI agents that perform tasks independently and outperform OpenAI's DeepResearch. Meta plans to operate and sell Manus services and integrate them into its products. Manus relocated to Singapore to avoid Sino-U.S. tensions. Financial terms were not disclosed.
YouTube is testing image posts in the Shorts feed, allowing creators to share up to 10 images to tell stories. These image posts, created via the "Create" button, may appear alongside short videos, similar to TikTok and Instagram. YouTube plans to update creators about adding music to these posts. This move aligns Shorts with other platforms, reducing differences among them.
