Social Media Updates You Might’ve Missed: July 2018
Photo from Stock That Rocks
It’s hard to believe July is already coming to a close! Summer 2018 is flying by, and the autumn season will be here before we know it. Social media’s most popular apps heated up this month almost as much as the temperature.
From Instagram’s implementation of fun, interactive features to Pinterest’s focus on collaboration, our favorite platforms are moving and shaking things up a bit. Give our post a read to make sure you’re up-to-date on all of social media’s latest features!
No More Endless Scrolling
Instagram is introducing a “You’re All Caught Up” feature, and all we can say is it’s about time! Ever since the app altered its algorithm to showcase the photos on your feed in something other than a chronological order, users worry they’re missing out on posts.
A green check mark and note will inform users they’re up-to-speed on all new posts from the past two days!
The update also includes a “Do Not Disturb” feature that allows users to deactivate their notifications from the app for 30 minutes to 24 hours.
Questions
IG is taking steps to make the app more interactive than ever before! With the platform’s latest update, users will be able to post questions to their followers in Stories and receive answers back via DM.
This feature gives users the opportunity for lengthier, more in-depth questions and responses compared to its current slider and dual answer stickers.
The Q&A widget is intended to interject traditional social interactions, only in a Stories format. Users are selectively sharing and replying to questions on their feeds. This may prove to be an essential tool for social media influencers with fans wanting their input on all things fashion, beauty, lifestyle, etc.
Soundtrack Spice Up
Instagram is taking Stories above-and-beyond by now allowing users to add popular songs to the photos and videos they post. Following Facebook’s recent deals with various record labels, according to TechCrunch, you’ll be able to choose from thousands of songs.
Artists on this extensive list include Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa, Guns ‘N Roses, and much more!
How It Works:
Choose the song sticker to accompany your photo or video
Pick the specific snippet of the song you want to include with the content
The song and artist will be posted, and users can tap the sticker for more info
The feature includes music to fit any moment and feeling! Users also have the option to choose a song before they shoot a photo or video if they want their actions to coincide with the lyrics. It’s time to get your dance party on!
The Green Dot
A green dot will now appear next to the profile pictures of IG users to indicate when they’re active on the app. Your followers will only be able to see the green dot in the Direct Messaging section when you share a photo or communicate with them.
This feature already exists; however, the app is giving it a new look with the green dot! It’s intended to get you communicating more with the people you’re already talking to.
Users have the option to disable the feature in their settings if they choose to do so!
Augmented Reality Ads
Advertisers have an exciting way to show off their products on Facebook with its addition of augmented reality ads. The ads will appear like any other in the news feed but instead will include a “tap to try it” option.
The update may be especially useful for fashion and beauty brands. Among the list of companies testing the feature are Michael Kors, Sephora, and Pottery Barn.
Everlasting Stories
Do you ever love a Story you post so much you wish you had more than 24 hours with it? Well, Facebook is giving users the ability to have just that!
The platform is currently testing a feature called “Stories Highlights” in which users can sift through their favorite expired photos and videos and compile them within a themed collection.
This update is the same concept as Instagram Highlights, which has grown in popularity in recent months! The collections will be showcased on your FB profile with titles and cover photos on a horizontal scrollbar.
Your highlights can be seen by all of your friends; however, you have the option to restrict certain users from seeing them if you so choose!
FB + IG
Facebook is looking to expand your contact list in the app’s Messenger section! Users of the platform can connect their Instagram and Facebook accounts if they want to communicate with their IG followers on FB.
The feature will be included in Messenger’s “People” tab, located next to to the option that currently exists to sync your phone’s contacts. Only your IG username and account will be visible to those you’re talking to!
This update may provide social media users a cross-platform way to interact with those in their community and professional/interest circles.
Snapchat
Eagle Eye
Snapchat is giving its users a new way of navigating the world around them! Its latest feature, known as Eagle Eye, is a visual search tool that allows users to identify purchasable items and barcodes, similar to Pinterest’s Lens.
The update is thought to be similar to the app’s previous integration of Shazam. People may be able to search everything from sellers, reviews, URLs, and more. They can share the products they find and send certain products to their friends.
Selfie Library
Snapchat has become known for its creative selfie filters over the years! Users spend time each day sifting through the carousel of filters hoping their favorites will be included on it.
If you just can’t get enough of these selfie filters, you’re in luck! Snapchat is updating the platform to include a new Lens Explorer section where users have access to a library of new filters beyond what’s already on the carousel.
It’s also working on building its feature functionality to allow third-party developers to create filters of their very own!
Collaboration Boards
Pinterest is encouraging users to bring their creativity together with the addition of collaborative boards! The feature will give group boards their own designated feed where they can receive notifications and communicate with other contributing users.
The update is another tool Pinterest is using to get people to return to the platform and regularly use it for a variety of personal and professional purposes! We think the feature will be especially helpful for companies and group planning events.
Social media apps took steps this month to make their platforms more creative and interactive than before. There are so many ways to utilize these updates — and we offer social media audit and strategy services here at Wela Creative Studio. Interested in boosting your social engagement? Contact us at Wela Creative Studio!
