Simply Social Newsletter

YouTube wants to be the top short-form video platform with its new updates

YouTube is launching new Shorts features, directly challenging TikTok. One such feature is Collab, enabling users to create side-by-side Shorts with YouTube or Shorts videos, mimicking TikTok's Duet function. Additionally, YouTube introduces a Q&A sticker to elicit direct responses from Shorts viewers. It's also introducing Shorts live streaming, akin to TikTok LIVE. YouTube draws inspiration not only from TikTok but also from Instagram's Template feature for Reels, allowing users to use any Short as an audio and effects template instantly when making their own videos.

What does this mean for my brand?

Brands can now team up with creators using Collab and Q&A features for compelling Shorts and feedback, broadening reach and building community.

Vertical video live streaming brings YouTube up to speed with Instagram and TikTok. Live stream viewers enter a scrollable feed of live videos, enhancing discoverability.

Templates offer a time-saving way to join audio-based video trends.

TikTok is introducing tags to identify AI-generated content

Yes, that’s right. TikTok is introducing tags to identify AI-generated content, aiming to proactively address the surge in AI deepfakes and misinformation. Screenshots shared by Matt Navarra show that TikTokers must now indicate if their videos feature AI-created "realistic scenes" or risk removal by moderators.

Users can activate or deactivate the AI-generated content tag during the video upload process. ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, introduced AI labels for Douyin, its Chinese counterpart, earlier this year. Instagram and YouTube are also working on comparable safety measures to tackle the rising trend of AI-generated online content.

What does this mean for my brand?

TikTok's recent update underscores the importance of transparency in AI-generated videos. However, there's uncertainty about what qualifies as "realistic scenes." According to TikTok's Community Guidelines, this includes "fabricated individuals, locations, or events that appear genuine."

Videos mimicking real private figures or public figures for endorsements or policy breaches are prohibited. When incorporating synthetic media (AI technology) into your TikTok video, always provide clear disclosure.

Instagram Adds New Music Options

Instagram now lets users add songs to photo carousel posts, expanding on the music feature introduced for feed photos in November. This update enhances carousel uploads by adding contextual ambiance, attracting various user groups. Additionally, Instagram is broadening its collaborative posting, allowing three users to co-author feed posts, carousels, or reels. This collaborative content reaches all contributors' audiences and is visible on their profile grids.

This expansion builds on Instagram's initial 2021 launch of collaborative posts, as confirmed in a recent preview. Notably, Instagram is testing another collaborative element, enabling shared updates open for contributions from others, emphasizing collaboration.

What does this mean for my brand?

Instagram's recent updates, like adding songs to carousel posts and expanding collaborative posting, are significant for your brand:

1. Engagement Boost: Infuse songs into carousel posts for compelling content. Music sets the mood, conveying emotions and enhancing the user experience, captivating your audience.
2. Effective Storytelling: Leverage music to tell your brand's story or message more effectively. Syncing music with your content's theme creates a coherent narrative, resonating with your audience.
3. Stronger Bonds: Collaborative posting enables teamwork with up to three accounts. This opens avenues for partnerships, cross-promotions, or collaborations, tapping into each collaborator's audience.?

Maximize these features by aligning with your brand identity, audience, and goals. Integrate these abilities into your content strategy, maintaining message alignment. Experiment, analyze, and adapt based on insights gained.

Instagram Is Testing New Comment and Share Counts?

Instagram is testing an updated post metrics format that adds share and comment counts alongside Likes (if enabled) directly in the feed.

In this shared example from Nick Alessi, the new layout introduces counters for comments and shares. This quick view offers better insight into post interaction patterns.

IG has emphasized shares due to the shift toward private interactions, rather than public posting. This trend remains prominent, making it logical to emphasize share counts and spotlight this particular action.

What does this mean for my brand?

Testing Instagram's new metrics format with share and comment counts alongside Likes could impact your brand:

1. Insightful View: Share and comment counts offer a full picture of user engagement. This helps refine your content strategy and align messaging with your audience's preferences.
2. Private Interaction Focus: Instagram's emphasis on shares reflects the rise of private interactions. Create shareable content to foster community and personal bonds among your followers.
3. Engagement Enhancement: Visible comment counts gauge conversation and engagement. Craft content that sparks meaningful discussions based on this insight.

To leverage these benefits, fine-tune your content strategy for shareable and engaging posts. Use the new metrics to monitor performance and adapt your approach based on gathered insights.