Facebook brings Live video to Messenger Rooms
Facebook is rolling out a new integration which will enable users to host Live broadcasts with up to 50 people in Messenger Rooms. To begin with, Facebook introduced the functionality to some countries last week but with plans to expand it to all countries where Rooms is available in the near future. The move comes as Facebook says Live broadcasts from Pages doubled in June 2020 when compared with June 2019.
Facebook Messenger lets you secure chats with Face or Touch ID
Facebook Messenger has added a number of new privacy controls, including App Lock for iOS, which allows you to lock private chats Touch and Face ID. This feature is now available to all users on iPhone and iPad with plans to roll it out to Android in the near future. In addition to which, Facebook will also be adding new controls over which users can contact you directly, similar to those already on Instagram, which the platform says will arrive soon.
TikTok sets up new $200m fund for Black creators in the US
TikTok has unveiled the new $200 million TikTok Creator Fund, aimed at supporting Black creators in the US who are seeking to turn their content into a way to make a living. The platform says the new fund builds on the existing monetary opportunities for creators on its platform, such as its $50 million Creative Learning Fund, and will be open to applications (from those 18 or older) from August.
TikTok debuts new Gamified Branded Effect feature TikTok has introduced a new Gamified Branded Effect feature which enables brands to share games which prompt people to use facial expressions, body postures or other motions to interact with branded elements such as juggling a ball on their eyebrows and matching poses to catch a beat. According to TikTok, there are over 20 pre-existing formats that brands can customise for their campaigns and the launch comes as interest in gaming on its platform has increased by more than 200 per cent over the past year.
Instagram tests Personal Fundraisers in Ireland, UK and US Instagram has begun testing a new Personal Fundraisers feature that will enable users in Ireland, the UK and the US to raise funds for personal causes, such as educational resources, medical costs or volunteer trips.
Workplace From Facebook updates its desktop experience
Workplace From Facebook has detailed a number of improvements to its desktop experience, including a rebuilt Workplace Chat function (both the web and iOS app), improved accessibility functionalities, the introduction of dark mode, and more.
Pinterest launches the Make a Statement Mask challenge
Pinterest has teamed up with some of its top creators for the Make a Statement Mask challenge, aimed at encouraging Pinners to wear face masks during the coronavirus pandemic by turning them into vehicles of self-expression. Several creators have now designed one-of-a-kind masks, which are featured on Pinterest’s Today tab, along with instructions on how to create your own.
Snapchat beats expectations with Q2 ad revenue
Snapchat has beaten analyst expectations in Q2, reporting a 17 per cent year-on-year rise in ad revenue to $454m. However, Snap’s Q2 earnings are slightly down compared with its first quarter, when the platform posted ad revenue of $462m, and the platform has said that it is expecting the coronavirus crisis to have a continued impact on ad revenue in the Q3.
Twitter grows monetisable DAUs in Q2 but sees drop in ad revenue
In Q2, Twitter saw its monetisable daily active users (MDAU) worldwide grow to reach 186 million, up a third year-on-year and up 12 per cent on the first quarter of 2020. However, despite this growth in monetisable users, the platform reported advertising revenues of $562m (£443m) from April to June, down 23 per cent on the same period in 2019. Overall, total revenues fell 19 per cent to $683m, with non-advertising income, including data licensing, up slightly.
Ones to watch Facebook is testing a new design for Pages that will – among other things – remove the Like count, offer a cleaner and more readable layout, and make it easier for those who operate Pages to use and manage.
