YouTube announces ad updates at 2026 Brandcast Event

The Latest

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  Meta opens up Display AI glasses to third-party developers

  The company said development partners will be able to create apps for the device that incorporate gesture-driven features.

  Social Media Updates

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  LinkedIn plans to host gated, creator-led events

  The platform is making a bigger push with original content and may host as many as 4,000 events a year, per Business Insider.

  LinkedIn

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  Reddit highlights rising opportunities for CPG marketers

  With more consumers using Reddit as a research tool, brands have expanded opportunities to link into the discovery process.

  Social Marketing

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  Meta reveals latest round of Edits improvements

  Creators will get better transitions, as well as more text and sticker controls, while iOS users will have the opportunity to use live photos.

  Content Marketing

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  TikTok announces activations for International Museum Day

  The May 18 event will feature creator partnerships and kick off the app’s new “Museums Come Alive” series.

  TikTok

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  Major ad tool announcements from TikTok World 2026

  The app’s sixth annual event was a showcase for its updated marketing offerings, including new artificial intelligence-powered elements.

  Updated May 14, 2026

  TikTok

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  Meta adds incognito AI chats to WhatsApp

  The new feature offers users an enhanced level of privacy and security, but raises concerns regarding the safety and accuracy of chatbot responses.

  Social Media Updates

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  X updates History tab for iOS

  The revision divides viewing history into content types, including video and long-form articles, so users can more easily find previously viewed posts. 

  X (Twitter)

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  Snapchat says ‘what it means to be a teenager’ hasn’t changed

  A new report from the app examined teen behavior online and offered insights into the perspective of younger users.

  Snapchat

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  TikTok introduces 2026 FIFA World Cup creator correspondents

  The app has been expanding its sports engagement, and 59% of users say watching events on TikTok is more fun than viewing actual games.

  TikTok

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  Meta updates parental supervision tools

  New controls in the company’s Family Center dashboard will build on Instagram’s existing Your Algorithm option, and additional alerts will provide more oversight.

  Facebook

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  LinkedIn will enable consultants to book business direct from their profile

  Consultants will now be able to add an in-app link to book a session with them, which will also facilitate payment in-stream.

  LinkedIn

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  Grok downloads fall nearly 60%

  Elon Musk’s xAI chatbot is struggling to compete with similar artificial intelligence projects from OpenAI, Meta and Google, per the Wall Street Journal.

  Social Media Updates

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  TikTok launches counterfeit goods detection initiative

  The TikTok Real program incorporates insights from more than 300 experts and is designed to remove fake products from the app.

  TikTok

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  Instagram tests captions on each post within carousels

  The option would give users more opportunity to add context and potentially generate more engagement with their carousel updates.

  Instagram

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  Threads updates its branding

  A new logo and font for the platform comes as it continues to grow its user base and compete with larger apps like X for market share.

  Social Media Updates

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  TikTok launches ad-free offering in UK

  Users can pay a monthly fee to disable data tracking for targeted promotions, in line with current regulations.

  TikTok

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  YouTube publishes brand growth playbook

  The guide offers suggestions for building businesses on the platform and tapping into the evolving creator marketplace.

  Content Marketing

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  YouTube is testing clear screen viewing for Shorts

  The option would let users hide on-screen function buttons and is already available on competitor platforms such as TikTok and Reels.

  Social Media Updates

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  Snapchat hosts AR developer bootcamp

  The event last month was intended to boost creative collaboration between the most active Spectacles developers ahead of the Specs device release.

  Snapchat

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  LinkedIn uses AI to improve feed relevance

  The company is using artificial intelligence-powered generative recommendations to assess user actions across the platform.

  LinkedIn

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  Instagram eyes long-form content on CTV

  Tessa Lyons, Instagram’s vice president of product, told audiences at Scalable Summit that short-form videos may not “be enough to succeed on TV,” per ICYMI.

  Instagram

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  Pinterest updates ad relevance

  The platform is using offline activity and additional integrated data points to predict potential user interest in Promoted Pins.

  Pinterest

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  Meta outlines the features of its AI glasses range

  The company published an explainer on its various models as sales of the devices continue to rise.

  Social Media Updates

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  LinkedIn partners with Amazon Ads

  The collaboration will let advertisers buy CTV ads targeting professional audiences via Amazon DSP.

  LinkedIn

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