For years, social networks have been copying features from one another. This is not a coincidence but a strategy driven by the power shift from companies to consumers. The goal is to provide the user with everything they would ever want or need in one place.
Instagram, for example, copied Snapchat’s main feature that enables users to send disappearing photos to each other. Now, users can utilize all their favorite tools in one app. Other platforms saw how Instagram’s ephemeral content called Stories increased drastically in popularity. Now, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest all have versions of that feature.
Long story short, when one rolls out a new successful feature, the others are quick to try to clone and make it their own. In the last year, both Instagram and YouTube mimicked TikTok’s vertical video platform with their own take: Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. Now, just like TikTok, Instagram Reels is launching ads worldwide.
Instagram’s Reels Roll Out Ads
Instagram announced ads for Reels right after the news came out about TikTok’s ad prices rising. For a home page takeover ad in the United States, TikTok is now asking for more than $1.4 million. That will climb to $1.8 million by the 4th quarter, and be more than $2 million on holidays.
Instagram Reels Ads are expected to help businesses grow and reach new audiences. Just like Reels, the ads will be vertical, loop, up to 30 seconds long, and extend to more people who don’t have to follow you.
The company couldn’t say how often a user might see a Reels ad, but just like other ads on Instagram, you can skip them or tap the menu on the post to hide or report it.
Instagram says:
“We see Reels as a great way for people to discover new content on Instagram, and so ads are a natural fit. Brands of all sizes can take advantage of this new creative format in an environment where people are already being entertained.”
– Justin Osofsky, Instagram Chief Operating Officer
Instagram isn’t offering any tools or templates that help brands create Reels ads. However, if you’re interested in reaching your audience through Instagram Reels ads, Open Influence is a global influencer agency full of creative thinkers and social media gurus. Feel free to check out our services or drop us an email at social@openinfluence.com.
Spotify’s new audio app is another example of how platforms try to stay ahead and on-trend with what consumers want. Spotify Greenroom is almost identical to its competitor, Clubhouse.
New Live Audio App – Spotify Greenroom
Greenroom is an audio-only app that launched this month, only weeks after Clubhouse’s global rollout on Android.
Greenroom is the first social media platform that Spotify has ever created.
In March, Spotify announced the purchase of Betty Labs, the creators of Locker Room, a live audio app where insiders and fans can talk about sports. After some rebranding, Greenroom was formed.
The discussions go beyond just sports now. Greenroom includes conversations from top artists, athletes, and people in the know. You can join a group and a room, search for upcoming rooms, and even create a room.
Spotify says the app includes:
- The ability for any user to host or participate in live rooms
- A way to join Greenroom using your Spotify log-in info
- A new onboarding experience that puts users’ interests front and center
- Recording capabilities so you can complement your on-demand content with live conversations
- Chat controls to ensure the best possible experience
Stay tuned for more information about new platform updates, and stay on-trend by following Open Influence on social media.