Shoploop

Google Looks to Maximize its eCommerce Appeal with ‘Shoploop’ New Short-Form Video Review and Shopping Platform

With Facebook set to significantly advance its eCommerce ambitions via its new Facebook and Instagram shops, Google is also looking to ensure it maintains its online shopping stake with a new product showcase platform that aims to tap into the rising popularity of short-form video – with Instagram, specifically, in its sights. As you can see in…

TikTok

TikTok has today Launched New Video Series to Help Users Detect Misinformation

While US regulators weigh a potential ban of the app due to its ties with the Chinese Government, TikTok has today launched a new video series, in partnership with a group of platform influencers, which aims to help raise awareness of misinformation, scams and general inauthentic behavior online. As explained by TikTok: “The “Be informed” series addresses an important building…

Facebook

Facebook Will Add New Labels to All Posts from federally-elected Officials Which Mention Voting

Facebook has announced that it will now add new labels to all posts from federally-elected officials and presidential candidates which mention voting or ballots, irrespective of whether the posts contain misinformation or not. As you can see here, the new labels will include a ‘Get Voting Information’ CTA, which, when clicked, will take users through to a…

Reels

Instagram Set to Launch its TikTok-Like ‘Reels’ Functionality in the US Next Month

In a move that will surprise no one, Instagram has confirmed that it will launch its TikTok-like ‘Reels’ functionality in more regions next month, including the US, as TikTok itself faces more questions over its future, and TikTok users seek out alternatives as a result. As reported by NBC’s Dylan Byers, Instagram is looking to launch Reels in…

Screen sharing

Facebook is Expanding its Screen-Sharing Options in the Messenger App

Facebook is expanding its screen-sharing options in Messenger to both Messenger Rooms and the mobile app, providing another way to engage within Messenger video calls. As you can see in the above sequence, now, when you’re in a Messenger video call, you’ll have the capacity to drag the bottom function panel up in order to view more…

Shop

Instagram Rolls out a New ‘Shop’ Tab in Explore, the Next Stage of its On-Platform Shopping

Instagram is rolling out the next stage of its on-platform shopping experience with the addition of a new ‘Shop’ section in Explore that will showcase a range of buyable items within a single feed. As explained by Instagram: “Instagram Shop is an in-app shopping destination where people can discover products and brands they love from across Instagram. Today,…

Emoji

Facebook, Google and Apple Announce New Emoji Updates to Celebrate World Emoji Day

While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has dampened enthusiasm for event days in 2020, the 17th of July marks the World Emoji Day, which aims to celebrate those small, cartoonish characters than have now become a significant part of the way people communicate. Indeed, according to research, some 92% of people have used, and/or regularly now use, emojis…

Twitter

Twitter Outlines Specific Detail of Recent Hack of 130 Accounts of Several High Profile Users

As its investigation continues, on late Friday night, Twitter provided an update of the latest information about the recent hack which targeted the accounts of several high profile users. To recap the situation, at around 1 pm on Wednesday, several celebrity accounts began tweeting out similar, odd messages regarding a Bitcoin giveaway. As you can see in these…

Twitter

Twitter Publishes its Regular Summary Listing of Major Events for Marketers to Note in July 2020

Normally, just ahead of the coming month, Twitter publishes its regular summary of the key dates coming up in the preceding month, which can help marketers plan their campaigns in order to tie-in with trending discussions and events. But with the impacts of COVID-19, those normally optimistic, fun-looking listings are starting to look a lot barer…

TikTok

TikTok, China, India and the New Data Battleground

Last week, India took the extraordinary step of banning 59 apps of Chinese origin, including the wildly popular TikTok, as tensions continue to flare between India and China over the disputed Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. TikTok India has issued a statement, explaining its position, and its intention to restore the app for Indian users, but…