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Bluesky surpasses 20 million users
Bluesky is a decentralised social media platform that offers a similar experience to that of Twitter (now X). Although initiated in 2019 a as a project within Twitter, it become independent in 2021.
Being built on the Authenticated Transfer (AT) Protocol, the app emphasises user control over data and content. This offers users control on what they see on their timeline as well as the ability to customise feeds, something that X has received backlash for the lack of.
Bluesky has also now passed the 20 million user mark as the app continues its surge in growth.
Learn more about Bluesky here.
Instagram is removing the ability to follow hashtags
Instagram is looking to remove the option to follow hashtags on Instagram, and any topics that you already follow will no longer display posts and Reels in your feed.
One of the main reasons for this move by Instagram was to combat hashtag spammers, who add irrelevant tags to their content to generate more reach.
It seems like it’s another step towards the disappearance of hashtags and their overall usage.
Learn more about Instagram removing hashtags here.
TikTok introduces virtual avatars
Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) is developing a new project called V that aims to “expand the boundaries of live streaming and interaction”.
According to AI Base, “The core highlight of the "V Project" is the AI Avatar feature. This feature allows creators to generate a virtual avatar that resembles their personality and thinking, enabling continuous interaction with users 24/7. Users can engage in conversations with this avatar to gain insights and suggestions from the creator, ensuring real-time interaction whether the creator is online or not.”
Douyin hopes that the AI feature will attract more users and creators, and TikTok users can already create new generative AI content.
Learn more about TikTok Virtual Avatar’s here.
YouTube is experimenting with its generative AI music offering
YouTube has been experimenting with a new feature to allow creators to remix licensed songs for their shorts. The creator enters a prompt to change different aspects to the song, and the new feature will generate a reworked soundtrack through YouTube’s Dream Track experiment.
According to YouTube, “If you’re a creator in the experiment group, you can select an eligible song > describe how you want to restyle it > then generate a unique 30-second soundtrack to use in your Short. For example, if you want to give a song a different genre or mood, you simply enter your vision into the ‘Restyle a track’ prompt and you’ll soon have a customized soundtrack that reimagines the music while maintaining the essence of the original song’s vocals and lyrics.”
Learn more about YouTube experimenting with generative AI music here