Make the Most of SXSW

PopShorts has put together a comprehensive SXSW itinerary, covering key events, panels, and networking opportunities for media professionals with more than 60 RSVP links provided. The best part? All of these events require no badge!

From industry meetups to creator-focused gatherings, this guide highlights where the biggest conversations are happening. Whether you're looking to connect, learn, or explore new collaborations, having the right plan ensures you don’t miss a beat.

Want to make the most of SXSW? Check out the full guide.

Here’s what’s new this month:

• TikTok Refreshes Desktop Experience: A redesigned web app brings full-screen viewing, a floating player, and better live-stream support.

• YouTube Ads Drive Kids’ Toy Purchases: 75% of kids ask for products after seeing YouTube ads.

• TikTok Expands Local Services to the US: The platform is hiring in major cities to connect creators with local businesses.

• Snapchat’s SMB Growth Gains Momentum: The number of advertisers on Snapchat has doubled year-over-year, with SMBs seeing strong returns.

• Meta to Launch Standalone AI App: Meta is rolling out a separate AI app and testing a paid subscription model.

TikTok Refreshes Desktop Experience

TikTok’s desktop app now mirrors the mobile experience, with a full-screen layout, refreshed “For You” feed, and improved navigation. A new floating player in Chrome lets users watch videos while multitasking, keeping content in view.

For live streamers, portrait and landscape mode support creates a smoother experience across devices, changing how creators and audiences engage beyond mobile.

Read More: Social Media Today

YouTube Ads Drive Kid’s Toy Purchases

A new study found that 75% of kids aged 2-12 have asked for a product after seeing an ad on YouTube. With YouTube Shorts usage up 32% year-over-year, the platform is now the biggest driver of children’s retail trends.

Parents are watching too, with 38% saying the last product they bought for their child was from a YouTube ad. For brands targeting young audiences, influencer partnerships on YouTube remain one of the most effective marketing strategies.

Read More: TubeFilter

TikTok Expands Local Services to the U.S.

TikTok is moving into local services in the U.S., following tests in Southeast Asia. The platform is hiring in major cities to connect creators with local businesses, focusing first on travel, food, and lifestyle partnerships.

With 7 million businesses already on TikTok, this expansion could make local influencer marketing even more powerful. PopShorts helps brands navigate these shifts, ensuring they stay ahead as TikTok leans further into commerce.

Read More: AXIOS

Snapchat’s SMB Growth Gains Momentum

Snapchat’s advertiser base has doubled year-over-year, driven by a growing focus on small and medium-sized businesses. With new lower-funnel ad solutions and a more cost-effective platform, SMBs are seeing stronger returns on ad spend.

More than 50% of U.S. Snapchatters are now 25 or older, giving brands access to an audience with real purchasing power. As Snapchat refines its ad tools, SMBs looking to diversify beyond Meta and Google are taking notice.

Read More: Digiday

Meta to Launch Standalone AI App

Meta is set to release a standalone AI app this year, moving beyond integration in Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The company is also exploring a paid subscription model for Meta AI, following OpenAI’s approach with ChatGPT.

With 700 million monthly users, Meta AI is claiming a major stake in the AI space. A dedicated app could boost engagement and provide deeper personalization for users.

Read More: CNBC