Instagram declares it’s no longer a photo-sharing app
In a recent post, Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri declared that the platform is “no longer a photo-sharing app”; instead, it will be focusing its efforts on improving the user experience around entertainment and video. Mosseri also detailed some of the new features and experiments that Instagram has been working on – including outlining its four key areas of focus going forwards: Creators, Video, Shopping and Messaging.
TikTok lets users apply for jobs with video resumes
TikTok has announced that it is testing a job application tool that will allow users to directly apply for jobs at more than 30 companies, including Chipotle, Target and Shopify. As part of the pilot scheme, users will be able to create a video resume, post it to TikTok, and send it to recruiters via the app from July 7 to 31.
TikTok looks to automation to improve content moderation
Across the US and Canada, TikTok is set to start utilising automated reviewing systems to help remove videos that breach its community or minor safety policies, to help speed up the process and allow moderators to focus on other areas, such as the spread of misinformation. However, creators will still be allowed to appeal to a human moderator if they believe their video has been unfairly removed. The change is set to take place “over the next few weeks.”
Roblox signs music partnership with Sony
Roblox has signed a deal with Sony Music Entertainment to extend its existing partnership, which included Lil Nas X’s concert in 2020 – watched by over 36 million people – and a virtual dance party with Swedish artist Zara Larsson in May of this year. Under the new agreement, the two brands will work together to develop innovative music experiences for the Roblox community and generate new revenue streams around virtual entertainment.
Trump lashes out at Facebook, YouTube and Google
Former President Donald Trump has announced that he is launching several class-action lawsuits against Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, which specifically names Jack Dorsey, Mark Zuckerberg and Google’s Sundar Pichai. Trump claims that the three companies violated his First Amendment rights, however, the First Amendment pertains to governments censoring free speech, not businesses; so draw your own conclusions on this one.
