For all those who like Tik Tok; the fourth most downloaded app in the world is testing some cool new stuff. In the “For You” section. You will now be allowed to check out more video content in a grid-style layout similar to Instagram. The new “Discover” button will help users find new people or accounts to follow. Another feature that is being considered in the pipeline is the addition of the count of downloads alongside video likes and shares.
Facebook will soon launch a “news” tab, which will deliver news directly from trusted publishers. Several known publishers, such as Bloomberg and ABC News have been approached with offers in the region of $3m a year to license content being negotiated.
Twitter is developing new features including topic-based streams allowing users to stay up to date on particular subjects through curated listing, reminiscent of the Google Alert feature. You will have the ability to subscribe to a conversation; the option to record attached images and tweet live photos, and a DM search feature.
LinkedIn is launching audience engagement insights as part of the revamp of its API program, enabling third-party partners to search for key topics of focus to improve LinkedIn campaigns. The three elements of the API are Industry Benchmarking, Content Recommendations and Audience Discovery.
Instagram is making available its Spark AR filter creation platform to all users, as well as rolling out the “Effect Gallery”, a new library of niche Augmented Reality effects from new up and coming artists. The new effects will give more value and choice to Instagram users and advertisers alike.
YouTube is testing a feature that allows channels to upload videos that only paid members are able to watch. YouTube has been pushing the premium agenda for a long time now and non-subscribers are directed to sign up for a paid membership if they wish to view the video.
By Khalid Karim
