Instagram reveal how the algorithm works
Instagram has revealed the basics of its Algorithm for the first time.
It breaks it down into three sections. The feed and stories, the explore tab, and Reels. Each works slightly differently.
Before the algorithm, we were missing up to 70% of posts from the people we followed. The algorithm (or algorithms) are designed to make sure we see the posts that are most relevant to us.
For the feed, that means posts that other users see as valuable, posts from our favourite users, posts that have similar content to posts we’ve engaged with before, and your relationship with the creator.
If you want to chase the algorithm you need to attract the right people, post content that will interest and engage them, and build relationships by commenting on their content.
https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/shedding-more-light-on-how-instagram-works
Android privacy updates
Android could soon follow Apple by restricting access to user data by developers.
Although it’s not clear exactly what the update may be, it’s expected that it will impact personalised advertising.
Right now, privacy is increasingly important to internet users, and it’s interesting to see big tech companies scramble to show us they respect this.
We’re going to see more of this as time goes on.
Facebook events free until 2023
Mark Zuckerberg announced in a Facebook post that they won’t be taking a cut from businesses that run paid events until 2023. Paid events allow businesses to create and sell tickets to events directly on Facebook. They’ve also made it harder to promote paid events where ticketing happens off Facebook.
He also took the opportunity to have a dig at Apple in the announcement.
https://www.facebook.com/zuck/posts/10113127348899371
Instagram launches new monetisation for creators
If you want to work with influencers it’s getting easier. Instagram has just rolled out monetisation tools to selective creators.
At the moment this is limited to tagging products from brands they work in posts, and creating their own shops.
In the coming months, the affiliate tool will roll out in the US. Creators will also be able to create merch shops from selected partners.
By doing this, Instagram is solidifying its position as the home of influencer marketing.
https://business.instagram.com/blog/new-ways-for-instagram-creators-to-earn-money/
First look at Twitter Superfollow
This week we got a secret look at Superfollow, the tool from Twitter that will allow users to charge a fee for exclusive content. Discovered by Jane Manuchun Wong it looks like you’ll need:
- 10k followers
- To have posted 25 tweets in the last 30 days
- Be 18 years old plus
Could this be an additional revenue stream for some businesses?
More online shopping from Pinterest
Pinterest shopping is rolling out to more countries (but not Ireland). And they are adding new features that make it easier to shop.
When you search you’ll be able to flip between explore and shop. When you search using ‘lens’ you’ll be brought straight to shopping results.
You’ll also be able to shop categories from pins you view. For e-commerce businesses, it’s definitely worth investing time in Pinterest if your target market is in one of the shopping regions.
Would you wear an Facebook Watch?
Why would Facebook launch a smartwatch?
As a business, we have to understand our customers and this latest product idea from Facebook has me wondering if they do.
The new smartwatch will launch next year and have two cameras and a heart rate monitor.
But who would want one? Who trusts Facebook enough to give them this much control?
Could this just be another swipe at Apple?
https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/9/22526266/facebook-smartwatch-two-cameras-heart-rate-monitor
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