Google shares 2026 Halloween trends

The Latest

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  YouTube labels AI-generated music

  The company has implemented transparency measures on its music platform and in its main app to identify generative artificial intelligence creations.

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  TikTok inks microdrama partnership with Made By Us studios

  The content deal gives TikTok exclusive rights to select microdrama series from several high-profile creators.

  TikTok

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  Snap reports on Snap Map data for brands

  The company said that the discovery tool can help drive engagement but noted that most users still turn to Google Maps for location information.

  Snapchat

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  TikTok Shop offers UK merchants more engagement tools

  The platform added group deals, new auction functions and an easy way to create shoppable carousels.

  TikTok

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  WhatsApp provides chat guest links for non-users

  The new feature lets hosts send out chat invitations to anyone on or off the app, although guests will have limited usage options on calls.

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  Facebook adds plain language algorithm controls

  The feature enables users to add or remove specific topics from what the system thinks they’re interested in.

  Facebook

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  X launches unified subscription packages

  The platform is offering five versions of its integrated plan, including a free option that includes limited chat and agent requests.

  X (Twitter)

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  Reddit announces plans for upcoming US elections

  The platform outlined its commitment to election resources and explained how it intends to prevent misinformation from spreading online.

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  Pinterest asks brands to send people ‘back into their life’

  A marketing playbook outlines how to inspire offline activity instead of encouraging infinite scrolling.

  Pinterest

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  YouTube rolls out AI search chatbot to all US users

  The conversational artificial intelligence-powered search option is now available for desktop, mobile and connected TV.

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  Meta assists with scam crackdown in West Africa

  The company joined Google, Microsoft and others in a larger law enforcement effort designed to disrupt criminal networks.

  Facebook

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  Meta launches advanced Muse Wonder AI models

  The new series of artificial intelligence models are able to undertake more complex tasks, though risks remain in regards to privacy, data safety and human error. 

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  Snapchat publishes 2026 holiday marketing guide

  The overview offers statistics and tips on how marketers can connect with gift givers during the upcoming shopping season.

  Snapchat

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  Meta offers updated ad placement control guidance

  The revised overview provides options for enabling some level of ongoing control as the company continues to automate its ad display systems. 

  Facebook

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  Threads allows parents to see who their teens have blocked

  The Meta-owned app has been steadily rolling out supervision tools designed to help protect younger users from harmful activity.

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  Meta acquires multiple VR patents from Sony

  The two companies transferred 43 U.S. patents related to specific XR applications and displays, according to reporting from Road to VR and ZDNet Korea.

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  Meta publishes post to counter data center concerns

  An overview from creator Tom Shaw addresses public apprehensions about water usage, energy bills and local job impacts.

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  There is no viable case for widespread generative AI access

  Despite the push to incorporate artificial intelligence into every aspect of social media and online life, the risks far outweigh AI’s narrow use case.

  Facebook

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  Meta removes access verification for developers

  The company is retiring a separate access review process for third-party apps and will rely on Business Verification and App Review instead.

  Facebook

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  X rebuilds its third-party usage showcase

  The platform’s relaunched exhibit website lists official partners, agentic use cases and more in an effort to inspire developers to integrate X data into their apps.

  X (Twitter)

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  Threads recognizes top posts with in-app Gems program

  Gems automatically selects original posts and replies that bring value and spark discussion, per the company.

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  X launches MLB Gametime experience

  Similar to its NFL hub, the dedicated space will feature real-time scores and conversations designed to enhance engagement among the platform’s sports fans.

  X (Twitter)

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  TikTok announces its first European Bestseller of the Year

  The 2026 BookTok honor went to author Rebecca Yarros’s novel “Fourth Wing” on a list that also included author Rachel Reid’s book “Heated Rivalry.”

  TikTok

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  X adds liveness check to counter bots

  The app’s new bot profile detection tool is designed to test whether suspect profiles are run by human users.

  X (Twitter)

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  Edits app gets carousel editing tools

  Users can apply some of the app’s video editing features to enhance carousel layouts, change fonts and add overlays.

  Instagram

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