November Digital News

Instagram has updated the recording mode for Reels: it is now possible to record videos directly for up to 20 minutes, and new tools have been introduced, such as an improved timer and a “touch-up” slider to adjust aesthetic retouching.

A new feature that has shaken up (in a positive way) the entire Instagram community: the platform has decided to restore the traditional position of Featured Stories, bringing them back to the top of the profile after the test introduced in 2024, which placed them in the post grid with a simple icon, created confusion among users and creators. The return to the classic layout stems from numerous reports of lack of clarity and difficulty in finding saved collections, and Meta has confirmed that the decision was guided by community feedback.

YouTube is introducing new automatic checks for creators before videos are published, with the aim of identifying potential violations of community guidelines (such as problematic content or content unsuitable for monetization) before the video is made public.
The intent is to give creators tools to help them make more informed choices: knowing in advance if a video could generate a strike allows them to prevent penalties that could damage the channel over time.

Google has unveiled Nano Banana Pro, a new model for image generation and editing based on Gemini 3 Pro. The system offers more readable text in images, greater creative control, and high-resolution support, as well as consistent combination of multiple subjects or photos. Designed for creators, marketers, and developers, it will be integrated into major Google platforms. In addition, the generated images include an invisible SynthID watermark to ensure traceability.

Meta Platforms is trialing a “Virtual Try On” feature on Facebook Marketplace: thanks to AR technology and SAM 3D models, users can see how furniture or objects fit into their real space before purchasing. The goal is to increase engagement and reduce returns by offering a more immersive and accurate shopping experience.

Meta is introducing the ability to exchange messages with users of different apps in the EU, thanks to third-party chat support. The feature will allow users to send text, photos, videos, and voice messages even to those who do not use WhatsApp, while maintaining security and end-to-end encryption. The goal is to make the platform more interoperable, as required by the Digital Markets Act.

TikTok has introduced new digital wellbeing tools, with reward badges for users who stick to usage limits, avoid scrolling at night, or spend time meditating and reflecting. Features also include an affirmation journal, relaxing sounds, and breathing exercises, designed specifically for teens.
The goal is to promote more balanced use of the app and respond to growing concerns about social media abuse.

Threads has introduced group chats for up to 50 participants, designed to facilitate collective conversations within the app. Access is controlled: only administrators can add members, and only between users who follow each other, in order to reduce spam and unwanted entries. The new feature comes alongside the expansion of DMs in Europe and also includes the ability to edit messages after sending.