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New Navigation Feature of Snapchat to Resemble TikTok’s

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Snapchat looks to be on course to compete with and challenge TikTok directly. The company, yesterday confirmed that it is, in fact testing a new update for improved user experience. The new navigation will help users go through the content on Snapchat, via vertical swipes or motions. Such vertical swiping was made popular by TikTok, wherein users would do the same to go from video to the next. Snapchat’s statement revealed that this new feature is an experiment in moving towards different formats, to enhance content and presentation. Here’s a look at what the new feature could mean for Snapchat.

New Update

The test for the new navigational feature will focus on content available publicly through Snapchat Discover. The company is currently not concentrating on doing the same to view private Stories. Since stories can have multiple framers, users will still need to tap to progress through them. Also, as per the new update, there will be changes regarding how the Horizontal swiping comes into play. For instance, from now horizontal swipes will exit the Story, instead of progressing through the Stories, as before. Anyone who has used TikTok equates the vertical swipe with the video-sharing platform. Therefore, this move by Snapchat will make things easier for users who are also on TikTok. 

Testing Things Out

It was a social media expert, Matt Navarra who spotted the testing for the first time, by referring to a post by Twitter user @artb2668. A photo also shows a pop-up explaining how to use and navigate with the new feature. However, Snapchat refused to offer other details regarding the test. They did say that testing was still in early stages and that further development would take time. Hence, the new feature will be viewable only for a small percentage of their users. Their spokesperson stated that the feature is a way for Snapchat to explore further options. The mobile-first community focuses on providing its users with an engaging and immersive interface. However, the timing for such a testing phase is very interesting. 

Issues Around the World

As the COVID-19 continues its rampant spread across the globe, China has had to bear the brunt of the blame. Countries around the world have not been light on the nation, cited as being the epicenter of the virus’s spread. Countries like the US and Germany have been vocal of their criticism of China, with the Trump administration even threatening the communist country. Similarly, in India as well, rising border tensions and skirmishes have led to the government taking steps against the country. In a bold move, a few weeks ago, the government banned over 59 Chinese apps and services from use within the country. Also, one of the most popular apps on that list was none other than, TikTok. Similarly, the Trump administration is also threatening to ban the video-sharing platform citing security concerns. 

Global Politics

Furthermore, Friday saw Amazon instruct employees from using the app from company-issued phones. However, a couple of hours later, the company squashed the directive. Similarly, American military branches and offices have also banned the use of the app, as per a Pentagon directive. While all this happens around the world, the app Musical.ly’s acquisition by ByteDance has come under a US national security review. As a result of such political issues, TikTok’s rivals have been enjoying more success on the app store charts. For instance, Likee, Dubsmash, Triller and Byte have all witnessed a spike in downloads. Also, Instagram has been using this opportunity to grow Reels into newer markets, like India. In recent days, even video-sharing giant YouTube has been trying out Tik-Tok-like features. 

Hence, with most rivals trying to make the most of this geopolitical opportunity, it only seems natural that Snapchat does the same. The company appears to have hopped onto the bandwagon by switching to a different navigational approach. With the TikTok user base going up for grabs around the world, we will have to wait and see what other companies do to attract that user base. All of this only goes to show just how influential TikTok has become in recent years. We will also have to see what the viral social-media app does to bounce back, or whether it ever will.

internet-marketing

WHY DIGITAL MARKETING IS ESSENTIAL IN 2020?

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It is 2020. Obviously, we need innovative technologies. We are heading forward with new digital marketing trends and hope for the best in 2020. We can never feel free and secure without being online. It is not just about social media; we can be online through various means too.

Here, about 33% of people spend their time on social media, 16% on online TV, 16% on music streaming, online press has received 13% of people, and 22% on other variety of sources. These people are also trying to use the internet effectively in order to develop the business industry. They must identify it through online tactics due to which it can show its brand to targeted audiences. This is the reason digital marketing became one of the most important parts of the business field.

Digital marketing presents every business digitally up to the audiences. Customers will be able to know about every product and service of the business of their interest and need. Brands can be noticeable only due to strong and effective digital presence up to target audiences.

This is much easier than offline and physical business. You can conduct various events and campaigns to update sales information, to present a free demo, etc. This effort helps in generating leads, conversions, customers, etc. Some of the reasons to use digital marketing strategies are described below.

Also Read: Sachin Dev Duggal’s Start-Up Is Helping To Strengthen The Digital Marketing Community

Get high-rate conversion

No other channels can beat digital marketing to generate a high rate of conversion. You can get a higher conversion rate after having forward on forming leads, number of sales, subscribers, and obviously after having maximum traffic. It can be generated after conducting online events or campaigns through various channels like SEO, SEM, SMM, etc. Thus for the advancement of any business conversion rate would be exceeded after having digital strategies in 2020.

Also Read: BOOST MEDIA- Providing High-Class Digital Marketing Services since 2011

Interact with target audiences

Digital marketing is essential in 2020 because it helps to interact with the target audiences smoothly and transparently. If you prepare a simple pamphlet or brochure for the advertisement of your business, it may reach up to a certain number of people but ads do wide advertisements. This ad proceeds to certain demographics. Ads are for them who are interested in your product and who really need you. The ads can’t go wasted if anybody doesn’t see it.  This is the capacity and power of the digital world.

Also Read: Sorav Jain: An Indian Entrepreneur Crusing Down the Bay of Digital Marketing

Brand awareness

You have to be in contact with your customers after any business contract. Communication with your customers will let you be aware of your services and if they satisfy you, customers. If you solve their problems immediately, then they will be attracted to your service and your brand will be inside the heart of those customers.

They will be sure about your dedication and attention to the business. Reputation of every business is not decreased by their brand; it would be so due to less attention of business towards their customers.  

Also Read: Oodle Defined A New Way Of Digital Advertising

Generate Better Revenues

After conducting best events and campaigns, every business organization can earn better revenues than the organization that is running without digital strategies. Digital marketing can change the pattern of marketing. Through various channels of digital marketing, you will target millions of audiences.

After that you will be presenting and informing about your service and brand to them. And finally, you should motivate those targeted audiences to be involved with you. If this continues for a long period of time, you will have you will earn continuous leas and maximum conversions.

None of the business entrepreneurs will face the problem to reach tools and services personally. You will be interacting with them through digital tools that are available in 2020. So I am saying digital marketing is best in 2020 to generate better revenue.

Also Read: Fiverr: A Two-way Platform for Selling and Buying Digital Services

Cost-effective

Digital marketing is affordable to every type of business organization because digital strategies are cost-effective. Even small business that is running their business with minimum capital can use digital marketing strategies for bests result.

This they can have better leads and conversion too. If products are advertised digitally by running them on various channels like Google, social media, etc, it would get more attention than the products advertised physically. So both small and large business organizations can use digital marketing strategies in limited capital with the best returns. 

Also Read: Daniel Hegarty: The Founder of Habito, UK’s Digital Mortgage Broker

Reach mobile users

In this 21st century, everyone is using smartphones and spent most of their time being online. Half of them discover unseen and latest brand while searching. Mobile marketing is only the way by which customers can’t ignore the advertised product.

Therefore, always focus your business to make poplar through social media, email marketing, ads, etc. Be concentrate on optimizing your website and making it mobile-friendly. Due to which everyone will be able to be updated about your every campaign, videos, blogs, events, etc.

Also Read: Gearing Up for the Future: Story of Responsive web design(RWD)

Make business trustable

There are unlimited opportunities for business but if it is not done properly, it can harm the same business badly. Through strong and effective websites, it is possible to get the trust of customers. After using your product or after getting services from your business, they feel free and confident to use your brand in the future.

Instagram

How to Get More Instagram ‘Hearts’ on your posts

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Well! Instagram needs no introduction. Launched in 2010 and a heartthrob of app users all around the world ever since, Instagram enjoys about 100 million active users per month. If you are a user too, this blog can help you with the caption section to keep you popular! Read on!

Captions are Important On Instagram

Instagram is a website based on visuals. When you post a picture, there is a section that lets you write a description for your picture. But is it enough to just post a visual and expect to maintain a good number of followers without explaining it? Probably not. Also, it is an altogether different story if you are handling a business profile. You need to be precise and clear about the stuff you post. This includes the picture AND the text connected to it. Only then can your Instagram community help you grow your business, productively promote your brand, and reach the number of audiences that you initially targeted.

Also Read: Instagram Comes Out With New IGTV App Updates

So, this means you have to have several active members to see and like your posts. Not only like, but also engage in commenting on them. If the participation is somewhere between 3% and 6%, you are going well. If you are above that, thumbs up, but below that, this is a warning sign of a dying account (Don’t say you weren’t informed!)

Let Go of Your ‘Once Upon a Time’ Tales, Now!

If you into the habit of writing long tales, sorry to break it to you, but Instagram is not your place. You have to keep your descriptions short. If your post is about some knowledge-based content, the picture you shared should be able to do most of the talking. The caption is there to facilitate the image with a context. Remember: the idea is to inspire, not to bore!

Also Read: Facebook to Acquire GIF-giant Giphy in A Major Tech Buy-Out

Maintain a specific brand and individual style, but also trim it to the specifications of Instagram. In a harsh rude virtual world, Instagram stands as a friendly place, and it is easy to build a business relationship here. Keep your tone friendly. Be direct and neat about your use of language.

Pro-tip: a pun here and there won’t hurt!  

Use Emojis and Smilies!

As mentioned before, Instagram is a friendly place. It is open for informal communications. The use of emojis in a caption can add extra life to it. Most of the time, emojis depict moods better than words ever can! (Yes, you are not the only one who thought so!). You can highlight your text by pointing an arrow towards it, choose a coffee cup from the emojis (it is too cute to handle!) instead of writing it.

Pro-tip: Emojis are your friends, just do not overuse them. This can make your text look dull, and a little too informal (and non-serious) if it is a business-related post.  

Also Read: Jacob Blackstock: The Person who Transformed the Emojis into More Realistic Bitmojis

Write an Assertive Caption!

A good caption is the one that invites people to do some action. You can give a dare to people to write a comment in parts without breaking the tempo of it. You can also ask a question in your caption. Also, you can ask people to tag their friends in the comment section. This will increase your traffic. But your post must be catchy enough to retain the traffic. It should include something that can make people stay on your profile, ideally, follow it. Just remember to be assertive. Use words like ‘GO!’, ‘Win’, and ‘MUST’ in your caption. It doesn’t make it necessary to do it. But mentally, they’ll feel the compulsion to do it if assertive words are used.

Pro-tip: Ask people to use your product, and share their views about it. And those already using it, ask them for their feedback.

Also Read: INDIA’S OWN VIDEO CONFERENCING TOOL SAY NAMASTE GIVES A STRONG COMPETITION TO ZOOM

Search for Your Posts!

Want to know if your catchy captions strategy is working? Search for your posts on Instagram. You can do that by putting in your hashtag, or by your location. If you have people writing for you or promoting your business, this is the way to check it. Check if you are getting mentioned in posts and hashtags. You can also do it by using a media monitoring application. For example, if I want to check my remaining data package, I would look for Instagram hashtags mentioning Optimum Customer Service number. It will show me every post linked to it.

Pro-tip: Allow your media monitoring app to send you notifications every time your name or brand name is mentioned in a hashtag!

silver lake

AFTER FACEBOOK’S INVESTMENT JIO PLATFORMS RECEIVE FUNDING FROM SILVER LAKE

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The network services globally are trying to strengthen their foundation in this emergency period. People are relying on mobile phone and internet services to communicate with their loved ones in such a crisis. So, it is one of the topmost priorities of the networking companies to improve their communication system. With the lockdown continuing for over a month, many companies are also strategizing for the post-pandemic period. In India, Jio Platforms is currently the widest and largest telecom operator. After Jio has established in our country, millions of people have received access to the internet and that is the reason companies like Facebook and Silver lake are investing in JIO. This means the network of Jio is making the basic means of communication affordable to every citizen of India. And, a company with such potential is bound to draw the attention of big investors.

Facebook’s investment

Last month, Facebook announced that it will be investing $5.7 billion in Reliance subsidiary Jio Platforms. This made Facebook the largest minority shareholder of Jio Platforms. Facebook said that if social media platforms partners with the largest network enterprise of India, it can bring a revolution. This investment was made with a strong mission to connect more people through the power of Whatsapp and Jio’s small businesses.

Who is the new investor?

After a few weeks, Jio receives a huge amount of funding from a private equity firm, Silver Lake. The new investor has announced its partnership with Jio Platforms today. Silver Lake is investing around $746.8 million in Jio which will help the company gain 1.15% of its stake. The valuation of this stake rounds up to $65 billion and the company is willing to pay a premium as well (12.5% premium).

Silver Lake is a private equity firm based on Menlo Park, California, United States. The company has invested in many tech giants making it one of the largest technology investors around the globe. The company’s total combined assets and committed capital round up to $40 billion. Founded in 1999, Silver Lake has made investments in more than 40 companies through minority growth investments, PIPE investments, and leveraged buyout transactions.

Some of the biggest companies that Silver Lake has invested in are Dell, Alibaba, Seagate Technology, IMG Worldwide, Skype, etc. The company has already invested in Airbnb, Twitter, and Waymo this year. After investing in Eka, this is the second time Silver Lake is investing in an Indian enterprise.

Jio Platforms and Silver Lake

Ambani said that’s several firms are showing interest in investing in Jio Platforms. With the recent developments in the Indian telecom industry taking place due to Jio, it is obvious to attract investors. Ambani has invested over $30 billion to make Jio Platforms a big success over the years. And, he believes that after partnering with Facebook for e-commerce, Silver Lake will help in expanding its service.

In response to coming into a joint venture with Silver Lake, Ambani said that it’s outstanding to have such a valuable partner onboard. Moreover, Silver Lake being one of the most famous investors for tech has an advantage. He is looking forward to making significant contributions along with Silver Lake to transform the Indian Digital Society.

Although Jio Platforms is selling 1.15% of its stake, the class of shares is still vague. The company hasn’t shown much light on this topic. But, if the class of shares is the same as it sold to Facebook, there are high chances Jio Platforms is planning to file an IPO. Currently, the main target of the company is to cut its net debt from $21 billion to zero by next year. Also, due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus, the company has suffered huge losses in the sector of petrochemicals and oil refining. So, the company is looking forward to making up the damages through this new partnership.

An already powerful platform

From the beginning of Jio’s establishment, it has been a very strong service provider. Jio Platforms is the most valued subsidiary of Reliance Industries according to the market value. After the company was launched until now, it has managed to provide 338 million people with internet and other mobile services. Jio realized the importance of digital services and thus targeted low-cost digital services for mass consumers.

Egon Durban, co-chief executive and managing partner of Silver Lake said that Jio has extraordinary engineering capabilities. And, they are honored to have partnered with Jio to help them get once step closer toward the digital goal.

snapchat

COVID-19 Leads to Huge Surge in Snapchat Usage, as User Behavior Trends Change

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As the novel coronavirus continues to wreak havoc across the world, people are still confined to their homes. With most schools, colleges and offices still being closed, most people are relying on social media platforms to interact with each other. Therefore, a lot of entertainment and social media websites have seen a spike in usage in the last few months. Snapchat recently released data regarding user behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a look at how the epidemic has affected Snapchat usage and what that means for the company.

New User Rush on Snapchat

The first quarter of 2020 has been especially good for Snapchat, which gained 11 million users, bringing the total count of daily users to 229 million. The addition of 11 million new users, or Daily Active Users, is a 20% increase over what their usage was last year. Similarly, with most people being stuck at home, engagement has also risen tremendously. The first quarter saw the creation of over 4 billion snaps every day! With more and more people migrating to Snapchat to stay connected with their loved ones, the company recently released new data regarding user activity. The new look at how user behavior has changed during the COVID-19 lets us understand how the disease has affected people around the world.

User Behavior Changes

The impact of COVID-19 has helped engagement rates hit all-time highs. Furthermore, more and more people are now turning to social media sites like Snapchat to stay connected to their friends and family. Compared to February, March has seen a spike of 50% when it comes to time spent on voice and video calling facilities. Such a trend may also be associated with social distancing rules which came into place in March, forcing people away from one another.

This has led to most people switching to IG, Snapchat, Zoom, and Skype to talk to their loved ones face-to-face. March also witnessed an all-time high with regards to group chat engagement rates, as friends and colleagues started using video calls to stay in touch. Friends have also started sending each other more snaps than ever before to keep them informed of what they are up to during the quarantine period.

Peak Usage and Activity

March has seen an all-new high emerge concerning the number of snaps sent amongst friends. While this number peaks during Christmas and other holiday seasons like that, this year, the peak came in March when the quarantine came into place around the world. More and more people are also spending their time getting accustomed to Snapchat’s new features and additions. As people do not have the luxury of going out to entertain themselves, they are trying to find new ways to stay occupied during this quarantine. That has led to many of them exploring all the options that the app has to offer, as they figure out ways to stay active and occupied. New features such as AR lenses and games have also peaked since March.

The company’s official statement says that Snapchat has seen a significant rise in engagement levels, time spent, number of users, and also with regards to the usage of in-game features such as chats. When compared to February, usage of Snapchat’s lenses has gone up by another 25% in March. Snapchat Shows has also become a massive hit with the crowd, with engagement rate and time spent on Snapchat Shows hit an all-time high. More and more people are tuning in to stream content related to News, Health, and Gaming.

Other User Activities

Snapchat also released data regarding off-platform user activities based on surveys and off-platform location data gathered as of mid-March. The studies show that there is a 73% drop in college and school attendance as predicted. Due to social distancing norms, there is a 29% decrease in bar visits, 22% fewer people are traveling via air, and there’s been a massive 60% drop in people attending concerts. Similarly, gyms are seeing 41% fewer people, and most users are staying home for the majority of their time.

Furthermore, Snapchat data shows that 62% of their users are now streaming more data, while there’s a 21% increase in online shopping. It seems 38% of their users have taken to gaming while another 23% is engaging in online food delivery to beat their quarantine blues. Content consumption has increased considerably, with a 39% increase in people watching the news, while 39% now depend on their TV. Also, social media has seen a 29% increase in user engagement, while ad revenue seems to be on the decline.  

Though Snapchat has achieved all-time highs with regards to engagement, their revenue from ads is down when compared to earlier months. While February witnessed growth in ad revenue of 58%, it dropped to 25% by March due to the COVID-19. According to Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel, most companies have had to cut their ad budget due to the pandemic, resulting in this slump. However, the growth in early Jan and Feb will give Snapchat confidence that they can improve their revenues once the pandemic draws to a close.

Facebook

Facebook Is Launching Its New Gaming App Giving Competition To Twitch And Youtube

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The gaming community is becoming more significant in today’s world with every passing day. It has become a prominent source of income for many big companies. Companies like Twitch and YouTube are very popular for streaming video games for the gaming community. It is also a great opportunity for independent game developers.

But, apart from Twitch and YouTube, Facebook also declared its new gaming application. The company will be launching the application today focusing mainly on the streaming community. Facebook is also thinking about the casual audience and hence will be also adding casual games in the application. It will include games like Words with Friends and similar types that can be played to kill time.

The timing of the launch

It seems like, with the advent of the modern age, the orthodox of not enhancing the idea of gaming is eventually disappearing. Moreover, big companies like Google (Stadia), Twitch, YouTube, and now Facebook are trying hard to promote the gaming culture. But, with the pandemic holding us prisoners in our homes, the hype of gaming has increased overnight. In this outbreak, around $160 billion business in gaming is making success rapidly.

After, Google made the Pro version of Stadia free for two months and Trivia is back on track, this is the perfect timing. So, Facebook also decided to roll out its new gaming application and help people coping in this quarantine phase. Moreover, the gaming community also strengthens social interaction while maintaining social distancing at the same time.

Investing in gaming is one of the top priorities

Facebook has around 2.5 billion active monthly users. And, out of these 700 million users shows an active interest in gaming content. So, Facebook was planning to launch a gaming app around June. But, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Facebook decided to prepone the launch in April.

Fidji Simo, the head of the Facebook app said that it is important to invest in the gaming community. Because it is not just a form of entertainment but also connects and brings people together. She has also declared that many new features will roll out eventually as they are currently focused on gaming. The app will be available only on Android devices for the time being. After the company receives permission from Apple, it will be available on iOS as well. The new app was tested in Southeast Asia and Latin America for the past eighteen months.

Facebook Gaming

Facebook has thrived since forever especially after acquiring Instagram and Whatsapp. And, with the launching of this new app, it will give tough competition to Amazon and Google as well. The company has been investing in the gaming sphere for a very long time now. It has collaborated with many creators and hosted many esports tournaments. Facebook Gaming is growing exponentially.

Facebook Gaming has witnessed an increase of 210% hours watched within a single year (2018-2019). StreamElements, a streaming software company has reported that the company’s streamers have increased by 6%. And, along with that the average number of viewers per hour has also increased by 78%. All these happened within a single year.

Twitch and YouTube are the main competitions in the market for Facebook Gaming. So, the company followed its strategies closely and partnered with Gonzalo “Zero” Barrios (Twitch streamer) and Corinna Kopf (YouTube personality).

New features

Facebook has also launched new tools that will help the users to stream videos. And, more users will be attracted to the platform if the tools are simpler to use. So, the company has added a “Go Live” button which will instantly help the users to go live. Facebook has also launched the Level Up Program to help some creators earn money through it.

This program is of immense advantage to those who are already streaming games on Facebook. They will get access to high-quality premium transcoding which includes 1080p and 60fps. Other features like unlocking Facebook Stars, limited access to beta products and features, and many more will be available. The user needs to create a “Gaming Video Creator” page and keep streaming videos for the next 14 days. These two are the prerequisites along with some other conditions and age bar.

Vivek Sharma, Facebook’s Vice President got gaming said that the craze for becoming a streamer increases every day. So, they are expecting the idea of live streaming to boom within a few days maximum.