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Google Lifts Political Ad Ban Following Pause After Capitol Siege

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google lifts political ad ban following pause after capitol siege
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While debate rages over the impact of digital platforms in facilitating political movements, Google has begun letting advertisers know that it’s lifting its ban on political ads in the US, which it implemented last month in the wake of the Capitol siege.

As reported by AxiosGoogle has begun informing its advertising partners that its platforms will resume accepting all political ads starting Wednesday. Both Google and Facebook put a pause on all political ads following the violent actions on Inauguration Day, which left several people dead. Facebook has not yet announced when its ban will be lifted.

As noted, there’s still much discussion about the impact of digital platforms on political discourse, and subsequent action, with the major players – most specifically Google and Facebook – coming under significant pressure to re-evaluate their processes, and do more to address the misuse of their platform by political activist groups.

In India, Twitter recently came under fire from local authorities after it refused to fully comply with a request to remove more than 1,000 accounts which the Government alleges have been spreading misinformation about farmers protesting against new agricultural reforms. Twitter has withheld a portion of the noted accounts, but has refused to take further action on legal grounds, putting it at odds with regional lawmakers.

On Sunday, Facebook removed the main page of the Myanmar military due to violations of its rules around the incitement of violence. Myanmar is currently in the midst of a military-lead coup.

The ad bans implemented by both Facebook and Google relate to US politics, but as you can see, the use and abuse of these platforms for political means is rising, as are concerns from various groups related to such incidents.

It’s worth noting, too, that the Australian Government recently announced that it will not use Facebook ads in its upcoming election campaign, in retaliation over Facebook’s decision to ban local news content. Which, if anything, will only reduce the reach of their messaging, but it’s another front on which Facebook is, willfully or not, pitting itself political officials. 

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Google’s decision to reinstate political ads is not overly controversial, nor unexpected. But it will likely remain a point of contention, particularly as more governments look to assess the influence of digital platforms on local politics.

What is clear is that these platforms are now hugely influential, and any political body not aware of such is likely failing to maximize their campaigns. That will increase the impetus for local regulators to establish clearer rules around their use for such moving forward, which could eventually see new regulations imposed. 

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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