Instagram implements new ways to favour original content
‘People expressing themselves is the heartbeat of Instagram’ was Adam Mosseri’s opening line to his most recent video post. According to the Head of Instagram, creators are really important to the platform’s future, and so is proper crediting for their work. Instagram has implemented three new ‘hidden gems’ to make sure that credit is going to those who deserve it:
Product tags
Product tags have existed for a while, but they will now be available to all users in the US (fingers crossed it’ll be available in the UK soon!). Tagging products can drive attention and traffic.
Enhanced people tags
When an account is tagged, under its name it now also shows the account’s category (restaurant, digital creator etc). This allows people to see what the account is about before they click on it, which in turn can drive traffic.
Ranking changes
The Instagram algorithm now prioritises original content. Accounts that share content made from scratch will get more credit than accounts that reshare already existing content. According to Mosseri, Instagram is going to do ‘more to try and value original content more, particularly compared to reposted content’.
He concludes the video by saying there is more to come on this topic – so original content creators: stay tuned!
Twitter to introduce tweet editing
If you’re asking yourself ‘couldn’t people use this feature to unethically manipulate information?’ don’t worry! I asked myself the same question. And here’s the answer: according to security researcher Jane Manchun Wong, instead of changing the text within the tweet, a new tweet will be created with the amended content. A list with all previous edits will then be publicly viewable. Phew!
TikTok launches interactive features for in-feed ads
TikTok’s newest global feature helps brands build more engaging ads. With interactive add-ons, in-stream ads can increase sales. According to TikTok:
“Interactive Add-ons offer a unique way to entice engaged viewers with popups, stickers, and other visual elements. Viewers who have shared, liked, or commented on a TikTok brand video are 150% more likely to buy a product or service. Catching the eye of active consumers is made easier with these new creative enhancements.”
There are Standard add-ons, which offer a way to reach lower-funnel marketing goals, such as driving clicks and conversions and Premium add-ons, which offer a way to reach upper-funnel goals, like brand awareness and community building.
Lots of exciting news for us digital marketers and creators! If you have questions, I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at lilly@pilotfishmedia.com!