The Next step in Facebook’s messaging integration plan is End-to-End encryption for Messenger
With the inclusion of end-to-end encryption for audio and video conversations in Messenger, as well as the beginning of new tests to expand its encryption options to Instagram Direct, Facebook has taken the next step toward full integration of its messaging services. Messenger users have long been able to encrypt their text chats for added security, but now they will also be able to encrypt their video and audio conversations. Furthermore, Facebook is introducing new options for vanishing messages, all with the goal of enhancing privacy. These features will provide Messenger users with an added layer of security by encrypting their chats and guaranteeing that their conversations stay private. Facebook also said that it is testing end-to-end encryption for group conversations and that it will soon aim to expand its encryption options to Instagram.
As it looks to expand its video options, Reddit is testing a new TikTok-like video feed
Reddit is the newest site to join the short-form video feature, with the platform aiming to capitalize on the growing popularity of video by launching its own TikTok-style feed of short video clips tailored to specific user interests based on the subreddits they follow in the app. Instead of having a separate short video camera feature, Reddit will aim to use the video clips that users have already submitted within their normal posts, most of which are already extremely short, in line with platform usage.
YouTube has followed a similar strategy with its Shorts and YouTube has been able to increase its focus on brief video viewing in accordance with behavioural trends by leveraging its current video resources. Short clips are already attracting 15 billion daily views on the app, and many, if not all, of these films, were not made in the specialized Shorts camera feature, but rather were culled from YouTube’s larger content library. Reddit will be looking for a similar result, matching user demand for short videos with current content, which might assist to increase interaction with this aspect. As Reddit learns from its first testing and strives to satisfy rising video demand, you can expect to see even more growth on this front over time, in line with the short-form trend.
For teens aged 13 to 17, TikTok has made some significant privacy restrictions
Following Google and Instagram’s privacy improvements geared at ensuring that users under the age of 18 may securely use their platforms, TikTok has stated that it would make certain privacy modifications for users aged 13 to 17. In January, TikTok announced certain privacy improvements for users under the age of 18 and at the time, the company announced that for user accounts between the ages of 13 and 15, the default privacy option will be changed to private. When someone aged 16-17 joins TikTok, their Direct Messaging setting will now be set to ‘No One’ by default, according to the company. To message others, they will have to deliberately switch to a different sharing option and existing accounts that have never used a direct message will be prompted the next time they use this function to verify and confirm their privacy settings.
TikTok also stated that when teenagers under the age of 16 are ready to upload their first video, a pop-up would appear allowing them to pick who may see it, in which the ‘Everyone’ option will be disabled – they won’t be allowed to share their film until they choose one. If they choose to enable the function, teens aged 16-17 will now get a pop-up asking them to confirm their choice before others may download their films, whereas accounts under the age of 16 have their downloads blocked permanently. In addition, push notifications will be sent to teenagers by TikTok for young people aged 13 to 15 after 9 p.m. and starting at 10 p.m., teens aged 16-17 will be unable to get push notifications. Read more from TikTok’s Newsroom.
Snapchat has released a new Halloween marketing guide to help with strategic planning
If you’re thinking about how you can promote the event, Snapchat has released a new Halloween marketing guide that highlights important on-platform use metrics and connecting tools, which might be another option to explore. First and foremost, Snapchat emphasizes the popularity of Halloween on the app, with around 80% of Snapchat users planning to celebrate the holiday. This isn’t limited to certain areas, though, with Snapchat users from all over the world wanting to partake in Halloween customs. Snapchat says that it will feature a number of thematic tie-in aspects across the app, helping to better engage its audience.
As a result, there’s more advertising potential, and Snapchat argues that its augmented reality technologies might be particularly useful in this regard. Snapchat also reveals how its users plan to spend the day, with the majority of its audience wanting to buy something, particularly for the occasion. There are several useful insights here that can aid your preparation – and even if you’re not going to utilize Snapchat explicitly, there are some worthwhile reminders about shopping peaks and audience interest that you should consider. You can read more from Snapchat’s own business blog right here.
