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Twitter Launches its Story-Like ‘Fleets’ for All Users

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twitter launches its story like fleets for all users

After announcing the expansion of its Stories-like ‘Fleets’ option to users in Japan just last week, Twitter has quickly followed that up with a full roll-out of the function, with all users on iOS and Android to get access to Fleets over the next couple of days.

So now, you can create Stories on Twitter, with a dedicated tray of Stories – sorry – Fleets bubbles along the top of your news feed, where users can share updates that disappear after 24 hours within the app.

Which, while it is indeed a copy of Stories, Twitter says will fulfill a distinct need on the platform. 

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Apparently, according to Twitter, many people leave many tweets in their drafts, never to see the light of day.

“Twitter’s purpose is to serve the public conversation – it’s where you go to see what’s happening and talk about it. But some of you tell us that Tweeting is uncomfortable because it feels so public, so permanent, and like there’s so much pressure to rack up Retweets and Likes. That’s why, unfortunately, there are so many ???? Tweets left in drafts!”

Twitter product lead Kayvon Beykpour reiterated the same in his discussion of Fleets:

“Now, more than ever, we think it’s critical to provide people another way to share what’s on their mind; without feeling self-conscious about it lasting on the record, and without the pressure of public replies. Those Tweets that never got past “Drafts” can finally see the light!”

There certainly must be a lot of draft tweets taking up room on Twitter’s servers, because the company seems to believe that Fleets will fulfill this significant need, and provide a way for users to share their less popular thoughts in temporary form.

Which could be true, I guess. But really, it’s just Stories, all be it in a lesser form, more aligned to Twitter use.

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So, what can you ‘Fleet’?

Your options are:

  • Text fleets – Your basic Fleet is text on a colored background, with a range of color options for both
  • Share tweets – Fleets provide a new way to share individual tweets, which also appear on a colored background
  • Video or Photo – You can also post a video clip or a photo to your Fleet

That’s pretty much it. There are no special effects or AR tools for Fleets, though Twitter says that stickers and live broadcasting are coming soon.

Twitter has also been working on collaborative Fleets, which appear in the Fleets row as a double-bubble display.

Collaborative Fleets

That’s not available at launch, but it could, eventually, provide a range of new use cases for the format, including interviews, real-time highlights from events, GIF wars, etc. And for brands, it could be another way to boost your presence via influencers, partnering with well-known users to increase awareness and engagement.

As noted, that option is not available just yet, but it’s an indicator of the additional potential of the option, and there may be even more interesting use cases on the horizon, which we’re not seeing right away.

At launch, however, Fleets does seem a little limited. The lack of advanced creation functionality and effects tools puts it behind the other Stories options available, with the only real advantage being the top of feed presence in the app, which could help to generate interest and exposure.

That’s not to say that it should be dismissed – definitely, it’s worth experimenting with, and seeing how Twitter users respond. But as noted, it feels like a less interesting version of Stories right now, with not a heap to spark major interest or enthusiasm just yet.

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That could change, and Twitter says that, thus far, where Fleets has been made available, users have been more open in sharing their thoughts via Fleet. So it could provide a new form of expression and openness on the platform – but it might take some time for Fleets to become a significant consideration. If it does take off.

And one last note for brands – if your DMs are open, anyone can reply to your Fleets. So if you’re looking to maximize your Fleet engagement, you may need to update your DM settings.

Fleets will be rolled out to all users ‘in the coming days’.

Socialmediatoday.com

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.

The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.

According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.

Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.

Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.

The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.

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This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.

Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.

As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?

Only time will tell.

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.

When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.

“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.

Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.

“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.” 

“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.

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“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.

Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.

As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.

That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.

Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.

That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.

Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.

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Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.

We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.

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