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Meta’s Twitter Competitor App is Set to be Launched Some Time Next Month

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Meta’s Twitter Competitor App is Set to be Launched Some Time Next Month

Meta’s Twitter competitor is moving closer to launch, with selected creators now being briefed on how Instagram’s text-based app – tentatively titled ‘Barcelona’ – will function.

As you can see in these images, shared by ICYMI’s Lia Haberman, the new app is essentially a simplified version of Twitter, more aligned with a chat-based feed.

That’s deliberate, because over the last few years, more conversation on IG has switched to DMs, with the main feed becoming a discovery platform, as users move away from public posting activity.

With this in mind, the new, separate app is designed to be like a giant group chat, that anybody can join – which is similar to Twitter, in concept, but with a more Instagram-specific tilt.

In terms of specifics, users will be able to sign onto the app using their Instagram credentials, including your username, while you’ll also be able to sync up your IG followers. Users will be able to post text updates of up to 500 characters, while you’ll also be able to add links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length.

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And as you can see in the image of the main feed (the right screenshot above), in addition to being able to reply to posts in-stream, you’ll also be able to like, reply and re-post, like re-tweeting in the app.

The new app is being built on a decentralized back-end, which is Meta’s first attempt at building a decentralized network, which it says will make your profile compatible with other decentralized systems.

As per Meta:

“Users on apps [like Mastodon] will be able to search for, follow and interact with your profile and your content if you’re public, or if you’re private and approve them as followers. This allows you to reach new audiences with no added work. In addition, creators may be eligible to be recommended to people who don’t yet follow them.”

So while it’s going to be seen as a Twitter competitor – which, in some ways, it is – the project is also Meta’s attempt to better align with evolving usage trends, while also experimenting with decentralization, and the capacity for a more open system to better serve social media users, on various fronts.

As noted, Meta has reportedly been briefing creators on the app, while Matt Navarra also notes that various celebrities and high profile sports stars are also being offered early access to the platform, ahead of a public release. 

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DM engagement has become a key focus for IG, based on usage shifts that Meta is seeing in the app.

Instagram has already released several updates to lean into this trend, including Broadcast Channels, its one-to-many messaging feature, and ‘Notes’, which enables users to share a conversation prompt in a Stories-like bubble above your Direct inbox.

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A dedicated chat app is the next progression, and it could be that this does indeed offer serious competition for Twitter, whether that’s the primary intent of the project or not.

When you also consider that Instagram has over a billion daily active users, versus Twitter’s 253 million, and that Meta’s looking to make it as easy as possible for these users to veer across to the new app, that could definitely see it become a very big Twitter-like stream, very fast, which may see more Twitter cast-offs spending more time in this new experience.

Thus far, Twitter activity has seemingly remained strong, despite some user objections to Musk’s changes at the app, because the alternatives simply aren’t as engaging, and will take too much effort in re-establishing your following graph.

But with this new app enabling you to port your IG audience across, that could be another big tick in its favor, and if Meta can make it as easy as possible to use, without some of the headaches that have come with other decentralized apps, it could deal a significant blow to Twitter, by providing a far more viable alternative for those looking for another, similar place to be.

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Elon has repeatedly told those that are upset with his changes to go someplace else. Maybe now, more actually will, which could also see more advertiser attention shifting, if, eventually, Meta looks to also monetize the app (ads will not be in the initial version).

It’s an interesting experiment either way, which could have a big impact when it launches, reportedly, next month.



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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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