This week in social media news, Twitter might add “Edit” button to the platform, TikTok was spotted testing native video ads, medical promotions are big among Insta-influencers, Twitter is developing Snapchat-like camera, a new report reveals Facebook engagement trends, Snapchat reports its moviegoing users’ habits, the Canadian government pays generously for federal advertising, Instagram is testing direct messaging on the web, LinkedIn launches a live video platform and Facebook acquires an AI shopping company

Twitter Might Actually Add Edit Button

Independent reported on Friday that according to Twitter’s co-founder, Jack Dorsey, the company is considering a new feature that would allow users to edit their old tweets.

Why it matters: Twitter split into two camps over the issue, those for and against. Twitter user Beau Sloane, made a strong point in his tweet, “Guys if we get an edit button on Twitter, it would defeat the entire purpose of the app. Think about how corrupt it would become! People could change conversations from the past and twist words!”

The details: “One of the concepts we’re thinking about is clarifications,” Dorsey said at Goldman Sachs event in San Francisco on Thursday. As per Dorsey, Twitter is considering a compromise that would allow users to add additional context to a tweet without changing its original content and the platform users wouldn’t be able to retweet the original tweet.

TikTok spotted testing native video ads

TikTok is testing a sponsored video ad, TechCrunch reported.

Why it matters: The button could be tailored to send users to the advertiser’s website or other web addresses.

The details: According to TechCrunch, TikTok was testing the feature in their U.S. app. A video labeled “Sponsored” from the bike retailer Specialized showed up in the main feed, accompanied by a blue “Learn More” button to get more information. Also, the profile page displayed a couple other new features, such as what appeared to be a verified account badge.

Big Pharma Using Instagram Influencers 

According to Vox, pharmaceutical companies are working more and more with influencers to promote new drugs and medical devices on social media.

Why it matters: Impressive user engagement that influencers have on Instagram gives companies an opportunity to deliver a more authentic message to the audiences through storytelling on social media stars’ feeds. Since influencer marketing is still mostly unregulated, it’s not surprising big pharma would get in on the action.

The details: As an example, Vox talks about Louise Roe, a picture-perfect influencer who tells her followers about her psoriasis condition on Instagram as a part of her paid partnership with Celgene, a biotechnology company that produces the psoriasis treatment medication Otezla.

Twitter Is Developing Snapchat-Style Camera

According to TechCrunch, Twitter’s developing a new Snapchat-style camera feature that will be accessible with a swipe from the home screen and allow the users to overlay captions on photos, videos, and live broadcasts before sharing them to their timeline.

Why it matters: Twitter’s new camera feature aims to make the process of creating and sharing content easier, and therefore, encourage the users to post more. Surely Twitter will find a way to monetize this in the future—offering a new option for advertisers on the platform.

The details: After a user captures media, overlays appear and offer to add a location and a caption. There will be six colored backgrounds available for the caption and location overlay card, which will make it possible for the users to unite words and imagery on Twitter for the first time.

New Report Reveals The Latest Facebook Engagement Trends

Social analytics platform Quintly has released a new report, with analysis of over 94,000 Facebook Pages and more than 105 million Facebook posts.

Why it matters: This report helps to better determine what’s working and what’s not, for brands on Facebook.

The details: The report revealed that 55 percent of the 105 million analyzed posts turned out to be linked posts. Photos were used in 29 percent of them and videos made up approximately 14 percent. 23 percent of all posts were posted during the weekend, and there was 13 percent higher interaction on weekend posts.

Snapchat Research Gives Insights Into Its Moviegoing Users’ Behavior

As a part of their Retail Footprints series, Snapchat released a new report, focused on the platform’s moviegoers habits.

Why it matters: This report helps to better understand when Snapchaters go to the movies, what they do before and after and other insights.

The details: Although generic, for the most part, the report had some peculiar Snapchaters’ behavior details. Thus, according to the report, “before a weekend trip to the movies, Snapchatters can be found in moments of rest and relaxation. You’re likely to find them outdoors at a park, shopping at a farmers market, making quick purchases at a convenience store, or prepping for a party at a party supply store. After the movie ends, they may continue their fun night out at a bowling alley or arcade, enjoy a nice meal at a fine dining restaurant, or indulge at a cafe or a sweet and dessert shop.”

The report also showed that moviegoing Snapchatters engage in more family oriented activities and are more likely to shop at department stores or shopping malls, than a regular Snapchat user.

Instagram Star Confesses She Turns Down 60 Percent of Instagram Ad Deals

Zara McDermott, a British Instagram personality with a million following, spoke frankly about the folly of being an influencer in her interview with GraziaDaily. The article speaks directly about navigating different branded post opportunities.

Why it matters: It’s a reminder that influencer marketing is still a fairly new form of marketing, with issues of safety and trust on both sides; it also continues to be mostly unregulated.

The details: McDermott shares her experience with a make-up company which offered her £3000 for a single Instagram story, but turned out to be a scam and encourages other influencers not to promote products on their social media or at least identify their ads with #Ad hashtag to identify advertising.

“You can’t just go posting ads all the time because not only will your followers lose trust in you, but if you’re not doing your due diligence and checking out the products, you put your entire personal brand at risk,” McDermott said.

Canadian Government Spends A Lot On Social Media Ads 

The Canadian government doesn’t tighten the purse strings when it comes to social media ads, especially platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, National Post reported on Monday.

Why it matters: The Canadian government takes into consideration its citizens’ impressive social media engagement and uses the platforms to communicate with them.

The details: The government spent $39.2 million on ads in 2018 in Canada, and nearly $18.2 million were invested in digital ads. This number made up roughly 46 percent of the total budget, not including production costs. Last year, social media ads also made up the biggest share of digital spending—43 percent or approximately $7.8 million.

Instagram Is Testing A Web Version Of Direct Messages

Jane Manchun Wong tipped TechCrunch on Tuesday that Instagram is internally testing a web version of direct messaging that would allow the users to communicate without the app.

Why it matters: Instagram has always been mobile first, but this has been requested by users for years.

The details: According to TechCrunch, in the current state, Instagram direct messaging on the web is available from a direct arrow icon in the top right of the computer screen. And it seems like the feature will use an Instagram.com/direct/…. URL structure.

LinkedIn Launches Live Platform

TechCrunch reported on Monday that LinkedIn is debuting a new video broadcast service this week. LinkedIn Live will allow users to stream real-time video to certain groups or to the large audiences on the platform.

Why it matters: According to LinkedIn, video is the fastest-growing format on the platform after articles and news.

The details: The content broadcasted will include the traditional LinkedIn fair such as “conferences, product announcements, Q&As and other events led by influencers and mentors, office hours from a big tech company, earnings calls, graduation and awards ceremonies and more,” TechCrunch reported.

Facebook Aims To Bring AI Shopping Experience To The Users 

Facebook reportedly acquired GrokStyle, an AI company, to boost its own developing computer vision department. “We are excited to welcome GrokStyle to Facebook. Their team and technology will contribute to our AI capabilities,” Facebook told TechCrunch on Saturday.

Why it matters: The company’s camera feature allows a user to take a picture of a furniture piece or other product with and instantly receive links to the online stores that sell them.

The details: GrokStyle issued a statement on their website, saying the company is “winding down” but their team and technology will live on. There is speculation that GrokStyle will reappear in some form in the future.

Facebook To Offer An API For Political Ad Transparency 

A group of European journalists, academics and human and digital rights organizations wrote an open letter to Facebook demanding more transparency about political ads distribution on the platform. European Parliament election will take place in May and the public is concerned about being manipulated by the politicians’ campaigns on social media. The letter was signed by 33 organizations, including Wikimedia UK.

Why it matters: Facebook allows politicians to pay for political ads to influence voters.

The details: “We believe that Facebook and other platforms can be positive forces that enable democracy, but this vision can only be realized through true transparency and trust. Transparency cannot just be on the terms with which the world’s largest, most powerful tech companies are most comfortable,” the letter said.

Here are some actions the letter outlines:

  • Roll out a functional, open Ad Archive API that enables advanced research and development of tools that analyze political ads served to Facebook users in the EU.
  • Ensure that all political advertisements are clearly distinguished from other content and are accompanied by key targeting criteria such as sponsor identity and amount spent on the platform in all EU countries.

Facebook Offers New Group Features For Admins, Including Brand Collaboration

As a part of the Facebook Community Summit, which aims to bring together Facebook group admins and help them exchange their knowledge, the company announced new features and tools to spark even more active participation.

Why it matters: The new features will expand admins’ capabilities and improve the user experience.

The details: The new features and tools will allow post formatting with bullet points and variable text size; brand collaborations option, which will allow associated groups to offer relevant deals and partner with professionals; improved communication with additional information on rule violations and expansion of mentorship and subscriptions, which will enable admins to create additional content for dedicated members.