This fortnight, social media platforms have focused on making messaging, content creation, analytics, and user engagement more efficient and secure for Indian users. WhatsApp has expanded its ecosystem with Apple Watch integration, passkey-protected backups, and updates for business users. Threads has strengthened productivity tools with reply approvals, notifications, and sleep management features. YouTube continues to refine AI-powered editing, live streaming management, and content safety measures.
Meanwhile, Google Maps has introduced interactive AI-powered projects, and Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn have added features to enhance insights, private groups, and brand visibility. Across platforms, the common theme is clearer workflows, more control, and deeper engagement for both individual users and businesses.
Apple Watch App
WhatsApp has launched an official Apple Watch app, allowing users to send messages, read notifications, and interact with conversations directly from the smartwatch.
Insight: This provides more seamless communication for Indian users who rely on mobile-first messaging and want quick access without opening their phones.
Business Username Alerts
WhatsApp is notifying business users in India about upcoming changes to usernames, giving them time to update and maintain brand consistency.
Insight: Helps Indian SMBs and creators prepare for smoother discovery and branding across the platform.
Passkey-Protected Chat Backups
The platform now offers encrypted passkey-protected backups for chats, enhancing security for user conversations and making backup access safer.
Insight: Builds trust with Indian users concerned about privacy and ensures secure transfer of chat history between devices.
Threads
Time Management & Sleep Settings
Threads has introduced tools to manage app usage, including sleep timers and notification settings.
Insight: Helps Indian users control screen time, promoting healthier social media habits.
Reply Reviews, Approvals, and Notification Filters
Threads now allows users to review replies, approve or reject responses, and apply advanced notification filters to manage discussions.
Insight: Improves workflow for creators and brands in India by reducing spam and ensuring quality engagement.
YouTube
AI Editing & Dual-Stream Enhancements
YouTube has expanded AI editing for Shorts and videos, giving creators more creative control, including dual-stream editing and automatic alternative endings.
Insight: Indian creators can save time while enhancing content creativity and engagement.
Violence, Gaming & Gambling Content Restrictions
The platform has implemented stricter guidelines for these content types to improve safety.
Insight: Helps Indian users access a safer, age-appropriate environment for video consumption.
CTV Presentation Updates & AI Upscaling
YouTube has improved Connected TV viewing with AI-upscaled video quality and presentation improvements.
Insight: Enhances the viewing experience for Indian audiences watching content on TVs and larger screens.
Live Stream Leaderboard & Opt-Out Options
YouTube now allows creators to opt out of public leaderboards and rename copyright tabs in live streaming.
Insight: Gives Indian creators more control over monetisation visibility and content management.
AI Tools for Interactive Projects in Maps
Google Maps now lets users create interactive projects using AI, helping them visualise ideas, routes, or presentations.
Insight: Indian educators, students, and local businesses can leverage AI-driven interactive mapping for work, study, and creative projects.
Competitive Insights
Instagram has introduced tools for tracking competitor activity, helping creators and brands benchmark performance.
Insight: Indian marketers can refine strategies and remain competitive on the platform.
Private Groups Switch to Public Mode
Admins now have the ability to switch private groups to public mode when desired, increasing discoverability and engagement.
Insight: Indian communities and SMBs can attract larger audiences while retaining control over content visibility.
Discovery & Thought Leader Ads
LinkedIn is expanding ad placement options to include discovery of thought leader content, allowing brands to associate with credible voices.
Insight: Indian brands can gain higher trust and awareness by aligning with experts and professional content.
