This week, WhatsApp started testing a feature that would allow users to redact texts and images, Facebook expands on its test of keyword alerts for groups and consumers express their distrust over Facebook news stories.
WhatsApp Is Testing A Feature That Would Enable Texts, Images To Disappear After Self-Determined Time Period
The Economic Times says the feature will come on the back of a similar feature that’s launching on Facebook Messenger.
Why it matters: The option to redact messages after a fixed time frame has lapsed could put WhatsApp on the same playing field as rival Telegram, which has a “secret chat” feature that deletes sensitive information.
The details: WhatsApp will support the self-destructing messages feature in group chats. Some third-party apps once had the option of sending self-destructing messages, but they were soon outlawed after WhatsApp cracked down on apps that undermined the privacy of users.
Over Half Consume News Via Facebook But Most Don’t Trust It
A survey from the Pew Research Center shows just how poor Facebook users’ perception is of the platform’s news stories, per TechCrunch.
Why it matters: Facebook is getting ready to launch a “news tab” this month full of stories that complement the headlines appearing in people’s social feeds.
The details: About 52 percent of participants in Pew’s survey revealed they get their news from Facebook, followed by 28 percent from YouTube and 17 percent from Twitter. More than 88 percent believe that social media controls what news stories people see and 62 percent believe that social platforms have too much control.
Facebook Improves Testing Of Keyword Alerts For Groups
Facebook is refining a feature that would give Facebook group admins the ability to stay on top of relevant discussions.
Why it matters: Business who want to use groups to stay connected with potential customers could benefit from the feature. Its true purpose, however, is to catch content that violates group rules.
The details: The improvements include a new format and easier ways to stay notified. Group admins can add all relevant discussion words that they want to monitor within their group and receive notifications when those words are mentioned. Members who use keywords won’t know the admin has been alerted. Then the admin has the option to immediately react by either deleting the mention or allowing it to go through.
Facebook Can Be Ordered To Remove Posts, Europe’s Top Court Rules
According to The New York Times, a former leader of Austria’s Green Party sought to have Facebook remove scathing remarks about her from a user’s personal page.
Why it matters: Big internet platforms like Facebook may be tasked with more responsibility to patrol their sites for content ruled illegal.
The details: The court said today that an individual country can make Facebook remove posts, photographs and videos and restrict global access to such material. Facebook criticized the ruling, saying that, “the judgement raises critical questions about freedom of expression and the role that internet companies should play in monitoring, interpreting and removing speech.”
Instagram Creates “Creators” Account To Help Foster More User Activity
The app launched a new tool today called @creators, which will provide video content tips to people who want to become more active on Instagram.
Why it matters: The tactic could encourage YouTube creators who not seeing ROI on their platform to move their efforts to Instagram.
The details: Instagram posted a series of FAQ to the @creators’ story with testimonials from actual creators using the platform. Creators can use the account to gain helpful insight into what works well. For example, tips on how to get verified, and other useful info, like the fact that 60 percent of people listen to stories on the platform with the sound on, to help them create content that resonates with viewers.
Facebook Enables Messenger In Stories Ads
According to Marketing Land, businesses with messenger templates set up in their Facebook ads accounts can now drive Facebook, Instagram and messenger stories ad traffic to start conversations via messenger.
Why it matters: The integration is appealing for businesses with longer conversion cycles who want to increase engagement.
The details: Users can now swipe up on stories ads via the “Send Message” call-to-action to start a conversation with the brand without leaving the app they’re in.
Twitter Rolls Out Spam, Abuse Filter For Direct Messages
Twitter has launched a feature that filters direct messages deemed offensive, available on Twitter’s iOS, Android and web apps.
Why it matters: Unsolicited messages and content on Twitter are commonplace, leading to criticism that the platform is an unsafe place that lacks tools to protect its users. The latest spam and abuse filter may reduce these qualms.
The details: The filter adds a new section to the “additional messages” inbox, where DMs from users you don’t follow go. When you click on it, messages containing potentially offensive content have their previews hidden. Users can also delete the messages without opening them first.
Instagram Makes Anti-Bullying Tool Available To Everyone
After testing the feature, Instagram finally launched a tool called “Restrict” that lets users block individuals and make all future comments from them invisible to the public.
Why it matters: “Restrict” mode comes after the app announced it was testing an artificial intelligence (AI) feature that warns people against leaving negative comments. The latest move, which will give users more control over their experience, is part of Instagram’s National Bullying Prevention Month efforts which will happen all through October.
The details: Should a user decides to restrict someone, the tool will make comments invisible to third-party Instagrammers, but the bully will still be able to see their own comments.
LinkedIn Is Most Trusted Social Platform For The Third Year Running
The third annual Digital Trust Report 2019 from Business Insider Intelligence revealed that early adopters trust LinkedIn the most for the third straight year, followed by Pinterest and Instagram.
Why it matters: Earning digital trust is critical for brands because it impacts the way customers engage with ads on social media. Respondents said elements such as frequency of fake news, a sense of community, data privacy and relevant ads have a moderate to very high impact on whether they engage with social media ads.
The details: The survey asked participants to rank seven major networks—YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Pinterest—on six pillars of digital trust including security, legitimacy, community, user experience, shareability and relevance. LinkedIn came in first on three of six pillars, and second place in the remaining three—user experience, relevance and shareability. Pinterest took the top spot for user experience while Instagram did on relevance. Interestingly, this marks the first year Pinterest was included in the survey, and it outranked every social platform except LinkedIn. Instagram improved on shareability and relevance from last year, however, respondents admitted to being more annoyed by ads on the platform than they were last year. Facebook ranked last again, and performed the lowest across all pillars year-over-year. Fifty-nine percent of respondents said they’re “not at all” confident that Facebook is protecting their data and privacy.
Instagram Is Testing Alerts That Notify Users About New Product Launches
Given the adoption of unconventional shopping strategies such as creator collaborations and limited releases, Instagram wants to make it easier for users to discover and shop product launches via product launch stickers on Stories and launch tags in the feed.
Why it matters: The product launch notifiers will allow consumers to stay up to date on the most recent fashion, beauty and luxury brand drops, hoping to provide users yet another reason to stay on the app, browse and shop, benefiting brands and Instagram alike.
The details: The in-feed product launch tag lets people set reminders for the launch date, preview product details and buy as soon as the product launches. The feature will be available to 21 brands in the US over the coming weeks, including Adidas, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Soul Cycle, Chinatown Market, H&M and Warby Parker.
Instagram Expands Branded Content Tags To IGTV
While not available to all users, Instagram’s branded content tags will be available for longer-form branded content, per Social Media Today.
Why it matters: Brands will not only increase the visibility of influencer marketing practices, but influencers will have more opportunity to monetize their efforts and remain relevant for longer.
The details: To use the branded content tag on IGTV, users must be on a business or creator account. When applied, the tag adds “Paid Partnership with . . .” in the video post’s header.
Facebook Begins Hiding Total Likes On Australia Posts
TechCrunch reported that Facebook’s new test to hide likes will begin with Australian users this week.
Why it matters: Facebook user perception and trust of the platform is at an all-time low, and hiding likes could help users feel more comfortable sharing on the platform and expressing themselves.
The details: A spokesperson told TechCrunch that the limited test, conducted by the News Feed team, will make likes, reactions and video view counts private. The team will then analyze feedback to understand if the change improves people’s experiences.
Twitch Launches First Brand Campaign At TwitchCon2019
According to Mobile Marketer, Twitch released its first brand campaign, introduced a new slogan and updated its “Glitch” mascot at TwitchCon2019 in San Diego.
Why it matters: Twitch’s highly engaged user base is difficult to reach through other media platforms so it only makes sense that it would launch its first campaign to broaden its appeal.
The details: As part of the campaign, Twitch released its new slogan “You’re already one of us.” The campaign also includes a series of teaser videos featuring comedian Eric Andrew that demonstrate the updates its users can expect. At the same time, Twitch’s parent company, Amazon, announced that Twitch has a deal with the National Football League to stream “Thursday Night Football” for the third straight year.
Editor’s Note: Our weekly social media news post is updated daily. This installment will be updated until Friday, October 4. Have a news tip? We’re looking for changes to and news surrounding social media platforms as they relate to marketing. Let us know at editorial@alistdaily.com.
