Platform 5: This week’s most important social media changes (edition 59)
This week’s 5 most important social media changes
What’s changed in the last seven days? What does it mean?
Facebook users can now post video comments, 360-degree stills and private timeline posts, Snapchat updates the Discover page and you can now export directly to Instagram through Share Sheet.
Let’s take a look at these changes in more detail.
Facebook users can now post video comments
Facebook will now allow users to leave a video in the comments section, continuing the emphasis on video content across the board. Users will be able to leave a video in place of a text comment by clicking the camera button in the comments box and uploading one. The feature is initially being rolled out to desktop but will soon be included in Android and iOS apps. Mobile users will then be able to record and upload video on the fly from their devices.
Export directly to Instagram though Share Sheet
Instagram has added the ability to export photos directly to Instagram across all of iOS. By using the Share Sheet extension, users will be able upload photos and video directly to Instagram using the native sharing support. Previously it was only possible to media to Instagram within the app (or through a third-party app) but with this change it will now be possible to share with just a few taps.
Upload 360-degree stills to Facebook
Facebook now allows for uploading 360-degree still photos after the social networking platform released 360-degree video uploads late last year. Users can now take 360-degree shots using an app and share the images to their feed. Facebook will automatically convert the image to work correctly once it hits the timeline.
Snapchat makes more changes to the Discover page
Snapchat has made a large overhaul to the Discover section. Where once the layout housed a number of circular icons stands a collage of tiles dedicated to each publisher. Featured Live Stories also have similar-looking tiles and are accessed adjacent to the Discover channels. Publisher tiles also feature their own cover page image and text preview of content. Some navigational icons have also had a visual adjustment.
Facebook update allows users to hide posts from public timeline
Facebook will be rolling out a new update aimed at active users of the web version of the social platform. A new ‘hide from timeline’ option will allow users to publish posts only on their own News Feed, hiding it from the dedicated public timeline. The feature will work similar to posts marked with visibility to ‘only me’ but this change means users can publish content directly to their own feed without the need of additional tools.
Follow us on Twitter for news of these social media and content marketing changes as they happen.