In today’s Tech News Tuesday episode, we’re talking about the latest updates from Meta, focusing on Facebook’s shift to attract young adults, Instagram’s testing of unskippable ads, and the platform’s push for more algorithm-driven content.
Facebook Wants to Win Back Young Adults
Facebook is once again trying to appeal to young adults. Tom Alison, who heads up the Facebook app at Meta, recently stated that the platform is undergoing significant changes to target younger users. This isn’t the first time Meta has tried this, but they seem more determined than ever to make Facebook the go-to platform for young adults.
Facebook is now focusing on a discovery-based feed, much like TikTok’s “For You” page, instead of just posts from friends. They’re leveraging AI to improve recommendations, especially for Reels and other content on the feed.
This shift is a bid to make Facebook more appealing to the next generation of social media users. It’s interesting how Meta is adapting to stay relevant. They’ve seen some growth in young adult usage in the US and Canada, but there’s still a long way to go to capture this audience fully.
Unskippable Ads on Instagram
Instagram is testing a new feature that’s causing quite a stir—unskippable ads. These ads will appear in your feed with a countdown timer, preventing users from browsing more content until they view the ad.
This makes Instagram similar to the free version of YouTube, where users have to watch ads before continuing their videos. It’s a move to drive more value for advertisers, but it might affect the user experience. Reactions have been mixed, with many users expressing frustration over this potential new feature.
Meta is testing how far they can push monetization on Instagram without driving users away.
It’s a bold move by Instagram, especially since they’ve been shifting towards a video-sharing network with features like Stories and Reels. They’re likely testing how far they can push monetization without driving users away.
It’s a balancing act between providing value to advertisers and maintaining a positive user experience.
Private Shares are a Factor in Instagram Algorithm
Instagram is also emphasizing algorithm-driven content more than ever to increase engagement. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, mentioned that “sends” or “shares” are now a critical factor in how content is ranked. The idea is that content shared privately among friends tends to be healthier and more engaging.
Mosseri’s insights suggest that private engagement is becoming more significant on Instagram. For instance, if you send a video to a friend, it indicates that the content is valuable and engaging. This approach helps keep the platform interactive and less prone to negative content.
Sends and shares are a critical factor in how content is ranked.
This is definitely an opportunity to experiment a bit with not just getting likes and engagement on your posts and reels, but encouraging users to share with their friends.
Making engaging, shareable content that is relevant to your ideal audience is something businesses should be focusing on to get the best return on the time you spend on your digital marketing efforts.
Do you prefer to listen in? Here’s our podcast:
Links in this episode: Instagram confirms test of ‘unskippable’ ads
Meta says the future of Facebook is young adults (again)
Instagram Chief Shares Insights Into Its Algorithms, Creator Monetization and More
