Instagram Recommends Posts and Facebook Watch Goes Global

1
Sep 2018

Social media platforms like Twitter and Google are cracking down on unauthentic accounts. Meanwhile, Instagram begins its test on recommended posts, and Facebook Watch goes global. Here’s what’s trending in social media this week.

 

Facebook, Twitter, and Google Remove Fraudulent Accounts

neon google sign through windowFacebook, Twitter, and Google recently deleted hundreds of accounts, groups, and pages led by Iran and Russia that were pushing geopolitical agendas. It was uncovered by the cybersecurity firm FireEye as a result of four ongoing influence campaigns. According to the firm, the campaign was aimed at users in the United States, Britain, Latin America, and Middle East. There have been concerns that these activities may have influenced midterm elections in the United States in November, but the firm confirmed that it did not appear to be “dedicated to influencing the election.”

 

Facebook responded in its blog: “These were networks of accounts that were misleading people about who they were and what they were doing,” CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a call with reporters. “We ban this kind of behavior because authenticity matters. People need to be able to trust the connections they make on Facebook.”

 

Instagram Tests Recommended Posts

Instagram is exploring a new way for you to see content you might like based on people you follow and the content you engage with.  After you’ve seen everything new from the people you follow, a “Recommended For You” option is shown. Users can then view past posts or keep scrolling for those recommendations.

 

According to Instagram, it’s hoping to make revisions and receive feedback from the people who got a sneak peek at this feature.  The platform hopes to roll it out to the entire Instagram community shortly. Instagram aims to make it the “best place to share and connect with people and interest that matters most to you.” How do you feel about these recommended posts?

 

Facebook Watch Goes Global

On August 29th, Facebook launched its Watch feature globally making it easier for video content to be discovered. Originally launching in the US last year, Facebook Watch saw more than 50 million people in the US watch at least a minute. A personalized Watch feed will host videos you’ve saved from your News Feed, recent videos from Pages you follow, and videos that your friends have liked.

 

Over time, you will be able to find new videos experienced in Watch, like Watch parties, premieres, and videos focused on audience participation.  Facebook will also update its Ad Breaks program so that partners can make money from their videos and view insights in Creator Studio. This is an amazing opportunity for creators and brands to get their content out to a wider audience.

 

If videos are not a part of your Facebook marketing strategy, it should be. Join our Social Media Help Desk, as we discuss topics like this every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. PT (3:30 p.m. ET) on Facebook Live.

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