Social Scoop Unplugged #6
Are you ready to level up in the social media arena? This week’s edition of Natty’s Social Scoop Unplugged is bursting with must-know updates: Instagram is keeping things fresh with a snazzy new “signature sound for Reels” while putting the brakes on a following-only feed. At the Meta Connect 2024 event, we got a front-row seat to exciting leaps in AI, VR, and AR technology. Meanwhile, TikTok is joining forces with the WHO to fight medical misinformation and waving goodbye to its underperforming TikTok Music app. Not to be outdone, Snapchat pledges its commitment to the EU AI initiative, LinkedIn phases out its “Top Voice” badges, and YouTube faces off with major artists over licensing issues. Dive in and discover how these pivotal changes can energise your social media strategy and keep you playing to win!
Instagram Introducing Best Practices for Creators
We all know anyone can be a creator, but actually thriving as one takes effort, time, and the right info. That’s why I’m thrilled to share Instagram’s new feature: Best Practices! This in-app destination offers personalised tips and educational reels to help you grow your audience and strengthen your content.
You’ll find guidance on everything from creation to engagement, reach, monetisation, and guidelines. The “Creation” section is a goldmine for insights on how often to post, how to grab attention with your photos, and the ideal length for your reels.
Plus, you’ll get personalised tips to assess how your account is performing across each topic.
If you want to go deeper, check out the reels created for you to learn more without leaving the app! Some of my favourite creators have also shared their insights on how they’ve succeeded on Instagram.
As this feature rolls out to more creators in the professional dashboard, expect continuous updates with the latest resources. And for those curious about all the other tools Instagram offers to help you grow, don’t forget to check out Instagram for Creators!
Instagram Launches It’s App Signature Sound
Instagram just rolled out a brand-new “signature sound” for Reels that will play at the end of every Reel downloaded from the app.
So, what does it sound like? Imagine the noise of a skateboard hitting a curb in Tony Hawk Pro Skater or the click of a mouse on a persistent error message. Yup, that’s the vibe. Instagram describes it as a sound that captures the essence of the platform in a single, quirky audio cue.
What Exactly is a “Signature Sound”?
You might be wondering what a “signature sound” really means. Honestly, it’s a bit of a paradox—it’s both nothing and everything at once. While it doesn’t have a specific function or meaning, it serves as a branding element that aims to make Instagram content instantly recognisable.
Why This Sound?
Instagram explains that this move is part of their new “sonic identity.” Here’s what they had to say:
• From Mild to Wild: Their Creative Audio and Brand teams experimented with various sounds to nail down the right vibe—a simple, iconic sound that complements every Reel.
• Emotional Value: The team went through several tests, assigning emotional weight to the sounds they explored. They wanted it to be “punctuated but imperfect,” symbolising everyday creativity that doesn’t need to be flawless to be shared.
While “brought a vibe” might make you raise an eyebrow, the intention behind this sound is to blend the feelings associated with Reels into something cohesive.
So, the next time you download a Reel and hear that signature sound, you’ll know what it is. It may not have the punch of TikTok’s bass drop, but it’s bound to catch your attention—even if it does sound like your phone is glitching out for a moment.
Meta Outlines AI, VR, and AR Advancements at Connect 2024
Meta Connect just dropped some major updates, including new Quest VR headsets, AR glasses, and enhancements to their AI offerings. Here are the highlights:
Orion AR Glasses
The star of the show is Meta’s first AR glasses, Orion. After five years of development, they claim these are the “most advanced AR glasses ever made.” Equipped with a wrist control for easy use, Orion offers the largest field of view in the smallest AR glasses to date. While they’re a bit chunkier than regular sunglasses, they’re not available to the public yet—only selected developers and Meta staff will test them for now. Expect a sleeker consumer version thanks to Meta’s partnership with Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica.
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Updates
Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses are getting a boost, including better voice commands to chat with Meta AI without the repeated “Hey Meta.” Plus, new features will help users find their parked cars and translate spoken languages in real-time.
Quest 3S
Meta also launched the Quest 3S, a more affordable version of the Quest 3, starting at $299.99. It features revamped Horizon OS for better support of popular apps like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, making it a great option for newcomers to mixed reality.
AI during Meta Connect
During the recent Meta Connect, Meta revealed some exciting updates we discussed in last week’s blog post:
• Celebrity Voices for Meta AI: Now, you can chat with Meta AI on Messenger, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram DM in the voices of stars like Awkwafina, Dame Judi Dench, and John Cena! While it sounds fun, we’re curious how well it’ll connect with users.
• Meta AI Image Context: Get ready for image magic! Meta AI can respond to visual cues and edit your photos. You can even request fun backgrounds for your Instagram Stories!
• AI Translations: Meta’s rolling out AI translations for Reels, allowing creators to sync lip movements and simulate voices in other languages.
• AI for Business: Businesses can now create AI chatbots using advanced models through click-to-message ads on WhatsApp and Messenger. This helps with customer queries and boosts sales processes!
With these cool developments, the future of AR, VR, and AI is looking bright!
TikTok Teams Up with WHO to Tackle Health Misinformation
TikTok is stepping up its efforts to combat health misinformation by partnering with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on a new fact-checking initiative. Here’s a breakdown of what this partnership entails:
• Collaboration with Fides: TikTok is joining forces with the WHO’s Fides group, which consists of over 800 healthcare professionals active on social media. Their goal is to stop the spread of misleading health information by sharing factual explanations and insights on key health topics.
• Expanding Reach: The Fides network already reaches millions across various platforms. With this partnership, TikTok aims to further enhance their visibility and impact.
• Financial Support: TikTok is making a $3 million donation to support the WHO’s efforts in destigmatising mental health conditions and fostering an informed and empathetic online community.
• Content Creation: Fides creators will produce explainers on health and scientific research, providing expert insights that can help dispel misinformation. This initiative comes at a critical time, as harmful health trends have surged on social media since the COVID pandemic.
• Concerns About Misinformation: A survey from October 2023 revealed that fewer Americans now consider approved vaccines safe compared to two years ago. An analysis by the Washington Post highlighted that registered dietitian influencers were paid to promote diet sodas, sugar, and supplements, often without clear disclosures about their industry ties.
• Educating Young Audiences: The Fides experts will provide unbiased insights into health trends and questions, helping to educate younger audiences about important health issues.
• Broader Educational Mission: This partnership is part of TikTok’s larger initiative to promote social good and education. The platform has also collaborated with scientists on a dedicated STEM feed, leveraging its connection with younger audiences and the popularity of short-form content.
• Training for Creators: TikTok plans to offer training for Fides creators on best practices and tips for using the platform effectively.
This partnership represents a significant step in TikTok’s commitment to fostering a more informed community while addressing the challenges posed by health misinformation. Stay tuned for updates on this important initiative.
TikTok to Shut Down TikTok Music App
In a decision that’s unlikely to affect many users, TikTok has announced the closure of its separate TikTok Music streaming app due to operational challenges and limited user interest.
Background on TikTok Music
• Originally launched in India as “Resso” in late 2019, the app aimed to capitalise on TikTok’s popularity.
• Despite its initial potential, Resso failed to gain traction, especially after TikTok was banned in India in 2020.
TikTok Music
In recent news, TikTok Music, which was rebranded last year, launched in Brazil and Indonesia, with a limited beta available in Australia, Mexico, and Singapore. Unfortunately, it faced some major challenges, including music licensing disputes and stiff competition from established streaming services, which ultimately led to its downfall.
TikTok will be shutting down TikTok Music on November 28, 2024. Users will have until October 28 to transfer their playlists, and they can request refunds until the closure date. After November 28, all user account data will be permanently deleted, so make sure to take action before then!
Looking ahead, it seems TikTok is ready to refocus on its main platform. While the app aimed to strengthen its ties to the music industry, returning to its roots might just enhance TikTok’s overall music strategy. Without the distraction of a separate streaming service, it could create an even better experience for music lovers on the platform.
Snapchat Signs EU AI Development Pact
Snapchat is stepping up by joining the ranks of OpenAI, Google, and others to commit to the EU’s new AI Pact. This initiative is all about aligning with upcoming European regulations for AI development, ensuring a responsible approach as we move forward.
The EU’s AI Act is set to roll out in August 2026 and will establish a legal framework outlining key areas like transparency, data usage, and security. While EU officials are still fine-tuning the details, they’re encouraging companies to sign the pact as a show of their dedication to best practices in AI development.
The AI Pact emphasises three main commitments for developers:
Establishing an AI Governance Strategy: This helps organisations integrate AI while ensuring future compliance with the AI Act.
Identifying High-Risk AI Systems: Companies need to recognise and map out which of their AI systems could be deemed high-risk.
Promoting AI Awareness: It’s crucial to foster understanding among staff to ensure ethical and responsible AI development.
Snapchat expressed its support for the AI Act, stating that its values align with the goal of fostering trustworthy AI. They’re looking forward to enhancing their AI governance and collaborating with the European Commission, especially the AI Office, and other stakeholders in the tech sector.
Interestingly, while most AI developers are on board with the pact, some big names like Meta and Apple haven’t signed yet. Meta has indicated that they’re focused on meeting the regulatory requirements of the AI Act but aren’t ready to join the pact at this stage. This divergence raises questions about the best path forward for AI development.
For Snap, which operates on the lower-risk end of the AI spectrum, this commitment highlights their support for the EU’s AI regulations. It’ll be intriguing to see if and how other companies adapt as we approach the 2026 implementation date.
LinkedIn Removes Its Top Voice Badges for Collaborative Articles
LinkedIn is shaking things up by retiring the “Top Voice” badges for Collaborative Articles, which were designed to reward user insights based on AI-generated prompts. These badges, launched in March last year, helped boost engagement significantly. But starting October 8, 2024, they’ll be gone, and any existing badges will expire within 60 days.
Why the Change?
Feedback indicated that these badges didn’t accurately reflect true expertise, as they were awarded automatically. Lindsey Gamble from LinkedIn shared that maintaining quality standards has been a challenge, leading to concerns that some badge holders might not have the expertise they claimed.
What’s Next?
With the badges gone, interest in Collaborative Articles could dip. LinkedIn insists there are still benefits to contributing, like showcasing your expertise and expanding your network, but the lack of that shiny badge might reduce motivation for many users.
And just a heads-up: LinkedIn’s Top Voice (the blue badge) program remains unchanged!
LinkedIn Publishes New Guide to Its Advanced Revenue Attribution Report
LinkedIn is stepping up its game with a brand-new guide to its Revenue Attribution Report, designed to help you make sense of your ad spend within the platform. This advanced reporting tool dives deep into the results your campaigns are actually driving, giving you a clearer picture of your ROI.
Launched last year, the Revenue Attribution Report syncs your CRM data with LinkedIn’s Business Manager, providing a comprehensive overview of your campaign performance. Say goodbye to vague top-level metrics—this tool offers the insights you need to truly understand how your ads are performing.
The new 32-page guide is packed with detailed explanations of each element of the report, making it easier for you to track and measure your LinkedIn campaigns effectively. If you’re eager to dive in, you can download the full guide here, but let’s highlight some key takeaways:
• Setting Up: The guide walks you through how to set up the report and connect your CRM data. No need to worry—LinkedIn assures us that any data you share is stored securely, with robust access controls in place. You can read more about their data practices here.
• Data Overview: Learn about the data available in the report and how to leverage it for measuring performance.
• Display Insights: Discover how to effectively display the data, switch between different touchpoints, and track engagements to gain deeper insights.
• Account and Campaign Analysis: The report provides insights at both the account and campaign levels, allowing you to analyse performance over defined time ranges.
This handy overview can really enhance your understanding of your LinkedIn campaigns and give you a better view of how your ad spend is performing.
Of course, you’ll need to connect your CRM, which some might find a bit daunting. But if you’re serious about maximising your LinkedIn marketing efforts, this guide is definitely worth checking out!
Ready to get started? Download LinkedIn’s “Revenue Attribution Report” guide here!
YouTube Pulls Music by Big Name Artists in Latest Licensing Dispute
Have you noticed some missing audio tracks in YouTube clips lately? 🎶 You’re not imagining things! Music from popular artists like Adele, Green Day, and R.E.M. is temporarily unavailable due to a licensing dispute with the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC). Here’s what you need to know:
YouTube has started pulling music by SESAC artists and displaying error messages to users. Although the licensing partnership hasn’t officially expired yet, YouTube is taking preemptive action.
According to Variety, this move may be a negotiating tactic by YouTube to strengthen its position in discussions with SESAC. Notably:
• SESAC is smaller than other performing rights organisations like ASCAP and BMI.
• It still represents a significant portion of the market, with approximately 30,000 members and 1.5 million compositions.
YouTube stated, “We have held good faith negotiations with SESAC to renew our existing deal. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we were unable to reach an equitable agreement before its expiration. We are in active conversations with SESAC and are hoping to reach a new deal as soon as possible.”
Publishers generally hold more power in the music industry, and it’s likely they will pressure SESAC to resolve this situation quickly. YouTube’s strategy could be a smart move to expedite negotiations, which suggests that the absence of these artists’ music might only be temporary. However, there’s also a risk that negotiations could drag on, similar to the lengthy process that occurred with Universal’s removal of music from TikTok.
For now, several major artists’ music is missing from the app in the U.S.
Instagram Chief Confirms: No Following-Only Feed Anytime Soon
If you were hoping for a feed that only shows updates from the accounts you follow, I’ve got some not-so-great news. Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s head honcho, confirmed that a following-only feed isn’t on the horizon.
In a recent Q&A, he explained that social apps like Instagram are leaning into algorithm-driven content instead of just posts from accounts you follow. While some users enjoyed the following-only feed, it often led to lower engagement and satisfaction over time.
With around 50% of your feed now from algorithmic recommendations, Instagram is taking cues from TikTok to keep users engaged and boost ad revenue.
There are alternatives like the Following feed and Favourites, but Mosseri admits they’re not perfect. So, if your feed is filled with suggested posts, it’s all about maximising engagement and revenue.
What do you think? Are you team algorithm or team control over your feed?
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 be creative online!