TikTok Is Now Providing Creators With Notifications Whenever Their Videos Are Added To An Individual’s Favorites Tab

TikTok has added a new feature via which creators will now be informed whenever their videos are bookmarked as Favorites by other users.

There’s a marked difference between liking a video and bookmarking it as a favorite, and it all boils down to intent. Liking a video means conveying to the creator that you as an individual enjoyed their content, and is expressly acknowledged as a very public act (for social media platforms anyways). There’s no ambiguity present; to like a video is to actively vouch for the creator and their content. Favoring content, however, means that the user in question has saved a particular video on the platform, to be watched later, shown to others, and so on.

This, in turn, is private, i.e. no one else is notified of a TikTok being added to someone’s Favorites tab. This can be quite freeing as users can add videos that they haven’t seen, take note of them later when they have time, and thus choose whether or not they like the video as well. It’s a well-executed one-two punch that doesn’t put pressure on users to immediately like a creator’s content.

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Or, rather, that used to be the case since TikTok has effectively changed this policy for no provided reason. A simple guess can postulate that developers did so to provide the short-form video content platform’s creator base with yet another way to measure engagement metrics online. This could provide an upgraded sense of QoL (quality of life) for the creators since they can map how well videos are performing much more accurately. However, this also comes at the loss of user privacy, since the new feature not only informs a creator of their video being saved to Favorites but also provides the username of the individual who did so.

TikTok may be an online platform, which in and of itself lends all users a certain sense of anonymity, but even online ecosystems need to establish modicum of privacy and security for their respective communities. I’m sure this feature won’t be particularly well received, simply because there’s already a provided mechanic via which users can share their appreciation of a TikTok with its creator in the form of the like button; providing any further information is both superfluous and undermines the user’s wishes to keep certain information to themselves.

H/T: Matt Navarra

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Apple Plans To Add New Ad Slots On Its App Store To Help Expand Its Ad Business

At the start of this year, we heard Apple announcing how keen it was to expand its ad business. This would be done by incorporating a series of ad slots across its App Store. And while we didn’t have any other details, the sound of the project was definitely interesting.

There was not a lot of information on when those slots would actually come into play for developers to utilize them. But now, we’ve got some important news thanks to a new report by CNBC that sheds more light on the topic.

The report speaks about Apple putting its plans into action by the year-end. Similarly, a lot of emphases was also put on how a few developers even received invites from the tech giant on Tuesday to take part in a webinar.

This was centered around the concept of App Store ads. There was also a line or two about how ad placements would take place across the iOS App Store, just in time for the holiday season.

One developer for the app Mobile Dev Memo even went public with his invite through his account on Twitter. And he says the webinar will occur on September 21.

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The invite was short and sweet and it shed light on how there were plenty of new opportunities to avail across the Apple Search Ads. And they hoped more and more developers would come forward and make use of the app’s new launch which is more or less a promotional strategy,

So in case, you all are wondering, the App Store already has its fair share of ads. But developers do get the chance to market their apps across the company’s search option and also in the search results. So what’s new?

Well, developers will now be given the chance to purchase slots for their ads across their ‘Today’ homepage as seen on separate app pages.

Apple isn’t keen on developers targeting a particular application when they’re bidding for the placement of a product ad and its order. But the tech giant revealed that its suggestions for ads are going to be extremely relevant for every page. Therefore, users will get the chance to witness ads belonging to archrivals across various app pages.

The decision is one that we feel couldn’t have come at a better time. The firm is busy investing to raise its revenue for a number of different services. Moreover, the firm also spoke about how the App Store’s ads are a fantastic chance for developers to rise to the occasion and promote various applications while making sure their users’ privacy is guarded.

But remember, the company’s advertising practices are currently under scrutiny too. And that’s after it made it harder for third parties to offer ads to targeted audiences.

One recent report even shed light on how the company’s ATT offering has resulted in a dramatic 40% rise in its own in-app purchases. And that’s not good as developers are already struggling.

H/T: Eric Seufert

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

81% of Consumers Are Changing Spending Habits According to This Study

Consumer behavior is notoriously unpredictable, but a new study has revealed that industry fears are coming true. This study was conducted by Future Publishing, and it revealed some of the biggest changes that are occurring in consumer spending because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up helping brands to weather the inflationary cycle. 87% of consumers who participated in this survey stated that they are concerned by inflation, and this is resulting in a massive shift in their spending habits.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that 41% of consumers plan to change their spending habits drastically. A further 40% stated that they are making slight changes, and only 14% confirmed that their spending habits would remain the same. The biggest spending cuts will be for non-essential goods, but in spite of the fact that this is the case 58% of consumers who are reducing spending said that they will go back to normal once inflation is under control.

The pandemic resulted in a mark decrease in consumer spending, and this helped 73% of consumers save more than might have been the case otherwise. That has resulted in 69% of consumers saying that their savings will help them survive this period of inflation, although 62% said that they fear these savings will be diminished due to essential purchases. Interestingly, 48% stated that they plan to use these savings on non-essential goods, so the market is not quite as dry as some may have feared.

43% of consumers will be maintaining their current lifestyle by dipping into their savings with all things having been considered and taken into account. Inflation is also not dampening consumer excitement about the upcoming holiday season, although 74% said that they would be waiting for Black Friday deals and discounts.

Brands might need to meet consumers halfway here. 35% expect some concessions in exchange for brand loyalty, and 38% are looking forward to potential price slashing to facilitate an increased volume of sales in the short term.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

WhatsApp Is Planning On Allowing Users To Edit Messages, And Also Blacklist Specific Contacts From Viewing Their Online Statuses

WhatsApp code reveals that coveted features such as hiding one’s online status from specific individuals and the ability to edit messages are currently under beta development.

As a part of the social media platform’s 2.22.20.9 beta (although very limited individuals have encountered this feature in the 2.22.20.7 build as well), WhatsApp is allowing users to hide their online status from select individuals. This is honestly such a useful feature that acknowledges just how much WhatsApp as a platform has grown. Since the social media site relies on a user’s number to add contacts, it has become a hodge-podge of discourse both casual and professional. While this makes things much easier in many ways, in others it can be a bit of a hassle.

As of yet, users can choose to hide their online status from everyone in their contact list, but I’m sure that some individuals would prefer simply blacklisting a specific set of contacts instead of everyone. That’s where this new feature rolls in, allowing users to hide their current status from specific users, thus gaining a semblance of control over how their virtual life on the platform is led. Honestly, I can see this feature taking root because it’s very difficult to lead a balanced online life when everyone from one’s friends, family, and coworkers can access you via the same platform.

The second feature on our list is also a very interesting one, even if I’m not fully certain about whether or not it’ll be implemented in the future. While this isn’t part of any beta, since the feature is in very early development, a screenshot from WABetaInfo reveals that the planned feature of editing one’s messages has made it onto the desktop version of WhatsApp.

Editing messages is a feature that social media platforms typically don’t have, reserving this for comment sections, posts, and such. However, WhatsApp is attempting to tread new ground by allowing users to edit their messages outright. Sure, if users can delete messages within the first few seconds of sending them, why not allow them the ability to just edit out the mistakes (both intentional and unintentional)? WhatsApp previously discussed applying this feature to the platform’s smartphone version and is still confident enough in it to continue with a desktop version.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Google In Trouble As Two Major Lawsuits Accusing Firm Of Anti-Competitive Conduct Arise

Google has been slammed with legal action coming it's way from both the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Two major lawsuits accusing the tech giant of anti-competitive behavior have arisen and the cost of damages entails a whopping 25 billion Euros, which is around 19.5 billion pounds.

The major governing bodies claim to have enough evidence that proves how Google has been involved in unfair practices that would be nothing less than abusing its leading position in today’s advertisement tech market.

Two separate cases have been filed, one from the Netherlands and the other linked to the UK and they’ll be making their way to the company soon, perhaps in the next two weeks. The move has been carried out by publishers who wish to seek compensation through the tech giant for its behavior.

But the news has also made so many other trust regulators aware and forced them to scrutinize Google further for such behavior after receiving all sorts of complaints. Hence, many anti-trust regulators have sprung into action ever since news about the lawsuits went viral.

The British wish to seek compensation from Google for websites portraying banner ads. And if they’re successful, it could mean a hugely diverse group gets compensated including the likes of the biggest names in the media industry and even those operating on a smaller scale that produces original content.

The report from the British Competition Tribunal also stated that anyone that does not wish to take part in the lawsuit may choose to opt-out. But many experts in the country feel the lawsuit is a must because it could be seeing the tech giant making an alteration to its practices.

Many people now have the feeling that Google is taking advantage of its leading position in the industry, especially when it comes down to ad technology. Hence, if not controlled at the right time, it could be extremely damaging as estimates of loss have stated to include nearly 7 billion pounds.

Those affected are some of the biggest names in the media industry that have huge readerships. At the same time, others that have been said to be affected include the likes of thousands of small-scale businesses that solely depend upon advertising as their main source of revenue. And when you actually come to think of it, these things don’t come easy or cheap.

Laying out content and then publishing it via blogs or websites is hard work so the anger is justified in this case against Google. The news comes as the UK’s watchdog for competition has also begun its investigations related to Google’s ad practices and its powerful role in the industry.

On the other hand, there is much chit-chat about the Dutch case. This has been stated as being open to so many publishers in the European market that has been affected by the search engine giant’s behavior.

It’s a collective claim sought out by law firms from the Netherlands such as Stek that have collaborated with Geradin Partners to bring out their case and reservations against Google.

They feel the case is important so that people that have been affected are rightly compensated and also so such behavior is prevented from occurring in the future.

Interestingly, both lawsuits are getting their funding from the UK’s litigation firm Harbour. It’s a private entity that pays legal expenses and assists in managing the associated costs and any risks associated. In return, they wish to get at least a fixed share of the amount received, when the case is successful.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Meta Is Planning To Launch ‘Community Chats’ On Facebook Groups And Messenger

Meta’s CEO was reported mentioning today how Community Chats are coming to its Facebook Groups and Messenger apps.

This feature enables large groups to not only organize their chats into separate categories but avail an array of other interesting features. Examples include adding audio/video channels to help better any discussions that occur in real-time. Similarly, users can benefit from chats involving admin members only. And lastly, you get to benefit from event chats.

Similar to Discord, this feature is designed to add a great amount of convenience as it makes it so much simpler to keep a track of chats involving all sorts of people out there.

Zuckerberg mentioned in his blog post that Community Chats are a great and innovative way to communicate with all those individuals who have similar interests as you.

As a whole, around one billion individuals make use of the Messenger app to chat with friends, and soon, users will also be given the chance to avail community chats across Facebook Groups and also through Messenger.

Just like the manner by which Facebook Groups behave, community chats are designed to go above and beyond your usual friend's circle. For instance, if you’re a home cook who adores sharing recipes with the world, you can go ahead and join the Women who Cook group and benefit from interesting chats.

And the fact that most of these people that you’re chatting with are complete strangers means you’ve got nothing to worry about as the company plans on including moderation tools.

This way, admins get full control of adding, removing and even blocking messages and group members involved in shady behavior. Similarly, there will also be an admin assistant feature up for grabs where admins get the chance to enable automated moderation via customized criteria.

Things like this are great when you happen to be starting a generalized chat and don’t wish to have anyone drop the f-bomb into your conversation. Simply ban the word and won’t appear.

The feature can be enabled through both Facebook Groups or your Messenger app- the choice is all yours. As far as testing is concerned, Meta has just begun and it hopes to launch the feature to groups in the next few weeks.

We’d also like to mention how Meta has similarly been seen adding quite a few features to its messenger application that is so similar to Discord or even Slack. This includes its @everyone feature. And we’re sure there’s plenty more in store from where that came from so do keep a lookout.

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Instagram is internally testing "Gifts," a new monetization tool for its creators

Instagram, one of the most popular social networks and photo-sharing apps, has internally been testing Gifts. This in-app purchasing option would let creators sell physical goods to followers. Instagram revealed it has been testing this feature over the past few months with a few creators in the US, and it will soon be available to all people with a verified business account on Instagram.

Over time, Instagram plans to expand its product offerings beyond physical goods to include experiences. A few months ago, the results of our global consumer survey revealed that over 60% of people would be more likely to follow brands on social media if there was an incentive. We surveyed over 10,000 consumers in 15 countries and wanted to see what they said about Instagram's new service, Gifts. Instagram likes to grow its ecosystem. To do that, they need to generate revenue in another way. One option they have explored is selling physical gifts through the app.

In this story, we talk about how Instagram is internal testing Gifts, a new monetization tool for its creators. The photo and video sharing app connects users who use this platform to communicate with friends, family, and others on the internet. The posts can be in the form of videos and may also include written captions that describe what you're seeing or doing in the clip you recorded with your mobile device's camera.

#Instagram continues to work on the Content Appreciation feature 👀

ℹ️ The feature has been renamed to "Gifts" pic.twitter.com/AJmTPZMLsl

— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) August 25, 2022

Many users wonder if the ability to purchase Gifts will be available for regular profiles or just business accounts. Gifts are available to users on Instagram only. They are bought from another account and sent directly to the user who was given them as a gift.

If you have an Instagram account and are interested in being one of the first users to experience Gifts before they officially launch, you can download the latest beta version of the app. Otherwise, Gifts is expected to launch this fall. The inclusion of this feature on Instagram is groundbreaking and will be helpful to creators. In today's digital world, many people are turning to social media as their sole source of income. In recent years, influencers have become some of the most popular people on social media.

Brands are paying influencers to advertise their products on social media to reach out to a larger audience. Authors can add items from their favorite brands or retailers to their feed. Instagram will then prompt users with the option to buy the item and have it shipped directly to them.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World