Happy Friday! In this week’s #MMSocialReport, we share our excitement for more female emoji representation and the launch of Instagram Stories. Also, heads up — ads are coming to Facebook Live, Snapchat is making scannable codes for the real world, and LinkedIn introduces videos from influencers. Read on for details!
1. Apple gives iOS 100+ new emoji with a focus on women
By @napilopez via @TheNextWeb
For years emoji have been limiting for users; they just don’t portray us all. But now the time has finally come for equality! Apple will introduce over 100 new emoji, with a focus on women, when iOS 10 drops this fall. The new Unicode standards for July introduced 11 new professional emoji and added gender options to 33 existing ones. Now more ladies in power have the emojis to represent themselves.
2. Instagram Launches Instagram Stories: What They Are, How They Work, and How Brands Can Use Them
Instagram introduced a new feature this week known as Instagram Stories, which lets users post photos and videos that vanish after 24 hours. Sound familiar? It is very similar to Snapchat Stories, a feature launched in 2013 that has grown incredibly popular over the years. Instagram Stories is a push for users to share all of their images on Instagram, not just their perfectly edited ones. We shall see who wins the Stories battle — which one do you prefer?
3. Facebook Is Testing Mid-Roll Video Ads in Facebook Live
By @GarettSloane via @adage
More ads are coming to Facebook, and this time, they will be interrupting your Facebook Live stream. Mark Zuckerberg’s distaste for pre-roll advertisements has pushed the company towards testing short, mid-roll ads inside live streams from its top publishers. While YouTube has put ads in its videos for awhile now, this is Facebook’s first time using ads directly inside videos on its platform. The ads will be 15 seconds or less and will feature those drawn from promoted video campaigns already running on the platform.
4. Report: Snapchat is making scannable codes for the real world
By @NateSwanner via @TheNextWeb
Snapchat is reportedly in the midst of creating QR codes to be used on everyday objects for your Snapchatting pleasure. This new form of QR code would open unique content in-app when scanned. These codes could be put on just about anything, and could share coupons or exclusive videos for consumers that pop open in Snapchat. The scannable codes are said to launch this fall, so keep your eyes and the app open to scan them all.
5. LinkedIn introduces Q&A videos from influencers into your feed
By @aghoshal via @TheNextWeb
LinkedIn’s first major new feature since its acquisition by Microsoft is here: The platform will introduce short videos into your feed from influencers you already follow. LinkedIn has asked 500 of their top influencers to create 30-second clips answering user-submitted questions. The videos will be integrated into your feed, and you can share, like, and comment on them along with the LinkedIn community. For now, the video tool is only available to select influencers, but a tool for users should be released sometime in the future!
- Which female emoji are you most looking forward to using?
- What platform do you prefer to share your ‘story’ on, Instagram or Snapchat?
- Will you scan a Snapchat QR code if you found it out shopping? Let us know below!
Metter Media LLC is a Boston-based social media ;management company that implements community-based, localized social engagement strategies for small businesses and corporations alike. Need help with your social media? Email Lauren today.
