More than ever, social media channels are listening to the preferences and concerns of their users, and the result is a constant evolution of the apps and sites we love. This week, Twitter launched its homegrown alternative to Storify, and added promoted tweets to user profiles. Facebook targeted THOSE people on your newsfeed with a new service for parents, and Yik Yak founders discussed staying true to their niche following. Lastly, Snapchat execs addressed the concerns about privacy, bugs, and transparency in an exclusive and rare interview. Ch-ch-ch-changes!

1. Curator: Twitter’s Opponent to Storify

via @twitter 

Twitter is now offering its own alternative to Storify, the timeline generator for social media content, and has offered the service publicly to media organizations as of this week. Will Curator render Storify obsolete? Time will tell.

2. Facebook’s New Photo ‘Scrapbook’ Lets Parents Give Kids an Official Presence

by @joshconstine via @techcrunch 

We’re all keenly aware that parents love posting pictures of their kids on Facebook, and here Facebook is “Turning Emergent Behavior into Product.” By giving parents an official way to upload photos of their baby all in one place that they can co-own with their partner, baby photos will be more organized, accessible, and dare we say easier to avoid?

3. Yik Yak’s Secret Advantage: It’s Outside the Silicon Valley Bubble

by @carmeldea via @RWW

Yik Yak’s success this year has not gone unnoticed by tech giants, but the entrepreneurs who created the app are cautious and seemingly uninterested in joining Silicon Valley. Will they conform to the “launch and purchase” strategy start-ups have followed? Doesn’t look like it.

4. Twitter is Now Placing Ads Within User Profiles

by @KurtWagner08 via @Recode

Twitter is taking the suggested/promoted tweets you can find all over your feed and bringing them to user profiles. Since the ads will be based upon the Twitter user’s interests and not necessarily the profile they’re viewing, we think this has the potential to be very funny. *sits back and waits patiently*

5. Snapchat’s Non-Vanishing Message: ‘You Can Trust Us‘

by @StevenLevy via @Medium 

In an interview with Medium, Snapchat executives revealed the new measures the company is taking to crack down on security and transparency issues. This is a must-read for anyone who uses the app regularly.

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.