This fortnight, social media platforms have introduced a wide range of updates that directly impact Indian users, creators, and marketers. Meta has expanded its AI-driven tools across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Threads, making messaging more intuitive, creative workflows more efficient, and engagement with communities easier. YouTube and Google have added AI-assisted content creation, interactive features, and improved accessibility options for creators and viewers, enabling a richer digital experience.
Safety, transparency, and discoverability have also been a focus this fortnight. Snapchat and Reddit have rolled out features to ensure user verification and protect younger audiences, while Instagram continues to enhance content moderation and limit misuse of platform features. Collectively, these updates are improving usability, promoting engagement, and providing Indian users and creators with tools to communicate, create, and connect more effectively.
Meta
WhatsApp Adds Messaging and AI Creation Improvements
WhatsApp has introduced enhanced messaging tools along with AI-powered content creation features. Users in India can now generate AI-based message suggestions, improve their replies, and personalise chat content.
Insight: Indian users and brands can craft more effective and engaging communication, leveraging AI to save time and improve clarity.
WhatsApp Official Apple Watch App
WhatsApp has launched an official app for Apple Watch, enabling users to read and respond to messages directly from their watch.
Insight: Improves accessibility and convenience for Indian users who prefer quick messaging interactions.
WhatsApp Adds Passkey-Encrypted Access for Chat Backups
The platform now supports passkey-encrypted chat backups, enhancing user privacy and security for sensitive conversations.
Insight: Strengthens security for Indian users concerned about data protection in cloud backups.
Instagram Re-Sharing Public Stories
Instagram now allows users in India to re-share public stories directly to their own stories. This update helps content from creators and friends reach a wider audience, encouraging interactions and driving engagement on trending topics.
Insight: Creators can amplify visibility and maintain engagement with followers.
Instagram Early Access Reels Test
Instagram is testing an early access Reels feature in India, giving creators the ability to push content to a limited audience before wider release. This helps test engagement and optimise reach before general visibility.
Insight: Provides a mechanism for creators to refine content and increase audience retention.
IGTV Relaunch via Reels TV App
IGTV is back, integrated with Instagram Reels TV. Indian creators can now showcase longer-form content alongside short-form videos in a unified interface, blending Reels and TV-style content.
Insight: Allows creators to diversify content length while retaining engagement metrics.
Threads Adds More Topic-Based Communities & Group Chat Invites
Threads has expanded topic-based communities and introduced group chat invites, enabling users to engage in focused discussions and invite friends to discussions easily.
Insight: Indian users can discover and participate in communities around shared interests, enhancing engagement and retention.
YouTube & Google
YouTube Expands Voice Replies, Super Chat Goals, and AI Creation Tools
YouTube has added voice replies in comments, expanded Super Chat monetisation options, and rolled out AI-powered creation tools for Shorts and videos.
Insight: Indian creators can interact more dynamically with their audience and use AI for creative content production.
YouTube Tests Still Image Carousels in Shorts Feed
The platform is experimenting with still image carousels to allow more static content display within the Shorts experience.
Insight: Provides Indian creators with new content formats to engage viewers.
YouTube Tests AI Chatbots Based on Popular Creators
YouTube is introducing AI chatbots that mimic popular creators, enabling interactive fan experiences.
Insight: Enhances audience engagement and monetisation potential for Indian creators.
YouTube Expands Expressive Captions & Improves Timestamp Controls
Expressive captions are now available on all devices, and creators have finer control over timestamps and reply suggestions.
Insight: Improves accessibility and content interaction for Indian viewers.
Google Adds AI Content Detection Tools to Gemini
Google’s Gemini AI now includes content detection tools to identify AI-generated material.
Insight: Helps Indian publishers and creators ensure transparency and authenticity in content creation.
Snapchat
Snapchat Uses Apple’s Age Range Measure to Restrict Underage Users
Snapchat has adopted Apple’s Age Range Measure to prevent underage users from accessing certain features.
Insight: Strengthens compliance and safety for young users in India.
Reddit Updates Verification Indicators
Reddit has improved its verification system for accounts, making it easier for users to identify authentic profiles.
Insight: Builds trust and transparency for Indian users navigating communities and discussions.
