The major social platforms’ Q1 results are in It feels like Christmas was yesterday, but with Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat reporting their Q1 results, it must be the last day of April already.
Facebook reports 2.38 billion monthly users, up 2.5 per cent since Q4 2018 (daily users were up 2.63 per cent at 1.56 billion). It also managed to make US$15.08 billion in revenue, up 26 per cent year-on-year. The platform’s earnings per share were down however, because of the $3 billion they’ve set aside to cover a federal Trade Commission Fine. Ouch.
In other news, Facebook Stories now has 500 million daily users across Facebook and Messenger.
Snapchat users are up, but still reports a loss After a year of flat growth, Snapchat reached 190 million daily active users in Q1. That’s up two per cent from last quarter and more than all the growth Snapchat has reported over the last five quarters. However, it’s still down from the 191 million daily active users the platform had a year ago. Snap also reported a US$123 million loss, with even bigger losses expected next quarter. Here’s another compelling graph.
And finally, Twitter’s revenue is up Twitter’s revenue was up an impressive 18 per cent year-on-year at $787 in Q1. Whilst monthly active users (MAU) were up on Q4 at 330 million, they were down compared to the same time last year. The platform, however, is phasing out MAUs in favour of ‘monetizable daily active users’. MDAUs were up an impressive 11 per cent year-on-year. Go figure. (I’m not sure why but it seemed an appropriate use of the phrase.)
Play as yourself with Snapchat’s new Bitmoji for Games With the release of a new Bitmoji for Games SDK (it stands for ‘Software Development Kit’, in case you’re wondering), you could soon be appearing as your own Bitmoji in video games across PC, console and mobile. Selected gaming partners will have exclusive use of the software and users will simply be able to scan an in-game code with Snapchat to play as their Bitmoji.
Snap Select lets advertisers skip the auction Snapchat is introducing ‘Snap Select’, merging its automated ad platform with an upfront way to pay for ads and reserve inventory in Shows. Similar to offerings by Google and Facebook, the new platform enables brands to buy ads without going through an auction, providing them with a fixed rate and guarantees on audience size. Snapchat has not yet disclosed how it will decide which Shows will partake in the upfront buying service.
Twitter redesigns desktop Twitter has rolled out a redesigned desktop layout. The redesign doesn’t look the same to all users. Some will get a layout which features two columns, a larger timeline on the left, and the trending topics and who-to-follow features moved from the left to the right column; others will see a third, static column that holds the usual tools such as notifications and messages. It’s like a lucky dip! Apparently they’re wanting to gather feedback from users on the redesign.
Facebook takes legal action against fake likes. In New Zealand. A New Zealand business and three kiwis (the people, not the birds) reportedly profited from selling fake likes, followers and views on Instagram. So, Facebook is cracking down on all things dishonest and suing them!
Jessica Romero, director of platform enforcement and litigation at Facebook, commented: “By filing the lawsuit, we are sending a message that this kind of fraudulent activity is not tolerated on our services, and we will act to protect the integrity of our platform.”
This Tune-Up was lovingly prepared by @philshearer, with additional reporting by Lauren Underwood
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