We Are Social Asia Tuesday Tuneup #459
Instagram launches Remix on Reels
Last week we reported on Snap’s next moves in developing a Remix feature. Well, it looks as though Instagram is also following suit, releasing the feature on Reels. Remix lets you record your Reels video alongside a video from another user, similar to TikTok’s Duets feature. Remix on Instagram is already in public testing, so a lucky few may have already gained access. To use the new feature, tap on the three-dot menu on a Reel and select the new “Remix this Reel” option. Happy remixing!
LinkedIn adds new features, including a Creator mode
LinkedIn is levelling up, releasing new features that will be rolling out over the next few months. The launch of a new ‘Creator’ mode is coming to the platform, a more refined version of the company’s Influencer network. LinkedIn’s educational and training program in partnership with Microsoft is getting an extension until the end of the year, with 30 million people in 249 countries using the service so far. Other features coming to LinkedIn include a Career Coach, video-based Cover Story and the ability to add pronouns to your profile.
Clubhouse launches payments for Creators
Get tipped for tip-top content! Clubhouse has launched payments, allowing users to send money to their favourite speakers on the platform. This is the first of many features promised that allows “creators to get paid directly on Clubhouse.” Got a fiver waiting to be transferred to your favourite creator? You can send a payment by going to the profile of the creator and tapping ‘Send Money.’ The equivalent to a virtual tip jar, this is sure to be a popular feature for those creating content on the platform, with 100% of all payments going straight to the speaker. Ka-ching!
Platforms are creating audio-based features
With the soaring popularity of Clubhouse, it is hardly surprising other platforms are hopping on the audio bandwagon by creating their own versions of the conversation app. LinkedIn has confirmed that it is working on testing a social audio experience in its app and Spotify is looking to host live audio conversations. Spotify has acquired Betty Labs, the company behind the live sports audio app Locker Room, highlighting how the platform is making major moves when it comes to audio. Discord has introduced Clubhouse-like features that lets people easily broadcast live audio conversations to a room of virtual listeners. Looks like audio social is here to stay.
Facebook adds new features to News Feed
Fed up of seeing your aunt’s updates at the top of your feed? Facebook has added the ‘feed filter bar’ to News Feed, with ‘Favourites’ allowing users to prioritise posts to 30 friends or particular pages. The bar also offers an easier way to turn off the feed’s algorithmic ranking, letting users revert to ‘chronological mode,’ ensuring that the latest posts are displayed first. This was originally hidden in a menu, with this update making ‘chronological mode’ easier to implement. Alongside the ‘feed filter bar,’ Facebook is also introducing a new tool that lets users limit who can comment on their posts. No more cringe comments from your grandma? Sign us up.
Twitter now lets you add stickers to Fleets
Sticker fans, there’s something to celebrate as Twitter is adding stickers to Fleets. When you’re making a Fleet, you’ll be able to add stickers by tapping the smiley face icon on the bottom row of your screen, displaying a collection of Twitter-made animated stickers and emojis. With stickers and emojis a staple feature of most social media platforms, this is sure to be a welcome addition for Fleets fans, who’ll be able to add a bit of pizzazz to their content.
Instagram marks International Transgender Day of Visibility
Last Wednesday marked International Transgender Day of Visibility, a day dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide. Instagram teamed up with GLAAD, Out Magazine and The Trevor Project to push out content on the platform that spotlighted transgender creators and celebrated their contributions to society. GLAAD created a guide to highlight trans comedians, Pride Editor Mey Rude, went live on the Out Instagram account to discuss the importance of trans visibility within the entertainment and fashion industries, and The Trevor Project launched a campaign on Reels featuring trans celebrities and creators.
Ones to watch
YouTube is experimenting with hiding dislikes, Snap plans a new pair of AR glasses and Twitter’s Spaces is coming to desktop web browsers.