Instagram:

  • Adds a FAQ option allowing business accounts to set up common questions in their private messaging feed
  • Considers adding a timer to Stories showing how long each one has left before it’s gone
  • Tests sharing Reels to Facebook to be featured on FB’s Watch and News Feed
  • Launches shopping tags for Reels, adding it to the shopping list including Stories, Live, IGTV, and the regular main feed
  • Introduces new tools for Reels, including a new watermark, audio mix, and voice over

Twitter:

  • Adds more misinformation warnings letting users know if they are about to like a tweet containing fake news
  • Relaunches account verification with a new process that will be available in account settings as of January 2021
  • Beefs up mobile account security with new physical key compatibility
  • Enables frequency capping to all ad campaigns to ensure that business ads reach new users
  • Brings tweets to Snapchat and Instagram through new interactive embeds
  • Considers a new reply control, enabling users to limit tweet replies to followers only
  • Introduces tool to turn off retweets
  • Starts testing ‘Spaces’, a new audio rooms feature

Snapchat:

  • Introduces the new Spotlight feed, its own take on the ‘For You Page’ containing the best curated content on the platform
  • Promotes Google’s ‘Year in Search’ showing 2020’s key events via AR portal lens

TikTok:  

  • Launches a photosensibility accessibility features including a warning popup if a video has the potential to trigger an epilepsy seizure
  • Tests extending maximum video length to 3 minutes
  • Premieres on TV thanks to its new partnership with Samsung, bringing the platform’s content to TVs in Europe
  • Launches a new Small Business Resource Center with case studies, creative tools, and more
  • Tests shoppable live streams based on a deal with Walmart

LinkedIn:

  • Tests ads on Stories with a few advertisers before a global rollout
  • Expands Page admin roles, including ‘Super Admin’, ‘Curator’, and many other new Page administrator roles
  • Introduces new ‘Products’ Tab for brands to showcase their merchandise directly in their Company Page

YouTube:

  • Automates video chapter creation with the help of its machine learning prowess

Google:

  • Adds messaging features to Google Maps and Search allowing customers to direct contact line with businesses
  • Releases new Shopping Gift Guide with the top trending gifts for the holidays
  • Adds new AR ‘Try-on’ ads within Google Shopping, enabling users to virtually try on products from the comfort of their homes

WhatsApp:

  • Rolls out ‘Carts’ to simplify in-app shopping and expand the app’s e-commerce potential

Reddit:

  • Acquires Dubsmash, a lip-synch short-form video app to compete with TikTok