Instagram is rolling out a new feature that makes searching for relevant information even easier. AI-powered search shortcuts are now appearing at the top of comment sections on some posts, helping users quickly find more details about the topic.
It’s just one of the ways platforms are evolving—pairing smarter content discovery tools with more intentional user experiences. While Instagram leans into AI to enhance information access, TikTok is taking a different but equally important route: giving users, especially parents, more control over how their children engage with content.
How Does Instagram’s New AI Feature Work
Let’s say you come across a post about a football player signing with a new team. Right at the top of the comments, you might see a shortcut like “Mack Hollins stats.” Tapping on it takes you to a dedicated search page where you can:
- See an AI-generated summary of the topic.
- Find sources from Google and explore related searches.
- Browse through Instagram’s search tabs like Accounts, Reels, and Audio.
- Access the Explore page for even more content.
Why It Matters
This feature is part of Instagram’s larger push to integrate AI into its platform to make content discovery smoother. Other platforms, such as YouTube and TikTok, have already been using keyword-based search tools. However, Instagram is doing things differently by placing these shortcuts above the comments, rather than inside them.
- Faster access to information without leaving the app.
- More engagement as users explore related content.
- A stronger AI-powered ecosystem across Meta’s apps.
With AI shaping how we interact with content online, Instagram’s new search shortcuts could change the way users discover information on social media.
While Instagram focuses on making discovery smarter, TikTok is addressing the other side of the equation: user well-being.
How Does TikTok New Feature Work
TikTok has expanded its Family Pairing tools with a new safety feature called Time Away, giving parents more flexibility to support balanced screen time. The update allows families to shape the social media experience around their routines and values, encouraging teens to take meaningful breaks and engage more fully offline. On a platform as immersive as the For You feed, features like this offer a thoughtful way to build in pause, reflection, and healthier digital habits.
What’s Changing?
- Time Away Feature: Parents can now block TikTok access at specific times—whether it’s during school, family time, or bedtime. This is part of TikTok’s Family Pairing functionality. Teens can request extra screen time, but parents have the final say.
2. Follower & Blocked Accounts Monitoring
Parents will now be able to see:
- Who their teen follows.
- Who follows their teen.
- Any accounts their teen has blocked.
This feature helps parents stay informed without being overly intrusive.
3. Wind Down Mode
TikTok is also adding a Wind Down feature for users under 16.
- If a teen is still on TikTok after 10 PM, a full-screen reminder with calming music will pop up.
- If they ignore it, a stronger prompt will appear, making it harder to dismiss.
Why It Matters
The overuse of social media is a growing concern, especially among teens. Excessive screen time can affect mental health, sleep, and focus. In response some countries are taking action to ban or further restrict teen access to social media platforms. In 2024 Australia became the first country in the world to ban children under the age of 16 from using social media. In an effort to evolve with growing concerns around digital well-being, TikTok is giving parents more tools to manage usage rather than imposing outright restrictions.
These updates are a step in the right direction because they:
- Promote healthier screen time habits.
- Give parents more control without being too restrictive.
- Encourage a mindful social media experience.
As concerns over digital well-being continue to grow, features like these could set a new standard for responsible social media usage.
Final Thoughts
Both Instagram and TikTok are evolving to improve user experience and safety. Instagram’s AI-powered search shortcuts help users find relevant information quickly, while TikTok’s parental control features offer better screen-time management for teens.
These changes highlight two major trends shaping the future of social media:
1. AI-driven content discovery.
2. Stronger digital well-being initiatives.
It’ll be interesting to see how these updates shape the way people engage with social platforms in the future!
