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    11 Social Media Features To Try In 2019

    12th April 2019

    Technology is continuously evolving and each week, social media makers are rolling out various new features and tools to keep users connected and entertained.

    We’ve gathered the most recent and most popular updates for each social media platform that you can incorporate into your digital strategy in 2019.

    Instagram

    #1 Checkout

    Launching just a few weeks ago in the US, Instagram has developed its shoppable tags. You can now purchase a product without leaving the app.

    Click on the shoppable tag from a brand’s post where a “Checkout on Instagram” button will appear. Tap to pick your colour and size and proceed to payment. Simply key in your name, email address, billing and shipping details, and wa-la, you’re done!

    You will receive notifications on your delivery status directly from the Instagram app to keep track of your order.

    Adidas, Dior, H&M, Mac Cosmetics, Revolve and Zara are a few brands that you may have seen rolling out this new feature. Despite this feature only being available in the US at present, we are almost certain that it won’t be long until this handy feature is launched in the UK and internationally.

    #2 IGTV

    In Summer 2018, Instagram launched IGTV, an app where you can create and view long-form video content (up to 10 minutes or 60 minutes if you’re verified).

    Similar to Stories, IGTV offers a vertical, full-screen video experience where creators can show off their fashion styling skills, recipes, tutorials or answer audience questions.

    While there’s a standalone app for IGTV, users are also able to watch directly from their favourite Instagram profiles and check out current popular videos by swiping between tabs.

    #3 Stories Ads

    Promote your brand by creating ads to share on your Instagram Stories.

    Instagram Stories Ads can run for as long as you want and can be optimised to meet your business objectives.

    Using Ads Manager, select your objective - Brand Awareness, Reach, Video Views, Conversions, App Installs, Lead Generation or Traffic Objective, and create a name for your campaign.

    Next, find the Placements section and simply choose Automatic or Edit Placements. Choose your budget and schedule continuously or select a start and end date. Upload your Story, add a URL and you’re good to go!

    Check out some Instagram Success Stories to get you inspired to create engaging, click-worthy content.

    Facebook

    #4 VR Avatars

    Facebook is currently testing virtual reality avatars with the intention of building a much more engaging platform through digital words.

    As explained by Facebook:

    “If telepresence lets you feel like you’re somewhere else, then social presence lets you share that sensation with other people [...] It’s not just for convenience; a lifelike avatar can be somewhere you can’t be physical, whether because of circumstances or simple distance. It would help solve a lot of the challenges people today face in maintaining long-distance friendships and finding community.”

    Facebook’s virtual reality avatars are still in development but keep an eye out as there may be a chance to try them out towards the end of the year.

    #5 Messenger Ads

    Facebook Messenger continues to grow and roll out features, the latest one being Messenger Ads.

    Messenger Ads allows brands to create and send targeted adverts via private messages.

    To create your Facebook Messenger Ad, follow the same steps as the Instagram Stories Ads above.

    It’s important to remember that private messages are a lot more personal than a regular display ad. Create personal and compelling messages to your audience to encourage them to engage with your brand. E.g. Share a discount code like the one below after someone has "liked" your page or purchased a product or service.

    #6 Collaborative Stories

    Facebook has rolled out a new feature where members of groups and events can add Stories that are only visible to members and moderated by groups and events admins. This is fun and engaging for birthdays, weddings, meetups and more.

    Twitter

    #7 New Camera

    Twitter has been developing its camera tool, allowing you to create colour overlay captions on photos, videos and live broadcasts before sharing on your feed.

    The tool will act as a “news” feature, prompting you to share your location along with your image. It will be accessible by swiping left from the Twitter homepage.

    A spokesman for Twitter commented on the new camera tool:

    “I can confirm that we’re working on an easier way to share thing like images and videos on Twitter. What you’re seeing is in mid-development so it’s tough to comment on what things will look like in the final stage. The team is still actively working on what we’ll actually end up shipping.”

    #8 Messaging

    Twitter is testing new conversational features, encouraging users to talk to one another.

    hey Twitter. we've been playing with some rough features to make it feel more conversational here. presence and reply threading. still early and iterating on these ideas. thoughts? pic.twitter.com/3U3NvpHWPy

    — sara haider (@pandemona) August 31, 2018

    They are also considering making the reply button clearer to encourage discussion.

    Furthermore, we are likely to see two status features appearing in the near future, one being when you were last active and the other being a more detailed version of what you’re doing. E.g. at an event or the city you have just arrived in.

    LinkedIn

    #9 LinkedIn Live

    Similar to Facebook and Instagram Live, LinkedIn is launching their own live video chat tool.

    At present, LinkedIn Live is only being rolled out to people in the US via invite only but it won’t be long until the rest of the world will be able to take advantage of this handy tool which can be used for covering conferences, Q&A’s, news announcements, award ceremonies and more.

    #10 LinkedIn Jobs

    LinkedIn is creating a range of new tools to help job seekers informed of newly advertised positions tailored to their skills, qualifications and experience.

    Job seekers can tick if they’re actively looking for a job in the “career interests” section and they will receive push notifications for jobs related to their area of expertise.

    LinkedIn is also adding a new feature, “Job Title Highlights,” that will provide job seekers with more information related to the job role, e.g. top skills, top companies hiring, connections with the same role and salary insights (pay rise opportunities and progression).

    Snapchat

    #11 Gaming

    You might have noticed, Snapchat has been adding a range of augmented reality games within the lens carousel to its platform.

    They have reportedly announced that they are looking to expand its gaming platform which will feature an increase in AR games, designed by outside developers that can be used within the Snapchat app.

    Snapchat

    It's important to keep an eye out for new social media features that you can add to your marketing strategy as you never know, something new could just hit the spot and significantly increase your social media engagement and following.

    What's your favourite new social media feature? Or is there one you would like to be introduced? Tweet us, @wearegecko!

    - Gillian

    12th April 2019 Share This:
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