Social Media

Outlets leave Twitter over "government-funded" label; NPR, PBS departures may reduce platform's societal impact.

Musk wants influence, not Twitter: Disinterested in legacy social media, Musk is remaking the platform into an X app with a broader scope. Controversy over AI and misinformation awaits.

On today's episode, we discuss why advertisers aren't returning to Twitter, what the impact of the new blue check mark will be, and whether folks actually want to pay for social media. "In Other News," we talk about the potential of TikTok's sister app Lemon8 and what to make of TikTok's new "Series" feature. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Jasmine Enberg.

Predictably, AI chatbots are causing a spam explosion: Social platforms are reporting higher-than-usual spam from generative AI.

Lemon8 makes a splash in US as lawmakers mull TikTok ban: New app quickly gains followers, but Chinese ownership could raise concern.

Pentagon breach is a new low for social media: A classified document leak on Discord, Telegram, and Twitter has serious geopolitical implications. If platforms don’t take action, public sentiment might flatline.

Meta Verified draws criticism over legal name mandate: Paid feature meant to prevent impersonation poses risks for some creators.

India’s new influencer rules are an overcorrection but still a positive: Wellness influencers must disclose their qualifications under recommendations they give.

We expect Twitter’s worldwide ad revenues to plummet by 27.9% this year as advertisers continue to pull back spending.

In the US, just 18% of adults say they’ve used livestream and video ecommerce, according to an October 2022 Insider Intelligence survey with Bizrate Insights. Brands shouldn’t shy away from livestream shopping in the US, but they need to be intentional about how they implement it.

Name a better pairing than Twitter and controversy: This time the site has incorrectly labeled NPR as “state-affiliated media.”

A ban isn’t swaying brands from spending on TikTok: Apple, Pepsi, and DoorDash are among brands increasing ad spend despite hefty political problems.

Latin America social network shifts to aid Instagram, TikTok, and Snap: Video-centric platforms are winning young users.

Substack isn’t looking so hot: The newsletter platform is bleeding cash and was just banned by Twitter for launching a competing service.

Over the past month, we’ve seen ad updates from all the major players, from Meta’s generative AI ads to Google’s attempts to decrease clutter. Here’s what they mean for advertisers.

New app makes a play for Gen Z: As TikTok teeters on the verge of a ban in the US, Zigazoo is one social media app that is vying for market share.

Banks need rapid response on social media: Pranks don’t rise to the level of unrestrained panic, but they do point out a communications problem.

T2 app looks to reap benefit from Musk’s blue check mark flub: Alternative platform offers users a way to port over their Twitter verifications.

A double-whammy for TikTok: The embattled video app was fined for millions in the UK, and banned from Australian government devices.

Can Meta convince advertisers that AI can keep their brands safe? The company is rolling out AI-powered content filters, but confidence in AI moderation tools is low.