Is AI Really Saving You Time? Plus: Threads + TikTok Surprises

Author

Jennifer Stinnett
May 29, 2025

Threads Adds Multiple Bio Links + Click Tracking

Threads just made life easier for creators and small business owners. You can now add up to 5 links in your profile bio. No more relying on third-party tools to showcase your website, shop, newsletter, or podcast.

Even better? Threads now shows click data for each link, so you can see what's getting attention and adjust accordingly.

Take a few minutes to update your Threads profile with your most important links — and start making those clicks count!

TikTok’s New AI Tool Brings Your Photos to Life

TikTok just rolled out a new feature called AI Alive, which transforms static photos into short, animated videos—no editing skills are required.

Available in TikTok Stories, AI Alive adds subtle movements, effects, and ambient sounds to your images, making even a simple selfie feel cinematic.

Here’s how to use it:

  • Tap the blue “+” icon on your Inbox or Profile page to open the Story Camera.

  • Choose a photo from your Story Album.

  • Tap the AI Alive icon on the right-side toolbar.

  • (Optional) Add a text prompt to guide the animation.

Every AI video is clearly labeled and includes metadata for transparency, even when shared outside TikTok.

✨ This is an easy way for small business owners to make their Stories stand out without diving into video editing. Give it a try, and bring your content to life!

AI Hype Check: Is It Really Saving You Time and Money?

A new study from the University of Chicago’s Becker Friedman Institute throws some cold water on the AI efficiency buzz. After surveying 25,000 workers in Denmark, researchers found that AI adoption didn’t deliver the sweeping productivity gains many hoped for.

Here are the key stats:

  • AI saved just 2.8% of workers’ time — about one hour per 40-hour workweek.

  • Google has suggested AI could save over 120 hours annually, but this study shows a much smaller impact.

  • With added support and training, AI adoption jumped from 47% to 83%.

  • Despite higher usage, there was little to no boost in productivity or earnings.

  • In some cases, AI even created more work by introducing new tasks.

The big takeaway? AI can be helpful, but it’s not guaranteed to be a game-changer. Before rolling out new tools, test them in small, specific areas of your business and measure what’s actually working.