We continue to look at the latest social media updates across the different social platforms, and in this blog we look at some of the updates on Facebook and Instagram.
What’s the latest on Facebook?
In January of this year, Facebook started the process of removing certain targeting options. Facebook said, “Starting January 19, 2022 we will remove Detailed Targeting options that relate to topics people may perceive as sensitive… such as options referencing causes, organizations, or public figures that relate to health, race or ethnicity, political affiliation, religion, or sexual orientation.”
So if you had a really successful Facebook ad campaign in 2021, the same targeting options that made that ad successful may not be available anymore. An example they give is that you won’t be able to target people who have an interest in “Lung cancer awareness” or “World Diabetes Day” anymore. The volume of targeting options being removed is what’s raising alarm to business owners who depend on Facebook ads for sales.
New Call Ads updates announced
Meta has announced some significant updates to their Call Ads, optimising the format to reach more potential customers and find better quality leads. One of the updates will allow customers to request a callback from a business in Messenger. Using it will help businesses show customers that their time is valued and eliminate the frustration of waiting on hold.
Everything you need to know about Instagram’s new feature
Instagram has recently rolled out a new feature called “Group Profiles.” This means you can now have one account shared with other users where each group member can post their own unique content that all goes to the same feed and/or story. The content will be seen by your profile’s followers, other member’s followers and the group’s followers. Alternatively, you can also make it private.
What is Instagram’s Group Profile Feature?
Much like its predecessor, Facebook Groups, Instagram’s version allows multiple users to collaborate and share content on a single page. While this puts a fun spin on community-building, it does open up more responsibility for creators (and brands, if they choose) to administer safeguards and rules for the overall group. Just like how Facebook group pages require moderation and set of rules to run the page, Instagram would also require creators to ensure a safe space for interaction through these group profiles. Instagram currently allows users to create group chats, group video and group voice calls. However, for any kind of group interaction, creating a group chat is the first step. To create a group chat on Instagram, go to the Direct Messaging section in your Instagram app. Click on the top left icon and start selecting the members of the group. Name your group and tap on chat. Your Instagram group is created. You can set the message privacy for the group by selecting View Once or Allow replay options.
Get paid in Instagram DMs
Instagram has rolled out new payment options, allowing businesses to accept payment right in their DMs. Customers can pay invoices without switching apps or sites, allowing them a more convenient shopping experience while also granting businesses flexibility in how they do work. This feature is only available to eligible sellers who use a Professional Account on the Instagram mobile app. There aren’t any fees to accept payments in Instagram’s Direct Message chat, and there’s 24/7 access to customer support if needed. The customer’s purchases will be protected, and they can use Meta Pay, credit card, or PayPal.
At Brighter Directions we are always on the look out for new trends in social media, if you like help and support with your social media marketing strategy please contact us at hello@brighterdirections.co.uk and make sure to follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn & Twitter.
