Social Media Updates You Might Have Missed: August 2018
Summer is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the tech world is slowing down! Your favorite social media platforms are coming in hot with new updates. From applying for Instagram verification to launching Facebook dating features, our most used platforms are making big changes.
Give this post a read to learn about social media features that you’ll be saying “hello” and “goodbye” to from the month of August.
So you want to be verified?
If it’s been your dream to have a blue check next to your name on Instagram, here’s your chance! Now, Instagram is making it simple for anyone to apply for verification.
Although the blue symbol is recognized by many as a symbol of status, Instagram originally developed this mark to protect users who were at high risk of impersonation. If you represent a notable public figure, celebrity, global brand or entity, you might just have the chance to get a blue check by your name — so people searching for you know that your profile is your account.
If you’re thinking — “yes, that’s me!” — here’s how you can get verified:
Log in to your profile
Navigate to the Settings menu and select “Request Verification”
Provide proof of identification, this could be anything from a passport to a utility bill
Wait, we know it’s hard, but Instagram will notify you when they’ve made a decision
If you don’t get verified your first time around, you can try again by reapplying once every 30 days.
You’re All Caught Up
If you were a fan of the previously reverse-chronological Instagram feed, then this update may be a happy surprise! Due to Instagram’s updated algorithm, posts are based on what Instagram thinks you’d like to see, not the order that they were posted in. In an attempt to let users keep track of what they’ve seen, the “You’re All Caught Up” message will appear on your feed after you’ve seen all the posts within a certain time period, for example: from the past 2 days. However, posts will still remain non-chronological.
Whether you want to ensure that you’ve seen all of today’s posts or you’re trying to cut down on your scrolling time, Instagram will notify you when you’re caught up.
Filter Your Direct Messages
Instagram now gives you the option to mark your direct messages as “unread” or with a “star.” This will help you keep your messages organized in a way very similar to traditional email.
College Kids, Listen Up!
Instagram is creating an optional feature for current students to join exclusive groups and networks based on their school affiliations. This is an attempt to make it easier for students to connect with others in their school communities.
Don’t get too excited, yet — this update is still in its early stages, but stay tuned for what’s to come!
Facebook
Business Pages Redesigned
As businesses are seeing a decrease in reach on Facebook, the company is acting fast to redesign business pages. Facebook is redesigning the pages of 80 million small businesses on the platform.
Pages will now emphasize the utility of a business by showcasing buttons to “Make an Appointment” at a salon or “View the Menu” at a restaurant. Facebook will also start showing “Related Pages” on other pages in order to create more buzz for up-and-coming businesses. Finally, other updates related to stories, reviews, and a Local bookmark option will be available this month!
Additional Authorization
Similar to the thought behind Instagram’s verification request process, Facebook is now requiring pages with large audiences to gain additional authentication. Again, this is an attempt to protect page managers and their followers.
If your page needs authorization, Facebook will notify you directly.
Facebook on Fake News
Social media platforms are really starting to crack down on security efforts. So, of course, Facebook is addressing the issue of fake news. If a story is reported as being fake news, it is sent to third-party fact checkers. These checkers are also ranked to determine their trustworthiness — so all the bases are checked.
If you rely on getting information from Facebook, this update will assure you that the facts you’re reading are legit.
Facebook Dating — are you here for it?
Coming soon! A Facebook dating feature will soon be available within the app. This program is something that users will be able to opt in or out of, additionally, it will remain private and off of news feeds.
This feature is for Facebook users 18 and older, and it’s open to all orientations.
Facebook + Instagram
Let’s talk Facebook and Instagram addiction — we’re all guilty of using these apps a little too much, but now these social platforms have announced that you’ll soon be able to see exactly how much time you spend on the apps, here’s how:
Open your Instagram app
Click on Settings
Scroll down to “Your Activity”
From this page, you’ll see a dashboard of how much time you’re spending on the app each day. And if you find that number is higher than you’d like, you’ll be able to set a “Daily Reminder” that’ll notify you when you’ve been on the app for a certain amount of time each day.
Facebook will have a similar feature, this is how you can check your time spent on Facebook:
Access the menu tab
Scroll to “Privacy & Settings”
Select “Your time on Facebook”
Once you’re there, you can view the same information and set the same types of reminders as you can on Instagram.
Snapchat
Speech Recognition Lenses
When using Snapchat filters, you’re probably familiar with prompts like “Try It With A Friend” or “Raise Your Eyebrows;” on August 1st, Snapchat launched new lenses that react to English words. What does this mean for you? If you say English words like “hi,” “love,” or “no,” lenses with special animations and effects will be displayed.
Check this out — you’ll see what happens if you say “wow.” A bow will appear on top of your head, and the words will surround you!
Use these fun filters to spice up your next Snapchat message or story!
Snapcash no more
Have you noticed or used the Snapcash feature on Snapchat? As of August 30th, 2018, Snapchat is discontinuing this feature. Although no public reason was announced, it is believed that the feature was in competition with other big-name apps, such as Venmo.
Goodbye Glitches
Are you seeing a shocking “zero” views on certain days in your Pinterest Analytics? This is most likely a recurring glitch that Pinterest is actively working to fix.
We want to know what you think about these social media updates! Let us know in the comments below.
Wondering how you can use social media for your business? Contact us at Wela Creative to learn about our social media consulting services.
