Instagram adds in-app post scheduling, Facebook expands professional mode, Snap partners with Amazon and YouTube rolls out Primetime Channels

Instagram rolls out in-app post-scheduling tool 

Social media managers and creators no longer need to rely on third-party tools or Creator Studio to schedule posts on Instagram. The platform is rolling out in-app post-scheduling tools to all professional accounts in the app, allowing users to schedule posts, Reels and carousels directly in the app up to 75 days in advance. Once you have prepared a post, tap "Advanced settings" and "Schedule this post", choose the desired date and time, and click "Schedule".

Facebook expands ‘Professional Mode’ to all creators globally 

Meta has announced the global expansion of its Professional Mode profile setting on Facebook to all creators. Professional Mode is similar to Pages for businesses, which gives creators a separate Facebook profile entity to promote their content and build a public presence. Facebook began testing in December 2021 with select creators. With the global rollout, it provides access to a range of analytics insights and monetisation tools, including features like Reels Play bonus program and Stars. Facebook’s Reels Play bonus program allows creators to earn money for the Reels they share and Stars lets creators earn directly from followers on Reels, live and video on demand.

Snapchat and Amazon partner on AR shopping experience 

Snapchat has a new partnership with Amazon Fashion, expanding the augmented reality and virtual try-on experiences for both brands and customers. The launch includes dozens of new shopping lenses available across categories, such as sunglasses, reading glasses and seasonal glasses, allowing customers to explore, shop and digitally try them on. When a customer discovers a pair of glasses they like, they can tap on a link at the bottom of the screen to make a purchase, which directs them to the Amazon app to check out. The AR shopping experience is starting with eyewear, but expect expansions into other categories in the months ahead.

YouTube announces ‘Primetime Channels’ streaming subscription 

YouTube has announced the introduction of Primetime Channels in the US, which will be a hub for subscription streaming services directly on the platform. With over 30 partners signed up for the launch, including big-name streaming services like Paramount Plus and Epix, you can watch a movie trailer on YouTube like you normally would, and then just watch the movie on the same site. Videos will show up in the Movies and TV section of the YouTube app, as well as in search results and recommendations. You’ll be able to leave a comment and like or dislike the video — all that’s missing is view counts.