Top 5 social media stories you need to know about

This week, there are lots of stories in the news about popular social media sites like Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. With 2016 coming to a close this month, many have issued press releases that highlight data, top stories and videos, updates to services and more. 

Here are the top five social stories this week: 

1.  Facebook released its Year in Review on December 8, 2016 and highlighted some of the most talked about Global Topics.  For the first time ever, Facebook also released its top 10 global Live videos. Facebook's most watched video of 2016 is Chewbacca Mom. 

Related Chatter: A Mask, a Retailer and the Joy of Marketing 

Facebook also rolled out personalized videos that allow users to view some of their most memorable moments from 2016. It is very easy to view your Facebook Year in Review and create your personalized video to share. 

Related Chatter: Understanding YouTube Mad Recap

3. Pinterest added some new features for Business profiles, including a new rotating showcase that sits right at the top of the profile, and the ability to feature five boards. 

More than 1 million businesses are on Pinterest, and 75 percent of the content saved by users comes from those businesses.

Related Chatter: Why saving links with Pinterest works at work 

4. Last week Microsoft completed its acquisition of LinkedIn for $26.2 billion. LinkedIn is a popular social media site for business professionals and, with access to data, there are rumours that users might be able to integrate information with other Microsoft products like Office 365 apps. 

5. On December 6, 2016 Instagram announced some updates to its services that will give users more control over their accounts. Committed to making sure the popular photo-sharing social networking site is a safe and welcoming place for self-expression, Instagram launched tools to improve commenting, privacy and safety that encourage positivity throughout the community.

Related Chatter: Instagram's New Features Support Users In Need

Instagram also released the Top 10 Canadian places featured in Instagram photos this year, with Niagara Falls earning the top spot as the most photographed destination. 

To see how your business ranks on social media, take a snapshot of your social scene.