In this week's 'Skim: Facebook employs a Netflix strategy for original video programming, takes on Twitch and e-sports with massive new deal; Instagram is reportedly more important than LinkedIn for young professionals to evaluate workplace culture; Snapchat introduces Custom Stories perfect for branded events; Facebook tests food delivery feature, rolls out personal fundraising feature to all; Instagram's giving brands more engagement than Facebook; Netflix is producing a film based entirely on a Tumblr meme; and much more...
Skim for this week's dose of social media inspiration!
1. Facebook spearheads original video content, inks deal with BuzzFeed, Vox Media
Searching for more opportunities for monetization, Facebook is reportedly willing to spend up to $250,000 for original video content from the media publishers in two tiers: one made up of scripted programs owned by Facebook and up to 30 minutes long, and the other scripted or unscripted programs up to 10 minutes in length, not owned by Facebook.
This news shows just how serious the social giant is about taking on the likes of Netflix and Amazon, as it's using the same strategy as its competitors to lure producers into creating content exclusive to its platform.
Short-form videos will initially be exclusive on Facebook, but they will be available for sale after the exclusivity deal sunsets.
2. Is Instagram the LinkedIn for young professionals?
The social media landscape is constantly shifting... According to a survey by Jobvite, Instagram is playing an increasingly large role for young workers hoping to preview the culture of the companies they're applying to work for, even eclipsing LinkedIn as the social network where prospects age 18-29 preview companies they're interest in.
Brands should consider creating a separate Instagram account that highlights the culture of their company, or find a way to work in such posts into their regular content calendars for the platform.
3. Watch out, Twitch, Facebook's coming for you—and e-sports
E-sports have been relatively untouched until now by Facebook, but the social network's recent deal with global e-sports company ESL will bring over 5,500 hours of events and original content to the platform.
Amazon's Twitch, the leading e-sports livestreaming social platform, could face stiff competition in the wake of Facebook's recent news, as e-sports companies like ESL have the opportunity to expand and reach a broader audience thanks to Facebook's immense user base. The e-sports industry is expected to generate $1.488 billion by 2020.
4. Snapchat introduces Custom Stories
Don't want to send that Story to literally every one of your Snapchat friends? Want to send it only to friends who are near you? Now you can, with Snapchat's introduction of Custom Stories, which allow users to send Stories to a preselected group of friends or family, as well as determine who among your friends receives a Story based on their geolocation.
The new Custom Stories could be a great option for branded events or conventions, allowing organizers to set up a Story that all attendees could add to, creating the ultimate recap of highlights and all the best moments.
For all details ranging from setup to group permissions, find them here!
5. Guess what? Facebook's also eyeing food delivery
The social giant may be on its way to proving it can be a jack of all trades, and it's taking on the likes of UberEats and Grubhub in doing so. Facebook has rolled out a new "Order Food" feature on its mobile and Web platforms, with restaurants that partake in Delivery.com's or Slice's services populating in search results when users query for food in their area.
Users are then able to consult photos, pricing information, ratings, and delivery or pickup options. What do you think? Would you find ease in ordering your pizza directly via Facebook, or would you stay loyal to your current delivery service?
Order Food on Facebook. #Facebook pic.twitter.com/wnC0lb64UC
— Jose Gutierrez (@fbjag) May 18, 2017
6. Pinterest opens autoplay videos in home feed and search
Based on its existing Promoted Video ad format and following in the footsteps of Facebook, Pinterest's got a new ad unit that brings autoplay videos to users' home feeds and search results. The visual discovery platform has tested the ad type with big names, including Procter & Gamble, Toyota, and Adidas, and the new format will be available to advertisers in the US, the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand in the "coming months."
Pinterest has also upped its measurement game for the new ad unit, with Nielsen Mobile Digital Ad Ratings measuring audience reach, and Moat providing data on viewability.
7. Facebook takes fundraising out of beta and makes it available to all
The social network originally introduced a beta version of a personal fundraising feature back in March, and now it's apparently ripe for rollout to all users 18 and over.