Social Media

Livestreaming was an existing trend that gained newfound relevance during the pandemic. Over the past few months, nearly all of the major US social networks have expanded their services and introduced new livestreaming opportunities, many of which are aimed at boosting commerce on the platforms.

Reels on Facebook: The social giant could bring its TikTok copycat to the Facebook app in an attempt to boost its exposure and court younger users back onto the platform.

Big brands sharpen their TikTok approach: Socially conscious entertainment company ATTN: is rolling out a studio to help brands develop effective TikTok campaigns following its own success on the platform.

On today's episode, we discuss Apple's upcoming iOS 15 privacy measures, what we make of Spotify's new Clubhouse competitor Greenroom, whether new social network IRL can take on Facebook groups, if we can expect a new data privacy agency, how much people are getting out, American's favorite time of the year, and more. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer senior analysts Audrey Schomer and Sara M. Watson and analyst at Insider Intelligence Blake Droesch.

Not up to par: The Media Rating Council has denied Pinterest accreditation for its video ad metrics, likely due to concerns about how the platform counts impression.

On today's episode, we discuss mobile devices' role in online grocery, how consumers' physical and digital shopping worlds are colliding, and the next major challenge for grocers. We then talk about marketers' social strategies, why Facebook is risking scrutiny to launch an Instagram for kids, and what to make of Reels getting ads. Tune in to the discussion with vice president of marketing Camilo Reina Ramirez and marketing director Lina Toledo of Grupo Éxito and eMarketer senior analysts at Insider Intelligence Matteo Ceurvels and Jasmine Enberg.

Facebook Shops features drop: WhatsApp integration, better targeting capabilities, and AR try-on round out the company's latest social commerce update.

TikTok minis: The platform's new third-party integration system Jump allows users to embed mini apps in their videos and marks an important step toward TikTok becoming a super app like WeChat.

On today's episode, we discuss Twitter's post-election malaise, Reddit's growth engine, and LinkedIn's and Pinterest's pandemic pivots. We then talk about Nextdoor's ceiling, TikTok being allowed to stay in the US, and the implications of young creator burnout. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer principal analyst at Insider Intelligence Debra Aho Williamson.

New ways to listen: Facebook and Spotify introduced new social audio opportunities this week as most social media companies explore their own take on the growing format.

A new deepfake detection method developed by researchers at Facebook and MSU uses reverse engineering to trace the origin of AI-manipulated images—a step toward closing the gap between deepfakes and moderation tools.

BuzzFeed will pay up to $10K to creators: The program will award prizes for top-performing content. Though it will only last through the summer, it's likely a pilot program or a precursor to a more social BuzzFeed Community hub.

Local interest: Social app Nextdoor saw usage spike during the pandemic, and it's chasing that interest with greater access for users and expanded ad options for brands looking to tap local audiences.

Washington calls off TikTok ban: The Biden administration has recalled the executive orders banning TikTok and other Chinese-owned apps, opting instead for a broader review of foreign-controlled apps.

A notable exit: Facebook’s global ad chief is leaving the company, and some suspect her credibility was key to Facebook weathering its various scandals.

In 2021, the number of monthly Facebook users in the US will increase by less than 1% year over year, the platform’s lowest annual growth rate to date. Much of this deceleration is due to last year’s higher-than-expected growth of 3.3%, which was driven by changes in media habits during the pandemic.

A new Ohio lawsuit seeks to declare Google a common-carrier utility. While the suit will likely fail, it represents the latest novel attempt by state governments to rein in Big Tech in the absence of federal legislation.

Growing the creator economy: Instagram is adding new monetization opportunities to propel its ecommerce push.

Facebook foregoes creator fees until 2023: The platform is delaying taking a cut of subscription and tip revenues, which will help it attract more creators from competing platforms toward its new offerings.