Important social media changes including Instagram carousel ads
This week’s most important social media changes including Instagram carousel ads
A close look at what’s changed in the last seven days and what it means
This week there was an introduction of Instagram Carousel Ads that are clickable, Google + split into Photos and Streams, Facebook changes the way they count Likes, and a Localytics study revealed interesting app engagement data based on a users’ mobile device.
Let’s get into it.
1. Introducing Instagram Carousel Ads
Instagram introduced Carousel Ads letting businesses upload multiple photos in one ad. When users see a Sponsored Post, they can swipe across the series of dots below to see an entire story. At the end of the series, users can click on a ‘Learn More’ button which will open a URL in an internal browser within Instagram. This allows users to move back into their Instagram feed with a tap of the top bar. The feature is now being rolled out on a limited basis to brands.
Read more about Instagram carousel ads.
2. Google + splits into Photos and Streams
Photos and Streams will no longer be features of Google+, breaking off into Photos and Streams. The move could suggest Google is moving away from the pure Plus branding and are possibly looking at abandoning the platform completely in the future. It is believed Google Hangouts will continue as a stand alone product.
Read more about the Google + changes.
3. App engagement higher on Android than iOS
A recent study by Localytics has revelaed users on Android phones have a 40% higher engagement rate than iPhones. On average, users of Samsung Galaxy S5, LG G3 and Sony Xperia Z3, launch 21.6 apps per month, where iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users launch 14.3 per month. Developers should put an emphasis on research into Androids as they develop and release apps.
Read the full Localytics study.
4. Facebook changed how Likes are counted
From Thursday, Facebook will no longer count Likes from users who have deactivated their accounts or have passed away, giving businesses a more accurate picture of their audience. If a user reactivates their account, their previous Page Likes will be included. “Over the coming weeks, Page Admins should expect to see a small dip in their number of Page Likes as a result of this update,” Facebook explained.
Read more about Facebook Like changes.
5. Twitter’s hosted video can now be embedded on a website
Twitter video can now be embedded directly to your website with a new embedded video widget. By clicking the ‘…’ button Twitter will deliver a piece of HTML code to copy and paste on your website.
Read more about Twitter embedding video.
Back again next week for the top five social changes. For pasts posts, head on over to our Thinking Section.