Instagram is testing a new video ad format that cannot be scrolled past until the user has watched the video. Labelled as an ‘ad break’, users will need to watch the video until the timer at the bottom of the ad has run out.
As you can see in this example, Instagram explains that ‘ad breaks’ are a new way of viewing ads on the platform and that ‘sometimes’ you will need to watch the ad before you can keep scrolling. The feature is still in the testing process and Instagram are yet to confirm if it will be a permanent change in the app.
Threads launches new desktop
Meta has announced it is rolling out its new Tweetdeck-style Threads desktop globally. The new desktop allows users to create custom streams of Threads based on their topics of interest. These are then displayed in one feed, next to the ‘Following’ and ‘For you’ feeds.
The new desktop has dedicated columns for searches, tags, and accounts, as well as saved posts, and notifications. There is also an “auto-update” option which will automatically refresh the feed for real-time updates.
Instagram is testing “trial reels” with select creators
Instagram is testing the option for select creators to create and publish Reels without having them displayed on their profiles. The “trial reels” feature will allow creators to test different types of content without the pressure of the content performing well. After posting a Reel using the feature, Instagram will share insights about the post’s performance including metrics like plays, likes, comments and shares. Based on those insights, the creator could then choose to share their reel with their followers or archive it.
YouTube launches its free games catalogue to all users
YouTube is rolling out its free games to all users on both the platform’s app and home page. The “Playables” feature was made available for Premium subscribers last November. There are currently over 75 minigames in YouTube’s catalogue including Angry Birds Showdown, Trivia Crack and Words of Wonders. Users that play the games will be able to save game progress and track their best scores.
Image credit: YouTube
Instagram introduces new features for Notes
With more and more Gen Z users making the most of Instagram’s Notes feature, the platform is adding new capabilities to Notes. First up, “Notes Prompts,” will allow users to start conversations based on templated questions. For example, users can ask questions like “What music are you listening to right now?” on Notes and friends can directly respond to it. Instagram is also adding a “Like” option and users will be able to add @ mentions to Notes.
Image credit: Instagram
TikTok celebrates Pride month
TikTok is celebrating Pride month with its “Visionary Voices” group. The group consists of 15 LGBTQIA+ creators, chosen by TikTok, who “inspire, educate, and make an impact” on the platform. These creators will be featured more on the app throughout June and have opportunities to be featured on official TikTok channels and live streams.
Image credit: TikTok
TikTok Shop is also partnering with the #PrideTok community by highlighting LGBTQIA+-owned businesses with the hashtag #ShopWithPride. And, TikTok is sponsoring the Gayming Awards’ “Best LGBTQ Indie Game” category, and hosting a #PrideAnthems playlist on the Sounds page in the app.
Tumblr launches Communities feature
Tumblr is launching a “Communities” feature which will offer a dedicated space for users to connect with others on different topics, outside of Tumblr’s main dashboard. These will be “semi-private” areas on the platform with moderators and privacy settings. The feature is still in development but users can now request to create a new community and be added to a waitlist. There are currently over 5,800 communities on the waitlist.
Tumblr has also shut down its “Tips,” feature after not seeing as much usage as it had hoped for. The feature allowed creators to receive one-time payments from their followers. Creators will need to withdraw any money earned by the 15th of June.
