Platform 5: This week’s most important social media changes (edition 75)
This week’s 5 most important social media changes
What’s changed in the last seven days? What does it mean?
Instagram live streaming & new features in Stories, Snapchat release hardware Spectacles, WhatsApp testing Stories features and Pinterest expands features.
Let’s take a look at these changes in more detail.
Instagram to launch live streaming
Rumours about Instagram launching a livestreaming app have been all but confirmed. The Go Insta button that appears in the app’s camera interface will start a live-stream. Scheduling is also available on a separate button. It’s not yet clear when the feature will be rolled out to all users and devices.
New features for Instagram Stories
In a bid to draw more users to the feature, users of Instagram Stories can now insert tags, links and boomerang gifs into them. Probably the biggest benefit is that links within media can now be viewed without having to leave the platform. After recording a link is accessible at the bottom of the story in a ‘see more’ section.
Pinterest updates allow feedback options
Pinterest updates are set to release new multimedia features aimed at helping users recommend and discover more highly rated content. A checkmark option, found next to the edit icon, gives an indication that someone has used an idea or product and can provide tips and feedback linked to the previous pinners.
Snapchat ‘Spectacles’ released in vending robots
Snapchat have commenced selling their hardware camera glasses, called Spectacles, through large yellow vending machines called Snapbots. Would-be Spectacle owners can access a virtual console to try on glasses in 3 different colours before making the purchase. The vending machines will show up in random locations and disappear after 24hours before appearing elsewhere.
WhatsApp’s Status introduces Stories-like features
A new feature in WhatsApp (called Status) adds a tab between chats and calls allowing users to share videos and photos with any or all contacts. Currently it’s only available within the public beta app. Images will also allow finger drawing, text and emoji (think Snapchat) as well as some basic video editing options.
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