September was a busy month in the social media world, particularly for Facebook and Instagram.
The rumored “Dislike” button coming to Facebook has garnered a lot of buzz, as has their new 360-degree video experience. Instagram continues to reach new milestones in addition to rolling out enhanced advertising features and new photo layouts.
Google+’s influence continues to decline as Google announced Google+ links and reviews will no longer be included in search results. In more uplighting social news surrounding Google, they are said to be partnering with Twitter on an ‘instant articles’ solution tailored to mobile users.
Learn about these updates and more in our monthly social roundup:
The long discussed and often rumored Facebook ‘dislike’ button is officially on the way.
Learn more: A Facebook ‘Dislike’ Button is Coming, Says CEO Mark Zuckerberg
Facebook announced live streaming will now be available to any public figure or journalist with a verified profile.
Learn more: Live Streaming on Facebook Now Available to Public Figures
Facebook debuted several updates to Pages that are designed to help business owners better engage with their audience on mobile devices. Page owners can now add call-to-action buttons on mobile as well as add new sections, such as Shop and Services.
Learn more: Facebook Adds New Mobile-Focused Features to Business Pages
Facebook began rolling out 360-degree videos in News Feed. This means publishers can now upload 360 video to Facebook allowing users to look around an experience the video as though you were there.
Learn more: Facebook Introduces 360 Videos
Google+
Google+ links and reviews are no longer being included in search results, even in searches for specific business names.
Learn more: Google+ Links and Reviews Dropped From Google Search Results
Just nine months after celebrating 300 million users, the company is reporting 400 million monthly active users — 75% of whom live outside the United States.
Learn more: Instagram Sees Record Gains, Hits 400 Million User Milestone
As of September 30th, self-serve advertising will be available to all Instagram users. In addition, Instagram will make its advertising platform available to countries around the world.
Learn more: Instagram to Open its Advertising Platform to All Users on September 30
Instagram has announced a set of improvements to its direct messaging feature, which included threaded conversations and enhanced emojis.
Learn more: Instagram Improves Direct Messaging With Threaded Convos and Enhanced Emojis
Instagram announced that – in addition to square posts – you can now share photos and videos in both portrait and landscape orientation on their platform.
Learn more: The Force Awakens with New Instagram Layout
The number of monthly active Pinterest users has reportedly doubled over the past 18 months, with 45% of new users residing outside the US.
Learn more: Pinterest Reveals Its User Numbers: 100 Million Monthly Actives
Google and Twitter are working together on their own ‘instant articles’ solution, which is said to aid in the distribution of content to mobile devices.
Learn more: Google and Twitter Reportedly Working Together on a Content Delivery Platform
Featured Image: Image by Paulo Bobita
