Today's special
It was a pretty quiet week on social media, tbh. But there was some buzz around Apple's potential "special announcement" later this week for a new Apple Music Hi-Fi streaming experience, and potentially AirPods 3. Stay tuned...
In today's news:
WYNTK about special effects
Messaging apps are throwing shade
And this is a great way to use social media
Read on ⬇️
Just a heads up: Next week's newsletter will arrive in your inbox on Tuesday, May 25th.
So special
It's been a long pandemic, but these special effects may just help us with our COVID funk. Here's the latest...
AR is alright
There's never been a better time to use Augmented Reality (AR), according to a recent study published by Snapchat. For one reason, people like it because it's just fun. But more than that — if you're a brand that uses AR to sell a product, it can result in a 94% conversion rate. This is backed up by other research. In a January report from Pinterest, the company suggests that using AR to allow users to "Try On" makeup results in 5X higher purchase intent. COVID likely accelerated our adoption of contactless AR, but it's clear it's here to stay.
Green screen magic
In case you're not familiar with TikTok's Duet feature, it allows you to record your own video alongside another creator's video (which Instagram copied in March with Reels Remix). Well, now TikTok has taken Duet one step further by introducing a Green Screen Duet, which allows you to superimpose your video over another creator's video. You can find examples here. (Instagram — it's your go 😏).
Authentic works too
TikTok may be ramping up its Duet feature, but it's also partnering with Dove for a new campaign called #NoDigitalDistortion. This is a body positive campaign that aims to encourage people not to use any special effects to enhance their natural beauty. Need some inspiration? Here you go!
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NEWS-LIKE
🔴 Instagram will soon let users post from its website [9to5Mac]
🔴 TikTok is reportedly pulling a Facebook and adding in-app shopping [The Verge]
🔴 YouTube introduces a Shorts Fund for creators [YouTube]
🔴 Clubhouse to launch Android app worldwide in a week [TechCrunch]
APP-LIKE
Messenging Apps Throw Shade
The WhatsApp messaging app (owned by Facebook) set a May 15 deadline for accepting an updated privacy policy. But the company has had a tough time trying to explain to users what has, and hasn't, changed. In a recent tweet, WhatsApp tried to assure everyone that it can't see your personal messages. But rival messaging app Signal (started by one of the cofounders of WhatsApp, coincidentally) responded to the tweet by throwing some shade, and encouraging people to "switch to privacy."
And honestly, WhatsApp should be a bit worried. According to mobile app analytics firm, SensorTower, ever since the privacy policy controversy erupted earlier this year, downloads of rival messaging apps such as Signal and Telegram, spiked by as much as 1,200%, while mobile installs of WhatsApp have decreased.
As for the privacy policy deadline, WhatsApp is allowing a grace period. We'll see if that makes a difference.
INSPIRED-LIKE
Using Social Media for Good
Is it just me, or is Gen Z amazing?! At least, nine-year-old Licypriya Kangujam is. A climate activist, Kangujam is not only using her savings and award money from her climate work to buy oxygen concentrators for COVID-ravaged India — she's also using her large social media following to help collect donations to send oxygen concentrators directly to families in India. You can find her on Twitter @LicypriyaK.
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