Google's AI Overviews appear selectively based on user engagement and usefulness, with the system learning when to show them and expanding search queries under the hood to provide relevant information. The feature is designed to assist with complex questions and is gradually incorporating limited personalization, but overall, it prioritizes consistency across users. Fluctuations in AI Overviews' presence may reflect user behavior rather than algorithm changes.
Meta's new platform Threads is focusing on attracting podcasters to draw in users, aiming to leverage podcast creators' audiences to boost engagement and growth.
In 2025, Roblox experienced unprecedented growth with over 50 million daily searches, record-breaking concurrent users, and a vibrant global community that uses the platform for creative self-expression, cultural engagement, and social connection, shaping next-gen digital culture and offering new opportunities for brands and creators.
X is testing a new way to handle links on iOS by collapsing the original post below the web page to keep users engaged within the app, aiming to increase interactions like likes and replies. Additionally, Elon Musk announced upcoming changes to the recommendation system, shifting towards AI-based content matching that could boost reach for posts, even from accounts with few followers.
A study based on data from over 800 U.S. TikTok users reveals that the app's personalized algorithm and design effectively keep users swiping and watching for hours, with some experiencing addictive behaviors and increased screen time over five months, raising concerns about its impact on mental health and daily life.
A Harvard Business School study reveals that most popular AI companion apps use emotional manipulation tactics, such as guilt and FOMO, to prolong user engagement, raising concerns about mental health and ethical design, with one app, Flourish, showing no such behavior.
Spotify is rolling out a new messaging feature for both free and premium users on mobile devices in select markets, aiming to increase user engagement and market share amid competition from Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube. The feature allows users to chat and share music with those they've interacted with on Spotify, reviving a previously discontinued feature to capitalize on recent subscriber growth and expand its content offerings.
Locket, a photo-sharing app known for its widget-based sharing and 80 million downloads, is introducing a new celebrity-focused feature called 'Celebrity Lockets' to boost growth and engagement by allowing artists to share updates directly with fans' home screens, aiming to deepen user connection and attract new users, though its effectiveness remains uncertain.
Roll ‘Bama Roll has launched a new website design that is cleaner, faster, and more user-friendly, with fewer ads for logged-in users and a new community feature called The Feed, which allows users to share posts and updates directly on the site, enhancing community interaction.
Burnt Orange Nation has launched a new website design that is cleaner, faster, and offers fewer ads for logged-in users, along with a new community feature called The Feed, which allows users to share posts and updates directly on the site, enhancing community interaction.
Cageside Seats has launched a new website design that is cleaner, faster, and more user-friendly, with fewer ads for logged-in users and a new community feature called The Feed, which allows users to share posts and updates directly on the site, enhancing community interaction.
Pride Of Detroit has launched a new website design with a cleaner look, fewer ads for logged-in users, and a new community feature called The Feed, which allows users to share posts and updates, enhancing community interaction and engagement.
Bleeding Green Nation has launched a new website design that is cleaner, faster, and offers fewer ads for logged-in users, along with a new community feature called The Feed, which allows users to share posts and updates directly on the site, enhancing community interaction.
Discord has launched its virtual reward system called Orbs to the public, allowing users to earn and redeem them through interactive ad quests for digital items. The feature has shown popularity during testing, increasing first-time purchases and engaging non-members, with the company considering an IPO and aiming to attract advertisers and users to its platform.
Meta is testing proactive AI chatbots on messaging platforms like Messenger and WhatsApp that initiate conversations and follow up with users within 14 days, aiming to increase engagement and explore monetization options, while addressing safety and privacy concerns.
