Platform 5: This week’s most important social media changes
This week’s most important social media changes including Facebook rolling out Instant Articles
What do the major changes over the last 7 days mean?
This week Facebook made two significant moves for keeping users on the platform – Instant Articles were introduced as well as testing their Add a Link mobile search engine. Buffer introduced a way to schedule Pins on Pinterest and Flickr made a big move to reinvigorate themselves.
Let’s begin.
1. Facebook rolls out Instant Articles
Last week we alluded to the possibility of Facebook publishing Instant Articles within the iOS mobile app. This week, it has been confirmed. Facebook is converting stories from Buzzfeed, New York Times, National Geographic and a range of other partners into an app-friendly format that loads instantly.
Read more about Facebook Instant Articles.
2. Facebook extends Carousel Ads for mobile
Facebook is extending the Carousel Ad format to mobile app ads. The interactive format supports 5 images with links for app installs and engagement ads. Carousel Ads for mobile are available now through Facebook Markting API, Power Editor, and Ads Create Tool. Great news for e-commerce brands.
Read more about Facebook’s carousel ads extending to mobile.
3. Facebook tests Add a Link mobile search engine
Facebook is currently testing a keyword search engine within their mobile app that gives users an easier way to share links. Select iOS users in the US can see an Add a Link option when composing a status. Users type in a query and Facebook presents a list of relevant links similar to Google. Users can then tap to add to their status with a caption, photo, or location, all without leaving the platform.
Read more about Facebook’s Add a Link.
4. Buffer allows scheduled Pins
Buffer has announced an official partnership with Pinterest that will allow Pins to be scheduled. Buffer Awesome and Buffer for Business customers will have access to advanced features including scheduling pins and tracking.
Read more about the Buffer-Pinterest partnership.
5. Flickr offers free TB of storage
The newest version of Flickr 4.0 offers a terabyte of free photo storage. The update also includes additional features such as Magic View, which uses image recognition technology to sort and categorise your photos (e.g ‘landscape water’ or ‘dog’). Flickr 4.0 is currently rolling out across mobile and desktop.
Read more about Flickr 4.0.
We’ll be back again next week with more top five social media changes. Head on over to our Thinking page for past posts.