Instagram tests forcing users to watch adverts

image via bbc.com
image via bbc.com

“We’re always testing formats that can drive value for advertisers," it said in a statement, adding that it would provide further updates if the test resulted in permanent format changes. One person on Threads called the move "bonkers" – adding that it "seems like an aggressively pushy move to earn more ad dollars for Meta".

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c877y6mxdp7o

Threads Gets a TweetDeck-Like Makeover on the Web

image c/o pcmag.com
image c/o pcmag.com

Threads, Meta's Twitter-like Instagram spinoff app, is exploring a new, more engaging look on web browsers that shows multiple columns of pages or feeds next to each other. Meta started testing the new layout for select web browser users on Thursday. "If you’re in the test, you can choose to keep things simple with a single feed, or add separate columns for your favorites searches, tags, accounts, saved posts, and notifications. You can choose to have specific columns update in real time," a Meta representative tells PCMag.

https://www.pcmag.com/news/threads-gets-a-tweetdeck-like-makeover-on-the-web

Bored? Go play this hidden game in your Instagram DMs | TechCrunch

image via techcrunch.com
image via techcrunch.com

To access the hidden game, all you have to do is open up a DM chat, send an emoji, and then click on it. After that, you will be transported to a yellow screen with a paddle and emoji of your choosing. The emoji will move faster as the game progresses and the background color will get darker.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/03/07/bored-go-play-this-hidden-game-in-your-instagram-dms/

Instagram now lets you edit DMs up to 15 mins after sending them

image via techcrunch.com
image via techcrunch.com

The ability to edit your DMs lets you fix a typo or change things around if your message doesn’t quite sound right. To edit a message, you need to press and hold it, and then choose “edit” from the drop-down menu. Once you edit a message, the purple text bubble will have an “Edited” label on top of it to notify the other person that the message has been changed. The feature works similar to Apple’s edit feature for iMessage, which launched nearly two years ago.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/03/04/instagram-now-lets-you-edit-dms-up-to-15-mins-after-sending-them/

Meta’s new AI image generator was trained on 1.1 billion Instagram and Facebook photos

image via arstechnica.com
image via arstechnica.com

If you're on Facebook or Instagram, it's quite possible a picture of you (or that you took) helped train Emu. In a way, the old saying, "If you're not paying for it, you are the product" has taken on a whole new meaning.

https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/12/metas-new-ai-image-generator-was-trained-on-1-1-billion-instagram-and-facebook-photos/

Instagram and Facebook cross messaging is coming to an end

image via theverge.com
image via theverge.com

“A few years ago, we introduced a new Messenger experience in Instagram DMs which enabled people to message and call a FB account (Messenger) from an Instagram account and vice versa,” spokesperson Alex Dziedzan said. “Starting in mid-December, we will begin removing this feature. However, people can continue to message and call their contacts on Facebook, Instagram or Messenger.”

https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/5/23988879/instagram-facebook-meta-cross-platform-messaging-discontinued-mid-december-2023

Meta gives up on NFTs for Facebook and Instagram

image c/o theverge.com
image c/o theverge.com

Meta is moving on from more crypto projects, even though NFTs / digital collectibles were once pitched as part of its ‘metaverse’ future. “Across the company, we’re looking closely at what we prioritize to increase our focus,” Kasriel said. “We’re winding down digital collectibles (NFTs) for now to focus on other ways to support creators, people, and businesses.”

https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/13/23638572/instagram-nft-meta-facebook-quits-digital-collectibles