Welcome to this weeks round up of all the big news in the world of Social Media. Here is a recap some of the big stories.
Snapchat adds a “Do not disturb feature”
Snapchat silently launched a “Do not disturb” feature to its app. The feature allows users to mute notifications from certain groups or users without unfollowing them. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessary conflicts the person/group who is blocked does not know about this.
While there is no timeframe on this DND feature that could be the next move by Snapchat. Many users might not be that happy with Snapchat’s redesign so far, but the process evolves, with new features appearing every other day. One of these new features is a way to make your snaps more colourful and interesting. As part of its new look and feel and the philosophy behind it, Snapchat is now bringing colourful text styles and the ability to add multiple captions to snaps, as the latter are now being treated as stickers. Users will be able to switch to smaller or larger text, as well as use a variety of lettering styles.
Snapchat has its own App store now
Snapchat maybe reimagining its role for the younger generation as a ecommerce store. Snapchat never wanted advertising to be its main source of revenue and while looking for new ways to monetize Snapchat may have just found the right thing.
You will find the Snap Store within the Discover tab. For now, the in-app store only sells Snap merchandise, but this is surely a way for the company to test and tease in more brands. As soon as you arrive on the store, you are warned that “Items may disappear… so if you like what you see, swipe up to buy it!” That’s actually a good fit to Snapchat’s ephemeral approach to everything. Right now, the hot thing to buy (pun intended), is that dancing hot dog that everyone is talking about.
All in all, this is super cool. Not only because we get to buy awesome Snap merch, but especially because it teases how Snap intends to host more brands on its in-app store
Instagram is bringing carousel ads to stories
Instagram Stories have become a big success since they launched last year, with over 300 million users creating and watching Stories on the platform daily. That’s almost double the users found on Snapchat entirely. To keep advertisers and users interested in this very successful feature Instagram has now decided to roll out carousels, mixing videos or images. The new feature is a continuation of the ability to post organic Stories – and that’s something users have been able to do for some time.
The feature according to Instagram’s director of product marketing was a highly requested on by advertisers and businesses “given the power that they’ve seen through organic stories with multiple pieces of content.” For now, Instagram is starting out by giving advertisers the ability to use three pieces of content in their carousels, not more.
This will allow advertisers to say much more in one story or you could tell a small story and showcase it in different ways to make it more effective.
Roku and Apple TV to have YouTube’s TV App
At last! Having pushed back the launch date from 2017, Google has finally announced the arrival of its YouTube TVapp on Roku devices and Apple TV. Up until now, the live TV service from YouTube has been available on fewer devices than other similar services – only some smart TVs from LG and Samsung, Android TV, Chromecast, and Xbox One.
The move to bring YouTube TV to Roku is a big deal for Google. For one, Roku is a big platform with many users – especially in the U.S. where YouTube TV is available. It will certainly help bring some traction for the service. The YouTube TV app will now be working on most Roku devices – not all. If you’ve got a Roku TV, Roku Ultra, Roku Streaming Stick+, Roku Streaming Stick (3800x, 3600x), Roku Express/Express+ (3910x, 3900x, 3710x, 3700x), Roku Premiere+, Roku Premiere, Roku 4, Roku 3 (4200x, 4230x), or Roku 2 (4210x), you’re in luck.
YouTube TV is only available in the United States – specifically in 83 metropolitan areas across the country. In addition to Roku devices, YouTube TV is now also available on Apple TV.