New Social Media Updates and Features to Know This Week

As we move through the week, social media updates platforms continue to quietly shape the way we express ourselves, connect with others, and discover new things. From thoughtful new tools to creative possibilities, here’s a soft and friendly breakdown of the latest updates you may want to know about all designed to help you stay in step with the rapidly evolving internet landscape.

Instagram Expands Quiet Mode for a Healthier Digital Balance

Instagram is gently expanding its Quiet Mode, bringing it to more regions after positive early feedback. This feature lets you pause notifications and automatically sends a kind message to your contacts letting them know you’re not available at the moment. It’s a small shift, but it’s helping users set healthier boundaries with their screen time a feature especially appreciated by students, professionals, and anyone trying to be more present in their offline world. You can turn it on manually, or set it for specific hours to match your daily rhythm.

WhatsApp Introduces Chat Lock on Linked Devices

For privacy lovers, WhatsApp is rolling out a social media updates that allows users to lock specific chats even on their linked devices like WhatsApp Web or a desktop app. This means your private conversations can stay hidden and secure, even if someone else accesses your computer. The new feature gently adds an extra layer of protection and comfort, without making things complicated. It’s a great step toward more secure, yet still simple, communication.

X (Twitter) Explores Voice and Video Calls in DMs

Voice and video calling capabilities have been added to Elon Musk’s X (previously Twitter), which is now open to verified users. This update creates a new kind of intimacy for those who communicate often through DMs, allowing deeper conversations without leaving the app. While it’s still limited, the platform is testing ways to offer more engaging, human connection in a space traditionally known for text and trending topics.

TikTok Tests 60-Minute Video Uploads

In a surprising shift, TikTok is experimenting with allowing creators to upload videos up to 60minutes long. This move could turn TikTok into a space for deeper storytelling, online classes, mini-documentaries, or full-length creative pieces. For users who enjoy more immersive content, this test feels like a natural evolution offering more freedom to share complex ideas or projects without worrying about time limits.

Pinterest Polishes Shopping and Product Discovery

Pinterest is slowly refining its shopping tools to feel more natural and inspiring. The social media updates layout now highlights personalized product suggestions, shoppable pins, and softer transitions between ideas and actual items you can purchase. What stands out is how Pinterest continues to respect the creative spirit of its platform even as it leans more into e-commerce. It doesn’t feel pushy; rather, it blends creativity and convenience with ease.

LinkedIn Brings AI Writing Help to Posts and Profiles

LinkedIn has introduced a gentle helping hand in the form of an AI-powered writing assistant. Whether you’re crafting a thoughtful post, commenting on a colleague’s social media updates, or updating your job description, the tool offers smart suggestions while keeping your personal tone intact. It’s not here to replace your voice just to make your words feel a little smoother and more polished. Perfect for those who want to express themselves professionally but might struggle with phrasing or confidence.

 Snapchat Enhances AR Lenses for More Playful Creativity

Snapchat is continuing to expand its augmented reality (AR) features, giving creators new tools to design more interactive and expressive lenses. These updates are especially fun for brands, influencers, and everyday users who love adding a little extra magic to their snaps.AR now feels less like a trend and more like an everyday part of how people tell stories, have fun, and make their content stand out all in a light and playful way.

FAQs:

Q1: How do I use Instagram’s Quiet Mode?
A1: To enable Quiet Mode on Instagram, go to your settings and find the “Notifications” section. From there, you can select “Quiet Mode,” which lets you turn off notifications and automatically let others know that you’re taking a break.

Q2: Will I be able to access WhatsApp messages on a locked chat from other devices?
A2: No, the chat lock feature ensures that even if you log into WhatsApp on a linked device, those specific chats will stay hidden until you unlock them with your chosen method (such as a password or fingerprint).

Q3: What’s the purpose of the new voice and video call feature on X?
A3: The new voice and video call feature allows users to have direct conversations in their DMs, making it easier to connect with friends, colleagues, or followers in a more personal, real-time way.

Q4: When will TikTok’s 60-minute video option be available for all users?
A4: Currently, TikTok is testing the 60-minute video upload with a select group of users. There’s no official date yet, but it’s expected to be rolled out more widely if the test proves successful.

Q5: How does Pinterest’s shopping feed differ from before?
A5: Pinterest’s new shopping feed is designed to feel more seamless and natural. You’ll see personalized product recommendations based on your interests, making it easier to discover things you’ll love without disrupting the creative flow of the platform.

Conclusion

This week’s social media updates may not all make headlines, but they gently reflect where platforms are heading: toward more mindful use, deeper connections, and empowering tools. Whether it’s taking a break, creating freely, or protecting your space online, each update offers something subtle but meaningful. And as always, staying informed doesn’t have to feel overwhelming just a few minutes of soft catching up is all it takes to feel reconnected with the ever-evolving world around you.