Social media platforms continuously build new features that help offer users a more fluid and seamless experience. Posting messages for other users to see was the world-altering feature at the beginning of viral social media networks. As time went on, photos, videos, and music became shareable. Platforms copied elements from each other in an attempt to make it better. Every month, there seem to be new features rolling out. Some live short lives, but other tools trend and aid both users and marketers.
The newest craze on social media that marketers should utilize are the ecommerce features. Pinterest influencer marketing and YouTube influencer marketing have both made recent moves to make online shopping more accessible directly from their app.
Here are all the latest trends that have caught our attention!
Pinterest’s Shoppable Functions
Pinterest found that Pinners are 89% more likely to exhibit shopping intent on products tagged in Idea Pins than on standalone Product Pins. Now, Pinterest influencers are able to utilize this feature to tag products they are using in their Idea Pins.
Pinterest made products more shoppable and easier for influencers to inspire purchase from their audience. In addition to the product tag feature, influencers can now disclose their post as sponsored with the ‘paid partnership’ label.
“Pinterest is the place where creators with inspiring and actionable ideas get discovered. With this latest update, we’re empowering Creators to reach millions of shoppers on the platform and monetize their work. Creators deserve to be rewarded for the inspiration they deliver to their followers, and the sales they drive for brands. Creators are central to our mission to bring everyone the inspiration to create a life they love, and we’ll continue working with them to build their businesses and find success on Pinterest.”
– Aya Kanai, Pinterest Head of Content & Creator Partnerships
YouTube Adds Features to Boost Live-streams
YouTubers can now add Trailers to entice viewers to watch their upcoming live-stream.
“Last year, we introduced Trailers which enable creators to add a 15-second to 3-minute clip to the upcoming or scheduled page of a Premiere. Now we’re delighted to announce that trailers are now available for upcoming and scheduled live-streams.”
– YouTube’s Conor Kavanagh
Additionally, the Live Chat Polls option is now open to all streamers, not just gamers. The live poll is accessible from the chat window, where influencers can add up to four poll options to choose from. This feature will help maximize engagement between the audience and the creator.
As far as ecommerce, YouTube is currently testing a new feature that allows viewers to shop for products directly from a live-stream video. Stay tuned for what’s to come on YouTube.
TikTok Stories
After every platform has copied TikTok, it’s TikToks turn. They are testing a new stories feature.
TikTok didn’t specify when or even if there would be a rollout. There’s no surprise that the company is testing stories. Snapchat first launched stories in 2013. Since then, it’s been integrated onto Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, and even Netflix and Xbox.
Stories offer a place for influencers, every global influencer agency and brands to show a more vulnerable side to their audience. Not only that, but it can be interactive with swipe-ups, polls, filters, and so much more. Who knows what TikTok stories will involve.
Instagram Unites with their New Features
Speaking of stories, Instagram’s newest translation feature does just that – translates text on stories. Users will see the ‘see translation’ button, but this doesn’t work for audio, only text. This new feature on Instagram currently only supports 90 languages.
Another feature makes black-owned businesses more easily discovered.
Here is how to enable the feature:
- Click on Edit Profile
- Click Business Diversity Info
- Select Get Started
- Click Show Black-owned business label
Last but not least, Instagram announced that they got rid of the swipe up feature. But do not fear, in its place are stickers that can link all the same.
