Instagram is fully committed to video format Reels
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It is of course no secret that Instagram is secretly copying the success of TikTok. Last year, for example, they launched Instagram Reels: a content format within the platform that looks suspiciously like TikTok videos. And that turned out not to be a bad move. The fast, playful and above all creative videos are a hit on Instagram. It is so successful that Instagram has now announced that it is fully committed to this form of video. That is why Reels will soon be the only video type that the platform offers. This does not mean that every video has to be a dance, parody or song. According to Instagram, it is mainly the case that from now on users can always work from the Reels editing tool.
In addition, the platform adds even more functionalities to Reels, such as stickers, templates, dual cameras and new formats for remixes. Since this month it is also possible to boost Reels. With this you promote the message through advertising in order to generate more reach. Note that the Reel may not be longer than 60 seconds.
Instagram previously announced testing with full-screen content: videos that occupy the entire screen. According to marketing terms, this would be more immersive and must therefore be compelling. But it’s also one step closer to mimicking TikTok’s success. A critical question is therefore: how far does the platform go in imitating another app and does it not lose its unique positioning? The future will tell.
Instagram test Notes en 4:5 feed
Let’s stick to the popular Instagram app for a while. Because in addition to the Reels developments that follow each other at lightning speed, the app is experimenting with even more new features. For example, the social media giant is currently testing Instagram Notes: a new feature that makes it possible to send short messages to a selected group, such as friends or followers. Notes would then be found in the Direct Messaging screen above the existing messages. Here you can share small (news) messages, updates or announcements.
In addition, Instagram is experimenting with a new profile feed. Where the photos and videos on a profile now consist of the trusting square shape, the interface team is now testing a profile feed where these consist of 4:5 format. This is a vertical image format. The first sounds from marketers and creators were not very enthusiastic yet. Not every image is suitable for a vertical crop. In addition, the square sizing of 1:1 offers a nice advantage; logos or texts can be placed above the cutting surface, so that they are visible during scrolling, but not on the profile. Whether Instagram will eventually roll out this new 4:5 feed remains to be seen.
New BeReal app is gaining popularity
What Instagram is getting rid of from their Unique Selling Point; sharing photos, a new player on the market sees opportunities. The relatively new, French app BeReal asks users to take a picture of themselves and their surroundings at different times. When the notification comes, the user never knows. Then someone has 2 minutes to take a picture and share it with his or her friends. BeReal has been around since 2020, but will now only experience a growth spurt in 2022. What makes the app unique is that users are encouraged to take real, honest photos of themselves and their lives. This without filters, edits and directed fuss. A welcome, refreshing breeze if you ask us. But is it a hype or a keeper?
LinkedIn launches Business Manager
In the social media update from last month we already announced it: the arrival of LinkedIn Business Manager. The new tool was actually rolled out this month. A good professionalization of the platform. Where it was previously necessary to link a personal account to a LinkedIn page and management was therefore also linked to a private profile, it is now possible to manage ads via a business manager. LinkedIn Business Manager is therefore a centralized platform from which ad accounts, target groups and pages can be managed. Especially for online marketing agencies, this is a major improvement. But also for anyone who manages multiple pages. At SDIM we are therefore happy with this great development!
Facebook introduces special tool for non-profit organizations
From now on, nonprofits can manage their daily Facebook activities from a new tool: the Nonprofit Manager. This is an interface built specifically for non-profit organizations. Within this new feature, organizations can quickly access more insights into donation reports, fundraising, FAQs, and more. In addition, reports are received centrally, organizations receive recommended actions to speed up fundraising campaigns and interactions with stakeholders and donors are more streamlined.
Do you work for a non-profit organization? First, verify that the organization meets the requirements for access to the Nonprofit Manager. Transfer the account if necessary. Then find the new interface from the bookmarks menu or find the Nonprofit Manager from the professional dashboard under ‘Your Tools’ or ‘Tools to Try’.
Snapchat launches desktop version of app
After more than 10 years of being a social media channel, Snapchat is finally launching a desktop version of the app. The reason for this is probably the large increase in video calling. Making a desktop version available makes it easier to use the app at other times of use as well. The new desktop version of the app mainly focuses on chat functions and video calling. As you are used to from the app, the conversation disappears here too after 24 hours. Ultimately, we also expect a rollout of lenses and other features.
Hopefully, this expansion will contribute to an increase in Snapchat usage. Something the app could really use. Snap, the company behind Snapchat, suffered a huge loss this month (July 2022). The company lost 25% of its value in one fell swoop. One reason for this is that companies advertise less on this platform. The app is now trying to look for new revenue models, such as subscriptions via Snapchat+.
We’ll see if these new developments contribute to an improved position for Snapchat. In any case, the roll-out of the desktop version will be gradual and will also be available to all users. Not just for subscribers. However, the new extension is only available via Chrome for the time being.
Facebook also comes with chronological feed
Meta, the company behind social platforms Instagram and Facebook, previously rolled out the chronological feed for Instagram. But now the popular platform Facebook is also following. This chronological feed has been given its own feature, namely: Feeds. When you click on Feeds in the menu bar, they enter a new user environment. People can filter on different elements: friends, pages, groups and favorites.
By clicking on one of these filters, the Facebook user will see messages in that category in chronological order. With this, the company gives the user back control over the user experience; it’s a way to get around the algorithm. Mark Zuckerberg says Facebook is responding to “one of the most requested features.”
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