This Month in Social: November 2016

The world of social media is constantly changing – and with so many platforms and algorithms out there, it’s hard to keep up. That’s why we provide our clients and followers with This Month in Social – where we highlight the biggest changes in social media and how we prepare to tackle them.

Vine to be shut down – no wait, sold?
Can we still turn to Vine to laugh on loop? Just a few weeks ago, Twitter announced its plan to shut down Vine. Now, sources have announced that Twitter has received multiple offers to help keep the short-form video app alive.
What this means for businesses: If Vine gets sold – businesses will still be able to utilize its short form video capabilities. While other social channels have really evolved this function (think Snapchat, Instagram stories, Facebook Live), perhaps under new ownership, Vine can reach its fullest potential.

Shopping Coming to Instagram
Good news for retail accounts! Instagram is testing in-app purchases, which will allow users the option to shop products they see without ever leaving the app. Instagram is testing the idea with a select group of designers and stores, including: Levi’s, J Crew, Kate Spade, and Macy’s. If the soft test proves successful, all retailers will have the option to tag up to five products in a photo to entice viewers to purchase the items at the click of a button.
What this means for businesses: If this opens up to all retailers, brands will no longer have to resort to the same old tag line – “check link in bio” and risk losing customers to other images or distractions in the process. Plus, it offers yet another opportunity to reinvent the “point of sale.”

Facebook Tests New Templates
Facebook is currently testing out customizable business Page templates with a small group of companies. If all goes as planned, businesses will soon be able to choose from six Page types, including: standard, professional services, venues, gaming, politicians or restaurants & cafes.
What this means for businesses: In August, Facebook took the first step to distinguish professional Pages from personal Pages, giving professional Pages a different layout and larger banner head. Despite the slight layout differences, the overall look still resembled any other Page. But this time, Facebook is hoping to really change things up with their business templates. Not only will business Pages now look different from personal Pages, but each Page type will also vary depending on the profession.

Facebook Introduces Masks in Facebook Live
It looks like Facebook may be taking a tip or two from Snapchat…again. The social media giant just released news that users in the US, UK and New Zealand will soon be able to choose from a collection of face masks for “added flair” in Facebook Live.
What this means for businesses: Right now, companies can incorporate holiday-related reactions and masks into any live stream. Since they’re just starting to roll out, masks are pretty limited but who knows, companies may one day be able to take advantage of sponsored or promotional filters masks. (See what we did there?)

Do you have any questions regarding the above changes and updates? Reach out to one of Ferocious Media’s Social Media Analysts today!

To learn more about our Social Media Marketing Campaigns as well as other services that we offer, explore our website or contact us at 1-800-454-9103!