SMM Weekly Digest on 16-20 of October 2023

Instagram Tests Photo Cut-Out Feature for Enhanced Sticker Creation

Instagram is in the testing phase of a new feature allowing users to create stickers from objects within their photos, a functionality resembling Apple’s photo cut-out option introduced in iOS 16. Instagram Chief, Adam Mosseri, mentioned that not only personal photos but also “eligible images” on Instagram could be used for this feature, which is currently under testing with selected users.

TikTok Experiments with Extended 15-Minute Video Uploads

TikTok is pushing its boundaries by trialing a 15-minute upload option, a significant leap from its initial 15-second limit. This development, aligning with its Chinese counterpart Douyin’s expansion to 30-minute uploads, aims at increasing in-app time and potentially opening avenues for mid-roll advertisements. The extension from the previous 10-minute limit is under testing, and its success could pave the way for even longer uploads in the near future.

Report Challenges User Metrics of Elon Musk’s Platform X Amidst App Changes

A recent report casts doubt on the user metrics of the platform X, suggesting a decline in daily active users contrary to the claims made by Elon Musk and CEO Linda Yaccarino. The analysis by Apptopia challenges the reported figures of 253 million daily active users, estimating the number closer to 121 million. Despite the purported decline, X’s influence remains significant, yet the discrepancies raise questions regarding the platform’s actual standing among competitors like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Pinterest.

WhatsApp Rolls Out In-App Account Switching Update

WhatsApp has rolled out an update enabling in-app account switching, alleviating the hassle of logging in and out to switch between personal and work accounts. Although a minor update, it addresses a common annoyance among users who had to carry two phones to keep their professional and personal communications separate. The new functionality requires a second phone number and SIM card, or a multi-SIM/eSIM phone, thereby streamlining the management of multiple WhatsApp profiles on a single device.