Google to show Facebook content in mobile search results Google will now start showing Facebook content in search results on smartphones, including public profile information. According to a Facebook spokesperson, the listings will appear as “deep links” that will take users to the relevant part of the Facebook app. The move is a big boost for Google, further increasing its dominance in the search space.
Grab your iPhone (sorry, Android – watch this space!)
Open the Tumblr app
Open a new photo post
Choose a video (or burst)
Hey presto! You’ve got yourself a gif
If you need some inspiration for what awesomeness is out there use the hashtag #made with tumblr or just let We Are Social’s own house dog Roxy mesmerise you…Happy giffing!
Hi, have you met my Friend Isis …
Maybe you have heard of Phuc Dat Bich, he’s a real hit at parties. While these might sound like names my 10 year old nephew would come up with as a joke, these are real people who have run afoul of Facebook’s “real name policy”. Even with passport proof of their names, some people have still continued to struggle to keep their Facebook accounts open, and it has irritated many people who view it as discriminatory and prejudicial. The reason for the controversial policy has been to limit the number of trolls on the platform, however in using such a blanket ban many drag queens, transgender people and even people like Phuc Dat Bich (pronounced Phoo Dat Bic) who intend to use Facebook normally have been caught up in these bannings. If it is really about trolls, then maybe a different metric should be used to weed out those who use Facebook as a platform for hate and discrimination, until then Phuc will have to continue to provide passport proof to access his Facebook page.
Will you be my Friend Furever
While the pun might be terrible, it is also the name of Google’s android campaign that had the most shares across Facebook, Twitter and blogs around the world with over 6.4 million shares it also ranks as one of the most shared ads of all time. Disney’s shadowbox performed well this year, with moonwalking Micky Mouse driving high levels of sharing while Purina’s “puppy soulmate” campaign, “they’ll think I’m crazy” campaign done by Roc by Ronaldo/Monster and Budweiser’s “Lost Dog” campaign rounding out the top 5 for 2015. With social media ad sharing up 38.5% year on year, clearly consumers are looking increasingly towards brands for entertainment and they aren’t afraid to share those ads that delight and entertain. So next time you need to see an orangutang and a dog hugging it out, look out for your favourite brands to give you that fix right when you need it most.
Facebook gears up for non-profits
Facebook; typically a place to share photos of your beach day, stalk the office crush and play Candy Crush instead of working. However, more recently, Facebook has introduced a new feature in a hope to ‘make the world a better place’ (awww). The fundraising tool allows users to donate without having to leave Facebook whilst also allowing campaigners to tell their story and rally support. It is currently being tested with 37 partner organisations such as National Multiple Sclerosis Society and World Wildlife Fund, but they hope to expand to further organisations in the future.
Twitter is reportedly testing emoji reactions in addition to hearts
If you’re not up to speed with your social media news, Twitter users were recently left bemused when their star-shaped favourite button experienced a heart-like revamp. More recently, it’s been leaked that the heart was merely the beginning. Twitter is apparently set to introduce a wide variety of Twitter reactions (OMG ?). It appears that users will be spoilt for choice with 36 iPhone emojis, allowing a new era of content engagement. Twitter’s official statement on the matter?
Twitter expands polling feature
It’s been a busy month for the folks at Twitter. Last month it introduced a polling feature where users could express their opinions either by answering or asking questions. This month, Twitter decided two options is not enough, and introduced an update where more options can be selected, making our tiny brains implode with the array of choices. Twitter believes that more options will lead to a more opportunities to understand the nuances of the their audience, providing a comprehensive collection of data. You’ve got my vote, Twitter.
Google revamps Google+
Earlier this year, Google+ set out to improve its user experience. After listening to its users, it identified that Communities and Collections were its key selling points, so it has now responded by locating these front and centre on the platform. Moving forward, Google+ says it’s still opposed to being a social network but rather a “purposeful hub of passionate people helping one another”. And the cherry on the top? Google+ is now much more mobile friendly so you can now monitor the Cute Pictures of Cats Community on the move! If you want to, that is.
Brands experiment with ScratchReel
Fancy yourself a bit of a David Guetta, but absolutely awful at scratching? Me too. Fear not, instead you can just play with Twitter’s latest toy: ScratchReel. Brands like Dior, Ford and the PGA Tour have already started using the format, which allows you to move forward and backwards in the video by using a scratching motion with your mouse. You’ll need to click on the tweet below and view it on Twitter for it to work. Still – pretty cool, huh?
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