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Pinterest Shares New Insights into the Impact of Banning Weight Loss Ads in the App

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This is an interesting case study in how smaller changes and policy tweaks, in relative terms, can have a big impact on user behavior online.

Last year, as part of an expanded push to reinforce body positivity within its app, Pinterest banned all ads with weight loss language and imagery, which was a significant stance within the broader, visual-focused social media sphere.

So what impact has that had, and has it helped improve discussion and engagement in the app?

According to new data from Pinterest, it has had an impact, with ‘weight loss’ searches decreasing by 20% (May 2022 versus July 2021), while searches for ‘quick and healthy meals’ are up 65x, and ‘healthy food motivation’ searches have jumped 13x.

As per Pinterest:

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When we implemented our weight loss ad ban a year ago, our hope was to continue building our platform as a safe and welcoming environment where all Pinners feel free to be who they are regardless of body shape or size. Now a year later, we are seeing a positive response from users, demonstrating the true impact such a policy can have on online behaviors and perceptions.”

Of course, some of these results are relative to overall usage (Pinterest had 444m active users in July last year, and has 433m now) and the specific search terms used for comparison.

But even with these factors in mind, Pinterest has highlighted some interesting usage shifts.

  • “how to change your mindset” searches increased by +50%
  • “positive self affirmations” searches increased by 5X
  • “loving myself searches” increased by +36%
  • “accept your body quotes” searches increased by 3X
  • “body positivity searches” increased by 2X
  • “curvy body reference” searches increased by 5X

These would also be somewhat influenced by broader societal trends, but it is interesting to consider the impacts that Pinterest’s ban on weight loss content could be having on broader engagement and interaction trends within the app.

Could seeing fewer ads that shame users for their size then lead to a more positive environment, where people can feel more comfortable exploring new trends and behaviors?

The results here suggest that this could well be the case, which is interesting to consider in terms of broader social media trends, where airbrushed, heavily edited, highly staged depictions have become the norm for many users.

That can definitely have negative mental health impacts. Research has shown that 32% of teen girls felt worse about their bodies when using Instagram, as the app reinforces beauty norms that may well be unattainable for many people. That’s also, reportedly, part of the appeal of TikTok, in that it’s more focused on unpolished, realistic depictions of how people actually look, but even then, AR filters and effects can alter appearance, and have an impact.

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Maybe, then, a broader ban on weight loss ads could be of benefit, as at least one measure to help normalize representation in each app.

It seems like a small step, but as Pinterest’s stats show, it can have a significant impact.

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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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