Putting it out there
Managing Social Media is Hard Enough — Staying Up to Date Shouldn't Be.
Actress Reese Witherspoon ran into a tough crowd on Twitter last week, after tweeting: "In the (near) future, every person will have a parallel digital identity. Avatars, crypto wallets, digital goods will be the norm. Are you planning for this?" Some suggested she was just trying to hawk NFTs or cryptocurrency. But if we want to learn more about what she meant, we may have to wait for another tweet. Tech journalist Kara Swisher, host of the podcast Sway, says she'd love to talk to RW, but so far, no luck on booking an interview.
Here are today's top stories:
Hitting 'record' on 60 days of videos
Instagram tests vertical scrolling
Wendy's turns up the flame for #NationalRoastDay
And this is how much YouTube's top content creator made in 2021
Read on ⬇️
Let's experiment 😬
I’ve talked to many business owners and organizational leaders who say they absolutely hate posting video of themselves on social media. And if I’m being honest, I’m one of them.
In fact, there is really only one thing that can really make me sweat, and that is clicking “record” with the camera directed at my face. I know, I know... I manage social media for brands, and have for years. But that's so much easier! I don't have to show up personally in any way.
However, I realize that making my own videos and putting myself out there is an important skill, and one that many business owners struggle with. So I'm going to do a little experiment.
The Details
Goals: To learn how to get more comfortable posting videos of myself on social media.
Timing: Every day for the next 60 days, I'm going to share a video of myself on my personal Instagram account (@sandramuir). If you follow @thesocialplatypus, you'll also notice more videos there.
Content: I'll share tips on running a business and marketing, as well as some of my personal interests (aka, travel) and, of course, social media news and tips.
Measurement: On the quantitative side, I'll measure reach, engagement, and followers. On the qualitative side, I'll take note of comments, and monitor how I feel personally feel about the whole process.
What Happens at the End?
At this point, I wish I could say I'll never have to post again. 😂 But after this experiment ends on March 17, 2022, I'll share all of my results here, in the newsletter. If there is anything in particular that you would like me to include in my results, feel free to email me at hello@thesocialplatypus.com.
I know that I'll make mistakes. But I also know I'll learn a lot. And hopefully I'll be able to share some tips that help others.
See you on Instagram!
SOCIAL SNACKS
Instagram Tests Vertical Scrolling in Stories: Report
It was only a matter of time before Instagram began testing vertical scrolling for Stories. The feature, made popular by TikTok, was noticed by users in Turkey, according to social media consultant Matt Navarra, as reported by 9to5Mac. This latest news comes just one week after Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri tweeted about how the company is testing three different views on your home screen: Home, Favourites and Followers. Expect more testing this year at the Meta-owned company attempts to stop the exodus to TikTok.
How to Be Safe(r) on Facebook
Facebook has just released a list of Safety Tips for Journalists. But honestly, most of these tips also apply to businesses and organizations (and all of us). Here they are:
Follow best practices when creating a strong password, and consider using a password manager
Turn on alerts about unrecognized logins
Turn on two-factor authentication
Use Security Checkup to manage your account's security settings
Manage your presence on profiles and Pages by managing what you post
Control your location in posts
Use messaging services like WhatsApp, which offer end-to-end encryption
Block harassers on Facebook and Messenger
Report abusive content and behaviour
Have a plan in case your account gets hacked (which is why two-factor authentication is so important)
Managing social media is hard enough — staying up-to-date shouldn't be. Level up your social media knowledge in minutes a week. Sign up for our newsletter today!
ICYMI
🔴 Twitter announces that anyone on Android or iOS can now record on Spaces [Twitter Support]
🔴 Snapchat releases new messaging tools [Snapchat blog]
🔴 TikTok saw $2.3 billion in consumer spending in 2021, up 77% year over year [Sensor Tower]
🔴 Facebook faces $3.2B UK class action over market dominance [CNN]
$54 MILLION
That's how much the top YouTube content creator, Mr. Beast, made in 2021, according to a Forbes article on the highest-paid YouTube stars. The top 10 content creators in YouTube's rich list — who made a total of about $300 million in 2021 — include two kids under 10, Nastya (#6) and Ryan Kaji (#7). Also on the list are controversial brothers Jake Paul (#2) and Logan Paul (#9).
ROAST-LIKE
Wendy's Keeps it Fresh (and Flaming)
I want to give a big shoutout to the social media manager of the @Wendys Twitter account for another epic #NationalRoastDay. Every Jan. 12, the fast-food hamburger chain invites brands and influencers — and really, anyone — to opt in to be roasted. This year's responses did not disappoint. Here are a few of the best examples.
HAPPY-LIKE
Spring is Just 63 Days Away
Yes, today is Blue Monday, also known as the most depressing day of the year (and not to be confused with Blue Monday by New Order). It's cold, dark, and just at the point when most New Year's resolutions have failed to ignite.
But today also would have been Betty White's 100th birthday, and there is nothing sad about the woman who played Rose Nyland. Here are five ways to celebrate Betty White on what would have been her birthday. And I'm sure if you jump on social, you'll see some inspiring and heartwarming.
If all else fails, there's always today's Wordle.
Have a good week, friends. 💕
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