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Facebook Updates its Automated Alt Text Process to Identify More Objects Within Posted Images

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facebook updates its automated alt text process to identify more objects within posted images

Facebook has announced a significant update to its Automatic Alt Text – or AAT – process, which will ensure that more images on the platform are readable by screen readers, enabling vision-impaired users to get a better experience within Facebook’s apps.

Facebook AAT overview

Facebook first launched its AAT process back in 2016, enabling automated identification of objects within posted images via machine learning process, whenever manual alt-text descriptions were not provided. But in its initial iteration, the process was fairly limited, which Facebook has been working to update ever since.

As explained by Facebook:

“First and foremost, we’ve expanded the number of concepts that AAT can reliably detect and identify in a photo by more than 10x, which in turn means fewer photos without a description. Descriptions are also more detailed, with the ability to identify activities, landmarks, types of animals, and so forth – for example, “May be a selfie of 2 people, outdoors, the Leaning Tower of Pisa.”

That provides more capacity for Facebook to provide detailed descriptions of objects within images, including not only what they are, but where they’re placed within the frame.

“So instead of describing the contents of a photo as “May be an image of 5 people,” we can specify that there are two people in the center of the photo and three others scattered toward the fringes, implying that the two in the center are the focus. Or, instead of simply describing a lovely landscape with “May be a house and a mountain,” we can highlight that the mountain is the primary object in a scene based on how large it appears in comparison with the house at its base.”

As noted, Facebook has been working to evolve its visual recognition tools for years, which includes both still images and video content. Indeed, back in 2017, Facebook shared an overview of its video ID tools, which are not available as yet, but will further boost the platform’s capacity to both cater to vision-impaired users, and gather more data insights about what’s in posted content, what users are watching, what they’re engaging with, and more.

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For its latest upgrade of AAT, Facebook actually utilized Instagram images and hashtags to map content, which further underlines the potential of the process for data collection.

That could have implications beyond assisting differently abled users. For example, Facebook could look to help advertisers reach users who are interested in coffee by targeting those who’ve posted images of coffee cups or cafes regularly. That could also help to further amplify your messaging because those users are likely to post your offer as well – so you could reach these users with a discount offer, with an increased likelihood of them also sharing that with their followers and friends.

To be clear, Facebook is not offering these new image recognition insights as an ad targeting options as yet. But the capacity is there, and it could facilitate new search and research options to maximize your audience response in future.

Facebook says that the new system is also more culturally and demographically inclusive, due to Facebook using a broader dataset of content, through the translation of hashtags in many languages:

“For example, it can identify weddings around the world based (in part) on traditional apparel instead of labeling only photos featuring white wedding dresses.”

The new system can also provide more detail for those who want it. For example, users will be initially presented with a basic description of each image, but they’ll have the option to choose more specific insights, using the expanded data listings.

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Facebook AAT overview

Again, the expanded implications here are significant – and while the main focus is on providing more access to Facebook’s platforms for all users, the extended data options could also be hugely valuable in a range of ways.

The new AAT system is now in operation, and users with screen readers can access the new data within Facebook’s apps.

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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