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BeReal Launched
Photo-sharing app that prompts users to post one unfiltered photo per day. -
Lemon8 Launched
Lifestyle app that blends elements on Instagram and Pinterest. -
Youtube Shorts Introduction
YouTube Shorts were officially launched in September 2020 as a response to the rise of TikTok and the growing popularity of short-form video content. -
TikTok Growth
TikTok popularity boomed during the pandemic. This influenced and led to changes across various social media platforms. -
Instagram Video Changes
Instagram merged IGTV and Feed videos into a single format: Instagram Video. This created four different types of video formats on the app: Reels, Video, Stories, and Lives. -
Facebook Meta Rebrand
Facebook rebranded as Meta, signaling a major pivot toward virtual and augmented reality with a long-term vision of the Metaverse. The push for the Metaverse led to the launch of new virtual reality spaces (like Horizon Worlds) and investments in VR technology through Oculus. -
Mental Health Awareness
TikTok began running mental health campaigns aimed at de-stigmatizing conversations about mental health. Twitter introduced a Mental Health Resource Center where users could find information on dealing with mental health challenges, especially online. Instagram began introducing more mental health awareness features as well. Facebook also introduced new tools to help users who were facing mental health challenges such as Wellness Checks and Well-Being Reminders. -
Discord Threads Launch
Discord launched "Threads" for users to create threaded conversations, improving conversations in busy servers. The platform continued its trend of attracting more professional, creative, and educational users, not just gamers. -
Twitter Buyout
Elon Musk buys and renames Twitter to X. -
Threads Launched
Meta launches Threads, a text-based conversational app similar to Twitter (now X). -
Discord Integration Expansion
Discord integrated with more business and educational tools, such as Google Drive and Miro, expanding its reach in professional settings. It became an increasingly popular platform for remote teams and educational groups to communicate. -
TikTok Ban Controversy
Plans for TikTok bans in the US or potential buyout spark controversy amongst users.