With the proliferation of ad-blockers, YouTube has started alerting users when ad-blockers are in place. That means YouTube clips in the web app won’t play unless the blockers are disabled. 

In another update, YouTube is rolling out more support for young users, including new safeguards for content recommendation. Also, the platform seems to be taking a page out of TikTok’s book, with the launch of a feature that will randomly supply a Short to watch, to help users discover new content. 

And finally, YouTube is also testing out more generative AI options: “comment topics summarized by AI, which helps you see themes in large comment sections more easily” and “a conversational AI tool, which you can use to ask questions about videos you watch.”

Next, with Threads nearly at 100 million users, more updates are coming. Polls and GIFs are officially rolling out! An API is also in development, meaning third-party platforms could be able to schedule posts, opening up a lot more opportunities for content sharing. 

Next, Instagram is adding the option to add song lyrics to Reels, similar to Stories. 

Finally, we go to Meta. Soon users will be able to turn off the read receipts function across IG and FB. Additionally, new tools for Reels are coming: an A/B testing tool, a hub for achievements in the professional dashboard, more powerful insights, a better search function in the Creator Support Hub, and content management tools to let you see all posts in one place. 

That’s all for right now. We’ll catch you next time!