1. Pinterest Predicts: The trends to watch for 2022 - Pinterest through its Predicts report provided an overview of where things are headed in 2022, based on Pin activity, in a range of business categories. They have highlighted 35 trends that it says are not trending yet but will be in the near future (Pinterest shared 30 trends last year).

The trends range from make-up to fashion, to home décor, with various other, less Pinterest-y elements along the way. Pinterest has also provided a more visual overview of each trend on its dedicated Pinterest Predicts mini-site, along with Pin samples in each category.

There’s some interesting data here, and if you’re marketing on Pinterest, or considering the platform for your 2022 strategy, it’s worth taking a look at the search trend notes and data, which may provide some key guidance in your approach.

And at 80% predictive value, in terms of flagging what’s coming next, Pinterest’s track record is solid.

2. Pinterest Acquires Vochi, A Video Creation and Editing App - As part of its broader push into video content, Pinterest has announced the acquisition of video editing app Vochi, which enables users to easily add effects to their clips.

Vochi enables users to remove items from clips, add 3D effects, and add other specialized visual features that can make your clips stand out in feeds. The app is currently used by around 500k people per month and is generating around $4 million in annual revenue through subscriptions and add-on features.

And now, it will become part of the broader Pinterest creator suite, which will add more elements to its growing video push, which also includes its ‘Idea Pins’ social Stories variation.

3. Facebook Launches 'Professional Profiles' for Creators - Facebook’s making a push to facilitate more opportunities for creators in its app, with new ‘Professional Mode for Profiles’ to welcome new creators in, and updates for Creator Pages.

As per Facebook:

“We know that many creators - especially those who are just starting out - are on profiles, so from today, we’re announcing the roll-out of a new professional mode for profiles. Professional Mode will open up access to post, audience, and profile insights, as well as give easy access to monetization features – all in one place.”

So rather than pushing new creators to professional Pages, Professional Mode for Profiles will provide more insights on post-performance and audience growth for those using regular Facebook profiles.

Those who turn on Professional Mode also qualify for Reels bonuses and other features, which Facebook will be hoping will lure more people into posting more often, with a view to increasing these newly present engagement stats. Note, right at the bottom of the first screenshot, that you can turn off Professional Mode at any time if you decide that being a social media creator isn’t for you.

4. Facebook Launches 'Stars Fest' to Increase Donations & Audience - Stars are essentially a virtual currency that can be purchased in various bundles, which then enables Facebook users to allocate them to creators via live-streams (audio and video). 

And from now on until December 31st, you’ll be able to purchase more Stars for less, with discounts on Stars packages, while Facebook’s also adding new Stars features and usage options to spark further interest in the tool.

The biggest functional addition, at least from a general user perspective, is the launch of a new Stars Store, “where people can buy Stars at lower prices”.

“Stars are deposited into people’s virtual wallets to then send to eligible creators during Facebook Live, on-demand videos, or Live Audio Rooms. In the Stars store, fans get more Stars for their money at lower prices, so they can support even more of their favorite creators.”

In addition to this, Facebook’s also looking to make Stars useable in more functions, including for videos in the News Feed, in Facebook Watch, and within the Facebook Gaming tab.

Facebook’s also adding a new ‘Stars Party’ option, which will provide Stars fundraising goals when groups of people are viewing and donating in a live stream.

5. Twitter Extends Access to Spaces Recording - Twitter is expanding access to its Spaces Recording capability, which began rolling out in late October. All users can listen to them, and more hosts can use the feature.

6. Snap Unveils 523 Content Accelerator Program - Snapchat launched "523," a new content accelerator program for small, minority-owned content companies. Many accelerators at social media companies are designed to bolster individual creators. The 523 programs is focused on media companies creating premium shows for Snapchat's content arm, Discover.

The program will award 20 minority-owned media upstarts $10,000 per month for six months to help them create content for Discover.

Snapchat defines minority-owned businesses as those that are 51% owned and operated by individuals who identify as Black, Hispanic, Asian, Indigenous, Middle Eastern, non-binary, LGBTQ+, women, veterans, or having a disability. Eligible businesses must also employ fewer than 20 people and have gross revenue in 2021 — or in the last 12 months — that's less than $5 million.

7. New Marketing with Purpose Business Attributes Showcase Brand Values - Microsoft Advertising has added Asian-owned, Latin-owned, Women-owned, and Diabetic-friendly business attributes, enabling advertisers to showcase more of their selling points and values, the company announced Thursday. These four new attributes join the 32 Marketing with Purpose business attributes that Microsoft introduced in September.

Personal ethics and brand values have become factors in buying decisions for many customers. Being able to quickly differentiate your brand from others, through attributes such as these, can help you stand out from the competition.

8. Google Ads Image Extensions Are Now Available on Desktop Devices - Google announced that image extensions for Google Ads is rolling out to desktop ads now. Note, it launched for mobile search ads in May 2021. Also, Google Ads image extensions now support dynamic image extensions for any language and you can use stock images as well for these image ad extensions.

Google said image extensions complement your Search ad with relevant visuals of your products and services. "Previously, image extensions only showed on mobile devices," Google said. Google will soon show them on desktop devices in the next few weeks. If you are already using image extensions on mobile Google said they will show on desktop devices automatically as the update rolls out.

You can view your desktop device performance by segmenting your performance data by "Device". This update applies to dynamic image extensions as well, Google said.