We’re here to help you keep your finger on the pulse of the ever-changing world of social media. Don’t miss the latest changes, updates and happenings on your favorite social media platforms.
Facebook Messages automates customer service. Facebook is currently testing a new feature that allows page admins to create and send saved replies, as well as adding personalized touches such as the first or last name of the users or admin. This will allow companies to create standard responses for common questions. Additionally, these saved replies can ensure the tone and voice of the brand stay the same even when multiple admins are managing the page. However, brands should beware of relying too much on these blanket responses – people love personalization!
NBA Finals, live on Periscope. In my free time, I can usually be found tweeting about sports. Now that we’re in the middle of The NBA Finals between Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors and LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers, fans in the stadium took to the livestreaming app Periscope to share the stream with those who couldn’t tune in.
#NBAFinals in 2015, where a fan at game is Periscoping for the TV-less world to see. pic.twitter.com/ZlDA1unqh6
— Eli Langer (@EliLanger) June 8, 2015
GIFs on Facebook, finally! Facebook announced support for the GIF file format last week. GIFs, the immensely popular photo-video hybrid, will be animated if they are posted as links versus being uploaded as a photo. Additionally, brand pages cannot post GIFs, although that feature is expected to come soon.
Caitlyn Jenner breaks the Internet. The former Olympic gold medalist holds a new record: fastest person to ever gain one million followers, beating the record set by President Barack Obama (@POTUS). Caitlyn Jenner currently has 2.49 million followers, just behind @POTUS’s 2.63 million followers.
Instagram plunges deeper into advertising with new formats. Instagram announced a series of changes that will be coming to the platform. Advertisers will be able to create “action-oriented” ads that feature buttons below the images with a call to action, such as “Shop Now.” Additionally, Instagram announced new ad targeting features. By working with Facebook, Instagram will “enable advertisers to reach people on Instagram based on demographics and interests, as well as information businesses have about their own customers.” These changes won’t just be for the heavy hitters; Instagram is working to make advertising available through an Instagram Ads API and Facebook ad buying interfaces. It will be interesting to see how Instagram users react to ads on the platform, with backlash predicted by some in the industry. Advertising hasn’t killed Twitter or Facebook yet, so I think Instagram will be just fine.
Pinterest opens up shop. Not to be outdone by Instagram, Pinterest announced Buyable Pins. Mobile Pinterest users will soon be able to make purchases directly from pins on the Pinterest application with an integrated buy button. The buttons, powered by Stripe, will launch later this month with a campaign that includes major retailers such as Cole Haan, Ethan Allen and Macy’s.
What do you think about the new ecommerce functions on Instagram and Pinterest? We’d love to hear your opinion! Leave a comment below or reach out on Twitter, @carolaskyn or @rosecomm.