Twitter App Spotlight, Instagram Advertising Options, and more of what's making news in the Social Media Marketing world.
Twitter App Spotlight and Timeline Install Actions
Twitter has plans to marry mobile and apps with new Timeline Install Actions.
After rolling out App Install Cards to the masses in mid-2015, Twitter introduced App Spotlight at its Twitter Flight developers conference. App Spotlight allows a brands app to be featured on their timeline (similar to pinning a tweet to the top of your timeline), giving users the option to install the app right from the timeline without leaving that timeline.
While this feature is still in testing, we're excited for the possibilities of more seamlessly integrated mobile experiences like this.
Instagram: Expanded Advertising Options
While still in its infancy, Instagram advertising options are expanding rapidly.
New for 2016 are promoted posts.
Unlike other Instagram ads, which automatically feature a call-to-action button in the bottom right, promoted posts function like a native post, aimed at engagement on the platform rather than directing users to a website or app install. Instagram promoted posts are the perfect option when all you want is that double tap! However, we're still waiting on a follower growth option...hint hint Facebook.
LinkedIn Hubspot Photo Scheduling
While previously only available on Buffer, Hubspot now offers the option to add a photo to your scheduled LinkedIn updates.
Swapping out a link preview for a photo means your update takes up more real estate space on viewers feeds, which means an increase in both engagement and visibility. Although a seemingly small update, this social media marketer got a little giddy when that extra option was added to the dropdown menu!
Hand-Picked Related Articles:
- How to Promote Your Content on Instagram
- Why Drive People To Facebook or Twitter Instead Of Your Blog
- How To Auto-Post To Social Networks From WordPress
* Lead image adapted from greyweed
This was a nice little catch-me-up, thanks Jennifer!
I do like seeing improved integration for promotional content. Having in-line install buttons on Twitter and promoted posts on Instagram feels like a(n albeit small) stepping stone toward a more unified interface/experience for social, and mobile could really use a lot more of these small tweaks/features.
I’d be curious to see performance metrics for B2C vs. B2B, though…I know that in my own browsing, I tend to treat native-like content more kindly when it’s aimed at me, personally. Even though I tend to like seeing B2B ads (whether for inspiration, ideas, new opportunities), I feel like I’m more receptive to B2B when it’s overt and obvious.
For example, I think I’d almost miss seeing a CTA button on an Instagram post if it were promoting some cloud collaboration tool for teams/business, but I VERY much would prefer to see a native post promoting some entrepreneur’s artisanal engraved cheese Etsy shop (or whathaveyou) that I can just appreciate with the rest of my feed.
Curious if that’s consistent with expected/measured behaviour industry-wide — is there a performance difference for B2C/B2B promotions that use native app behaviour?
Or does that data even exist?
Lots to think about, thanks again!
Dan