Social Media Changes to Be Aware of This Year

With a few new platforms expected to make a big splash this year, the platforms we already know and love have to make some changes to stay current.

Instagram is already well known as a direct sales tool, and now some retailers are foregoing the “link in bio” method to use BigCommerce to sell directly in Instagram.  Customers can now see products, browse, and buy in a single click.  Instagram is well aware of the benefits this will have to online sellers and is already working on a new shopping app.

Platforms such as Vero, Steemit, and Musical.ly have already launched, but will they have the staying power to compete with the platforms we already know and love?  Let’s take a closer look at what they have to offer:

• VERO

Launched as an alternative to Instagram, Vero allows for sharing of movies, TV, music, books, photos, and links.  This is a great tool for artists looking to release their work and share it with others.  As an added bonus, Vero has no ads, just content.  With the ability to choose who sees your content (close friends, friends, acquaintances, or followers), you can limit or broaden who sees what.

• LY

Snapchat & Vine not doing what you need?  Enter Musical.ly which focuses on 15 second to 1 minute videos.  You can choose soundtracks to accompany your videos and choose different speeds and filters.  You also have the ability to create GIFS with music.  Users will be able to interact with each other through “Ask a Question,” “Duet,” and “Best Fan Forever” features.

• STEEMIT

Intended as an alternative to Reddit, this platform will allow you to earn cryptocurrency for contributing.  Have a lot of upvotes on Reddit?  You may be able to earn some token for the same content on Steemit.  And what if you could partner with an established platform?  Would marketers need to begin buying ad space with tokens?  If this takes off, the possibilities could be endless.

With Social Platforms constantly evolving and innovating, there are almost constant product developments.  We have the ability to engage our audience in new, exciting, and sometimes challenging ways.  If you need help making sense of your social media presence, give us a call at 800-538-0669.