1. Instagram is adding closed captions for feed videos
Closed captions are essential on social media at this point, and they aren’t just for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. People use them when they have the sound off, when they have trouble focusing, and more.
Instagram is enabling auto-generated closed captions on Feed videos in 17 languages. Users can turn them on and off as necessary.
2. Reels have fully launched on Facebook
Facebook Reels have been in the works for a while, but it looks like they’re now available to all users. From Meta:
- We’re launching Facebook Reels in more than 150 countries for creators around the world to grow their communities.
- To help creators earn money from Facebook Reels, we’re expanding tests of overlay ads, starting with banner and sticker ads.
- New Facebook Reels features include Remix, sharing to Facebook Stories and more.
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3. TikTok is enabling 10 minute video uploads
Vine taught us that short form videos are really tough to monetize and don’t keep the doors open. Looks like TikTok is figuring this out, too.
“We’re always thinking about new ways to bring value to our community and enrich the TikTok experience,” said a company spokesperson in a statement given to The Verge. “Last year, we introduced longer videos, giving our community more time to create and be entertained on TikTok. Today, we’re excited to start rolling out the ability to upload videos that are up to 10 minutes, which we hope would unleash even more creative possibilities for our creators around the world.”
4. Instagram officially kills IGTV
Their Pivot to Reels forced Instagram to consolidate Reels and Feed Videos into Instagram Video. The natural next step was to consolidate IGTV into that process. Here are the changes, as outlined by Instagram
- We want to help creators turn their passion into a living – this is why we’ve invested in helping creators earn through a portfolio of monetization options across Meta. We’re exploring more ways for you to earn by creating reels that entertain our community. In addition to bonuses, later this year we will begin testing a new ad experience on Instagram, which will allow creators to earn revenue from ads displayed on their reels.
- Because of our focus on Reels, In-Stream video ads (previously known as IGTV ads) will no longer be supported. Creators that are actively monetizing with In-Stream video ads will receive a temporary monthly payment based on recent earnings.
- As part of our efforts to make video as simple as possible to discover and create, we will no longer be supporting our standalone app for IGTV. Instead we will focus on having all video on the main Instagram app. We believe this makes it easier for people to have all these features and abilities in the main app, and are excited to continue to simplify and improve video in the main Instagram app over the coming months.
5. LinkedIn Podcast Network?
This is interesting. They’re diving further into the podcast world.
The shows, unsurprisingly, are geared toward a professional audience. They focus on areas including understanding tech, managing mental health and explaining the hiring process. Reid Hoffman, the co-founder and executive chairman of LinkedIn, will co-host a podcast about personal entrepreneurship called The Start-Up of You that will premiere this spring.
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