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Instagram’s Testing Likes on Stories, Providing Another Engagement Option

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instagrams testing likes on stories providing another engagement option

What would a Like button add to the Instagram Stories experience?

Right now, you can respond to a Story with a quick emoji response, which is then sent to the creator via DM, while you can also type in a direct response message that’s also delivered to their inbox. You can also engage with Stories by sharing, forwarding, etc.

But a like button could add another element, and by the looks of it, we may be close to finding out just how beneficial likes on Stories could be.

As you can see in this example, shared by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, Instagram appears to be close to launching a live test of likes on Stories, providing an easy, quick way to engage with a Stories post, without having to clog up the creator’s inbox with reactions.

The new Stories like button, at least at this stage of the experiment, would appear alongside the message field at the bottom of the Stories display.

That would mean that the current Stories forwarding option, signified by the Direct paper plane icon, would be shifted to the function menu instead, and that format looks pretty effective, and as noted, fairly close to a test launch, given its development.

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But then again, Instagram has been working on this for some time – here’s another screenshot of the option in testing which Paluzzi posted last November.

Instagram Stories reactions

It seems that Instagram has scaled it back a little, with only likes now available in the latest test, as opposed to all of the various Reactions options.

That’s likely because of how they would be displayed on the Stories frame, with Instagram noting that creators would be able to see their like counts ‘in the same place as Story viewers’. Maybe, adding all reaction types just took up too much room in the display, which is why it’s moved to only likes – but then that also raises the question as to what value likes would actually bring, and whether it’s worth adding them at all in the process.

As you may recall, Instagram removed public Like counts on feed posts back in 2019, before finally enabling users to choose whether they display likes or not, instead of totally eliminating the option. The impetus for this change was that Instagram wanted to reduce the pressure around public posting, and competing for likes, and by giving users the capacity to remove that element if they wish, that, theoretically at least, can help to lessen some of that comparison among peers, and stop users from deleting posts that don’t reach a certain like level.

Which suggests that likes on Instagram may not be overly beneficial – but then again, they do serve a ranking purpose, and they are important for the users receiving that engagement.

The main difference in this new application is that Stories like counts would not be public, it would just be between you and the creator, so it’s not the same thing – but it is interesting to note that Instagram’s looking to remove likes on one hand, and add them on another.

Maybe that conflict is why Instagram hasn’t launched a live test of the option as yet, but again, it could also provide a direct measure to help Instagram improve Stories ranking, by giving content from the creators that you like most higher priority, while it also does add an extra interactive element.

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And really, anything that gets rid of these messages is probably a good thing.

Instagram Stories reaction via DM

Like, what do you do with that? Send a heart back? A thumbs up?

It feels like Reactions are not really designed for this type of response, which is why this update makes sense. Though for brands, it is worth noting that the removal of the sharing option from the bottom of the frame could result in fewer re-shares, while Stories likes would add another metric to track, and keep tabs on as a performance metric.

Overall, it seems to make sense – we’ve asked Instagram for an update on the test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.

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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