Struggling to stay up-to-date on social media? It’s a whirlwind out there, but we’re here to bring you the latest social media news. So look no further – here are the updates you need to know!
Let’s kick off with the number one platform, TikTok. You’re spoilt for choice this week as there are two updates – lucky you!
TikTok becomes the new news
TikTok’s influence is on the rise, from influencing other platforms (we’ll get onto that in a minute) to swaying the way we engage with daily news worldwide discussions.
Have you ever turned to TikTok for a recommendation of a lunch restaurant? We’re all guilty of it.
We trust people on TikTok, especially when there’s a viral trend to try. We’re talking everything from pesto eggs to TikTok feta pasta and Lizzo’s ‘Nature’s Cereal’. There’s no point denying it – we know you’ve tried and tested them too.
But now, TikTok is becoming one of the top sources of news for young people. 40% of Gen Z teenagers are tuning in to TikTok and Instagram to actively search for products, places and brands – it’s safe to say TikTok has become a major source of discovery.
How should brands respond to this change in consumer behaviour?
- Be present – keep your social channels up to date to improve your discoverability
- Tailor your content strategy to reflect what your audience is searching for. Show off your products, collaborate with influencers and create a hashtag so you can go viral
- Always produce native content that matches the platform you’re posting on
Onto the second TikTok update!
TikTok becomes more accessible
Earlier this year, we saw Snapchat integrate a fingerspelling lens into its AR repertoire to increase accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. And now, TikTok’s levelling up its on-screen captions with auto-captions and introducing easy translation, which works with descriptions, stickers and captions.
What does this mean for brands?
We predict that this will facilitate trends to reach more audiences globally. Imagine a dance challenge that people on the other side of the world can also boogie to. Even better, imagine the reach of your products or services, easily translated to prospective customers worldwide.
With this update, you won’t need to speak Spanish or hire a translator to target ads to your ideal audience in Mexico, Chile or Peru.
Freeze right there, Facebook! We’re seeing more copycat tactics from Meta. The source of inspiration? TikTok, of course.
Freeze right there, Facebook! We’re seeing more copycat tactics from Meta. The source of inspiration? TikTok, of course.
Facebook’s user interface is getting a facelift eerily similar to TikTok. Soon, Facebook will focus on video and recommended content, which will form the basis of the home tab. Deja vu, we think.
Facebook will also feature a highlights tab called ‘feeds’, showing recent posts from connections to maintain some form of the old Facebook we all know and love… okay, maybe not love. Tolerate?
What does this mean for Facebook? It’s trying to be an entertainment-first app rather than a social network. We predict less messaging but more sharing and engagement.
Not sure how to tailor your Facebook strategy (paid or organic) to reach your audience? Talk to our advertising experts today for advice.
Twitter is also tapping into its collaboration potential, with co-tweeting now a possibility via the CoTweet feature. This will facilitate new brand partnership opportunities, particularly with influencers. It looks like brands will be in cahoots more than ever. Maybe?
Twitter is notorious for misinformation, partly due to the limited control over what gets posted on the network and the sheer amount of people contributing to the platform. This poses the question: Is CoTweet a good idea?
For brands who want to use CoTweet responsibly to boost their brand awareness, we like the idea of CoTweet and would suggest using it as a tool to get brand ambassadors on board.
While Twitter can be a nesting ground for misinformation, people trust that real people are behind the platform. By involving co-creators, or CoTweeters, you can give even more voice to your brand and use Twitter to positively influence the reach of your brand.
Our advice? We suggest using Twitter as a tool to shout about your brand values, gain consumer insights and connect with your audience. Don’t let the musk of the platform get to your head. Too soon?
Now you’re up-to-speed with the latest social media updates – it’s time to test out these new features.
We’ll be back soon with even more updates on the media we call social. Until then, need help setting up your social media ads amid a new and changing social landscape? Our experts are just that – experts in the field. Get in touch to discuss your advertising goals, and we’ll give you the tools to get you there!
