Snapchat is working on a new Remix feature Snapchat is mixing it up with its latest feature, which will allow users to create new content using their friends’ Snaps. Similar to TikTok Duet, Remix will allow Snapchatters to reply to a friend’s story with a remixed Snap recorded alongside the original as it plays. Remix is currently being tested among friends, but it’s expected to make its way to other parts of the Snapchat app, including Spotlight, the platform’s For You rival.
Instagram also working on Remix feature for Reels Instagram is reportedly also working on a long-gestating ‘Remix’ option for Reels, which is now being tested with some users in the app. Identical to Duets and Snap’s Remix feature, ‘Remix this Reels’ will allow users to create reaction clips, with the original and the new video playing side-by-side. YouTube is also developing remixing tools for its TikTok clone, ‘Shorts’.
Clubhouse’s Android launch is coming It’s the news that Android users have been waiting for. Clubhouse will be coming to their devices soon, following the company’s recent hire of an Android software developer. With the app currently only available on iPhone, Android users have been left in the dark when it comes to the platform that’s been conjuring up conversations. Clubhouse has announced that it’ll take a couple of months for the app to come to Android, indicating a timeframe that’s closer to late autumn or winter.
Facebook and Instagram users raise $5 billion for non-profits With fundraising tools a key feature on most social platforms, it’s never been easier to donate to charity. Mark Zuckerberg revealed that people have raised over $5 billion for non-profits and personal causes through Facebook and Instagram since 2014, with $175 million of this raised for COVID-19 related fundraisers. The success of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014 is what encouraged Facebook to create fundraising tools across its platform, making it easier for users to donate via the platform. With equality and civil justice, environment and children’s health some of the most popular causes, it’s great to see the impact that these tools have had in raising key funds.
Facebook’s moderator guidelines leak Facebook’s internal moderator guidelines have been leaked to the Guardian, and one of the biggest revelations from the 300+ page document is that the platform’s bullying and harassment policy explicitly allows for “public figures” to be targeted in ways otherwise banned on the site, including “calls for [their] death”. Such abuse of public figures (defined as people with large followings or who infrequently appear in newspapers) is allowed “because we want to allow discussion, which often includes critical commentary of people who are featured in the news”.
Jack Dorsey’s first-ever tweet is sold Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey’s first tweet has been sold for $2,915,835.47. The proud new owner? Sina Estavi, who had held the high bid since offering $2.5 million on March 6th. Dorsey put the tweet up for digital auction as an NFT (Non-Fungible Tokens) on March 5th, with the money being donated to GiveDirectly for its Africa Response. The bids on Dorsey’s first tweet – “just setting up my twttr” – escalated quickly, igniting discussion about NFTs. Money well spent? Estavi certainly thinks so, telling Reuters that he was ‘thankful’ for winning the bid.
Dorsey follows the likes of Nike and Gucci in maximising NTFs as the new hot topic of discussion. But what are these unique digital assets (stored on the blockchain) all about? Get the low-down in our blog.
TikTok launches ‘Playlists’ TikTok has begun rolling out a new ‘Playlists’ feature with selected creators, enabling users to group TikToks into themed collections that will appear at the top of a user’s profile – similar to pinned Instagram Story Highlights. Playlists will reportedly soon be made available on all Creator and Business accounts, with the only limitations being that users will only be able to add public videos to a playlist, and each individual clip will only be eligible to be added to one playlist at a time.
Instagram tests Story drafts and new Sticker replies Last week, Instagram announced it will soon add a new option to save your Instagram Stories as drafts, to be posted at a later stage. The feature provides more flexibility for users and brands looking to utilise Stories at the most relevant times for their audience. Instagram hasn’t said when, exactly, the option will be released, but it’s coming soon. Further, the platform is currently testing a new option that would enable users to select from a wider range of reaction stickers when responding to a Story, rather than the quick set of emoji reacts.
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