Long TikTok Descriptions
TikTok just increased its character limit for descriptions from 300 characters to 2,200. That’s an epic increase, what could the thinking behind it be?
Not long ago we discovered that younger people are using tools like TikTok and Instagram as search engines. Indexing video content can only go so far. If users add longer descriptions TikTok will be better able to understand what the video is about, meaning it can put it in the correct search results.
Meta account switching
If you manage more than one Facebook page and Instagram account… actually even if you manage just one Instagram and one Facebook account for your businesses it can be time-consuming switching from one page and app to another. Yes, you can use Business Suite but that’s not always convenient.
Meta has just announced that soon you’ll be able to switch between your Facebook profile, page, and Instagram account (or multiple versions of them) within one app.
Will this be popular? I already get confused switching from my profile to the pages I manage so I know I’ll find this even more baffling.
Instagram new post DM
You know what’s really annoying? Getting direct messages that aren’t conversational or interesting. Getting direct messages that are sales or spammy put you off the whole DM experience altogether.
And you’d think that the likes of Instagram would understand this. But it seems not. They are testing a new feature that will encourage users to share their latest posts with their followers by direct message.
Ummm no thanks Instagram. How could they even think this is a good idea?
Facebook subscriber only posts
If you are a creator who wants to monetise your followers you now have a whole range of options. Almost all social media channels have introduced some sort of creator subscription or monetisation system.
And for Facebook users who have a subscriber base, it looks like you’ll soon be able to add gated posts that only subscribers can see (for a limited time). That means giving early access to content to those who pay for it. A bit like Twitter Blue and Snapchat Plus, but for individuals.
Could this be a good secondary income for businesses that have a large user base? Posts like this could reveal special offers for subscribers early, and artists and musicians could have fan-only early access to buy tickets to their shows.
https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-tests-subscribers-only-posts/632809/
WhatsApp Call Links
Do you keep an eye on your competitors so you can swoop in and fill the holes they leave?
WhatsApp seems to have its competitive eye on Zoom. They’ve just added a new feature that will let you share a link to join a group video or audio call on the app.
This could be popular with people who got stung by the limited free call duration on Zoom.
60 Second Insta Stories
It’s weird that Instagram let you upload a 60-second video to stories and then split it into clips. It means you have to decorate each clip separately and it also means people who have no interest in what you are saying have to keep tapping until the 60 seconds have lapsed.
For that reason, it seems sensible that Instagram is extending the length of video clips on Instagram to 60 seconds. It’s way more user-friendly but I do get the feeling they’ll turn them all into Reels now…
Add Interests to your Instagram profiles
I like that when you switch to creator mode on LinkedIn you can add hashtags to indicate what you will talk about. It can help people make the right decision about whether they should follow you.
It’s great, as long as you remember to update it.
It looks like Instagram is about to add a similar feature allowing you to add interests to your profile. This could make it much easier for you to encourage the right people to connect and scare the wrong people off.
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