Weekly Radar: DeepSeek Tops ChatGPT, Meta's New Features & More

Good morning. It's Monday, Feb 3rd. In this week’s edition, we’re bringing you the latest in AI and social media news.

DeepSeek has made waves by overtaking ChatGPT in downloads, raising concerns in the AI market. We also have updates on TikTok’s traffic bounce back, Meta’s new features for Facebook and Instagram, and Instagram’s enhanced Reels insights.

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Hello Readers! 👋

Last week, the AI world was buzzing about a new player—DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company.

On January 26, DeepSeek's AI chatbot app skyrocketed to the top of Apple’s App Store, surpassing OpenAI’s ChatGPT. In just a few weeks, it became the most downloaded free app in the U.S. and globally across multiple platforms.

This rapid success shook the tech market, triggering a sell-off in AI stocks, including major players like Nvidia and Microsoft. Investors grew concerned about DeepSeek’s low-cost AI model and its potential impact on the valuations of established AI firms.

In just 18 days, DeepSeek’s app amassed over 16 million downloads, nearly doubling ChatGPT’s initial adoption rate. The company’s ability to develop a competitive AI model at a fraction of the cost raised serious questions about the sustainability of high AI investments by U.S. firms.

However, DeepSeek’s rise also sparked security concerns. Several companies and government agencies blocked access to the app, citing data privacy risks. In response, DeepSeek announced a temporary halt on new user registrations due to "large-scale malicious attacks," while assuring existing users that their access would remain intact.

Despite the controversy, industry experts believe DeepSeek’s approach could democratize AI, making advanced models more accessible to smaller companies and developers. In a surprising move, Microsoft, Nvidia, and AWS announced plans to integrate DeepSeek’s R1 model into their cloud services—signaling that even the biggest players are paying attention.

Social Media News 🌐

1. TikTok’s traffic bounces back despite being pulled off app stores, fears of shutdown

   After an 85% drop in traffic, TikTok has nearly fully recovered following its temporary shutdown. While a U.S. Supreme Court ruling pushed for ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations, an extended deadline until April 5 keeps the app online—for now. Investors like MrBeast and Elon Musk are eyeing a potential buyout, while creators brace for an uncertain future by diversifying to other platforms.

2. Meta AI uses Facebook & Instagram data to tailor responses

   Meta AI is rolling out Memory Boost, allowing it to remember details from 1:1 chats on WhatsApp and Messenger for more relevant responses. Plus, personalized recommendations will now use Facebook and Instagram data to tailor suggestions to your interests. These features are currently available in the US and Canada, with more regions to follow.

3. Instagram enhances Reels insights with view rate & performance tips

   Instagram has launched a performance overview section, offering content-specific insights and comparative data for creators. This feature provides quick performance assessments, helping users refine their video strategy. By focusing on views as a key engagement metric, Instagram aims to help creators boost their audience reach and optimize content for better engagement.

4. Meta expands business chat transparency labels to Instagram

   Meta is rolling out business chat labels on Instagram, following a similar update in Messenger. Now, chats with businesses will feature a “Business Chat” label, offering greater transparency. A new “Business Chats and Your Privacy” shortcut will also be available to explain privacy implications. Unlike personal chats, business interactions won’t have end-to-end encryption, and data may be shared with Meta and businesses for marketing purposes.

5. MrBeast and the CEO of Roblox Are Trying to Buy TikTok for Over $20 Billion

   MrBeast, alongside Roblox CEO David Baszucki and others, is reportedly bidding over $20 billion to acquire TikTok. The group believes $25 billion will secure the deal. TikTok’s owner ByteDance has declined the offer, saying the U.S. business isn’t for sale. Meanwhile, former President Trump indicated that Microsoft might also be in talks for a buyout.

Quick Headlines:

• TikTok Outlines Evolving User Protections for Data Privacy Day

• Meta details ongoing efforts to strengthen user privacy

• LinkedIn Tests Real-time News-Banner in India

• Google Opens Up Meridian Marketing Mix Model, Helping Marketers Measure Across Channels

• Google Adds New Options for Demand Gen Campaigns

• Meta Updates Audience Targeting Options for Advantage+ Catalog Ads

• Pinterest shares a guide to the top Pinterest marketing moments for 2025.

• Threads Adds Media Tab on User Profiles

• Here are the apps battling to become the ‘TikTok for Bluesky’

Marketing Meme 😂

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And that’s a wrap for this week’s SocialSyntax - Weekly Radar!

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