The OMD gals are back with the latest digital updates. This week we see Facebook make a BIG change, shifting its targeting to a younger demographic. Google shuts down its chat options in business listings and TikTok launches an Ads manager guide. You won’t want to miss this. Get scrolling for the hot goss!

What’s new with Meta?

Facebook shifts its target audience

We all have heard that Facebook is known to be targeted towards an ‘older’ demographic. But, in their newest ‘Future of Facebook post’ they have announced that they are shifting its focus to attract younger users, aiming to revitalise its platform by appealing to teens and young adults. They emphasised that Facebook will prioritise content and features relevant to this demographic, even if it means alienating older users. Key updates include enhanced video content and more interactive features tailored to younger audiences.

We are curious to see how users will adapt their content to this update and how it will impact account results and interactions.

Want to take Facebook strategy off your hands? Book a free 20-minute-chat here and never worry Meta updates again.

What’s new with Instagram?

Instagram updates its notes features

Brief status updates are no more because Instagram has introduced some brand new features to its Notes, allowing for even more communication within the app.

Key updates:

• Notes Prompts: Users can now post questions, polls, or statements to encourage interaction among friends and followers.
• Notes Likes: This feature allows users to like Notes, providing a simple way to show appreciation.
• @ Mentions: Users can mention friends directly in their Notes

For business owners, leveraging these features could help increase engagement and foster a closer connection with their audience, especially younger users who are more likely to use these features​.

👀 Tests spotted on Instagram this week:

• Instagram is testing a new feature that integrates trending memes into reels, allowing users to add popular, animated meme elements to their videos as part of its strategy to boost original content creation and interaction.
• Instagram has been spotted testing an “Early Access” feature, allowing users to try experimental tools before launch, likely as part of Meta’s “Meta Verified” subscription for exclusive, early access to new features.

Want to take Instagram off your hands? Book a free 20-minute-chat here and have a months worth of content scheduled at all time, your comments replied to and NEVER have to struggle with content ideas again!

What’s new with Google?

Google is shutting down its chat options from business listings

Google has announced that it will be removing the chat and call history features from Google Business Listings. This change will take effect on July 31, 2024, with the chat initiation feature being disabled from July 15, 2024. This decision comes as part of Google’s effort to streamline its business tools, as the chat feature did not gain significant popularity, partly due to the requirement for businesses to respond within 24 hours​. 

Recommendation for Business Owners: If your business has been using the chat feature, ensure to download and save your chat and call history before July 31. Consider integrating other communication tools to maintain customer engagement and responsiveness.

What’s new with TikTok?

TikTok releases an Ads manager platform guide

A TikTok Ad guide? Yep, TikTok has released a new guide for its Ad Manager platform, providing a comprehensive overview of creating and managing ad campaigns effectively. This 53-page guide covers everything from setting up ad accounts to optimising campaign performance.

Key updates:

• Comprehensive Campaign Setup: Detailed steps for creating and managing ads.
• Budget and Bidding Strategies: Tips on setting and optimising ad budgets.
• Performance Monitoring: Real-time analytics for tracking ad effectiveness.

Recommendation for Business Owners: Utilise this guide to maximise your ad campaigns on TikTok, ensuring you leverage the platform’s targeting and engagement tools to reach a broader audience and drive business results.

TikTok launches live giveaway feature

TikTok now allows users to create live giveaways, provided they have published at least 10 pieces of content in the past 30 days. This feature aims to boost engagement by incentivising content creation and audience interaction during live sessions.

Recommendation for Business Owners: Leverage this feature to increase follower engagement and promote your brand through the interactive component.

👀 Tests spotted on TikTok this week:

• Is TikTok copying Snapchat? TikTok is testing a new feature called DM streaks, which, similar to Snapchat’s, rewards users for maintaining daily messaging interactions, aiming to encourage more frequent app usage by gamifying the messaging experience.

Struggling to get results with TikTok? Book a free 20-minute-chat here and we’ll prepare a strategic content calendar, along with direction for filming, editing all of your TikTok’s, posting and community management. And we provide a monthly report so you can see exactly how it’s contributing to the bigger picture.

What’s new with LinkedIn?

LinkedIn updates link previews

LinkedIn has made updates to its link previews in organic posts, including smaller images and streamlined formatting. This change aims to create a more cohesive and less cluttered feed experience. 

Key updates include:

• Smaller Images in Link Previews: Thumbnails are now smaller to encourage users to focus on the content.
• Optimised Layout: A more consistent look for link previews to enhance readability and engagement.

Recommendation for Business Owners: Adjust your content strategy to ensure that link previews are visually appealing and concise, leveraging the new format to maintain professional aesthetics and boost engagement

Well, a whole lot of fun updates this week with Facebook shifting their audience targeting, updates on insta as always, and google removing the chat feature. Feel free to sign up for our weekly summary here so you never miss the best updates. AND don’t forget, if you do miss out you can always go back to last weeks blog posts here.

XOXO

OMD SQUAD