Social Media News: July 2021
Each month I recap the biggest changes in social media so you can stay informed and adjust your marketing strategy accordingly. Here are the highlights of what you should know as we head into July 2021:
Facebook Adds Shops on WhatsApp: Facebook continues its push into eCommerce with new shopping and discovery tools. Now, WhatsApp users will be able to see Shops- Facebook and Instagram’s shopping interface. This integration is a move towards making WhatsApp a communication facilitator for sales. Watch the announcement here.
Twitter Works on Emoji-Style Reactions: Twitter appears to be working on emoji-style Reactions on individual tweets. These reactions, similar to Facebook’s, will allow users to react to tweets with different emojis instead of the simple heart that is currently used to Like tweets. Twitter currently is working on reactions of “Like”, “Cheer”, “Hmm”, “Sad”, and “Haha”. Check out images from reverse engineering expert Jane Manchun Wong’s twitter.
Instagram Live Tests Uploads from Desktop App: In addition to offering web support for Spaces, Twitter is also developing ticketed Spaces events, allowing content creators to monetize their Spaces. US users will be able to apply to host live audio rooms. Users will then be able to schedule ticketed events, where creators will take home 80% of earnings from ticket sales after app store fees. Read more about it here.
Twitter Applications Open for Super Follow and Ticketed Spaces: Twitter has opened applications for its new creator monetization systems: Super Follow and Ticketed Spaces. Super Follow will allow users to subscribe to other users, providing exclusive content in exchange for monetary support. With Ticketed Spaces, users will be able to charge variable ticket prices for exclusive audio Spaces sessions. Applications to try these products are separate. Apply to try Super Follows (iOS only) here, and Ticketed Spaces (Android and iOS) here.
Snapchat Adds New Music Licensing with Universal Music Group: Snapchat users will be able to add song clips from UMG artists via the in-app Sounds library soon! This partnership shows the growing influence of music within social media apps. With some of the most-viewed videos being music related, it is unsurprising that Snapchat is growing its music library. Read the official announcement here.
Instagram Adds Group Fundraisers: Instagram users will be able to partner with other users on a single fundraising promotion. Users will be able to invite others to join fundraiser initiatives, expanding its reach. To start a group fundraiser, first create a new Fundraiser post. Then, use the Share button to Invite Group Members. You can read more about this new feature here.
What do you think of these changes? Leave us a comment below!