Instagram is allowing users to share posts and reels through a QR code QR codes are getting a role on Instagram. Users can now share anyone’s posts or Reels through a QR code, as well as a QR code location through the searchable map experience. To get a code, you can head to any post or location, hit the three-dot menu, and select the option for QR code sharing. The idea is that this will make it easier for people and businesses to share specific content, driving higher engagement for marketing campaigns.
Meta shuts down its Facebook Gaming app
Facebook’s video game livestreaming app, Facebook Gaming, is being shut down after just two years on the market and will no longer work as of October 28, 2022. All streaming functionality will still remain on the main Facebook app or webpage, but the specific app to watch video game livestreams will no longer work. A memo signed by the Facebook gaming team says: “This was a truly a community-led effort to bring new gaming features to Facebook. Our mission to connect players, fans and creators with the games they love hasn’t changed, and you’ll still be able to find your games, streamers and groups when you visit Gaming in the Facebook app.” Meta is still very much committed to gaming though, and it’s planning to release two more VR gaming headsets by 2024.
Twitch will now let partners stream on YouTube and Facebook Access granted. Twitch has now lifted its long-standing exclusivity agreement that had denied partners the ability to stream on other services. Partners can now stream to YouTube, Facebook Live, and other platforms, allowing streamers to use multiple channels to connect with their audiences. The hope is that the content will reach a greater breadth of people, steering them towards using Twitch as a primary streaming platform. However, there are a few ground rules. Streamers cannot broadcast their content over to other platforms for ‘extended periods of time’.
Snapchat rolls out its dual camera feature The dual camera has acquired a fair few fans in the past few months, primarily thanks to BeReal. Now other platforms have taken note, including Snapchat, which has rolled out the ability to capture photos and videos using the front and back-facing cameras at the same time. However, Snapchat’s version has a bit more pazazz than BeReal’s dual camera, as users can select from a range of layouts for photos, and can also add lenses, stickers, and music to their content.
Meta now lets you post NFTs to both Facebook and Instagram Cross-posting is king. Meta is allowing users to post their NFTs across Instagram and Facebook, reaching a wider audience. It was only in March that Zuckerberg announced NFTs were landing on the gram, and the domination of digital collectibles shows no sign of slowing down. The company’s plan is to support all major blockchains and wallets so more crypto-native people can display digital art on a mainstream platform.
YouTube launches a dedicated page for podcasts This one’s for you, Podcats. YouTube is launching a dedicated podcast page, featuring trending shows and channels, allowing you to find all your favourite shows in one place. Currently only available in the US, the page shows how YouTube is embracing its position as an unintentional podcast platform. It isn’t as sophisticated as other podcasting sites but is an interesting first foray into this space for the channel.
