SOCIAL
Snapchat Experiments with the Integration of NFT Artworks into AR Experiences
While the NFT hype has died down significantly from its late 2021 peak, social platforms are still exploring ways to integrate NFTs, and enable users to display their digital artworks in new ways within their apps.
Snapchat looks set to be the latest to jump on the NFT trend, with The Financial Times reporting that the company is investigating a new process that would enable users to convert their owned NFTs into AR Lenses, which could then be inserted into their Snaps.
The process would essentially enable users to display three dimensional versions of their NFTs, where applicable, and use them as either a virtual face mask (a common use case for PFP projects), a background item, an additional object in the frame, etc.
That sounds like a fairly light integration of NFTs, as opposed to, say, Twitter, which has built a whole new profile display option for NFT art, or even Instagram, which is experimenting with a new profile element where users are able to display their owned items.
Though importantly, Snap’s integration moves your display options into its AR tools, which is where Snap’s looking to link into the next stage of digital connection. While Meta focuses on VR, and its evolving metaverse experience, Snap’s pinning its future on the development of AR, and the integration of digital and physical worlds, in a range of ways.
In this sense, and given the expected boom in AR with the arrival of AR glasses, Snap’s NFT integration plan could actually be more significant than these other options. Rather than bridging what would be Web2 to Web3 applications, Snap is looking a step ahead, which could put it in good stead to capitalize on the rising market for digital goods in new ways, as opposed to pinning them to what will likely become legacy systems.
And while the current NFT offerings may not end up being as big an element in the next stage as some may have thought (or hoped), there’s clearly a solid business case for digital items, and buying and selling things like digital clothes for your avatars, tools that you can use across different games and worlds, digital jewelry, and other items which can signify status and achievement.
That’s already the case in existing metaverse-like spaces, with users in Fortnite and Roblox displaying their personality and presence via various character skins and add-ons which reflect their skills and experience, in different ways.
Hand-drawn profile pictures feel like a misguided attempt to connect into this shift, but there will be a more advanced market for digital items, at some stage, which will become a major industry.
Snapchat could be looking to get ahead of this, and with AR-enabled digital items, and the further integration of its Bitmoji characters in the same way, that could help it stay ahead of the game in the next stage.
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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