Weekly Prompt: Is OpenAI going social? Plus other news

OpenAI reportedly developing social platform

OpenAI is developing an early-stage prototype of a social media platform featuring a feed of AI-generated images, according to multiple reports. The project is designed around content created using ChatGPT’s image generation tools and may serve as a means of expanding user engagement and gathering real-time data.

Sources familiar with the matter state that the prototype includes a social feed for sharing user-generated content. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has reportedly sought feedback on the project from individuals outside the company. It is currently unclear whether the platform will be launched as a standalone app or integrated into the existing ChatGPT application.

The move would position OpenAI alongside major technology companies such as Meta and X, both of which use social platforms to collect data for training AI models. OpenAI does not currently have access to such proprietary user data.

Reports suggest that one aim of the project is to help users share content more effectively, potentially using AI to enhance content creation. While the initiative remains in its early phases, the existence of an internal prototype highlights OpenAI’s interest in expanding its product offerings beyond its current tools and services.

Sources: The Verge, TechCrunch, Mashable

Additional prompts

Instagram tests new ways to boost shared content and engagement. Instagram has launched and tested two new features aimed at increasing user interaction through shared content. The first, called “Blend”, is now live and allows users to create a shared feed of Reels with friends or group chats. This feed shows recommended Reels based on each participant’s viewing habits, and updates as more Reels are shared in the chat. Users can react or comment directly, with responses triggering notifications to encourage further conversation.

In addition, Instagram is experimenting with a feature called “Storylines”, which enables users and their mutual followers to collaboratively build a single narrative within Stories. For instance, friends attending the same event could link their Stories to one another, creating a larger, multi-perspective view. Read more on Social Media Today

LinkedIn verification expands to other platforms for online authenticity. LinkedIn is expanding its free verification system to external platforms, allowing users to display a “Verified on LinkedIn” badge beyond the site. The move aims to tackle growing issues around online impersonation by helping users prove their identity, education, or workplace across the web. Adobe is among the first adopters, integrating the feature into its Content Credentials tools and Behance platform. Other early partners include TrustRadius, G2 and UserTesting. The update comes as other platforms also explore verification options, with social network Bluesky recently introducing its own system for authenticating notable accounts, following the decline of Twitter’s original blue checkmark. Read more on The Verge

YouTube tests AI clip highlights in search results. YouTube is testing AI Overviews in search results, a feature already used by Google Search. The YouTube version uses AI to surface short, relevant clips from videos in response to certain search queries, such as product research or travel ideas. These highlights appear in a carousel, giving users a quick summary of potentially helpful content. The test is limited to select English-language queries and a small group of U.S. YouTube Premium users. YouTube is gathering feedback to decide on future rollout. The update may affect how viewers discover branded or creator content. Read more on Search Engine Land