The Social Media & Influencer News in August You Need to Know

Welcome back to another installment of the social media and influencer marketing news that you need to know in August. There’s been a lot going on in the social media world this summer, and the past week is no different.

This week, we’ll be talking about the release of the desktop version of Threads, TikTok’s attempt to improve its e-commerce efforts, and the story regarding the former social media manager of NBA and its viral post.

Meta Launches The Destkop Version of Threads

Threads' initial release was a big deal for social media users but quickly disappeared. Meta has now announced that Threads is releasing their desktop version of the platform to rekindle the initial buzz. Most Threads users have access to Threads.net, where you can access your main Threads feed and write news posts just like you would on the app. However, functionality could be improved in comparison to the mobile version of Threads. For example, you cannot currently search for or schedule posts on the web version. 

Users on social media have been looking for a credible Twitter—er, X—alternative. Threads could have been the ideal solution, but app usage slowed following the app's first debut and rise. Many of the brands that were active at the platform's inception are no longer so. Meta is still striving to improve the desktop version and finish the app in terms of product features.

TikTok Shopping Gets a Boost

A $44 pickle sweatshirt making the rounds on TikTok is the new "I mustache you a question" merchandise for a generation who has only known life with the Internet. But we're not here to talk about merchandise; we're here to talk about TikTok's official launch into e-commerce: TikTok Shop. The new feature, fully rolled out in the US this month, lets TikTok users purchase anything from fashion to life hacks with just a few clicks, right from the comfort of their For You Pages.   

TikTok is looking to sell more than $20 billion in products through TikTok Shop by the end of the year, taking on e-commerce giants like Shein, Temu, and even Amazon. How would a company generate nearly $20B in product sales in less than a year? The algorithm, of course, with TikTok being accused of boosting videos that sell products through the new feature, which are marked with an orange shopping cart icon. The pickle sweatshirt, for example, is suddenly all over people's screens despite having been around since January. 

 NBA Social Media Manager Calls It Quits Publicly  

The NBA was recently the subject of a  whistleblower report in which a former social media manager alleged that the NBA's social media team was overworked and underpaid. The marketer, Nick Joannou, said he and his colleagues were often asked to work long hours with little time for breaks or vacation. He also said they needed more training and resources to do their jobs effectively. 

Joannou's allegations were made public after he allegedly accidentally posted a message about the team's work conditions on the NBA's official Facebook page. The post was quickly deleted, but it had already been seen by many, including NBA and marketing fans alike. The NBA has since responded to Joannou's allegations, saying it is committed to providing a positive work environment for its employees. The league said it is reviewing its policies and procedures to ensure its social media team is adequately supported. 

If you’re looking for more like covering my favorite social media tools to use, like GoCharlie.ai. Or keys to gaining success with influencer marketing, and more deep dives on other social media or influencer marketing topics.

Tips For Gaining More Engagements On Instagram!

Are you looking to gain more likes on Instagram? You're not alone! Everyone is searching for the secret to unlocking the key to gaining more engagements on Instagram. Look no further because today, we'll discuss ways to gain more engagements on Instagram! We'll cover “test and learn” opportunities and more. With the knowledge you’ll gain in this blog post, you'll be on your way to creating content that will garner more likes and engagement on your Instagram account. So, let's get started!

Gaining Likes On Instagram, Experiments Reveal The Secret!

Instagram is a popular social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos with friends and followers. While Instagram is an excellent platform for sharing content, increasing the total engagements on your posts can take time.

One way you can gain engagements on your posts is by leaning into the post formats that are getting the most views on the platform, specifically Reels. While more time intensive, your Reels content will reach a wider audience and in turn, potentially receive more engagement from those who view your content. Additionally, using music from trending memes or other cultural trends can help boost your post's traction.

Pay attention to what content performs well on each social media platform and analyze whether it will resonate with your target audience on Instagram. If you’re posting platform-specific content (which you should be doing), examine your own analytics to see if and how these types of posts work with your target audience. There are numerous content ideas to try out or be inspired by, so don't be scared to get creative.

Engaging and building community with other Instagram users is also essential – especially if you want to reach out to influencers. Influencers can significantly impact the visibility of your brand's content, so it's important to get in touch with them and tell them about your posts. Furthermore, using hashtags in your caption can help people find and follow your account more easily.

Finally, timing is key – make sure that you post content when an exciting trend or dance video is happening so that it has the maximum impact! Knowing when to publish on social media is another important factor in enhancing your overall engagements. Determine when to prioritize upcoming posts by determining the optimum time to post based on your platform and your target audience.

Ways To Drive Engagements With Your Content

Sure, you may be producing fantastic content. However, if no one Likes or comments on it, your account is likely to fall through the cracks, and you will miss out on opportunities to connect with your target audience. The next thing you know, you're having trouble driving conversions via organic and paid social media efforts, and it’s harder to show a return on your investment. So here are some ways to drive engagements with your social media content:

• Use images and videos that will capture your audience’s attention. Visual content, such as short-form videos and high-quality images, is more likely to be shared, so consider creating more content that is attention-grabbing.

• Optimize the hashtags you use with each post. Selecting relevant hashtags for your post will ensure that other Instagram users find your content through the Explore tab. You’ll want to use a mixture of generic hashtags that are regularly used, and more niche hashtags that will be used by your target audience. Plus, using popular hashtags can help you connect with other influencers and build relationships on the platform. I recommend to my clients and team that they utilize a variety of hashtags across their organic content.

• Lean into the algorithm. By posting consistently and engaging with other users, you can increase your chances of being seen by the platform's algorithms (aka the good stuff). And finally, remember to engage with the comments by responding to and liking them! Engaging with your followers in the comments not only helps build relationships and strengthens social media communities, it also increases your overall engagements.

• Finally, when possible, look to do collaboration posts between two accounts, like that between an influencer and a brand. By collaborating together on posts, both accounts can see increased engagement and traction for their individual content pieces by introducing their respective audiences to a new page.

In Conclusion

As we have seen, there are various ways to gain more likes on Instagram and other social media platforms. With these strategies, you can increase your brand or organization’s visibility and reach new audiences who may not have discovered your profile before. So, feel free to get creative and try out different approaches - they might pay off!

Now is the time for action - what methods will you use today to get more likes on Instagram? Looking for more social media and influencer marketing news worth using? You can read more of my latest social media updates and more deep dives on specific topics on my blog if you’re new to my website.

The Latest Social Media News in August

Happy August! Let’s dig into the social media news you can use his week. We’ll cover Meta’s upcoming AI project, the latest user and performance data from Pinterest, and ways you can adapt existing content to social media.

But before you get caught up on these updates, be sure to check out more of my writing. If you’re looking for more like covering my favorite social media tools to use, like GoCharlie.ai. Or keys to gaining success with influencer marketing, and more deep dives on other social media or influencer marketing topics.

Meta's AI 'Personas' Might Launch Next Month

Meta is developing a new line of AI-powered chatbots that mimic human-like conversations. These chatbots, called "personas," can take on different characters, such as Abraham Lincoln or a surfer-like travel adviser. 

Meta says these chatbots aim to increase user engagement on Meta platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram. Meta hopes these chatbots will provide users with a more personalized and engaging experience, making them more likely to spend time on these platforms. 

Surely nothing can go wrong with these chatbots, such as privacy concerns and the potential for addiction. However, Meta believes that the benefits of these chatbots outweigh the risks. 

Pinterest Reports Slower User Growth In Q2

Pinterest released its Q2 2023 Performance Update, report, which revealed some issues about the platform's general growth. While the platform is still expanding, it is doing so at its slowest rate yet. Pinterest attracted 2 million new members in the second quarter of this year, bringing the total to  465 million monthly active users. The most alarming aspect for Pinterest is that it is losing ground in its most crucial markets, such as the United States and Europe.

On the plus side, Pinterest's younger readership is rapidly expanding. According to the research, "In Q2, Gen Z were our largest contributor to overall engagement growth and the fastest growing cohort, growing by double digits and accounting for a larger portion of our overall mix."

While Pinterest may not outnumber the other social platforms in terms of active users, it remains a vital platform. Its huge network of people with diverse interests can assist numerous brands in reaching their target audience.

Ways to Adapt Content for Social Media

If you couldn't tell by all the latest changes to the most popular social media platforms, it's clear that these companies view social media as more of an entertainment platform than one for connection. People use social media to watch videos, listen to music, and even play games. This trend will only continue, so brands need to find ways to integrate entertainment into their social media strategies. 

Another way is through User-generated content (UGC), a powerful tool to spark entertainment and engagement. UGC is content that is created by everyday users rather than brands. This type of content is often more authentic and engaging because it feels and looks authentic.

And short-form video content continues to be the most engaging post format on social media. People are more likely to watch and share short-form videos than longer videos. This is why platforms like TikTok and post formats like Instagram Reels have succeeded.  

What You Need To Know About Threads.

It’s finally happened. Three months ago, Meta announced it was coming. And, on Thursday July 6, 2023, Meta unveiled their version of a text-based platform, the new rival to Twitter.

When the launch happened, new users didn’t enter a sparse environment, but rather a celebrity and creator-filled space. Within 18 hours of launch, 30 million new users had amassed. As of writing this on Friday, July 7, it’s now closer to 55+ million users, with Threads as the top free app on Apple’s App Store and a top trending topic on Twitter.

Here is everything we know:

Threads is a new app from the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp – the main goal per Meta is that it is a place where people can have real-time conversations.

The platform looks a lot like Twitter, with a feed of largely text-based posts — although users can also post photos and videos. It is still early – but the lingo for describing the functions within Threads is taking shape – it doesn’t hurt when Meta provides a Threads dictionary to help.

So, to clarify:

• Threads will have a 500-character limit.

• Each discussion is called a thread – so you post a thread in the app

• A post is an individual element within a thread (though some people are also referring to this as ‘threading’ or ‘stitching’)

• A shared thread is called a repost – not a ‘re-thread’ or some other variation

• Sharing someone else’s post is a quote thread

• Offers the ability to share posts from Threads directly to Instagram Stories.

How to create an account:

Thread accounts can be listed as public or private. Note: Verified Instagram accounts are automatically verified on Threads as well.

Users sign up through their Instagram accounts and keep the same username, password and account name, although they can edit their bio to be unique to Threads. Users can also import the list of accounts they follow directly from Instagram, making it super easy to get up and running on the app.

But can you leave Threads?
While users can temporarily deactivate their profiles via the settings section on the app, the fine print says that “your Threads profile can only be deleted by deleting your Instagram account.” Some users have also raised concerns about the amount of data that the Threads, like Instagram, can collect about users, including location, contacts, search history, browsing history, contact info and more, according to the Apple App Store.

Threads also include several features that make it a more engaging platform than Instagram's main app. Threads also includes a "Quick Share" feature that allows users to share photos and videos from their camera roll with their Close Friends list with just a few taps.

Threads allows users to post longer-form content in a series of tweets, which are only visible to their followers. This makes Threads a more intimate platform than Twitter, where all tweets are public by default. Threads also includes features for sharing photos and videos, polls, and questions.

Does my brand or small business need to be on Threads?

Why should brands consider using Threads? Brands should consider using Threads to connect with their most engaged followers on a more personal level. Threads can be a good way to share behind-the-scenes content, exclusive offers, and other information you don't regularly share with a broader audience. Threads can also be used to run contests and giveaways or collect customer feedback. Threads offers a number of advantages for brands, including:

• The ability to connect with a more intimate audience: Threads is a great way for brands to connect with their most engaged followers on a more personal level.

• The ability to share longer-form content: Threads allows brands to share more in-depth content with their audience, which can help to build trust and credibility.

• The ability to drive traffic to other channels: Threads can be used to promote other channels, such as a brand's website or blog.

Once on Threads, Brands should focus on creating content that is:

• Personal and relatable: Threads is a personal platform, so brands should focus on creating content that is relevant to their audience and that they can relate to.

• Visually appealing: Threads allows users to share photos and videos, so brands should make sure their content is visually appealing.

• Engaging: Brands should use polls, questions, and other interactive features to keep users engaged with their content.

And from a user behavior standpoint, brands can build relationships with their followers on Threads by:

• Responding to comments and questions: When users take the time to comment on or question a brand's content, it's important to respond promptly and thoughtfully.

• Sharing user-generated content: Brands can show their appreciation for their followers by sharing user-generated content on Threads.

• Running contests and giveaways: Contests and giveaways are a great way to engage followers and drive traffic to a brand's Threads.

Overall, Threads is a new and innovative social media platform that offers a number of advantages for brands. If you're looking for a way to connect with your most engaged followers on a more personal level, Threads is worth considering.

If you’re looking for more social media and influencer marketing news worth using, be sure to check out more of my writing. My covering my favorite social media tools to use, like GoCharlie.ai. and more deep dives on specific topics on my blog. 

Close Out July With The Social Media News You Can Use

Was it just me or did July go by very quickly? As we head into August, here is the latest social media news that you can use. This week, we’ll talk about Elon’s rebrand of Twitter into X, Zuckerberg reveals how Meta and its apps are faring, and TikTok is adding text to certain posts.

Once you’re caught up on the latest social media news in June, be sure to check out more of my writing, like covering my favorite social media tools to use, like GoCharlie.ai. and more deep dives on specific topics on my blog. 

Elon Rebrands Twitter to X 

Twitter owner Elon Musk announced that he is rebranding the company as X. The billionaire announced on Sunday that he wanted to "bid adieu to the Twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds." Musk said he crowdsourced the design and chose the letter X because it "represents the unknown and the potential." 

Musk's decision to rebrand Twitter is part of his plan to transform the company into an "everything app." He has said that he wants X to be a platform people can use for payments, news, and food orders. Musk's rebranding of Twitter has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised the new logo and the company's new direction. Others have criticized the move, saying it is unnecessary and will alienate users.  

The best part, Meta received a trademark in 2019 for its own X logo to be used across a variety of internet-related services, including social networking and digital messaging. Grab the popcorn. 

And Zuckerberg Reveals Threads Is Struggling 

In an earnings call earlier this week, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed to investors and employees how the company is faring. For several quarters now, Meta's revenue growth has slowed as the company faces increased competition from TikTok and other social media platforms.

In the second quarter, the company's advertising revenue, which accounts for the majority of its revenue, was down 4.1% year on year. And Meta's Threads debuted on July 5 and quickly gained 100 million users, according to Zuckerberg. However, several studies have found that engagement has declined since then. 

"We have a lot of work to do to really make Threads reach its full potential...Even if I believe we're off to a good start, that's not a predetermined conclusion just yet." He also stated that he is "optimistic" that Threads will become an excellent app in Meta's family of apps over time. The other four are Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and Whatsapp.  

TikTok Adds Text Posts To App

First it was Twitter (I mean, X), then Threads, and now TikTok is exploring text-focused posts. Text posts are now an option for users on everyone's favorite video app. Users can now create posts by selecting from photographs, videos, or text.

TikTok's text posts have a 1,000 character limit, but users may still add noises, location tags, stickers, and many of the other features they're used to. A text post looks quite similar to how Instagram Stories now look. And, just as with video content, other users can interact with your text content by stitching, dueting, and commenting. This text post addition comes shortly after the launch of Threads and the rebranding of Twitter to X. Learn more here.

Harness The Power Of Custom & Lookalike Audiences On Paid Social

Facebook Ads have emerged as an influential marketing tool, enabling businesses to efficiently engage their target audience and expand their reach. In this blog post, we will explore the ins and outs of leveraging Facebook Ads to maximize your marketing efforts. Additionally, we’ll delve into using Custom and Lookalike Audiences, offering valuable insights on refining your targeting strategies and connecting with a wider pool of potential customers.

By the end of this post, you will possess a thorough understanding of how to wield Facebook Ads to effectively reach and engage your target audience, bolstering your marketing endeavors.

Are you looking for more social media and influencer marketing news worth using? You can read more of my writing, covering my favorite social media tools to use, like GoCharlie.ai. and more deep dives on specific topics on my blog. 

Catch Attention With Facebook Ads!

Undoubtedly, Facebook has become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. With over three billion users, Facebook has the ability to target ads specifically to people who are likely to be interested in what you have to say, or sell. Simply put, Facebook ads are a powerful way to reach your target audience and drive sales over time.

One of the key things you need to remember when advertising on Facebook is that it's all about understanding your target audience. By leveraging its large swaths of user data, and the power of using artificial intelligence (AI), Facebook is able to predict user behavior even before they're ready to buy your product. This makes it great for the discovery phase, as you can zero in on users who may be interested in what you offer without them knowing much about your brand.

Another essential thing to remember when advertising on Facebook is that simplicity is key. You want your ad campaign to be simple enough for users to understand and interact with. Stick with boosted ads and simple headlines that are easy for users to read and understand. And finally, make use of engaging content – both static images and videos – in order to attract attention and compel users into taking action through your ad campaign. With these simple tips, you'll be working towards maximizing your reach on Facebook Ads!

Reaching Your Target Audience

But how do you reach these people? One powerful way is through advertising. With Facebook ads, you can target your audience based on a variety of factors, including custom and lookalike audiences.

Custom audiences allow you to target people with specific characteristics that match those of your own customers. For example, if you sell fitness-related products, you could create a custom audience that only includes physically active people. This would give you a more targeted pool of users from which to advertise your products or services to.

Lookalike audiences can also be very helpful in reaching your target audience. For example, let's say that you're selling lawnmowers online. You might create a lookalike audience comprised of people in the area who have lawnmowers similar to the one you're selling – in size, color, and features. This would give you an even broader reach for your ad campaign without expanding too much into territory that isn't relevant to your product or business.

Facebook ads are an extremely cost-effective way for businesses of all sizes to reach their target market. By using custom and lookalike audiences efficiently, you'll be able to reduce wasted advertising dollars while still reaching as many potential customers as possible!

In A Nutshell

Facebook Ads are a powerful tool for businesses to reach their target audiences and promote their products and services. By utilizing custom and lookalike audiences, businesses can create ads specifically tailored to the demographic they want to reach, boosting the effectiveness of their campaigns. With the right strategy, Facebook Ads can be an invaluable tool for growing your business. So take action now and start leveraging Facebook Ads for maximum success!

If you’re looking for more tips on social media, both organic and paid, you should check out my blog.