Twitter Blue allows users to undo tweets Twitter has unveiled the details of Twitter Blue, the platform’s paid subscription service. Perks include bookmark folders, designed to help users organise saved tweets more easily; undo tweet, which will let users set a timer of up to 30 seconds after posting before a tweet appears publicly; and reader mode, which turns long threads of tweets into easier-to-read text. Currently available in Canada and Australia, it costs CA$3.49 and AU$4.49 a month respectively. Coughing up for the platform doesn’t mean you can avoid ads, however – Twitter Blue will continue to display promoted tweets to subscribers.
Instagram enables easier collabs with approval updates
With branded content becoming more commonplace on social, Instagram has introduced a number of updates to make life easier for those involved in the process. These include creators being able to tag up to two brands in branded content, with each brand able to see the other before approving. Creators can also request approval from a brand and publish their content while awaiting a response (content will appear without a brand name until approval is granted). Finally, creators can request approval from brand partners in settings, and brands can approve or deny requests either while viewing the media or in settings. All of these updates will come to IGTV, Instagram Live, Instagram Reels and Instagram Stories in the coming weeks.
Twitter experiments with full screen ads on Fleets Twitter is bringing full-screen ads to its Stories clone, Fleets. Partnering with a “handful” of advertisers for the “experiment,” a limited group of lucky users in the US will get to see the content. All sounds pretty familiar: videos can be up to 30 seconds long and brands can add a “swipe up” call-to-action. Here’s Wendy’s with an artery clogging example to show us how it’s done.
WhatsApp speeds up voice notes for time-poor users
Fed up of rambling voice notes? WhatsApp has you covered, with a new feature that gives people the option to listen at normal speed, 1.5 times, or double the usual speed. It’s not the only update to come from the messaging app recently – it also confirmed that multi-device support will be entering public beta in the coming months, allowing users to access their accounts from up to four linked devices.
Pinterest targets summer spenders with new shopping features
Looking to cement its position as THE platform for purchasing, Pinterest has rolled out several smart new features. These include a ‘Shopping List’ (currently in UK and US) which allows Pinners to automatically save Product Pins in one place. Pinners will also be notified if the prices are lowered on items they have saved. It’s also got a bit of an exclusivity vibe going on – The Goods by Pinterest will offer limited-edition products sold only via Pinterest from brands such as Charlotte Tilbury and Lucy and Yak. Additionally, the discovery platform is extending other shopping features in markets such as Australia, Canada and France.
Facebook and TikTok mark Pride month with new initiatives Facebook is marking Pride month with a handful of features, including Pride-themed avatars, post backgrounds and stickers for feed and Stories. It’s also partnered with artist Jasmina El Bouamraoui on this year’s Pride logo. Facebook will be promoting content from groups, public figures and publishers tagged with #Pride and on Instagram, there will be three global LGBTQ+ illustrators created new Pride stickers, for gender non-conforming, asexual, trans and gender-fluid identities, and rainbow-colored hashtags returned for Pride Month 2021.
Over at TikTok, the platform has added nine new colourful effects for clips, “including Rainbow Hair, Rainbow Curtain, Rainbow Trail, Pride Lighting, Pride Time Warp, Pride Rainbow Cheeks, Pride 3D Lashes, Pride Glittery, and Pride Flag Sky AR”. It’s also announced the participants in its second annual LGBTQ+ TikTok Trailblazers initiative, which looks to highlight creators making a positive impact on the platform.
TikTok celebrates Black Music Month
It’s Black Music Month and TikTok is celebrating with livestreams featuring Black artists and creators. Content has already kicked off, but you’re not too late to join in – tune in to hip-hop star Leray hosting an episode of Headstream on June 11. Other activity includes Color of Change, Macro, Recording Academy and TikTok inviting creators on the platform to use its Duet, Green Screen and Stitch features to highlight their favorite songs and soundtrack moments from Black films with the #TellBlackStories hashtag. TikTok’s music team will curate a series of playlists for Black Music Month, which will be accessible on the platform’s music hub.
Ones to watch Twitter rolls out ‘Birdwatch’ misinformation pilot to participants across iOS, Android and desktop; Clubhouse ditches invite-only option.
