Social Media News November 2024 | Part 3
Youtube's Hype feed, Linkedin's shadowban criteria, Instagram's hashtags going out but Threads' topic feeds going in, Facebook changes plays to views and TikTok wants to replace us with AI avatars....kinda. Bluesky getting 20 million users and people still leaving X in biggest X-odus yet!
And of course, Jaguar rebranding as a possible bait?!
Sit back, relax and get on track with the current social media news!
My name's Mark Valasik
and I help B2B companies to flip their Marketing Right Side Up 📈 ⬆
Let's connect and discuss!
You know the drill, if you prefer video format, here’s today’s newsletter in a video format:
This Week's Social Media News You Probably Missed (November 2024)
YouTube has launched the first stage of its new feature: the "Hype Creator Amplification" option, or "Hype Feed." This feed allows viewers to use "hype points" to amplify their favorite videos, influencing their placement in a hype ranking ladder.
While this feature won’t affect the regular distribution of videos, it provides creators with another avenue to gain visibility. Creators should embrace this new opportunity to engage their audiences further. Or not. Your choice I guess :)
LinkedIn has clarified the type of content that gets penalized by its algorithm. Surprise surprise, they’re favoring educational, motivational, and inspirational content with real value. On the flip side, memes (!) and posts with sarcasm, mockery, or negativity could see reduced reach.
Although the penalties aren't full shadowbans, they shrink the distribution of affected content to followers and connections. This is LinkedIn’s push for a more positive and professional network. Or another way to ruin your organic reach…
Instagram is officially removing the ability to follow hashtags and topics. While it feels like this feature was already outdated, it was still active for users to follow topics like #fashion or #soccer.
Instagram might have felt the creator-misuse of hashtags for SEO boosting as one reason for the change. The platform is leaning heavily on its algorithm to deliver relevant content, signaling a reduced emphasis on followers and hashtags and as I said in one of my previous articles - hinting a potential future where followers are completely obsolete!
In an ironic twist, Threads is testing custom feeds for topics—essentially a reimagined version of Instagram’s hashtag-following feature. Topics like fashion, marketing, or soccer are now available as custom feeds.
This feature is rolling out globally, so check your Threads app to see if you have access yet.
Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s CEO, announced a new feature allowing users to reset their recommendations. This tool will help users completely refresh their Explore and Reels feeds with just one click.
Previously, resetting recommendations required manually interacting with new topics. This new feature simplifies the process for those looking to start over with fresh interests. But I also find it dumb.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Following in Instagram’s footsteps, Facebook is unifying its metrics by switching from "plays" to "views." Now, one-second Views will replace three-second Plays as the primary measurement across all Facebook formats.
While this change might increase view counts, it could decrease engagement rates. The silver lining? Unified metrics make it easier for creators to track performance across Facebook and Instagram.
Bluesky, the rising Twitter alternative, has reached 20 million users. Celebrating the milestone, its CEO promised never to use user data or content to train generative AI—a major change of tone from Twitter’s practices. As you might have noticed, I refuse to call it “X”...
This promise has resonated with artists and users concerned about data privacy, contributing to Bluesky’s rapid growth. Also, it feels really positive compared to twitter! Follow me on Bluesky if you haven’t!
TikTok may soon allow creators to build AI bots and avatars in their likeness. While this promises convenience, it raises concerns about authenticity. Well, at least my concerns…
AI avatars could replace creators in content production, but this trend risks undermining the genuine, personal connection that social media thrives on. As this feature develops, it remains to be seen whether creators and audiences will embrace or reject it. As I call it, the complete “de-authenticity” of this step could effectively shit on what makes current social media interesting.
9. Jaguar Rebranding Sparks Debate
The recent Jaguar rebranding has stirred controversy, with many criticizing the changes as "off-brand." However, Jaguar has hinted at a December 3rd reveal that could shed new light on their strategy.
For now, it’s best to hold judgment until we see the full scope of their plans. Possibly the bait was part of the strategy? Everyone and their grandma apparently felt the need to bash it immediately, but I wonder if there could be more to the story…
Bonus round!
Adam Mosseri, you know who he is, announced a “rebalance” to the Threads (i think) algorithm to favor “connected reach” recommendations over “unconnected reach”.
This could effectively mean a positive change for reaching your existing audience BUT a very negative change for organic growth. We will see.
The main issue probably is to limit Threads becoming “echo chambers” where spreading false information could be very easy based just by your interaction with ONE post, effectively turning your whole feed into THAT ONE TOPIC.
What Do You Think?
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See you next week!
Mark.