Flex your social media news knowledge after reading this week’s social report. The major platforms of Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are all highlighted in this week’s edition.

1. Snapchat stages viral hashtag takeover on rival Instagram

by @annierpalmer via @CNBC

Snapchat’s resurgence continues this week with a global campaign that takes aim at its long-time rival. Posts with #realfriends and #friendshipquotes filled Instagram, differentiated by the popular ghost icon that we’ve come to associate with Snapchat. The short video social network’s message of real friends in the age of faceless followers seems to be resonating, and we’re excited to follow Snapchat’s comeback as it develops.

2. Facebook Fact-Checker Says More Work is Needed to Curb Fake News

by @Rachel_England via @engadget

It has become more popular to get daily news from social media, but issues regarding reliability and validity have increased as well. The firm Full Fact has been hard at work to researching and publishing fact checks on Facebook.

3. Facebook is still at work on its weird TV streaming device with a built-in camera

by @chriswelch via @verge

Facebook is continuing to work on a device that can double as a device for streaming TV and making video calls. This report comes as Facebook confirmed that they intend to launch “new form factors of Portal-branded products” in the fall. How would you feel about a camera always pointing at your couch?

4. Instagram Deletes Dozens of Accounts With Millions of Followers Without Warning

via @fstoppers

Without notice or much explanation, Instagram deleted dozens of accounts, some with upwards of 13 million followers. This mass purge focused on meme accounts and the only vague explanation offered was that the accounts violated terms of service. There are several theories as to why it was done, one being that the account owners were earning thousands for content created by other users. Instagram has made one thing crystal clear — these accounts absolutely will not be brought back.

5. Pinterest Adds New Personalized Recommendations, New Related Product Listings on Pins

by @adhutchinson via @socialmedia2day

Now Pinterest has created a new feature to help users purchase items they believe you’ll be interested in. The “Picked for You” pin collection will give you a personalized shopping center based off brands and other pins that you engage with. Pinterest has also updated their brand catalogs that will have expanded listings on pins from brands like Target, Birdies Slippers, Joybird, The Tie Bar, and Parachute.Pinterest is gradually moving from a social media platform towards an eCommerce and shopping tool.

MM’s Pick of the Week!

The two-night 2020 Democratic Presidential Debate caused a lot of people to share their thoughts on social media. Hashtag trends, memes, and quotes from the event circulated the platforms. Here are highlights from Twitter this week:

https://twitter.com/MonicaHesse/status/1156361712687353856

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.