Monday Morning Learning – 5 July 2021
Published on 07 Jul '21
Facebook Runs Video Tests to Make Instagram More Like TikTok
Facebook announced last Wednesday that they will be testing changes to Instagram photo-sharing and make it more like TikTok. The app will be changing its hierarchy of priorities as TikTok is a direct competitor to Facebook by being one of the most downloaded apps and not owned by Facebook, that they need to keep up with. They will be focusing on creators, video, e-commerce and messaging.
Instagram is intending to break away from simply being a photo-sharing app, by not prioritising photos in the feed. Similar to TikTok’s interface, Instagram will be focusing more on video formats – full screen, immersive, entertaining, mobile-first video. They will be introducing more organic content to make people we don’t follow more discoverable, similar to TikTok For You Page.
Pinterest Bans All Weight Loss Related Ads
National Eating Disorders Association helpline has reported they experienced a 40% increase in call volume in 2020 that were related to mental health and eating disorder struggles compared to the year before.
The new policy clamps down on weight loss related ads and prohibits them. These include:
- Any weight loss language or imagery;
- Any testimonials regarding weight loss or weight loss products;
- Any language or imagery that idealises or denigrates certain body types
- Referencing Body Mass Index (BMI) or similar indexes; and
- Any products that claim weight loss through something worn or applied to the skin
For context, Pinterest also shared a trend in searches, which supports the radical self-acceptance movement of body-neutrality:
- “Healthy mindset quotes” searches are up to x13 from the previous year
- “Body neutrality” and “stop body-shaming quotes” are up 5x
- Body acceptance quotes are up 7x
- “self-love illustration art” has increased 63x.
Pinterest adds that ads promoting healthy lifestyles and habits, like fitness products and services, will still be allowed as long as they don’t promote weight loss.
This is an important adaptation as many young people were cut off from their normal routines and hobbies during the pandemic that might have been their main opportunity for healthy exercise. Now, those same young people are experiencing the pressure of having to return to their social circles after almost 15 months of being away or distanced, and many experience heightened body image related insecurities.
Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/pinterest-bans-all-weight-loss-related-ads/602748/
TikTok videos are now up to 3 minutes long
Users expect short-form entertainment. Not sure how 3 minutes will work especially on the For You pages
Link:
https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/tiktok-will-enable-all-users-make-longer-videos/602769/
Instagram Tests Sticker Links in Stories for All Users
Instagram is now running a test to give all users the option to add URL links to Stories through linked stickers. This allows users to directly link their post CTA button on a sticker instead of the current text “link in bio”.
With the “swipe up” replacement it allows users to directly comment on the stories which can pose potential threat to malicious comments or increase rate of misinformation. If they integrate Facebook’s Admin tool function where certain keywords and 3rd party links are disallowed they might be able to mitigate this risk.
Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-tests-links-in-stories-for-all-users–
25 Ways to Use Social Proof on Your eCommerce Website to Increase Sales [Infographic]
Below are some ways that social proof can help increase sales on your eCommerce website. Here are a few that make the list:
- Customer Testimonials
- Celebrity Endorsements
- Case Studies
- Media Mentions
- Trust Seals
- Certifications & Badges
- Platform Integrations
- Ratings and Reviews
Check out the infographic in the article for more detail.
