Instagram vs Pinterest

Welt to launch Instagram-native livestream for Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern elections

German publisher Axel Springer's Welt brand is launching Instagram-native live broadcasts for the state elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Hosted by Marlene Barduhn, the format uses Instagram's live infrastructure, with Barduhn moving through the Welt newsroom, including the newsroom CvD, domestic politics desk, and TV studio analysis wall. Two editions are scheduled: one at 6 PM for initial projections and another at 8 PM with current counting status and political analysis. Reporters from Berlin (CDU headquarters) and Schwerin (SPD election party) will be integrated via personal Instagram accounts, and data analyst Marian Grunden will provide real-time analysis. The community is engaged through live questions and a dedicated Q&A block with political editor Maximilian Heimerzheim. Moritz Seyffarth emphasized that this proves journalistic competence can be translated into Instagram's mechanics, ensuring the content is native to the platform, not a repurposing of TV content.

• Welt plans two Instagram-native live election broadcasts on Sunday at 6 PM and 8 PM.
• The format uses Instagram's native live infrastructure, with host Marlene Barduhn moving through the Welt newsroom.
• Reporters in Berlin and Schwerin will be integrated via personal Instagram accounts, covering CDU and SPD election events.

EU Plans Social Media Ban for Under-13s

The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, is proposing regulations to ban children under 13 from major social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, with stricter age verification. The plan, to be formally presented soon, includes a gradual approach: 13-15 year olds would have supervised 'mini-accounts' limited to one hour daily, with full accounts allowed from age 15. Platforms must implement safer designs, such as preventing endless scrolling or autoplay videos, and face mandates on child safety certifications, default private accounts for minors, and restrictions on live streaming. German officials support the initiative, but experts highlight challenges in implementation and enforcement, including potential circumvention, impacts on fundamental rights, and competitive disadvantages for new platforms. The proposal requires approval from the European Parliament and member states, a process that may take months or years.

• EU Commission proposes banning children under 13 from social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
• 13-15 year olds would have supervised 'mini-accounts' limited to one hour daily; full accounts only from age 15.
• Proposal includes requirements for safer design features, such as preventing endless scrolling and auto-play videos, plus bans on addictive designs.

Instagram's Mosseri Defends Feed Algorithm, Rejects Addictive Claims

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri has defended the platform's algorithmic feed, arguing that a chronological feed would overwhelm users with brand content and reduce engagement and satisfaction. He made the comments in response to Australian government plans to require social media platforms to offer users a choice between algorithmic and chronological feeds. Mosseri also rejected claims that Instagram is addictive, despite a recent US court ruling that found Meta and Alphabet negligent for not warning users about platform risks, awarding $3 million in damages. He acknowledged the ranking is not perfect but emphasized the company's efforts to give users control over their feeds.

• Australia announced plans to mandate that social media platforms offer users a choice between algorithmic and chronological feeds.
• Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri stated that a chronological feed would lead to more brand content and lower user engagement and satisfaction.
• A US court ruled that Meta and Alphabet acted negligently by not adequately warning users about platform risks, awarding the plaintiff $3 million in damages.

Pinterest unveils Visual Search Ads, bringing new performance advertising to visual discovery

Pinterest announced Visual Search Ads, a new performance advertising product, at Pinterest Presents 2026. The company also announced a new foundation for multimodal AI with NVIDIA.

Pinterest Launches AI-Powered Restyle Feature for Room Redesign

Pinterest has announced a new consumer-facing beta feature called 'Restyle', powered by 'Pinterest Intelligence', which uses AI to let users redesign their rooms. Users can upload a photo of a space and then use AI prompts to add, remove, or change furniture, decor, lighting, and paint colors. The feature is initially available in the U.S. and Canada, with a broader rollout expected next month. The partnership with Nvidia, revealed on Monday, combines Nvidia Blackwell GPUs and Nvidia Dynamo with open-source models to enhance Pinterest's visual search and AI capabilities. Restyle is positioned to help users visualize saved items in their own homes, potentially increasing the likelihood of purchase and completing the funnel from inspiration to purchase. The feature was teased at Pinterest Presents, alongside new advertiser tools.

• Pinterest launched 'Restyle' in beta in the U.S. and Canada.
• Restyle is powered by 'Pinterest Intelligence', leveraging Nvidia Blackwell GPUs and Nvidia Dynamo.
• Users can upload a photo and use AI to add, remove, or swap furniture, decor, and change lighting.

Pinterest Launches Visual Search Ads for Performance Advertising

At its 'Pinterest Presents' event, Pinterest announced Visual Search Ads, a new ad format placing ads in visual search results and Pin close-ups, targeting high-intent purchase moments. Leveraging Pinterest Intelligence, these ads support lower-funnel goals and integrate with Performance+, with a beta rollout across all ad markets. The Performance+ suite gained Priority Products and self-serve A/B testing, while App Promotion expanded globally, showing an 85% improvement in cost per install in early tests. Pinterest also introduced Restyle, an AI tool for home reimagining, and highlighted its 640 million monthly users and 80 billion monthly searches, over half purchase-oriented. Additionally, the company noted its tvScientific acquisition for CTV and expanded Nvidia partnership. Q2 saw 18% year-over-year revenue growth to $1.18 billion.

• Pinterest unveiled Visual Search Ads in beta for search results and Pin close-ups, leveraging Pinterest Intelligence and targeting high-intent discovery.
• Performance+ now includes Priority Products and self-serve A/B testing; App Promotion is in global beta with 85% lower cost per install.
• Pinterest reported 640 million monthly active users and over 80 billion monthly searches, over half for purchase intent.