The chronological feed is on its way back to Instagram

This week in Hard Refresh: Social we review Facebook professional mode, Apple’s AR headset, Couch Guy, & more!

The Verge.

FACEBOOK

• Facebook is testing a new Professional mode for creators.
• Messenger Kids added some new features this week, including Dark Mode, voice effects, and new collaborative gaming. That’ll be sure to make screen time less appealing!
• Meta announced Watch Connect this week, a new interactive element to Facebook Gaming that is aiming to help build community. Hasn’t Meta built enough “community” by now?

INSTAGRAM

• Adam Mosseri testified before the Senate this week, and we learned a few things about Instagram, including that teen accounts created on the desktop site don’t default to private profiles.
• Mosseri also announced the chronological feed is coming back to Instagram.
• Instagram is testing a new Dancify feature for Reels, which would automatically sync video and music together.

SNAPCHAT

• The metaverse might be slowly taking over, but Snap is keeping its feet firmly on the ground.

TWITTER

• Count Twitter as the latest to join the list of TikTok copycats, as the platform introduces its new full screen display for Explore.
• Twitter is also using new data from reported tweets to identify platform issues earlier.

AR, VR, & AI

• Snapchat outlined new, advanced AR options at its 2021 Lens Fest, which included new features for their AR spectacles.
• The rumors are flowing that Apple’s new AR headset is reportedly using 3D sensors for hand tracking.

NOTEWORTHY

• Pinterest is making moves into the video sphere with its latest acquisition, Vochi, a video editing app.
• Take a look at TikTok’s top videos of 2021 and see how the platform is diving head first into online shopping.
• YouTube’s crypto influencers are screaming as loud as they can, competing with scammers for viewers’ attention.

VIRAL CONTENT

• TikTok’s very own “Couch Guy” spoke out about the very strange and intrusive experience of going viral on the internet.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Giphy.