Information, inspiration & insight #021
everything between wonderful and weird from last week
Twitter adds description to images
Photos have been at the center of some of the biggest moments on Twitter. As a core part of the Twitter experience, it’s important that images shared on our platform are accessible to everyone, including those who are visually impaired.
Success on Instagram means posting better, not more
Instagram’s algorithmic feed karate-chopped the previously successful more-is-more strategy. Influencers are the black belts in your back pocket: The algorithm prioritizes their posts, and consumers trust their recommendations 22 times more than those of other customers. — Digiday
YouTube Connect livestreaming app to take on Periscope
It’s all heating up in the world of livestreaming, hey? Google has quietly been building a new livestreaming app called YouTube Connect in an effort to take on Twitter’s Periscope and Facebook Live. YouTube Connect has much of the same functionality that you’d expect; there are chat and tagging features, and a news feed that features the latest clips from your friends or those that you’ve subscribed to on YouTube. No doubt YouTube connect comes around after talk of the platform losing a bit of its luster against growing competitors. It’s hardly ground-breaking stuff, but always good to have a healthy bit of competition.
Instagram is coaching advertisers to approach it exactly the same way they do Facebook
Instagram has been telling advertisers directly to start treating the platform like Facebook, down to using the same creative in ads on both platforms — and to rely less on free, organic reach in the age of the algorithm.
TV-quality live videos are coming to Facebook
Live video on Facebook is about to get a facelift. The social media giant is partnering with several publishers to start providing high-quality live videos. Previously, live video on Facebook was mostly recorded using smartphone and tablet cameras, whereas major publishers will soon be able to upload professionally recorded content straight from their control rooms.
What Marketers Should Know About Snapchat’s Update
Snapchat has announced a significant update to its chat function, a move that could give other messaging apps increased competition. It’s calling the update Chat 2.0 and gives users a much broader way to communicate with other Snapchat users.
Facebook Messenger now lets you check-in to KLM flights
Facebook is making good on its promise to make Messenger a whole lot more useful with its first airline integration, allowing KLM passengers to access a range of functionality without ever leaving the chat app.
The Difference Between Music Fans That Pay, and Music Fans That Don’t
Last week, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) reaffirmed that vinyl records are generating more revenue than free, ad-supported streaming users. But that is less of a reflection on how much money vinyl is making, a more a reflection of just how little money ad-supported music streaming actually generates.
Tinder swipes right on democracy
Those looking for a date could swipe through 10 yes/no policy questions to “match” with a presidential candidate and register to vote or tweet results. The simple design and social tie-in are commendable, but we hope users think more about their vote than their pickup line. — Mashable
“Snap Counsellors” help teens in abusive relationships
The ad agency staffers behind the account are using Snapchat to help Indian teens dealing with intimate partner abuse. Self-destructing messages are a safe way for people to speak candidly about — and get out of — destructive relationships. Excellent. — Mashable
1 in 4 shoppers say they have changed their minds while in a checkout line
Eighty-two percent of shoppers say they consult their phones on purchases they’re about to make in a store. Amazingly, nearly one in four shoppers say they have changed their minds while in a checkout line after looking up details on a smartphone.
KFC WiFi Test
Fast food chain offers free Wi-Fi to students who can pass a test
