New Reels Features on IG, Roblox Shares Report on Top Gaming Genres, Nami Matcha Kits Sold Out in 4 Mins and What to Expect at VidSummit 2024

Instagram Emphasizes Friend Interactions With New Updates

In a series of recent updates, Instagram is leaning further into friend-focused sharing with Notes and Messages. Instagram is experimenting yet again with the layout of its navigation bar where users typically access their Home, Explore, and Reels Feeds. Instagram also recently announced an expansion to its beloved Notes feature. 

According to a recent Threads post from social media reporter Jasmine Enberg, Instagram is testing a new Send button for Direct Messaging in place of the Post button. The Post button would instead be relocated to the top of the Home feed next to Notifications. Enberg shared that introducing the Send button to the navigation bar could “indicate a big shift in priorities,” meaning that Instagram may want to redirect its focus to sharing rather than creating content for casual users.

Originally a DM inbox-only feature, Notes has skyrocketed in popularity with young users and will now be available as a reaction to Reels. Instagram shared, “The new feature comes as people continue to prioritize more private interactions with their mutuals and Close Friends, on IG.”
Instagram encourages Notes on Reels and feed posts for real-time reactions to content, sharing hot takes, and hyping up friends, according to Social Media Today. Andrew Hutchinson, Head of Content and Social Media at Social Media Today, noted that Instagram’s choice of language may be intended to drive more appeal with younger users. 

As Instagram continues to double down on private sharing and features geared towards Close Friends, how are creators shifting their approach to content creation? Do you have access to Instagram’s latest features? Let us know your thoughts down below.

Roblox Shares New Report on Top Gaming Genres of Q1

According to a recent report from Tubefilter, Roblox is introducing a suite of new analytical tools for creators to take their engagement and earnings to the next level. A new pair of analytical features coined Economy and Funnel events will provide creators with enhanced tracking insights for developed experiences plus the option to categorize their work into genres of play. 

The Economy events tool will enable Roblox creators to track the movement of Robux, the platform’s iconic in-game currency, and better understand how users are spending on Roblox. The Funnel events tool, on the other hand, allows creators to identify points in their gaming experiences where players “drop off” from onboarding to progression and shopping.

Roblox also recently released a report on Roblox Genre Insights, highlighting the most popular gaming genres of this year’s first quarter. The report covers trends observed following Roblox’s study of what its 77.7 million daily active users searched for in-game. Roblox outlined three key research-based tips for finding an audience as a Roblox creator, including the importance of community building and creating stream and meme-worthy experiences. 

The Roblox creator program paid out more than $741 million in rewards in 2023 alone. With new analytics tools and reporting available, Roblox is on track to evolve into the star sandbox platform for gaming and virtual experiences.

Ashley Alexander Celebrates Successful Launch of Nami Matcha

Nami Matcha launched on July 15th after years of development. Ashley first teased her brand in November 2023 with a YouTube vlog touring the Nami Matcha farm and factory in Shizuoka, Japan. Nami Matcha is the culmination of Ashley’s passion for matcha which she has shared on social media since 2018. From taste tests, reviews, and even tea tours, Ashley’s love for matcha made this business venture in partnership with Whalar a total no-brainer.

Ashley shared to Instagram in a post thanking her Matcha Mob that all Nami Matcha Starter Kits sold out online within the first 4 minutes of the brand’s launch. She also added that all Nami Premium Ceremonial Matcha tins sold out within 24 hours. According to a report from The Information, Nami Matcha garnered more than $100,000 in sales in the first 45 minutes of its release. “I thought we would have tins left to buy for weeks after launch so to have them sell out that fast is INSANE,” Ashley shared with fans. “All of the hard work has truly paid off.”

Nami Matcha has already begun producing products for its highly anticipated restock. Ashley has yet to announce when her matcha kits and single tins will be available again, but she shared in an Instagram post that she’s currently brainstorming new products to add to her matcha line. Congratulations to Ashley for her amazing business debut and we look forward to seeing all that’s to come with Nami Matcha!

What You Can Expect at VidSummit 2024 in Dallas

As September approaches, VidSummit is gearing up for its biggest convention yet. VidSummit founder Derral Eves recently met with Tubefilter to share all about what’s to come at VidSummit 2024 including a keynote presentation from VidSummit part-owner and YouTube Sensation MrBeast. 

VidSummit has typically hosted its gatherings in Los Angeles since 2014, but the conference met for the first time in Dallas last year at the Irving Convention Center. What used to be an opportunity for 1,500 creator economy specialists and creators to network turned into 3,000 and now 3,500 attendees. 

Moreover, VidSummit introduced its first interactive workshops in 2023 which were well received, according to Eves. 14 new interactive workshops will be added to this year’s VidSummit schedule with a focus on more hands-on learning and useful feedback. Some noteworthy workshops at VidSummit 2024 include a lesson on how to grow an international audience and a panel on creators sharing their diverse early career experiences. Attendees can expect to interact Q&A-style with seasoned creators at these workshops as well as engage in unique discussions. 

Eves shared his excitement about the growth of the creator economy with Tubefilter, noting that the industry, “is maturing and we’re seeing all this new technology, especially with AI and automation to increase workflow and productivity.” Eves also noted that he is determined to continue to foster a culture of creativity and collaboration with VidSummit this year. In our competitive age of AI and shifting platform dynamics, creators must band together to educate and encourage their peers to develop the best content possible.