Welcome back to Spark Social Report by Spark Growth, your weekly source for social media updates! Stickers are all the rage this week with LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest launching new sticker features. Additionally, TikTok has new search capabilities and Instagram is introducing in-app post scheduling. Continue reading for more updates across social media!
Digital Marketing Insights
A new survey by Pew Research Center shows that American teens use YouTube the most with TikTok taking the number two spot. Here are some key takeaways from the survey:
- Since 2015, Facebook has gone from being used by 71% of teens to just 32% in 2022.
- 95% of teens use YouTube and 67% use TikTok.
- 95% of teens surveyed said they have a smartphone, which is up from 73% in 2014-2015.
Read the full survey here.
New Share a Snapshot Feature
#Instagram is working on the "Share a Snapshot" option for the Discovery Map 👀
ℹ️ People can scan this QR code to see your map view. pic.twitter.com/kAw2QyoH1A
— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) August 7, 2022
Instagram might be blurring the line between fun content and potential privacy issues. The company is testing a new feature called “Share a Snapshot” for users to post a QR code that viewers can scan to see where the poster is on a map. This could be dangerous if the QR code is available to everyone, such as non-followers. There is no further information on the feature to answer any questions about potential privacy issues. We will keep you updated!
In-App Post Scheduling
Instagram is developing a native post scheduling tool that will allow users the ability to schedule posts and Reels from the advanced post settings. Scheduling posts has been available in Creator Studio on Facebook, but the company is now expanding its in-app scheduling. This will make it easier for creators to organize their content right from their iOS or Android device.
Tweet Edits for Twitter Blue Subscribers
Tweets Edits might be launched as an exclusive feature. As we reported last week, Twitter is working on an edit button that has been highly requested for years. This week, the Twitter Blue subscribers will get early access to the edit function. For $2.99 USD, users can get access to options such as edit Tweets, top articles, bookmark folders, and more. The prompt states that this is “early access” so we can still hold out hope that editing will be rolled out for all users in the future.
TikTok
About This Ad Info Panel
TikTok launched a new “About this Ad” feature to improve advertising transparency on the app. By clicking on any ad seen on the TikTok feed, users can learn why this ad was shown to them with reasons including their age group, demographics, and more. Users will also be able to turn off ad personalization from third-party apps.
New In-App Order Center
New! TIKTok has added an ‘Order Center’ button on your profile page 🛒 pic.twitter.com/wBrXHCMM1n
— Matt Navarra (I quit X. Follow me on Threads) (@MattNavarra) August 8, 2022
Keep track of all your in-app purchases! TikTok has launched an Order Center button which can be accessed in each user’s profile. The feature tracks products a user has purchased, viewed, and product recommendations. Users can find tracking information, returns, and more on the display. TikTok has been working on new ways to promote in-app shopping and this is a helpful addition.
New Search Capabilities
TikTok is becoming the go-to search engine for Gen Z, which even Google executives have noticed. The company is testing a feature that could further enhance its search capabilities. A small group of users has found that their search is expanding to keywords in comments and a link to search results. This would make it easier for users to find out more about topics they are interested in.
New Link Sticker Feature
LinkedIn has a cool new link sticker! Users can add a link sticker to images anywhere in the frame and it comes in many sizes. Similar to Instagram Stories, the sticker could drive traffic to your website or products. The text is customizable but no color options are available at this time. The feature is currently available on the mobile app, but it’s slowly being rolled out so not all users will see the option to add a sticker just yet. Desktop users will have to wait as they’re focusing on releasing the feature on mobile first!
‘Super’ Live Stream
Meta is working on a new live streaming platform called Super, which is designed for influencers. It has been in development for a couple of years and the company is now reaching out to influencers to test the program. Influencers can host live streams, earn money, and engage with followers. The platform is reportedly similar to Twitch.
End-to-End Encrypted Messenger Backups
Facebook is testing secure message storage for Messenger. The platform is using end-to-end encryption to protect users’ messages from third parties. Users can also set up their storage in case they lose their phone or want to restore old messages. Chats will be secured by a pin and would need to be reported to Facebook if lost.
YouTube
Comment Stickers for Shorts
YouTube has launched new features for Shorts including comment and question stickers. Creators can respond to YouTube videos and Shorts comments with a Shorts video. This is similar to TikTok’s comment response. Creators can also have a question prompt on Shorts similar to Instagram Stories. Shorts have become a successful competitor to TikTok and these new features help keep its content effective and engaging.
Board Stickers for Idea Pins
🚨 NEW 🚨 Creators can now link out to their @Pinterest Boards in Idea Pins via a new Board sticker. 📌
Whats the benefit of this? 🤔
It’s a easy way to increase visibility for their Boards especially ones that are part of brand collaborations. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/z2ZV2bOQud
— Lindsey Gamble (@LindseyGamble_) August 8, 2022
Yes, more stickers! Pinterest’s Instagram Stories-like feature, Idea Pins, has gained a new feature! Creators can add Board Stickers to their Idea Pins to promote a board. There are various display options to choose from and multiple boards can be linked.
New Features for More Privacy
WhatsApp has a range of new features that can help with privacy on the app!
First up, users can turn off online activity markers from certain groups of people such as contacts only, nobody, or specific people only. This can help avoid unwanted interactions based on others knowing when someone is online.
Secondly, users can now leave a group silently. Admins will still be notified that a user has left a group but the rest of the chat will not.
Message deletes have gotten a time extension as well. Users now have two days to delete a message from a chat.
Lastly, WhatsApp is testing screenshot blocking for View Once messages. As View Once is supposed to be a way to send a photo or video that will be deleted after, screenshot blocking helps to add more protection.
Snapchat
New Family Center for Parents and Teens
It’s official — the Snap Family Center has launched! The new feature will give parents the ability to monitor their children and teens in a (relatively) private way. Family Center will show parents who their kids are friends with and who they message. The actual content of the message isn’t shown. Parents can also report potentially harmful situations to Snapchat.
That wraps up the latest social media updates for this week! Be sure to check us out on LinkedIn for more digital marketing trends and news.
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