Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are adding new features left and right. However, increased functionality also means a growing need for monetization. This week, we can see both sides of this double-edged sword: Instagram’s going to post more ads, but hey, you can use Twitter in landscape mode now.
1. Hootsuite is Rolling Out New Instagram Integration, Including Scheduling Workaround
by @MartinBeck via @Marketingland
We all know that non-mobile Instagram platforms leave a little something to be desired. However, Hootsuite has come up with a way for marketers to use the social tool more efficiently by scheduling posts, kind of. The tool will send a push notification to the user’s mobile device, reminding them that they have an unpublished post waiting in the wings. While it isn’t scheduling a la TweetDeck, it’s a start.
2. Facebook’s New Patent Could Make You Rethink Your Friends List
by @tweets_amanda via @TheNextWeb
Facebook has been given the green light on a patent that would help filter spam and offensive content, and would also allow lenders to determine your credit approval. Lenders could scope out your friends and determine loan approval based on their collective credit. This seems a little unfair, but we’re not yet sure how Facebook is going to implement this patent, so here’s to hoping we won’t be judged by the digital company we keep.
3. Twitter Rolling Out Landscape Support to iPhone 6 Plus Users
by @markgurman via @9to5mac
Twitter releases yet another feature for iOS, this time utilizing the larger-sized screen of the iPhone 6 Plus for landscape orientation. Users can navigate past threads and posts while replying to a current thread. Timeline, tweets, and direct messages are also supported sideways, but some aspects still underutilize the extra space, something that will hopefully be resolved before being released to all users.
4. Instagram Opens Ad API Partner Program
by @adhutchinson via @socialmedia2day
Instagram currently holds the title of fastest-growing social network in the world. Due to this, a pressure to monetize means that Instagram will slowly be integrating more ads into the user experience. The ads, from several of parent company Facebook’s existing marketing partners, will slowly increase in frequency to be able to respond to user feedback quickly, and not push people away from the app.
5. Facebook Launches Live Streaming, but Only For Famous People
Facebook will launch live streaming, but only for big-name influencers who use live media to interact with fans. We’re familiar with apps like Periscope and Meerkat for live-streaming posts, but the new rollout will let celebs who already use Facebook Mentions share in real time without using third-party services.
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