Twitter takes the lead in this week's #SocialSkim with new updates that help brands better use the platform for customer service, a new app dedicated to live streaming, and (finally) a newly expanded character limit that gives you more room to play.

We'll also go in-depth on Google's new app meant to contest Facebook Messenger; and we'll let you in on the new Instagram feature we've all been waiting for, and tip you off to the top 10 social trends for 2017.

Skim to spend your time wisely!

1. Google's new app, Allo, aims for Facebook Messenger

Google's more artificial-intelligence-driven answer to Facebook Messenger and Apple's iMessage launched this week, and it's the Internet giant's latest, and smartest, entry into the messaging app arena.

The app, which boasts an incognito mode if you don't like the idea of Google's keeping tabs on all your communication, is integrated with Google Assistant, a bot that lets users tap into Google's enormous search database to answer questions and grab quick info like movie reviews, restaurants, etc. individually or in group chats.

Allo also boasts smart replies to suggest quick responses based on conversational context, and the ability for users to message those who don't have the app via regular text messages.

It might seem like a late start, but "smart messaging" as we see it today has just begun developing, so Google could have a path to prosperity should Allo prove itself.

2. Twitter rolls out new customer-service features for businesses

A set of new Twitter features aims to help businesses better serve customers with support.

Companies can now edit their new Customer Support settings to indicate whether their account offers customer service via the social network, which automatically turns on the ability to receive direct messages from any Twitter user, not just those who mutually follow each other's' accounts.

Business can also indicate which hours they're most responsive to requests for support. A new, more prominent call to action for messaging is present on accounts that have the new features enabled.

Would you now consider providing customer support via Twitter?

3. YouTube Creator Studio app updated with insights

If you use YouTube as a major medium of communication with your customers, a recent update to the platform's Creator Studio app has a lot of value packed into a small package.

The update lets creators gain actionable insights on their channel stats, as well sends creators alerts and recommendations when major events occur on their pages, such as a sudden spike in views and how to capitalize on it. Also, with new means of contacting YouTube support via email, the release brings major benefits and changes for the creator community.

4. Twitter launched a new app, streamed first live NFL game

The social network worked its way into the living room with the launch of a new app for Apple TV, Xbox One, and Amazon Fire TV that enables users to stream live video on their televisions.

Twitter kicked off the launch with its first-ever livestream of an NFL game last Thursday, which drew two million viewers.

Various reports from users cited high-quality video, but noted a seconds-long delay between the CBS and Twitter broadcasts; as a result, the stream of user-generated Tweets below the live video revealed results before they appeared on the Twitter broadcast.

The digital livestream is still very much so an experiment for all parties involved, and the social network has nine games left to prove whether it can convince more people to sign up for the platform.

5. ABC News to bring 2016 presidential debates to Facebook Live

ABC News' collaboration with Facebook for the Republican and Democratic National Conventions resulted in more than 28 million video views across the news company's Facebook pages. The media giant has now decided to partner with the social media titan once again for the upcoming presidential debates.

For the first time, general election debates will be streamed live on social media, as ABC also plans to bring a curated feed that blends livestreams from inside spin rooms, on the ground at watch parties across the country, and commentary from anchors and journalists. Users' comments, questions, and conversations will also be incorporated, expanding their ability to interact and participate real-time.

6. Your 140 Twitter characters just became more valuable

Enter your email address to continue reading

#SocialSkim: Twitter Rebuilding, Google Rejoins Messaging Wars: 13 Stories This Week

Don't worry...it's free!

Already a member? Sign in now.

Sign in with your preferred account, below.

Did you like this article?
Know someone who would enjoy it too? Share with your friends, free of charge, no sign up required! Simply share this link, and they will get instant access…
  • Copy Link

  • Email

  • Twitter

  • Facebook

  • Pinterest

  • Linkedin


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

image of Christian Neri

Christian Neri is a digital marketing professional in the film & television industry, and a contributor to MarketingProfs. An American expat in Paris, he recently completed his MS in digital marketing at IÉSEG School of Management.

Instagram: @christianneri

Twitter: @christianneri