5 Social Media Updates You Need To Know About – June
May was a busy, busy month on social media. We saw some of last month’s updates come into fruition, namely Twitter’s full-image displays, as well as major changes to WhatsApp privacy policy and Instagram’s like count. As you’d expect, therefore, the summer of 2021 looks like it could be just as hectic – but that’s why you’re here, right?
Our ‘5 things’ series gives you the low-down on the biggest pending changes to your social media. Featuring the latest from Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram, this article will keep you updated on all of the platforms most important to you.
So, without further ado, here are June’s 5 updates from the world of social media:
1- Instagram Is Working on an Option to Incentivise Reels Creators
Here at Uni4m, we love IG Reels. It is fair to say that Instagram’s take on the TikTok feed has been a success. But unlike Snapchat’s equivalent, Spotlight, there is no financial incentive for creators – until now.
According to app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, Instagram is looking to introduce a similar payment program. Apparently named ‘Bonuses’, the scheme looks to reward Reels creators based on upload volume as opposed to engagement/quality.
As per Alessandro’s Tweet, the ‘Bonuses’ would be earned when a user shares content on Reels. It seems certain thresholds must be reached to claim ‘earnings’, with various options available to creators. However, there is no specific mention that rewards come in a cash format.
This looks like one interesting move from Instagram.
2- Twitter lists new ‘Blue’ subscription service
Rumours have been swirling for a long, long time that a Twitter subscription service was supposedly in the works. But this week, we finally got concrete evidence that Twitter “Blue” could finally be on its way to a device near you.
Listed as an in-app purchase on app stores, the service is said to be priced at £2.49 in the UK . Twitter has yet to confirm if a paying member will be granted a much-needed ability to ‘undo’ tweets. However, they previously said that they were working on “special features” for paid subscribers.
Thankfully, Jane Manchun Wong, who thanks to an initial trialing process has become the first Twitter ‘Blue’ subscriber, kindly shared her experiences for us mere mortals on her profile.
This is a huge leap for Twitter, which is now set on diversifying its revenue streams.
3- Facebook seeks to expand its pay-per-view model to new sports
According to CNBC, Facebook has a plan to turn its live online events product into a pay-per-view option for broadcasting sports games. Having already launched paid online events last August, this is a further update that could be hugely profitable for the teams involved.
It aligns with the behind-closed-doors nature of sport in a COVID world. “People are willing to pay to experience a moment”, says Rob Shaw, Facebook director of sports media and league partnerships. The platform envisages smaller teams and minor leagues benefiting most from this update, with spectators paying for virtual attendance.
CNBC also states that Facebook plan to pass on 100% of the revenue to an event’s creator. Whilst this all sounds rather selfless, there are several benefirts for Facebook. It will bring new and increased viewers to a varied platform, whilst boosting its video offerings.
Whilst it may be too soon to see your favourite Premier League team live on Facebook, perhaps that might not be too far away…
4- Facebook Also Launches Live-Stream Shopping Events
Sticking with Facebook and its live-streaming abilities, the social media giants have also announced ‘Live Shopping Fridays‘. This will see FB host the “biggest brands…for a showcase of products, tips, demos and more” all throughout the summer.
This comes as part of a wider eCommerce overhaul, after the announcement of Facebook Pay and of Shops. The app’s live experiences will allow users to ask and answer questions, engage with exciting content from brands and make purchases – via Shops – mid-event.
Major brands such as Abercrombie, Sephora, and Clinique have already announced participation. We all love online shopping and Facebook may have just made it that little bit more engaging. Ca-ching!
5 – Spectacles and Brand Profiles Feature at Snapchat Partner Summit
The second annual Snapchat Partner Summit took place on May, 20th, with two major updates taking centre stage.
The first is the latest launch of Spectacles. It seems A £30M loss at the first attempt was not enough to deter Snap from pursuing the accessories’ success. In a new attempt to boost appeal, Snapchat is attempting to use the glasses to bring its AR capabilities to life.
At the moment, the glasses are only available to chosen creators of the app’s ‘Lenses’, though a future public release isn’t off the cards.
But for brands, the biggest announcement was that of public profiles for businesses. Now live, this element will give businesses access to a central space to engage with their audiences on Snapchat like never before. Brands can connect with customers by highlighting useful and engaging content, showcase existing Lens AR Experiences, and share shoppable products directly within the Snapchat app”.
The pandemic continues to shape social media, as reliance on online domains continues to rise. This means updates aplenty, and we’ll be back with the next installment in July, to ensure that you don’t miss a beat. It promises to be a huge summer for socials!
For more information on any of the aforementioned updates, or how you can use social media for your brand or business, follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @Uni4mBrand or send a Whatsapp message to +447555892554.