SOCIAL
Instagram Says That it’s Exploring Options That Would Enable Users to Hide Like Counts if They Choose
Instagram freaked a whole lot of users out this week when it suddenly – and unintentionally – expanded its test of hidden post like counts to a lot more users.
We’ve been testing a new experience to hide likes on Feed posts. We unintentionally added more people to the test today, which was a bug — we’re fixing this issue and restoring like counts to those people as soon as possible.
— Instagram Comms (@InstagramComms) March 3, 2021
Instagram has been testing hidden Like counts for some time, and while it has provided some insight into the results it’s seen from its experiments, it clearly doesn’t yet have all the data that it needs in order to make a call on the viability of the option.
Which is why it’s still in testing – and today, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri has provided some more insight into the hidden likes project, and why it’s still going, despite seemingly having run for the last year in some regions.
Live Rooms & Private Like Counts ????
This week we unintentionally launched private like counts to a lot of people, our apologies. The idea is clearly polarizing, so we’re looking for a way to bring the idea to people who want it and not to those who don’t.#thisweekoninstagram pic.twitter.com/aS0p4tkDfV
— Adam Mosseri ???? (@mosseri) March 5, 2021
As Mosseri notes, the test has been re-prioritized again only recently because of disruptions due to COVID-19. That’s why we saw the sudden expansion of hidden likes this week – which wasn’t planned, and has since been rectified.
But it is part of the broader experiment, which, as Mosseri explains, is still ongoing.
“Clearly it’s a very polarizing idea, so right now, what we’re looking is, is there a way for us to bring private like counts to those who are interested in it and not those who aren’t, so expect more from us on that in the next month or maybe two.”
Instagram has actually been testing this option also – in January, app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi shared screenshots of his finding of a new option within Instagram’s back-end code that would enable users to hide or unhide like counts on their posts.
So rather than simply not showing like counts at all, Instagram would give users the option to control this display.
Paluzzi also noted that users would be able to hide like counts on posts both within the composer when initially posting, and in retrospect. Instagram’s additionally testing another setting which would enable users to hide like counts on other people’s posts, as displayed within their app.
It’s difficult to say whether this would be a positive or negative move for the app. For many, likes are a form of social currency, and there is a level of pressure to meet a certain standard among peers (which is what Instagram is working to reduce), but for others, it’s a simple form of acknowledgment, while brands and marketers use likes as an indicator of performance, as do influencers and other creators. The loss of total like counts would have some impact on those processes – but then again research studies have shown that hiding total like counts can be beneficial for users, based on smaller-scale test scenarios.
But as of right now, Instagram hasn’t made a call, so if losing your like counts spooked you this week, you can be assured that they’re not going away permanently.
And even if Instagram does decide to make a change, it seems increasingly likely that it will give users the option to keep their like counts, if they wish.
According to Mosseri, we should have more on this soon.
SOCIAL
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.
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.
SOCIAL
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.”Â
“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.
“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.
SOCIAL
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.
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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