Observed Signal · Dec 7, 2022 · Product Launch · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
WhatsApp Avatar Rollout Announced by Zuckerberg
WhatsApp is rolling out personalized avatars that can be used as profile pictures and as chat stickers, following earlier limited testing in October 2022. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the official rollout on Facebook, signaling that users will be able to create avatars and use them in chats via a new Sticker Pack. The feature expands avatar usage beyond WhatsApp to other Meta platforms, with plans for more designs and use cases, including avatars for video calls. The article notes that the avatar creation option appears under Settings, though access to the function was not universal in initial coverage. Meta also released a related Avatar Post Generator on Facebook, and executives indicate additional avatar options will be rolled out across Meta apps over time.
Major platform feature rollout across Meta apps (WhatsApp avatars)
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- WhatsApp rolled out avatars for profile pictures and chat stickers.
- First avatars could be created in October 2022; official rollout announced by Mark Zuckerberg on Facebook.
- Avatars can be used as profile pictures and can be shared as a Sticker Pack in chats.
- Meta plans to bring avatars to video calls and expand avatar options across Meta apps.
- Facebook released an Avatar Post Generator.
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Grok Bot Searches X, Integrates Rival AI Models
SpaceXAI has enhanced its AI agent Grok Bot with the ability to continuously search and analyze the entire X platform. Users can now deploy the agent for 24/7 social listening, brand monitoring, and trend analysis, similar to Google's Information Agents. Grok Bot will also integrate other AI models from competitors, such as Claude Opus 5.5, Midjourney, and Suno, depending on the task. This move signals a shift towards multi-model AI agents and expands the capabilities of AI-driven social media analytics.
Instagram Edits App Now Supports Carousel Creation
Instagram's Edits app now allows creators to create Carousel posts directly within the app, according to an announcement by Instagram's Creators account via Instagram and Threads. The feature is available immediately for iOS users, with an Android version expected soon. In a broadcast channel, Instagram head Adam Mosseri confirmed that users can mix photos and videos on any slide, connect images across slides, and use the same stickers, text effects, and cutouts used in video editing. This functionality aims to streamline content creation and boost engagement, as Carousels remain a popular format on the platform. Additionally, the Edits AI Assistant, which provides video ideas based on account metrics, is currently available only in the US. Meta continues to enhance its creator tools to support social media marketing efforts.
Global ad market grows 11.9% in 2026; print, TV weak
According to Warc Media's forecast, the global advertising market is set to grow by 11.9% in 2026 to $1.34 trillion, following 10% growth in 2024 and 2025. Key growth drivers include investments in AI and major events like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. Social media will see the strongest growth at 21.3% to $394.6 billion, followed by VOD, retail media, search, and DOOH. Traditional media declines: TV down 1.8%, print down 0.9%, and radio down 3.0%. Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta will capture a combined 59.7% of global ad spend outside China. The growth is expected to normalize to 8.4% in 2027 and 7.9% in 2028. AI is reshaping targeting, creative, and campaign optimization, and creating new ad environments like generative search.
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