Social media is forever changing which makes it easy to miss an update from time to time. Twice a month, we look into three of the latest key updates from the past few weeks from the various social media giants. Here’s what’s been happening recently…
Instagram Tests New Upload Options in the Desktop Version of the App
A potential handy tool for social media marketers in the pipeline here. According to a new finding by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, Instagram is currently testing a new feed posting option from the desktop version of the app.
As you can see above, the new option would add a “+” icon to the top bar of the desktop version of IG, which, when clicked, would enable users to upload images or videos direct from their PC hard drive.
Using this new upload process, as it currently stands, users would have all the regular, in-app options for their feed posts, including image formatting tools and filters.
The option is limited to feed posts only at this stage – no Stories or Reels upload tools – but it would add to the functionality of the desktop app, and provide users with more Instagram management options. Watch this space!
TikTok Launches New #FactCheckYourFeed Initiative to Promote Digital Literacy
Misinformation has become a key focus for every digital platform, and this week, TikTok has announced a new initiative to help improve digital literacy and stop the spread of misleading reports within its app.
Called #FactCheckYourFeed, the new campaign aims to help equip TikTok users with the skills they need to “critically engage with content, navigate our platform safely and guard themselves against potential harms.”
@maxfostercnnCritical thinking isn’t just about solving problems, it also helps you come up with creative and new ideas #FactCheckYourFeed #learnontiktok♬ original sound – Max Foster – Journalist
As you can see in this example, the new initiative will use TikTok clips from a range of creators and public figures to outline key lessons in how to detect and avoid misleading info online, all presented in TikTok’s unique style.
As explained by TikTok: “We take the responsibility to help educate our users seriously, which means making sure that everyone has access to good, accurate information whenever they need it. To achieve this, it’s important that our users are able to correctly identify what they are watching and to know if they are being given potentially inaccurate or harmful information.”
Digital literacy is now a critical consideration for social media platforms specifically, with around 71% of people now getting at least some of their news input from social media apps. That makes all social platforms key news sources, and with the real-time, public nature of social feeds, that also lends the medium to misinformation campaigns, and targeted pushes aimed to influence public action based on variable agendas.
It’s good to see TikTok taking the initiative and looking to provide more guidance to users on the key things to watch for, while also communicating that to them in the ways they’re more comfortable with and responsive to.
Instagram Adds New ‘Pronouns’ Option on User Profiles to Maximise Inclusion
Instagram has added a new ‘Pronouns’ option on user profiles which lets users select up to four pronouns so that people know how they should be referred to within interactions.
View this post on Instagram
As you can see here, the new option is listed in your profile settings – just select ‘Edit Profile’>’Pronouns’ and you can enter in your chosen identifiers.
Instagram provides a range of pronoun options, which will populate in the window as you enter your chosen terms. Users can edit or remove their chosen pronouns at any time, while you can also choose whether your pronouns listing is shown to everyone, or just your followers in the app.
It’s a good addition for Instagram, which adds to its broader push to maximise inclusion, and ensure that all users are able to represent themselves as they choose on the platform.
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