It’s time for the #MMSocialReport, AKA the best part of the week! Big things happened in social media in the last seven days, so you won’t want to miss this one. Twitter may be doubling its character limit and internet is going crazy! In other news, Snapchat rolled out 3D Bitmojis and Instagram is adding masks for Instagram Live. All this and more in our report:

1. Instagram Is Adding Video Masks to Instagram Live, Expanding Creative Options

by @adhutchinson via @socialmedia2day 

Instagram Live now has the option for users to add Snapchat-type masks to their videos. Live streaming just got a little bit less intimidating! This new feature has the potential to draw in more users to Instagram Live, which launched back in November. Could Instagram’s new masks pose a threat to Snapchat?

2. Facebook spins off ‘messages’ as standalone ad objective to boost Messenger bots

by @petersontee via @marketingland  

Did you know that businesses exchange 2 billion messages with Facebook users every month? In response to this emphasis on direct communication between businesses and their audiences, Facebook has added the option for businesses to set ‘messages’ as their campaign objective in Ads Manager. With this new strategy, Facebook Messenger could become an alternative to email marketing.

3. Twitter’s new character limit will help out languages that take up too much space, like English and French

by @_emmahinchliffe via @mashabletech 

Have you ever considered how much the language you tweet in impacts your Twitter experience? For example 140 characters in Mandarin allows for about twice as much content as the same number of characters in English. This is why, for some languages, Twitter is testing a new character count (280 characters to be exact!) The news has been met with mixed emotions from users, from excitement to outrage and everything in between.

4. Snapchat Brings Bitmojis to Life with New AR Update

by Emma Wiltshire via @socialmedia2day  

Snapchat has taken a another step in its incorporation of Bitmojis into the app. The newest creation? Animated AR Bitmojis! Snapchat, which acquired Bitmoji last year, dedicated a Bitmoji AR team to create the new feature. Once users update their Snapchat app, they can add their 3D-Bitmoji selves into their pictures and videos.

5. Snapchat rolls out Sponsored 3D World Lenses, bringing its AR format to advertisers

by @petersontee via @marketingland  

Brands have been quick to take advantage of Snapchat’s new AR format. Companies, including Bud Light and Warner Bros., have already been featured in Snapchat’s new AR ad format. These ads are branded, 3D objects that users can incorporate into their snaps.

Metter Media LLC is a Boston-based social media management company that implements community-based, localized social engagement strategies small businesses and corporations alike. Need help with your social media? Email Lauren today.