October Digital News

Instagram has introduced a new AI-powered feature for Stories, developed by Meta Platforms, which allows users to add, remove, or modify elements within photos and videos directly in the app. Users can easily change backgrounds, adjust hair color, alter clothing, or apply different visual styles to their content. The feature is designed to simplify creative editing within Stories, eliminating the need for external apps and making content sharing more seamless and impactful.

Starting January 15, 2026, WhatsApp will block the use of ChatGPT and other external chatbots following Meta’s API update, aimed at promoting its own Meta AI and limiting unofficial bots on the platform. Users who currently access ChatGPT via WhatsApp will need to switch to the dedicated app or use a web browser.
At the same time, WhatsApp will introduce usernames to replace phone numbers — a feature now being tested on Android and iOS — designed to offer greater privacy and personalization in chats.

OpenAI has launched Atlas, a new free browser for macOS with ChatGPT integrated. It enables users to interact with AI directly while browsing and to automate online actions. The goal is to provide a more conversational search experience, offering an alternative to Chrome or Safari. However, early tests indicate that the system is still slow and occasionally inaccurate.

Spotify Advertising has launched “Tunetorials”, an educational campaign that turns marketing lessons into six original songs and music videos created with emerging artists. Each song covers key topics such as targeting, ROI, and multi-format campaigns, explaining how to use Spotify’s advertising tools in a creative and engaging way. The initiative also includes playlists, videos, and even limited-edition vinyl records, aiming to make learning about marketing more memorable and entertaining.

Instagram is testing skippable ads in Reels, following YouTube’s model to balance monetization with user experience. Viewers will be able to skip ads after a few seconds, though the feature is still in testing and not yet available globally.

Meanwhile, Facebook has reinstated its “Job Offers” section, allowing adult users to search and apply for local rolesdirectly within the app. Removed in 2023, the feature returns to simplify the connection between job seekers and employers in a more social, accessible way.

YouTube has introduced a daily timer for Shorts, allowing users to set a time limit for watching short videos and receive a notification once it’s reached. The feature, available in the mobile app settings, aims to encourage more mindful and balanced use of the platform.

Google has unveiled AI Mode, a new search mode that uses artificial intelligence to provide conversational answersinstead of traditional link-based results. Powered by the Gemini 2.0 model, the feature is still in testing but could redefine online search, with major implications for SEO and content strategies.