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LinkedIn adds reactions, Pinterest keeps growing, and Facebook does cool stuff with AI

15 Apr 2019 Majed Alnahwi

LinkedIn continues rolling out new features

LinkedIn has just rolled out a host of new features to keep its platform fresh and engaging. The first set of updates focus on image tools and options. Users will now be able to tag others in photos as well as add photo-stickers to images. The second set of updates adds “reactions” to the platform. In addition to a “like,” users can now react in four other ways to posts with icons that indicate “celebrate,” “love,” “insightful” and “curious.”

Facebook gives advertisers better protection

Among the many recent updates to Facebook’s ad platform, the company is now giving advertisers the ability to select the level of control they want when it comes the content they place ads next to.

Pinterest hits 265 million monthly users

As Pinterest prepares for its IPO later this year, its numbers are looking strong. The platform’s user base has grown to over 265 million monthly active users, amassing 51 million new users in the past year alone. According to Pinterest, 90% of weekly Pinners are using the platform to make purchasing decisions.

WhatsApp adds new features to group chats

The messaging app rolled out two new features for its group chat in the last week. The first allows users to control who has permission to add them to new groups. The second feature is an invite system for those who enable the additional protections, allowing users to vet any incoming group invites before deciding to join. WhatsApp has said that the goal of these new features is to reduce the amount of misinformation and spread of fake news on the platform.

Facebook creates incredible maps using AI

Facebook’s AI team has completed mapping the population of the African continent. The team matched census data with structural data from satellite imagery to create a detailed picture of where people live across the continent. According to FB, project goals are to extend internet infrastructure to remote areas, and help support projects from local governments and aid organizations.