Social Media News Round-Up: 21/01/22
THIS WEEK’S SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING NEWS AT A GLANCE:
Scroll down to read the full news stories
📱 TikTok tests integrated stories
🗣 Twitter previews TweetDeck tools
🚨 Snapchat adds new measures to protect minors
🤑 YouTube previews new tools for creators
🌐 Meta develops virtual influencer ‘Ethical Framework’
🎊 Instagram tests fan subscriptions
TikTok tests integrated stories
Looking to expand the scope of content on the app and provide more avenues for monetisation in 2022, the app has run a test on its experimental Stories which would see TikTok stories featured on the main ‘For You’ and ‘Following’ pages..
With stories integrated into the main feed they shift from the sidebar option they were initially introduced as last year into another content option which users could view in-stream.
Image Source: Social Media Today
Twitter previews TweetDeck Tools
Taking in users’ feedback the app is testing improvements designed to make creating multi-purpose columns easier. Column options have expanded and instead of tapping the ‘+’ symbol in the left hand control space, column creation tools are incorporated into the main display.
Snapchat adds new measures to protect minors
The app has introduced limits on adults seeking to connect with minors on its platform by changing it’s ‘Quick Add’ friend suggestion process. Users can no longer add people under the age of 18 unless there are a number of common friends between them. It’s hoped that, while not stopping connections completely, this feature will reduce harm on Snapchat - which has a significantly younger user base in comparison to other apps.
YouTube previews new tools for creators
Looking to help creators showcase the value of their channel for branded content deals, the app is testing a new MediaKit display which will soon be made available through the BrandConnect tab in YouTube Studio for signed up users.
The display will provide a shareable summary of stats like audience, subscribers, unique viewers, average watch time, demographics, audience interests and more.
Channel managers will be able to select four featured videos for the display which will also highlight prior channel ad partners. This information will then be available to managers in PDF format and made searchable by BrandConnect partners to promote potential content deals.
Image Source: Social Media Today
Image Source: Social Media Today
Meta develops virtual influencer ‘Ethical Framework’
With the rise of digital characters as influencers and deepfakes the company is looking to meet obligations to establish clear markers of what’s real and what’s not on its platforms. Meta’s currently working with developers and experts on boundaries for virtual influencer use to negate their potential harm, while recognising the depictions’ benefits.
Meta also posted a refresher on its eCommerce and shopping policies for businesses looking to advertise and sell on its platforms, as a reminder to stay up to date with various requirements including the commerce policies, commercial terms and merchant agreements, among others.
Image Source: Meta
Instagram tests fan subscriptions
This week Instagram launched an initial test of a Subscription option for creators on the platform, providing another avenue for monetisation and an incentive to keep stars posting content to the app over its competitors.
A purple crown icon will be attached to subscriber comments, messages and views, as well as signifying stories and live streams that are exclusive to paying followers. Those who currently have access are able to charge a varying monthly amount, from $0.99 to $99.99, for subscriptions.
Image Source: Social Media Today
Instagram’s statement read:
‘With Instagram Subscriptions, creators can develop deeper connections with their most engaged followers and grow their recurring monthly income by giving subscribers access to exclusive content and benefits, all within the same platform where they interact with them already’.
