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Instagram is testing 90-minute videos
Instagram is testing a new feature called Features, which allows creators to upload videos up to 90 minutes long in a horizontal format. This update expands the platform's capabilities for long-form content, including podcasts, and is currently rolling out to select creators in the United States.
Instagram will demote AI-generated influencers if they don't clearly label their account
Instagram will begin demoting AI-generated influencers if their accounts are not clearly labeled as artificial. This policy change specifically targets AI-generated accounts, while other forms of AI content on the platform are not addressed.
Meta's latest teen safety commitments are US-only (for now)
Meta has implemented new teen safety commitments, but these are currently limited to the United States. The UK government is seeking to introduce time limits for teenagers using Meta's platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
Instagram’s New ‘First Draft’ Tool Builds Your Reel Before You Start Editing
Instagram has introduced a new 'First Draft' tool designed to automatically trim video clips and remove pauses, creating a rough cut for Reels. This feature aims to simplify the editing process for creators and keep them within the Instagram app. The tool is rolling out first to iPhone users and is part of Meta's broader strategy to enhance in-app creation capabilities.
Adam Mosseri says it's 'news to me' that Instagram employees limited his exposure to teen safety data
Instagram head Adam Mosseri stated that he was unaware of any efforts by Instagram employees to limit his access to data regarding teen safety. Mosseri is the first high-profile executive to testify in the ongoing social media addiction trial.
Instagram adds feature that automatically trims clips for Reels
Instagram has introduced a new feature for Reels that automatically trims video clips, simplifying the editing process for users. This tool, referred to as 'First Draft,' aims to streamline content creation on the platform.
Instagram Quietly Routes Your Off-App Activity Into Ads and AI — The 7 Settings That Push Back
This article details how Instagram, owned by Meta, collects user data both on and off the app for advertising and AI purposes, and outlines seven settings users can adjust to limit this data collection. While a complete opt-out is not possible, users can control how their off-app activity is used for personalization and manage AI chat data.
How to limit Instagram from using your data for AI and ads
Instagram is offering users the ability to limit how their activity outside the app is used to personalize advertisements. This feature aims to give users more control over their data privacy concerning targeted ads and AI-driven content.
Use this space to roast the new Instagram logo
This article offers a critical take on the new Instagram logo, inviting readers to share their own opinions and critiques. It focuses on the design choices and their reception within the user community.
New York finalizes its SAFE for Kids rules — and 98% is the figure platforms should be worried about
New York has finalized its SAFE for Kids Act rules, requiring social platforms to detect age verification circumvention at a 98% rate. The regulations, set to take effect January 25, 2027, mandate age verification for algorithmic feeds and late-night notifications, with penalties of up to $5,000 per violation for non-compliance. The rules do not prescribe specific verification methods but set accuracy floors, and legal challenges are anticipated.
Facebook is cloning TikTok, Craigslist and Reddit to keep users from walking out [2026]
Meta is reportedly cloning features from TikTok, Craigslist, and Reddit to combat a significant user loss, with Facebook alone seeing 20 million users depart in early 2026. The company plans to introduce a full-screen video feed similar to TikTok and has launched "Seller" and "Forum" apps mimicking Craigslist and Reddit functionalities, respectively. This strategy follows Meta's previous attempt to counter TikTok with Instagram Reels.
Facebook (META) suspends Instagram Muse AI image feature after three days of backlash
Meta has suspended its new AI image generation feature for Instagram, called "Muse," after only three days due to widespread backlash. Critics, including the Creative Artists Agency and SAG-AFTRA, raised concerns about users being opted-in by default to have their images used for AI manipulation. Meta acknowledged the feature "missed the mark" and is no longer offering it.
EU says Facebook and Instagram's 'addictive' design is illegal
The European Commission has determined that Meta Platforms' social media services, Facebook and Instagram, are in violation of the Digital Services Act due to their 'addictive' design elements. This ruling indicates that the platforms' user interface and engagement strategies are considered illegal under the new EU regulations.
Opt out from your Instagram photos from being used in tagged generative AI posts
Instagram is introducing a feature that allows users to generate AI images based on public photos, unless users actively opt out. The opt-out setting is located within the app's settings under 'Sharing and reuse.' This move has drawn criticism regarding copyright and content misuse, with organizations like SAG-AFTRA and publications like Shacknews taking stances against the use of AI in content creation.
'Not once have we been asked to verify our age': Study suggests companies falling under Australia's under-16 social media ban are failing to verify accounts
A recent study suggests that social media companies are failing to enforce Australia's ban on users under 16, with many platforms not verifying account ages. Testers found that nine out of ten services, including Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, did not ask for proof of age. Only Kick reportedly implemented age verification measures.
Instagram for TV is now available on Samsung TVs in the US
The Instagram application for television is now available on Samsung TVs in the United States. This expansion follows the app's initial launch on Amazon Fire TV devices approximately six months ago.
Instagram now lets you add a unique caption to each carousel slide
Instagram has introduced a new feature allowing users to add a unique caption to each individual slide within a carousel post. Carousels can now contain up to 20 slides, each with its own distinct caption.
UK to ban social media and streaming platforms for under 16-year-olds, but the full impact on games and the gaming industry remains unclear
The UK government plans to ban social media access for individuals under 16, with legislation intended for spring 2027. Similar restrictions are being considered for undisclosed streaming platforms, potentially impacting gaming sites like Twitch and YouTube. The ban aims to protect children online, though its full implications for the gaming industry and advertising remain unclear.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer targets online gaming in under-16 social media ban
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban social media and restrict online gaming features for individuals under 16. The proposed legislation aims to prevent children from communicating with strangers through in-game chat or livestreams, with specific measures to be implemented by game developers and regulated by Ofcom. The government intends to pass these regulations before the end of 2026, with enforcement expected in early 2027.
UK will ban social media for children under 16
The United Kingdom is implementing a ban on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram for individuals under the age of 16. This move follows a similar regulatory approach taken by Australia concerning online child safety.