Social Scoop Unplugged #1

Aug 29

Latest Social Media News: The Latest Updates You Need to Know (And How to Use Them)

Fancy a deep dive into the latest and juiciest updates from our favourite social media platforms? Brew yourself a strong cuppa because we're about to unpack all the transformative changes sweeping through the digital sphere. From Instagram's slick new vertical layout to the exciting advancements in LinkedIn's video capabilities, I've got the scoop that'll keep you ahead of the curve.

Instagram's Gone Vertical: Your Profile Grid is Getting a Glow-Up

Remember when your Insta profile was a perfectly curated mosaic of your life's highlights? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because change is coming! Instagram Chief Adam Mosseri just dropped a bombshell: they're testing a new vertical grid display for profile pages. It's not just a cosmetic change - it's a whole new way to showcase your content!

What's the Big Deal?

- Say adios to square thumbnails and hola to rectangular posts.

- This new format is basically Reels' cool cousin, perfect for vertical content.

- It's all about showcasing those popular 9:16 videos and vertical photos.

Why Should You Care?

This isn't just Instagram playing dress-up with your profile. It's a clear signal that they're all in on vertical, immersive content. For all you content creators and businesses out there, it's time to put on your thinking caps. Those meticulously planned grid layouts? They might need a vertical remix.

How to Rock This New Look

1. Start experimenting with vertical content now. Be ahead of the game!

2. Think about how your posts will look in a longer, rectangular format. Time for some creative cropping?

3. Consider the story your profile will tell when viewed vertically. It's like writing a visual novel!

Remember, in the world of social media, adaptability is your superpower. Embrace this change as a chance to freshen up your Instagram presence and potentially reach new audiences who love scrolling through vertical content. Who knows? Your next viral post might be just a vertical swipe away!

TikTok's Summer Soundtrack 2024: The Beats That Defined Our Hot Girl Summer

As we bid farewell to another sun-soaked season, TikTok has blessed us with its Top 10 Songs of Summer list. This isn't just any old playlist, folks - it's a cultural snapshot, capturing the vibes that had millions of users worldwide dancing in their living rooms (or is that just me?).

The US Chart-Toppers

1. "MILLION DOLLAR BABY (VHS)" - Tommy Richman

2. "Nasty" - Tinashe

3. "Champagne Coast" - Blood Orange

4. "Magic Johnson" - Ian

5. "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" - Billie Eilish

6. "Please Please Please" - Sabrina Carpenter

7. "Tell Ur Girlfriend" - Lay Bankz

8. "Wanna Be (with Megan Thee Stallion)" - GloRilla feat. Megan Thee Stallion

9. "Not Like Us" - Kendrick Lamar

10. "KEHLANI" - Jordan Adetunji

The Global Grooves

1. "Gata Only" - FloyyMenor and Cris Mj

2. "Nasty" - Tinashe

3. "MILLION DOLLAR BABY (VHS)" - Tommy Richman

4. "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" - Billie Eilish

5. "Alibi (with Pabllo Vittar & Yseult)" - Sevdaliza

6. "Please Please Please" - Sabrina Carpenter

7. "ESTE" - El Alfa, Nfasis

8. "Tell Ur Girlfriend" - Lay Bankz

9. "Si No Quieres No" - Luis R Conriquez, Neton Vega

10. "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido" - KAROL G

What This Means for Your Social Strategy

TikTok's influence on the music industry is like that friend who always knows about the cool new band before anyone else. Its diverse and global list of trending tracks showcases a broad range of genres and emerging artists, reflecting TikTok’s role as a cultural hub and star-maker. For all you marketers and content creators out there, these lists are pure gold. Consider sprinkling these trending tracks into your content strategy. Who knows? You might just create the next viral dance challenge!

LinkedIn's Video Revolution: Carousels Are the New Black

LinkedIn, the platform we all love to hate (admit it), is finally loosening its tie with the introduction of in-feed video carousels. It's like they've finally realised that professionals can have fun too!

What's New in the LinkedIn Playground?

- Side-Scrolling Videos: Users can now scroll through a series of videos matched to their interests right in their feed. It's like Tinder, but for professional content!

- Full-Screen Experience: Tap on a video, and boom! You're in LinkedIn's TikTok-style vertical video feed. Who said business can't be entertaining?

- Personalised Content: Videos are matched to your interests based on your in-app activity and profile details. It's like LinkedIn's finally paying attention to what you actually care about!

This new feature reflects a 34% increase in video uploads and opens up fresh opportunities for businesses. With the ability to showcase your brand’s personality, engage with a younger audience, and enhance your content strategy, it’s time to get creative. Just remember to find the right balance between fun and professionalism to make the most of this update.

YouTube's Creator-Friendly Feast: QR Codes, Effects, and More!

YouTube, the OG video platform, is rolling out a smorgasbord of updates aimed at making creators’ lives easier and viewers’ experiences more engaging. Let’s break down these exciting new features:

Here’s what’s new:

Creator QR Codes: Channels now have unique QR codes for easy offline sharing. Just head to “Share Channel” in the YouTube app and let the magic happen!

User-Generated Shorts Effects: Ever dreamed of adding a touch of Hollywood to your Shorts? Now you can create and share your own effects, making your videos pop with creativity.

“Jump Ahead” Feature: This cool AI tool lets users skip straight to the juicy bits of your videos, so they can catch the highlights without the wait.

@Mentions in Comments: Tagging other channels in comments just got easier, turning your comment section into a lively space for collaboration and interaction.

Payment Details View: YouTube Studio now supports more currencies, making it simpler for international creators to manage their earnings.

These updates bring new tools and a more personalised viewing experience. Make the most of these features to boost your channel and enjoy an even richer YouTube adventure!

LinkedIn's Semantic Search: Finding Your Professional Soulmate Just Got Easier

LinkedIn has just levelled up its game with a new content search engine featuring enhanced semantic matching capabilities. It's like they've given their search function a PhD in understanding what you really mean when you type in those keywords.

The Goals of This Super-Smart Search

1. Maximise On-topic Rate: Ensuring search results are more accurate than your grandma's secret recipe.

2. Increase Long-dwells: Measuring engagement by tracking how long users interact with posts. Because time is money, especially on LinkedIn!

The Two-Layer Design: It's Like a Cake, But for Data

1. Retrieval Layer:

- Token-Based Retriever (TBR): Selects posts with exact keywords from the query. It's like the strict English teacher of search functions.

- Embedding-Based Retriever (EBR): Uses AI to find posts that conceptually match the query. This is the cool, understanding teacher who gets what you mean, not just what you say.

2. Multi-stage Ranking Layer:

- L1: Uses a simple model to narrow down posts. Think of it as the first round of a talent show.

- L2: Employs a complex model to refine ranking based on factors like post quality and author reputation. This is the Simon Cowell of the operation.

Why LinkedIn Users Should Do a Happy Dance

1. Better Search Results: The semantic matching capability means you're more likely to find relevant content, even if your search terms are as vague as your cousin's career plans.

2. Personalised Experience: The system tailors results based on your profile and preferences. It's like having a personal assistant who actually knows your taste!

3. **Efficient Content Discovery**: With pre-computed embeddings, the engine can handle billions of posts efficiently. It's faster than your coffee order at your favourite café!

The Impact: Numbers Don't Lie

LinkedIn reports that this new system has improved on-topic rates and long-dwells by over 10%. This means users are finding more accurate and engaging content, enhancing their overall LinkedIn experience. It's like they've turned the dial from "meh" to "wow"!

For professionals and businesses, this update underscores the importance of creating high-quality, relevant content on LinkedIn. The more valuable and well-crafted your posts are, the more likely they are to be surfaced in user searches. So, time to polish those posts and let your professional brilliance shine!

Pinterest's Fall 2024 Trend Report: Your Roadmap to Autumn Awesomeness

As the leaves start to turn, Pinterest has unveiled its Autumn 2024 Trend Report, giving us a sneak peek into the styles, shades, and aesthetics that will dominate the season. With an impressive 80% success rate in predicting trends, this report is like having a crystal ball for brands, marketers, and trendsetters. Let's dive into what's hot for the cool months ahead!

Nailed It: Intricate Designs Take Center Stage

- Bow nail designs: +2,220% (Bows are the new French tips, apparently!)

- Japanese-inspired nails: +600% (Turning fingers into mini works of art)

- Greek goddess nails: +1,975% (For when you want to feel like Aphrodite)

- Short funky nails: +1,540% (Proof that size doesn't matter in nail art)

Takeaway: This fall, it's all about detailed, themed nail art. Time to stock up on those tiny brushes!

Dewy on Duty: Fresh Faces Rule

- Soft baddie makeup: +700% (For when you want to look tough but approachable)

- Igari makeup (flushed look): +460% (Like you just ran a marathon, but make it fashion)

- Glowy dewy makeup: +185% (Sparkle like the morning dew, darling)

- Concealer lips: +92% (The "I woke up like this" of lip trends)

Takeaway: The "no-makeup makeup" trend evolves with a focus on dewy, fresh-faced looks. Time to invest in highlighters and moisturisers!

Foxy Locks: Warm Tones for Cool Days

- Fox hair colour: +1,530% (Channelling your inner wilderness)

- Honey brown curls: +7,770% (Sweet like honey, fierce like Beyoncé)

- Cherry blonde: +6,300% (For when you can't decide between red and blonde)

- Deep cherry red hair: +920% (Bold, beautiful, and perfect for fall)

Takeaway: Rich, warm hair colours are in demand. Salons, get ready for an influx of requests for these autumnal shades!

Bangs Are Back: Fringe Benefits

- Japanese side bangs: +1,645% (Anime-inspired realness)

- Long pixie cut with bangs: +1,630% (Short, but make it dramatic)

- Subtle bangs: +1,090% (For the commitment-phobes)

- Mini bangs: +185% (Micro bangs for maximum impact)

Takeaway: Bangs in various styles are making a comeback. Hair stylists, sharpen those scissors!

Tranquil Tones: Calming Colours Dominate

- Serene colour palette: +110% (Because we could all use some serenity right now)

- Sage and blue colour palette: +570% (Nature-inspired calm)

- Green home decor: +2,670% (Bringing the outside in)

- Lavender room aesthetic: +110% (Purple reign in interior design)

Takeaway: Soothing, understated shades are trending across all categories. Time to repaint those accent walls!

Joy for Japan: Zen Aesthetics on the Rise

- Japanese vintage art: +270% (Retro meets East)

- Japanese Zen garden: +120% (Mindfulness in your backyard)

- Zen kitchen: +160% (Cooking with calm)

- Japanese furniture: +60% (Minimalism meets comfort)

Takeaway: There's a growing interest in Japanese aesthetics, emphasising natural beauty and moments of calm. Marie Kondo would be proud!

For businesses and content creators, this report is your secret weapon for staying ahead of the curve this autumn. Consider incorporating these trends into your product offerings, marketing strategies, and content creation, there's something here for everyone.

Cross-Platform Posting: Meta's New Feature for Facebook, Instagram, and Threads

Meta has just dropped a game-changing feature that allows users to cross-post from both Instagram and Facebook to Threads. It's like they've created a social media Swiss Army knife! But before you go posting willy-nilly across all platforms, let's break down what this means for your social media strategy.

What's New in Meta's Playground?

• Reels: Not supported for cross-posting.

• Auto-sharing: Enabled for Instagram posts.

• Facebook: Only text and link posts can be cross-posted.

• Instagram Captions: Converted to plain text on Threads.

While cross-posting can save time, tailor your content for each platform to maximise engagement. A one-size-fits-all approach might not be the best strategy.

Threads Introduce Custom Feeds and Media Tab

Threads is stepping up its game with two new features: a custom feeds option and a “Media” tab on profiles. The Media tab, similar to what X offers, allowing you to quickly view all the images and videos a user has shared—perfect for a visual overview.

The custom feeds feature lets you create tailored streams based on keywords or profiles, keeping you in the loop on specific topics. While you’ll need to toggle the “Recent” setting each time, this update brings Threads more in line with its competitors, offering more ways to engage with the content you care about.

Instagram chief Adam Mosseri has noted that while these features are popular, they may not significantly boost overall user numbers. However, they do enhance the experience for dedicated users, and as Threads continues to evolve, we’ll see how these updates impact the platform. Stay tuned!

Threads Tests Disappearing Posts Feature

Threads is testing a new feature that allows posts to disappear after 24 hours, aiming to boost engagement by reducing the pressure of permanent content. This test, currently available to select users, lets you activate the option within your post creation tools, similar to ephemeral posts on other platforms.

Meta hopes this feature will encourage more authentic sharing without the worry of posts being permanently tied to your profile. This aligns with broader trends in social media, where users are increasingly cautious about the longevity of their online content. Disappearing posts could offer a new way for users to engage more freely, potentially leading to more dynamic interactions on the platform.

Instagram Introduces Channel Tagging in Posts

Instagram has added a new feature allowing users to tag Channels directly when uploading a post. This update makes it easier for Channel owners to share their latest content directly into their broadcast streams, aligning with the growing trend of in-app messaging.

Initially launched last year, Channels offer creators a one-to-many broadcast option via IG DMs. With this new tagging option, you can streamline the process of sharing updates, ensuring your latest posts are seamlessly integrated into your Channel feed.

While it’s a small update, it simplifies engagement within broadcast chats and could help you make the most of your content by feeding it directly to your audience. Instagram reports steady growth in Channel usage, so this could be a handy tool for expanding your reach.

That wraps up this week’s Social Scoop Unplugged! 🚀 Remember, the world of social media never stops evolving, and neither should your strategy. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and don’t forget to adapt to these exciting updates as they unfold.

If you’ve found this helpful, share it with your network or drop me a message with your thoughts and feedback. Until next time, keep shining and stay ahead of the game!

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Natty Bernasconi