Social media updates â December 2016
22 Dec 2016
Custom frames on profile pictures
With the launch of Facebooks new ‘Camera Effects Platform’ anyone with a profile, including Facebook Page owners, are now able to create their own custom frame. The frames must obey Facebooks policies in order to go live but can be used for events, weddings or even to show support for a cause. The main idea is to encourage other users to also use your frame.
Make your own custom frame here: https://www.facebook.com/fbcameraeffects
Messenger group chat
Facebook have also launched this month, a split-screen video chat feature in Messenger. Up to six users are able to join a group chat and can use filters, similar to those on Snapchat, to join in the conversation. By embracing video, Facebook have created a space within Messenger to communicate with friends in a new way.
Parents take control
Facebook have created a new page this month that promises to be a resource for parents to encourage conversation about keeping their children safe online. The guide includes hubs on anti-bullying, parenting tips and how to stay safe online.
View the parent portal here: https://www.facebook.com/safety/parents
Shareable ‘moments’
You may have seen large images at the top of your newsfeed celebrating a holiday or occasion. Expect to see more, as Facebook have rolled out an update that places more of these at the top of our newsfeeds. The aim is to encourage users to discuss or share a moment happening anywhere in the world. This is also a great way to discover historical moments (similar to those that we see on Google Doodle) or cultural events, creating more ways to connect with others.
Go live on Twitter!
Users are now able to broadcast live video directly from the Twitter mobile app after their integration with Periscope, which users had to previously go through in order to access this feature. Once live, other users can join the video just as they previously could on Periscope, however having Periscope pre-installed is no longer required.
Snapchat
Group chat
Snapchat has this month introduced Group chat, allowing up to sixteen users to join a conversation. Group chats will delete after 24 hours by default, and Snaps sent within a group can be opened only once, and replayed only once, by each member of the group, just like a regular Snap.
Snap, Paintbrush, Scissors
In addition to Group chats, Snapchat have also introduced two new features; a paintbrush and scissors. The scissors tool allows users to cut out part of a Snap in the preview screen and turn it into a sticker and the Paintbrush tool allows users to access Snaps in their Memories to turn them into ‘artistic masterpieces’.
Sticker Stories
Carrying on with the theme of filters, Instagram have launched their own library of stickers which appear based on the users’ location, time and weather. This new features adds a bit of fun to Instagram stories and challenges Snapchat as a rival. Other new features include the ability to place as much text as you want on a story and to save your entire story from the past 24 hours as a video.
Live streaming
In case you need another app for live streaming, Instagram have also launched a feature that allows users to broadcast live video within the app. Instagram have continued to roll out updates similar to those already on Snapchat so it will be interesting to see what they come up with next year.
Bookmark posts
It looks like Instagram have also been pinching ideas from Pinterest; you can now bookmark posts to save for viewing at a later date. In their announcement, Instagram suggests you could use the feature for when you ‘stumble upon a funny video you want to remember, a new outfit you like or even inspiration for an upcoming vacation’.
Please login to comment.
Comments