In today’s Tech News Tuesday episode, we’re talking about social media copycats. Have you noticed the different platforms copying each other? Chasing eyeballs is the name of the game.
We’ve talked a lot about the popularity of short form video and its vertical format that fills your phone screen. TikTok, Instagram and Facebook Reels, and YouTube Shorts all are promoting this format. The rise of the algorithm that selects your content for you was popularized by TikTok and YouTube, but your Facebook and Instagram feeds are increasingly based on the algorithm – what it thinks you will engage with – as opposed to your friends and followers.
Everyone Wants to Be TikTok
Facebook is copying TikTok again. They’re rolling out a new full-screen video player that looks a lot like TikTok. The new video player will give Facebook a more TikTok-like experience, making it easier for users to consume vertical video content.
Facebook and LinkedIn are hoping to copy and paste TikTok’s success to their platforms with short form video.
LinkedIn is jumping on the short-form video bandwagon too, aiming to boost engagement and discovery on their platform. It’s clear that social media giants are all trying to capture the magic of TikTok.
TikTok Photo Sharing Takes on Instagram
TikTok is gearing up to launch something big. They’re getting ready to introduce a new app called TikTok Notes, which is a photo-sharing app that could take on Instagram.
TikTok is not content with just dominating short-form video. They’re expanding into photo-sharing territory too. And considering TikTok’s massive user base, this could pose a serious challenge to Instagram.
TikTok is hoping to widen its audience base while future uncertainty looms in the background.
Could TikTok Be Banned Though?
But amidst all these changes, there’s some uncertainty looming over TikTok itself. The House recently passed legislation that could lead to a nationwide ban on TikTok if its China-based owner, ByteDance, doesn’t sell its stakes in the platform within six months.
If ByteDance doesn’t comply, TikTok could be banned from app stores and web-hosting services. It’s a precarious situation for the platform, and it remains to be seen how it will unfold.
The bottom line is this: video is more important than ever, and short form videos on social media apps are popular and can be a great way to promote your business. Remember to keep your audience in mind and work to build know, like and trust. But don’t build your entire business on rented land. Make sure you are capturing lead information so you can contact them directly.
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Links in this episode: TikTok is getting closer to launching an Instagram rival
Facebook’s new full-screen video player looks a lot like TikTok
LinkedIn is experimenting with a TikTok-like video feed in its app
Bill that could ban TikTok passed in the House. Here’s what to know
