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Instagram Confirms That it is Testing a ‘Re-Post’ Feature for the Main Feed

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Instagram's Chief Explains the Latest Changes in the App Following User Backlash

Hey, you know how your Instagram feed keeps getting disrupted by posts from people and profiles that you don’t follow, and largely don’t care about?

Well, it’s about to get even worse. According to a new finding by social media expert Matt Navarra, Instagram is now testing a new ‘Repost’ option, which would enable users to amplify any post by re-sharing it to their followers in the app.

As you can see here, soon, users will be able to view a display of all of the posts that a user has re-posted.

Instagram has confirmed the test to TechCrunch, providing the following statement:

“We’re exploring the ability to reshare posts in Feed – similar to how you can reshare in Stories – so people can share what resonates with them, and so original creators are credited for their work. We plan to test this soon with a small number of people.”

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So, essentially, retweets, but for Instagram feed posts instead.

Which will probably suck.

I mean, people have thus far been pretty upset with Instagram ramming more and more algorithmically recommended posts into their home feeds. The constant disruption of content from profiles that you haven’t chosen to see makes it harder to actually view the content from profiles that you do follow – which is such a strange approach from IG, given that the platform itself has previously sought to justify the need for a feed algorithm because:

“By 2016, people were missing 70% of all their posts in Feed, including almost half of posts from their close connections.”

So, Instagram brought in an algorithm to ensure users saw more of the content that they’re most interested in, because they were missing a lot of it.

But now it’s decided to add even more content into that mix – so, really, there’s almost no point following any profiles at all in that scenario. Just let IG show you stuff and hope for the best.

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I suspect that, in part, this is what Instagram’s going for, following the TikTok lead and working to highlight the most relevant, most engaging posts from across its app to each user, so that it can just keep feeding you the most trending, sticky content, from all users, in the hopes that will keep you glued to your feed.

But that won’t work.

The fundamental difference here is that Instagram’s structure has been built upon people curating their own experience, and establishing connection via direct signals – by explicitly telling Instagram ‘I want to see content from this profile’ when they tap on that ‘Follow’ button.

TikTok opens to the ‘For You’ feed – from the beginning, it’s aligned itself around an algorithmically-aligned approach, which has never relied on who you choose to follow, as such.

It may seem like this is not a huge variance, but it is in terms of user expectations. Instagram has spent years telling users to build their networks, to interact with those profiles that you want to see more of, it’s sought to work with users in partnership to help craft their own, unique experiences.

Now it’s pretty much ignoring those inputs, and re-posting is another explicit step towards dismantling the IG that you know, in favor of one that Instagram thinks will be a better experience for you.

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‘You don’t know what you really want, but we do.’

Except, it doesn’t.

While TikTok – which, again, has been built from the ground up around an entirely different premise – is very, very good at showing you more and more videos related to your interests, based solely on your viewing habits, Instagram just isn’t in the same league.

Instagram chief Adam Mosseri has admitted such, and has vowed to improve its recommendation systems in this respect. But even if it can improve, is that really what people want? Do Instagram users want IG to essentially abandon its established processes, and their inputs/networks/connections, in order to flood their feed with randomized, tangentially related posts and clips?

As a counter, Mosseri also says that most personal sharing has switched to DMs and Stories anyway. So stop sooking about your precious main feed – if you want to see posts from people that you choose, go talk to them personally, rather than expecting to see it in your feed, where you always have.

I don’t know, it seems like a confusing approach from the platform, and one which also has a whiff of desperation. You would assume, given these significant shifts, that IG engagement isn’t going up, and the fact that it’s trying reposts – a feature that it’s long-held would not be beneficial for the app – is further testament to the fact that it’s looking to anything to reverse that trend.

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Indeed, Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom had this to say about re-posts back in 2018:

“We debate the re-share thing a lot . . . But really that decision is about keeping your feed focused on the people you know rather than the people you know finding other stuff for you to see. And I think that is more of a testament of our focus on authenticity.”

I can only imagine what Systrom thinks of the current iteration of his app, and where it’s headed. And while, under Meta’s management, Instagram has grown to a billion-user app, I do wonder whether it would have been able to achieve that either way. Maybe not as fast, but maybe, by sticking to its original premise and ethos, it could have still maintained a steady growth trajectory, without the need to latch onto every gimmick and trend.

I mean, BeReal’s growth shows that there is a real desire for more authentic connection and community engagement, outside of the constant highlight reels of viral clips.

Instagram was once the home of that, but increasingly, I don’t even know what it is anymore.

I’m guessing Meta doesn’t either, as its focus continues morph in line with the next shiny object.

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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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