Social Media Weekly Roundup 06.11.20
Hey SocialDayers!
If you’re anything like the SocialDay team, you’ve probably been feeling a little anxious and overwhelmed this week. With the US election saturating social media and a second lockdown being introduced on home soil, to say we’re looking forward to a weekend of serious self-care is an understatement!
Here’s the round-up of all the social media updates you need to know this week.
Facebook supports black-owned businesses with #BuyBlack Friday gift guide in the US
With black-owned businesses being hit especially hard by the pandemic, closing at twice the rate of other small business in the US in fact, Facebook has launched its own #BuyBlack Friday gift guide. The aim of the new initiative is to encourage users to support black-owned businesses and is a logical next step for the platform, following on from several initiatives aimed at promoting struggling small businesses during the pandemic.
Spotify announces new ability for artists and labels to influence recommendations algorithm
Spotify has announced a new feature that will allow artists and their labels to influence the algorithm that produces Spotify’s personalised recommendations for users. In a bid to help artists increase opportunities to connect with new listeners, they will now be able to decide whether to promote certain songs to appear in users’ recommendations in exchange for receiving lower royalties.
Apple releases new emojis in latest iOS 14 update
Apple has released more than 100 new emojis in its latest software update iOS 14.2. Users will now be able to find a transgender flag, two people hugging, and a range of new animals and faces among old favourites in their much-loved emoji keyboard. The update also brings other new features including new wallpapers, optimised battery charging for AirPods, and a new accessibility feature for blind users who have an iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max.
WhatsApp introduces new storage management tool
WhatsApp has announced that it is updating its storage management tool. The new and improved in-app feature will allow users to find and delete files that are clogging up their phone storage.
iOS 14 widget that puts election results on your home screen launched by NBC News
American company NBC News has launched an iOS 14 widget that automatically puts live election results on your homescreen, ensuring users don’t miss a thing during the much-anticipated political event. The widget comes with a range of customisation options, meaning users can place several versions of the widget on your home screen, each showing a different set of results.
Snapchat begins displaying follower counts of creators
Ever wondered how many followers your favourite creators actually have on Snapchat? Well, the platform just made that a possibility with its new feature which allows accounts with large followings to choose whether or not they display their follower counts.
WhatsApp introduces new Snapchat-like feature which lets users send disappearing messages
In a new Snapchat-esque feature, Whatsapp will now let users send messages that disappear after seven days. The new feature, which can be enabled on an individual chat/group basis, is said to have been designed to help users cut down their digital footprint.
BBC releases new Panorama investigating how safe TikTok really is for young users
This week, BBC Panorama showed its new half an hour documentary ‘Is TikTok Safe?’, where reporter Tina Daheley investigated concerns around TikTok as the UK prepares for another lockdown. The show explored a range of issues, one of which saw influencer Ambar, who has struggled with eating disorders in the past, explaining the content she found on the platform promoted ‘toxic behaviours’ to young people.
SocialDay: US election special
We’re sure you’ve seen plenty of news and updates about the US election on social media this week (it would be pretty hard to avoid!), but what about the updates made by the social media platforms themselves in preparation for the big day? Find out how each of the major social media platforms adapted and prepared for the 2020 US election in this week’s special SocialDay article.
SocialDay: Session Highlight
This week, we’ve taken a look back at the Met Office’s Ross Middleham’s SocialDay session to give you 7 Tips on How to Deliver Time-Sensitive Information on Social Media. Ross’ session is available on demand over on the Club app now!
