BREAKING NEWS: Instagram Videos No Longer Exist

Happy Monday everyone! 

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend. I’m feeling great this week after securing a phenomenal guest speaker for our October SocialHub event. I’d love you all to have the opportunity to join us. Grab your tickets here. 

1. Instagram Videos No Longer Exist

Adam Mosseri, the Head of Instagram, recently released information about the integration of Instagram videos and reels. This update has now officially been rolled out to all Instagram users leaving only one video content format - Reels. This change has established a clear distinction between Reels, Stories, and Lives. "New video posts shorter than 15 minutes will be shared as Reels," according to Instagram creators page. Instagram has even combined the video & reels tab to make a single tab for all of your feed videos. The shift to video has been in motion for months now and it’s no secret that video content tends to perform better than static posts. When implementing your content strategy, try implementing Reels to boost exposure and engagement. If you’re a newbie to the world of Reels or just want some extra tips, you can read up on the basics here.

2. Twitter’s Developing a New ‘Reply Filter’ Option

Twitter has become notorious for its trolls and hateful comments over the years. Some users take advantage of this, with several media personalities and politicians now posting controversial remarks to increase their own presence and exposure.  But for others, the unwanted tweet backlash has become overwhelming, which is why Twitter has been continuing to work to offer more options for users to control their in-app experience and restrict negative interactions. As seen in this example from app researcher Jane Manchun Wong, Twitter is working on a new 'Reply filter' option that would allow users to limit their exposure to tweets that contain 'potentially harmful or offensive language,' as recognised by Twitter's detection technology. The filtration system would only prevent you from seeing those replies; others would still be able to see all of your tweet responses. However, it could be another way to avoid unwanted attention in the app, making it a more enjoyable experience for those who are fed up with random accounts sending them spam replies. There is currently no official release date, so keep an eye out!

3. TikTok Will Submit Algorithm Processes for Review

Have you ever scrolled through TikTok and wondered how they got their algorithm so accurate? You’re not the only one. There’s  been ongoing speculation surrounding TikTok’s algorithms for some time now. TikTok will now allow US data hosting partner 'Oracle' to periodically analyse its algorithms and content moderation models to verify that they are not being manipulated by Chinese authorities, as part of a larger effort to reassure western lawmakers. The app's ongoing concerns have kept it on the radar of US policymakers and regulatory agencies in other regions such as Europe, which would inevitably lead to further intervention if TikTok fails to counteract these accusations with its own insights and reporting.

4. YouTube Will Now Automatically Add Watermarks to Downloaded Shorts Clips

Another interesting advancement in the viral video push. YouTube is attempting to prevent users from re-posting YouTube Shorts clips to other apps by adding new watermarks to their Shorts. It's interesting to note that both TikTok and Reels include watermarks on downloaded clips in an effort to limit the same, so it's not shocking to see YouTube follow suit. It's likely that users won't be too fond of this update as  the current process is convenient in the way that you can simply re-post your short clips across each platform. Last week, YouTube added watermarks to Shorts downloaded on desktop, with the mobile update still pending. 

If you enjoyed this read, hit the subscribe button. I'll be sharing weekly social media roundups of the latest updates, tools, and strategies to grow your online presence.

If you're subscribed - thank you! I'd love to hear your thoughts. Any topics you'd like me to cover? Is there anything new I missed out on?  Let me know - leave a comment below.

If you'd like one to one advice on your social media or marketing in general, let's work together. Download your Business Blueprint overview or book a call with me here.