July 2020 Social Media Updates You Need to Know

In this month’s social media roundup:

…and more!

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Stories are coming to Pinterest (kind of!)

Yep: Stories may soon take over yet another social media platform! But this time, they’re a little bit different…

Pinterest first publicly discussed a Story Pins concept last year, but is now getting more serious about a revised concept, according to TechCrunch: This year’s test includes “an expanded group of U.S. creators,” so it may not be long before we start seeing Pins more widely available.

The feature even already has a Pinterest Help Center article, instructions for Businesses, and an official Story Pins inspiration board (currently with 481 ideas available).

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So, what are Story Pins? Here are some of the features that stand out:

  • Self-contained - They can’t link off Pinterest

  • Rich media - Story Pins offer video, topic tagging, color customization

  • Focused on sharing ideas - They’re great for How-To’s, DIY crafting, storytelling, recipes, and curating a selection of products

  • Feed distribution - Story Pins will show up in the typical Pinterest feed (not a circle at the top of the screen?!). They will be recognizable by the Story icon in the top-left of the image

  • Savable - Unlike other stories that disappear, Story Pins can be pinned to a board and saved for later.

Pinterest also encourages length to improve quality: “The best Story Pins are 5 pages or longer.”

“In a message shared with testers, Pinterest explained that people were ‘looking for positive messages and inspiration’ and how creators, now more than ever, could help deliver that content.”
— TechCrunch

Unfortunately, Story Pins aren’t available to everyone yet. But, you can fill out this form to request early access.

Twitter is testing a “Tweet with your Voice” feature

In June, Twitter announced the testing of a new feature to “add a more human touch” to tweeting with the addition of a built-in voice recording option.

While this is currently in testing mode, Twitter said the feature should roll out to more users in the coming weeks! Here’s what you need to know about voice tweets:

  • Tap the wavelength icon to get started, then click Done to go back to the composer before publishing. (Read the full How To Voice Tweet article.)

  • 140 seconds is the time limit, but if you go past it, it will automatically thread another tweet.

  • Accessibility issues are a concern, as there is currently no closed captioning option.

  • Audio attachments will appear similar to videos in the published tweet, with the profile image shown as a static visual element over pulsating sound waves.

  • Can only compose from scratch for now. There is currently no option to use your voice for replies and retweets.

  • Want to keep scrolling while you listen? “On iOS, when you tap play, it will automatically minimize in an audio dock at the bottom of your screen so that you can continue listening as you scroll through Twitter and when you leave the app.”

TikTok just launched TikTok for Business

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TikTok recently announced TikTok for Business, the new home for “marketing solutions for brands.” This currently includes an e-learning center with guides and resources, as well as detailed information about all paid ad formats as well as other paid brand experiences. Here are some of those options, as described by TechCrunch:

  • Branded Effects - “allow brands to insert themselves more directly into the content creation experience.”

  • Brand Scan - “these [will] present a direct challenge to Snapchat’s Sponsored Lens and Word Lenses AR formats.”

You can check out this offering by visiting https://www.tiktok.com/business/en.

Simultaneously, TikTok is launching a Creator Marketplace platform to facilitate brand/creator collaboration (this is similar to offerings on other social media channels).

Snapchat rolling out a redesigned menu, local business listings, and more

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Snap unveiled a number of big updates at the recent Snap Partner Summit, perhaps the most important of which is a new “action bar” at the bottom of the app. As detailed in TechCrunch, the bar emphasizes Snap Map and Snap Originals.

Another huge update is the addition of Local Business Listings within Snap Maps. It appears this information is being pulled from sources such as Foursquare and TripAdvisor. Once available, it will be a good idea to officially claim your business listing on Snapchat and ensure your business’s information is correct on Snap Maps. You will also be able to buy local ads on Snap Map, naturally :).

BONUS: Update on the “New Facebook” rollout

Last month, we discussed the upcoming rollout of the “New Facebook” design on desktop, and we’ve now had a chance to take a look. It’s definitely different!

Here’s a GIF recording of the intro experience:

And here are the features that stand out:

  • Dark mode

  • Less busy overall (it’s also meant to load faster)

  • Bigger text

  • Able to switch back to the “classic” view if desired, at least for now

  • Larger and more prominent “Sponsored” ads in the sidebar

  • More emphasis on contacts (for messaging) and birthdays

  • Top menu tabs include Home (newsfeed), Watch (videos), Marketplace, Groups, and Gaming

Have you switched over to the New Facebook yet? Let us know what you think!

More Links to Check Out

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Catch up on last month's social media updates (June 2020) →

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UncategorizedMatthew Dooley