Instagram rolls out Pinned Comments feature to everyone After Instagram first announced that it was testing the option back in May, the platform has today confirmed that all users can now get up to three Pinned comments within their post-interaction streams. Instagram’s VP of Product, Vishal Shah, took to Twitter to announce that you can now pin a few (of what will likely be your favorite) comments to the top of the comments thread on your posts. Today we’re rolling out pinned comments everywhere 📌 That means you can a…
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Twitter New plans on deleting inactive accounts
Are you inactive on Twitter and still plan on being on the app? Then you better watch out and keep an eye on your account because Twitter plans on deleting the inactive accounts. Consider being active in order to save your account. Earlier last week, Twitter said that it would in this coming month begin removing inactive accounts from their platform. But the company then walked back on that promise because of an uproar, particularly from those who had deceased relatives with inactive accounts and wanted to have some way…
Read MoreFacebook-owned Instagram to allow users to apply for new verification
Users will soon apply for verification on Instagram as the social media giant platform rolls out a number of new features aimed at increasing transparency and engagement. Instagram said it was rolling out the feature locally to clear the air around its verification process which had become the centrepiece of several conspiracy theories including paid-for blue badges and fake influencer accounts. “Our community asked us for more transparency around this issue, and with today’s announcement we’re sharing clear details about verification requirements and eligibility criteria,” Instagram’s strategic partner manager APAC,…
Read MoreGermany’s Flawed New Social Media Laws
The new German law that compels social media companies to remove hate speech and other illegal content can lead to unaccountable, overboard censorship and should be promptly reversed, Human Rights Watch said. The law sets a dangerous precedent for other governments looking to restrict speech online by forcing companies to censor on the government’s behalf. Governments and the public have valid concerns about the proliferation of illegal or abusive content online, but the new Ger“man law is fundamentally flawed,” said Wenzel Michalski, Germany director at Human Rights Watch. “It is…
Read MoreLinkedIn opens video uploads to all
Video is the name of the game in social networking. If you’ve been on LinkedIn recently, you may have noticed that some users are making and sharing videos, basically turning the social network into a more professional version of YouTube or Facebook Live. Following this initial testing period, video will soon be available to all users. On iOS and Android, the LinkedIn app is getting a “video” button that will let you record a new video or upload one you’ve already taken. The new feature will be available to many…
Read MoreYouTube bans ‘hateful’ videos from making money
YouTube has announced tougher guidelines on hate content in videos, strengthening its response to three categories. Following a backlash around brand advertising on controversial content, the social media platform is making a move to clean up which videos are part of its ad network. It first promised to take action in March, ensuring that hateful content cannot be monetized. The move was in response to an ad boycott after major brands found their ads embedded in – or appearing alongside – offensive videos. The Google-owned platform has updated the guidelines that govern…
Read MoreSnapchat acquires social map app Zenly to allow users to track their friends
Snapchat has acquired Zenly, a French startup that makes a social map so people can see where their friends are hanging out, for $200m in cash plus additional stock awards. Zenly’s app lets users see where their friends currently are on a map using constant GPS in the background. People can then message these friends in the app to make plans to hang out. Snap Inc. will however allow Zenly to run somewhat autonomously. Zenly has said that its product updates will be the main drivers of user growth, which slowed…
Read MoreDoctors warn against internet, gaming disorders in UAE
Medical professionals in the UAE are warning that addiction to smartphones and technology among young people can be as powerful as addiction to gambling and drugs, with its own host of health and psychological problems. In many developed nations – the UAE included – it isn’t uncommon to see young children on a tablet or smartphone, with their parents besides them seemingly oblivious to any potential health risks. “Mental health risks of increasing addiction to technology are clear and present,” said Dr Binu George, Consultant Paediatrician (paediatric neurodevelopment and neurodisability)…
Read MoreTwitter to broadcast live video 24 hours a day
Twitter is making a play to dominate even more of your time by streaming live video around the clock. The social networking platform is hoping to land deals for streaming pay TV channels on its site and apps. Users have to subscribe to existing TV service for this to work, but it would be much more powerful. “We will definitely have 24 hours a day content on the platform,” Twitter’s Anthony Noto said during an extensive interview about the company’s live video strategy last week. “Our goal is to be…
Read MoreInstagram on Android gets offline mode
Instagram has announced that android users can now be able to use the photo-sharing app offline. Much of this functionality is now available on Android, which is the preferred device type in the developing world. More will come in the following months, and Instagram tells me its exploring an iOS version. Instagram engineer Hendri says offline users will be able to see content previously loaded in Instagram’s feed. People can leave comments, Like things, save media, or unfollow people — all of which will go through when they reconnect. Profiles…
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