Walking to Ibiza, men in finance, and Facebook is hip again

Welcome back to your weekly digital download! We deliver the latest need-to-know news from the social world right to your inbox.?

So, let’s get digital??

1. Is a US-only TikTok algorithm possible? ????
2. Facebook wants to be hip with the youngsters again ????
3. Instagram really wants you to watch ads ??
4. Why men in finance have gone viral ??
5. Henry Moores has walked his way to success ??♀?

Platform Updates

Is a US-only TikTok algorithm possible?

TikTok’s algorithm is both its success and downfall in the US. Its hyper-accurate algorithm which garnered so many users, is precisely why the platform is facing security scrutiny from the US government. Chinese officials have stated they will not sell the rights to their algorithm, meaning that any form of TikTok created for the US only, will inevitably be a lesser replacement. This topic opens up more questions than it answers, but amongst lawsuits and appeals to keep the original TikTok, does the topic of creating a new app and algorithm foreshadow the US losing their case? Stick around for updates!?

Facebook is making a comeback… or at least they are trying

Facebook has released a statement saying its focus for the next 20 years is the future of social media for young adults and the development of AI. This is an interesting take as since Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok came on the scene, Facebook is the least used app in the younger demographic. This appears to be a subtle hint from Facebook that it wants to be cool again, rather than truly becoming a considered pillar of the new generations.?

It’s not just an ad, it’s a scroll-stopping ad!?

Rumour has it, that Instagram is now testing in-feed ads that stop users from scrolling and they must watch the entire ad before they can resume their daily scroll. Although your Instagram feed is packed full of AI-suggested content from users you do not follow, these ads interrupt your activity and potentially show you things you are not interested in or want to consume. We all know the frustration: just as you’re getting into your favourite YouTuber's weekly vlog, and a 20-second advert interrupts your moment… Now imagine that on Instagram! In this current social landscape, the consumption of ads has become more and more optional, to us… this seems like a step backwards.?

Need to Know

Why are men in finance going viral?

ICYMI, we’re all looking for a man in finance. It’s the latest viral craze to be taken to the next step (Man in Finance featuring David Guetta out today!), but what makes a viral video like this stick? Simple. It’s catchy, funny, and relatable. Moments like these open up a whole new world for brands—in terms of joining in, and replicating the formula.?

With TikTok's algorithm focused on the success of sound creation, when trends are sound-led, the possibilities are endless for awareness and engagement, as users recognise the catchy hook and continue to watch the content.?

And simply, most of the time these trends are centred around humour, so have some fun with it!?

Influencer to Watch

Henry Moores walks his way to social success

Henryoscarmoores

Imagine walking to Paris? How about walking all the way to Ibiza? Well @ henryoscarmoores doesn’t have to!?

After completing his charity walk to Paris last year, Henry is currently on day 55 of walking from Manchester to Ibiza, posting daily updates of his encounters and challenges. Henry has taken his challenge to the next level, by not only extending the length of his walk, but engaging other creators in stages of his walk as well as starting the walk with the king of Ocean Beach himself, Wayne Lineker.?

This content series not only speaks to the dedication of Henry, but the fact that content can come from any avenue. His daily posts, live streams and television interviews have so far raised over ￡60 000 and this figure is rising day by day. Alongside the triumphs of his fundraising, he has gained over 100K views at least on each video, some reaching over 2M views.?

Social media has long been criticised for being self-indulgent and fuelled by overconsumption, shout out to Henry for not only keeping us engaged but raising awareness and funding in the process.

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