We Are Social Asia Tuesday Tuneup #464
Snapchat launches a new Creator Marketplace
With more than 180 million people interacting with Snapchat Lenses everyday, it’s no surprise that businesses are eager to find creators that’ll make the next big thing for them. That’s why Snapchat is launching a Creator Marketplace, making it easier for companies to find and partner with Snapchat creators, including Lens creators, AR creators and at a later date, prominent creators known as Snap Stars. The Creator Marketplace will open to businesses later this month. Time to get collaborating.
Instagram will now let you auto-caption Stories with stickers
There was a long overdue win for accessibility last week, as Instagram unveiled its captions sticker for Stories, which automatically transcribes speech in videos. Captions have been available in IGTV and the Threads app up to this point, yet by the platform adding them to Stories and Reels, this will aid accessibility across the app. Captions don’t compromise on style and colour either, with users able to edit the text after it has been generated. With 430 million people suffering from hearing loss, this is a long time coming when it comes to addressing this accessibility issue. You can read more about how brands can prioritise the hard of hearing in their campaigns, in our blog.
Twitter rolls out new Tip Jar feature
Everyday, the world wakes up and consumes select amounts of seemingly unlimited content on social platforms. Often for free. Twitter is now giving users the option to send some (financial) love to your favourite accounts with its new Tip Jar feature. Supporting a variety of payment options and links, such as Paypal and Venmo, Tip Jar can be accessed by tapping on the dollar bill icon next to someone’s username when viewing their profile. Twitter doesn’t take any cut of the money, simply acting as a facilitator between these payment platforms in order to support their creators in getting some cash.
show your love, leave a tip
now testing Tip Jar, a new way to give and receive money on Twitter 💸
more coming soon… pic.twitter.com/7vyCzlRIFc
— Twitter (@Twitter) May 6, 2021
Clubhouse is funding 50 pilot audio shows
From an interview series to a game show, Clubhouse is funding the creation of fifty audio shows made by creators on its platform. $5,000 per month will be banked by these selected creators, with Clubhouse also providing gear and creative support in order to help the creation of their series. At pilot stage, this is a chance for creators to put their best foot forward, with the possibility of Clubhouse signing them to a longer term deal. Not only this, but after a year of iOS exclusivity, Clubhouse is finally making its way onto Android. This update is sure to create renewed excitement amongst Android users who have been patiently waiting to get in on the game.
Twitter updates its offensive tweet warnings
We all have our own way of showing affection, and some of us enjoy dishing out the expletives to show our friends how much we really love them. This has something Twitter has realised, updating its offensive tweet warning to better detect strong language as part of a mutual ‘vocabulary.’ This means that if you’re tweeting a friend regularly, calling them an ***, Twitter will realise that this is all a bit of banter, and isn’t causing any tears or tantrums. However, it’s not always fun and games, so Twitter’s ‘read before you retweet’ prompt urges users to consider whether what they’re about to post will cause offence. In internal tests, this has proved effective in getting users to revise their tweets or deleting them altogether.
Platforms mark Mental Health Awareness Month
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and platforms are unveiling resources and features to help promote mental health awareness over the entire month. Facebook is encouraging its users to take a #MentalHealthMinute, urging them to make emotional health a priority. A Let’s Talk sticker pack has been developed with input from WHO, with mental health resources and tools made available via partner organisations. Tumblr’s ‘Mental Wealth Month’ is partnering with Free Black Therapy, Headspace, Shine and other organisations, holding specific themed days to provide access to their unique services.
Platforms mark Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Last week we looked at how TikTok were celebrating API stories on the platform, and now Pinterest and YouTube are joining the app in marking the month. Pinterest is highlighting API businesses through its Shopping Spotlight, holding an Instagram Live session on May 21 on @PinterestCreators with fashion photographer Anthony Gomes and interior designer Noz Nozawa. YouTube Music will feature flagship playlist ‘Celebrating APAHM,’ showcasing emerging and iconic Asian American artists. Asian American Storytime videos, and AAPI History videos from YouTube Learning are other features that have been created specially for the month.
Ones to watch
Twitter acquires Scroll, YouTube is testing new timed comments in video playback, Sony is working to integrate Discord into PlayStation consoles and your TikTok login will soon work with other apps.