We’ve kicked off a new year, and there are some more exciting updates for all you digital enthusiasts out there!
The digital landscape is always on the move, and us marketers need to keep our eyes peeled to stay in the game. January 2024 has been a whirlwind of new changes, trends, and updates in the world of digital marketing.
From search engines shaking things up with their algorithms to social media platforms dropping cool new features, from cutting-edge analytics tools to the ever-expanding universe of influencer marketing, this month has been jam-packed with action.
Check out our deep dive into the top 36 latest digital marketing updates from January 2024, and make sure you’re in the loop with all the essential insights to boost your strategies. Let’s dive in!
Here’s our #NewThingsInDigital for this Month – January 2024.
Top 36 Digital Marketing Updates in January 2024
To ensure you’re up to date, here are brief summaries highlighting the major digital marketing developments from January 2024.
New Things in Digital 4th Week of January 2024 – Jan 22nd to Jan 28th, 2024
1. Instagram Lets You Opt Out Of Reading Receipts For DMs
Instagram has recently announced the launch of a highly anticipated feature that allows users to switch off read receipts for their direct messages. This means that users now have the ability to control when the “Read” and “Seen” indicators appear for the sender within their message streams. This feature was first announced back in November of last year and has finally been rolled out this week. With this new feature, users can now have more privacy and control over their messages, choosing when they want their activity to be visible to others.
2. Threads Is Close To Launching Post-Drafts
Threads is constantly evolving to meet the needs of its users. And now, we are excited to announce that our users will soon have the ability to save their posts as drafts. This new feature will enable you to come back and revise your missives at a more convenient time. Whether you are a busy professional or just need more time to perfect your thoughts, this feature will provide you with the flexibility and convenience you need. They understand the importance of having control over your content and are dedicated to providing our users with the best experience possible.
3. Meta Introduces Brand Protection Tools, Including Improved Product Image-Matching Processes
Meta is taking steps to further protect brands and their intellectual property rights. In addition to their existing Brand Rights Protection Manager tool, which detects replicas of products in listings, they have announced an update that will enhance its capabilities. This will provide brands with an even more effective way to identify and address potential violations. Additionally, the introduction of the Intellectual Property Reporting Center will streamline the process of reporting IP violations, making it easier for brands to keep track of any concerns. These measures demonstrate Meta’s commitment to creating a safe and fair online environment for businesses and their valuable intellectual property.
4. YouTube Tests Super Chat Likes To Incentivize Creator Donations Further
YouTube recently announced that it will be testing a new feature called Super Chat Likes, in an effort to incentivize creator donations. This feature allows viewers to “like” Super Chat messages, which are paid messages that appear during live streams and premieres. By liking these messages, viewers are able to show their support for the creator and increase their visibility within the chat. This not only encourages more donations from viewers but also creates a sense of community and recognition for those who contribute. The testing of Super Chat Likes showcases YouTube’s empowering its creators by providing a new way for viewers to engage and connect with their favorite content creators.
5. Google Adds New Generative AI Elements To Chrome, Including Writing Assistant
Google has recently unveiled plans for new generative AI elements to be integrated into their popular web browser, Chrome. These elements will not only enhance the user experience through automated assistance but also offer a unique source of artistic inspiration. Through the use of AI, Chrome will be able to provide personalized suggestions and recommendations, making browsing the web more efficient and enjoyable. This innovation highlights Google’s commitment to constantly improving their products and utilizing cutting-edge technology. With these new generative AI elements, users can expect an even more seamless and creative browsing experience on Chrome.
6. Google Showing New Phone Number Buttons For Some Search Results
Google has been constantly updating its search result snippets to provide users with the most relevant and useful information. One such feature is the display of phone numbers for stores when Google determines that the user may want to call them. This was first observed in 2014 and 2016, with screen captures to prove its implementation. However, in its latest efforts to improve user experience, Google is now testing a new button that is more visually appealing and intuitive. This button, resembling a traditional call button, aims to make the process of calling a store even more convenient for users.
7. Google News Introduces A Publisher Filter For Specific News Search Queries
Google News has recently introduced a new feature that allows users to filter news articles by publisher for a specific search query. This feature operates similarly to the site command function that has been available on Google News for over 17 years. However, with the addition of a designated button, users can easily access a list of relevant publishers for their chosen topic. This new feature enhances the user experience by providing a more efficient and streamlined way to access news from preferred publishers. As a result, users can now tailor their news searches to their specific interests and sources, making for a more personalized and comprehensive news experience.
8. Bing Tests Bubble Style Search Bar Menu & Bullets For Site Links
Microsoft is always striving to improve and enhance their products, and Bing Search is no exception. In their latest efforts, they are testing two new changes to the Bing Search interface. The first is a bubble style for the search bar menu, providing a more visually appealing and user-friendly experience. The second change involves using bullets for the site links in the search result snippets, making it easier for users to quickly identify and access relevant information.
9. Google Tests Videos On The Right Side Of The Search Results Page
Google has been testing a new feature where video results are displayed on the right side of the search results page. This is not the first time Google has experimented with this concept, as they tested it a few years ago in a different format. This could potentially enhance the user’s search experience by providing more visual content and making it easier to find relevant videos. As Google continues to refine and optimize this feature, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the overall search experience and benefits both users and content creators.
New Things in Digital 3rd Week of January 2024 – Jan 15th to Jan 21st, 2024
10. Instagram Enables Users To Create Custom Stickers From Still Image Posts
Instagram has recently introduced a new feature that allows users to cut out elements from still image posts and reuse them as stickers in their own Stories and Reels. This innovative option provides users with a creative and fun way to express themselves and enhance their content. With this new addition, users can now customize their stories and reels with unique and personalized stickers, making their posts stand out and catch the attention of their followers.
11. Meta Introduces A Sleep Alert Feature For Teens
Meta has recently announced the launch of their new feature, “Nudges for Teens,” aimed at promoting positive online behaviour among teenagers. This new feature utilizes artificial intelligence to detect potentially harmful content and provide gentle reminders for teens to catch those zzz hours. Teenagers often tend to be drowned on social media platforms and go for hours till sunrise. Meta’s “Nudges for Teens” is a promising addition to its platform and has the potential to make a significant impact on the well-being of young individuals in the online world.
12. YouTube Says The Thumbnail A/B Testing Option Is Coming Soon
YouTube recently announced its plans to introduce an A/B thumbnail testing option, which will offer creators an additional tool to enhance the performance of their content. Through this feature, creators will be able to test different thumbnail options and determine which one resonates best with their audience. This will not only improve the overall viewing experience for users, but also help creators attract more views and engagement on their videos. By providing a means for creators to optimize their content, YouTube continues to prioritize the success of its creators and the satisfaction of its viewers.
13. Meta’s Sheryl Sandberg To Exit Board After 12 Years
Meta’s Chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, will be stepping down from her position on the company’s board of directors after her term ends in May. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Sandberg expressed her gratitude for her time at the company and her excitement for the future of Meta Platforms. Her departure marks the end of a successful nine-year tenure at the company, during which she played a pivotal role in its growth and development. As Meta Platforms continues to evolve and expand its presence in the digital world, we are confident that Sandberg’s contributions will continue to have a lasting impact.
14. Zuckerberg Announces Meta’s Intense Push To Spearhead Ai Advancements
Meta has announced its plans to enhance its AI capabilities this year by increasing investments in its back-end technology. This strategic move is expected to bring significant advancements in AI elements across all of Meta’s platforms. With a strong focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology, Meta aims to stay ahead of the curve and provide its users with the most advanced AI solutions. This investment will benefit Meta’s customers and strengthen its position as a pioneer in the AI industry.
15. Bing Tests Shadow Effect On Mouse Over Search Result Snippets
Microsoft constantly strives to improve the user experience on its search engine, Bing. As part of this effort, the company is currently testing a new style for when a user hovers their mouse cursor over a search result snippet. This new feature will add a subtle shadow effect to the snippet, providing a more visually appealing and engaging experience for users. By incorporating this new style, Microsoft aims to make the search results page more dynamic and user-friendly. This is just one of the many updates and enhancements that Microsoft constantly explores to ensure that Bing remains a top-performing search engine in the industry.
16. Google Search To Show More Third-Party Comparison Websites In Europe
In response to the European Commission’s antitrust concerns, Google has announced that it will be making changes to its search results to include more third-party comparison websites in Europe. This decision comes from a 2017 ruling that Google was unfairly promoting its own shopping services over those of its competitors. The new changes aim to create a more competitive market for comparison services, providing consumers with more options and better deals. Google has stated that it will use a “dynamic algorithm” to display these websites, ensuring fair and unbiased results.
17. Google Tests Search Result Snippet Product Listings & Local Images
Over the years, Google has continuously evolved its search engine to provide users with the most relevant and helpful results. One notable change is the addition of product images in snippets, which has greatly enhanced the user experience. Recently, Google has expanded this feature to include local listings as well. However, these listings have a peculiar aspect as they direct users to product listing pages instead of the products themselves. This decision may seem counterintuitive, but it allows for a more comprehensive overview of the product and its features. As always, Google is striving to improve its services and cater to the needs of its users.
18. Google Tests New Interface For Job Search Results
Google is testing a new interface for its job search results. This new interface departs from the previous boxed-in module design, as it now seamlessly integrates into the overall search results user interface. The updated design provides a more fluid and cohesive experience for users, allowing them to easily navigate and access job postings. This new interface also highlights Google’s commitment to continuously improving and streamlining their products for the benefit of their users. As a company known for its innovative and user-friendly approach, this potential update to their job search feature.
New Things in Digital 2nd Week of January 2024 – Jan 8th to Jan 14th, 2024
19. Instagram Introduces A Feature To Cancel Story Uploads Midway
The latest version of Instagram now offers a new feature that allows users to pause a Stories upload while it is in progress. This option can prove to be highly beneficial as it gives users the opportunity to catch and correct any errors or issues before the content becomes viewable on the app. This not only ensures a smoother and error-free experience for our users but also helps in maintaining the quality and integrity of the content being shared. We believe this new feature will greatly enhance the user experience and provide a more seamless and efficient process for uploading Stories on our app.
20. Threads Enable You To Hide Both Like & Share Counts On Your Posts
Threads offers its users the ability to control the visibility of Like and Share counts on their posts within the app. This feature allows individuals to have more control over their content and its perceived popularity, promoting a healthier and more authentic social media experience. By giving users the option to hide these metrics, Threads encourages users to focus on the quality of their posts rather than the number of likes or shares they receive. This feature provides a safe and secure space for individuals to share their content without the pressure of social validation.
21. Microsoft Launches New Generative AI Ad Creation Tool
Microsoft has recently announced the addition of a new creative studio feature to its retail media tool. This new element will allow users to easily generate new advertisements in various formats through the use of conversational AI prompts. With this update, Microsoft aims to provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience for its customers, enabling them to create unique and engaging ads without the need for extensive design knowledge. We are excited to see the impact this new Creative Studio will have on the advertising industry.
22. Meta Reaffirms Commitment To Metaverse Amid Recent Strategic Shifts
At the recent CES event in Las Vegas, attendees and industry experts alike were quick to notice the absence of two previously popular topics: cryptocurrency and the metaverse. Despite being dominant themes at the past two CES events, these subjects seemed to have taken a backseat this year. Many speculated that this could be due to the current market volatility of cryptocurrencies and the lack of concrete developments in the metaverse space. However, this did not dampen the excitement surrounding the Metaverse. Meta has reconfirmed its commitment to the metaverse space admit the recent happenings.
23. Meta To Remove More Detailed Targeting Options For Ad Campaigns
Meta has announced plans to remove and consolidate certain detailed ad targeting options, it is important for advertisers to take note and adjust their strategies accordingly. This decision is being made due to low usage, excessive granularity, and concerns over sensitive topics. Advertisers must now be more mindful of their targeting choices and ensure they align with the platform’s guidelines. It is crucial to carefully review and select appropriate targeting options to avoid potential backlash from users. As always, maintaining a professional and ethical approach to advertising on Facebook is imperative for the success of both businesses and the platform.
24. WhatsApp Adds Custom Stickers & New Text Formatting Options On The Android
WhatsApp has recently introduced a new feature for iOS users that allows for custom sticker creation. This feature enables users to edit images from their camera roll and transform them into personalized stickers, adding a new level of creativity to their messaging experience. This option will allow users to express themselves in a unique and visually appealing manner, adding a personal touch to their conversations. This update is expected to further strengthen WhatsApp’s position as one of the leading messaging apps in the market.
25. OpenAI Debuts GPT Store For Tailored Assistant Services
OpenAI has officially launched its highly anticipated GPT Store. This platform provides users of ChatGPT with a diverse selection of custom apps and tools that are built on OpenAI’s state-of-the-art AI models. The GPT Store offers a wide variety of options to enhance the user experience and cater to their individual needs. With this new development, users can now access advanced features and capabilities that were previously unavailable. This launch marks a significant milestone in the world of artificial intelligence and we are excited to see the potential it holds for the future.
26. Microsoft May Extend Bing Chat’s History Beyond 90 Days
Microsoft’s Bing Chat Personalized Answers feature was initially marketed with the promise of utilizing a user’s chat history from the past 90 days. This was meant to provide a more personalized and accurate experience for users. However, some users have observed that the feature seems to be pulling data from beyond the stated 90-day period. This has raised concerns among chat users regarding the privacy and security of their personal information. As a reputable company, Microsoft should address these concerns and provide transparency in their data collection and usage practices to maintain the trust of their users.
27. Google Chrome’s New Feed Organises Content By Topic
Google has recently made an update to its mobile Chrome browser, enhancing its following feed feature to not only display content from publications, but also from topics that users follow. This update allows for a more diverse range of websites to be featured in the follow feed, providing users with a well-rounded and personalized browsing experience. By incorporating a wider selection of sites, Google is catering to the individual interests and preferences of its users, ensuring that they are receiving the most relevant and up-to-date information.
New Things in Digital 1st Week of January 2024 – Jan 1st to Jan 7th, 2024
28. Meta Announces The Upcoming Launch Of A Link History Feature For All Facebook Users
Meta has officially announced that all users will soon have access to the new Link History archive. This feature, currently available on Android and iOS, will allow users to easily access and review all the links they have shared on the platform. However, it should be noted that this feature is not yet available on desktop, but the company assures that it will be added in the near future. This update showcases Meta’s commitment to improving user experience and providing them with convenient tools to manage their online activity. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.
29. New X Link Preview Format To Feature Headlines In Article Images
With great excitement, X has announced the return of post headlines on link previews posted. After a brief hiatus, they have informed users that their platform is once again fully equipped with this highly requested feature. With post headlines now visible on link previews, users can easily and quickly identify the content they are about to engage with, saving them valuable time and effort. X has shown exemplary commitment to constantly enhancing their platform and providing users with the best possible experience & this addition will significantly improve the user experience on X.
30. Threads Takes On ‘Borderline’ Content Recommendations In-stream
Threads has recently announced their efforts to address the growing concern of borderline content recommendations in-stream. This refers to content that may not necessarily violate the platform’s community guidelines but still promotes harmful or misleading information. Threads will implement stricter algorithms and manual review processes to combat this issue and ensure that such content is not promoted to users. They have also pledged to work closely with fact-checking organizations and experts in various fields to improve their content moderation practices.
31. Bing Tests Copying Google’s Knowledge Panel Design
Recently, there has been speculation that Bing is testing a new design for its search knowledge and answer panels within the search results. This potential new design resembles the Google knowledge panel that has been in place for over a year now. This move by Bing could potentially enhance the user experience and streamline the process of retrieving information from search results. However, it is important to note that this is still in the testing phase and no official announcement has been made by Bing. We will continue to monitor any updates and provide further information as it becomes available.
32. Google Search Launches Graphical Weather Design On Mobile
Google has recently introduced a new feature in its mobile search results, providing users with a more visually appealing and interactive experience when searching for weather information. With this update, Google displays an animated graphic in the background of the weather details, adding a dynamic element to the search results. This enhancement not only makes the weather report more visually appealing but also allows users to quickly and easily understand the forecast. Google’s efforts to improve user experience through innovative features like helps in providing the most efficient and comprehensive search results.
33. Google Search Introduces Swipe-Based Style Recommendations
Google has recently introduced a new feature to its search results – “get style recommendations.” This feature allows users to swipe left and right on the style recommendations while using their mobile devices. After a few swipes, Google will then provide a carousel of product results that it believes will be of interest to the user. With this feature, users can easily discover and explore new products that align with their personal style and preferences. This further solidifies Google’s position as a leader in the digital landscape, consistently striving to offer cutting-edge solutions to its users.
34. Google Search Units Available For Rent Section In Local Panel
Google has recently introduced a new feature in select local panels called “Units available to rent.” This feature allows users to easily view homes, condos, and apartments that are currently listed for rent by the company. This addition aims to streamline the process of finding available rental units and provide users with a comprehensive view of the rental market in their area. By including this information directly in the local panel, Google is further enhancing its platform as a one-stop destination for all things related to local businesses and services.
35. Google Search Introduces Site-Specific Product Categories
Google Search is a powerful tool that not only displays relevant search results but also offers a convenient browse by category feature for specific brands. For instance, when searching for a well-known brand such as eBay, Google may provide a list of categories available on the site, allowing users to easily navigate and shop for products of their interest. This functionality not only streamlines the search process, but also enhances the user experience by providing a quick and organized way to explore a particular brand’s offerings. As a result, Google Search is a valuable resource for businesses and consumers.
36. The Next Phase In AR: Functional AR Glasses Nearing Consumer Release
The next generation of AR glasses has garnered significant attention in the technology world, with its ability to overlay digital effects onto the user’s real-world view. This innovative product has now reached the real-world testing phase at several major developers, marking a significant step towards its potential release to the public. These glasses are set to revolutionize the way we interact with our surroundings, seamlessly blending the digital and physical worlds. The real-world testing phase will provide valuable insights and improvements, ensuring that the final product meets the highest standards of functionality and performance.
Discover the latest and most crucial digital marketing updates from previous and upcoming months with our comprehensive guide. Stay in tune with the latest industry highlights, all conveniently gathered in one place for your ease. Don’t miss our blog archives for valuable insights into trends from previous months.
Conclusion
Concluding our review of the significant updates from January 2024, it’s evident that digital marketing is a constantly evolving field. These 36 updates underscore the importance for marketers to be adaptable, forward-thinking, and continuously learning. Whether it’s new algorithms, platforms, or tools, staying current is essential, not optional.
Moving forward, let these insights inform your digital strategies, and be prepared to evolve with the industry. In the dynamic realm of digital marketing, change is the only constant.
Thanks for reading!!