The social media whizzes here at Little Red 
have pulled together the latest social media announcements into a quick list of our top 5 “ones to watch” for the rest of 2020.
- LinkedIn Skills Assessments
LinkedIn are currently testing a ‘skills assessments’ feature, through which users can demonstrate their knowledge of the skills they’ve added to their profile by completing specific assessments.
According to LinkedIn, the skill assessments have been produced by “subject matter experts and leaders in the LinkedIn Learning community”. They currently consist of 15 multiple choice questions, with each question testing at least one concept in relation to that skill. The questions are timed and must be completed in one session.
When you apply for a job on LinkedIn, you may well receive a link to complete an assessment. This gives you the opportunity to demonstrate a skill that is required for the role – known by LinkedIn as a ‘desired skill’. If you pass the assessment, recruiters will see the badge on your profile (as long as you choose to display it). However, if you don’t pass the assessment, your profile will remain unchanged and no one will know you failed. So, it is certainly worth giving them a go!
2. Instagram Shoppable Captions
As Instagram looks to emphasise on-platform eCommerce, it is testing a range of in-stream shopping tools, including Shops and the expansion of shopping tags.
Beyond standard hacks such as linkin.bio, some Instagram profiles now have the ability to add product tags in their post captions.
Instagram has also been testing this option with a small group of accounts in the US that are currently able to use an on-platform Checkout function.
It’s an interesting addition, providing another way to get Instagram users tapping through on your products, and potentially better ROI from your social media content and influencer collaborations.
3. Facebook Shops Update
Facebook Shops has launched a mobile-first update, aimed at providing more freedom for users selling through their Facebook and Instagram channels. The update allows businesses to merchandise their online stores with featured products, product collections and customisable fonts and colours. They’ll also be able to connect with customers through WhatsApp, Messenger or Instagram Direct to answer questions and offer support.
Shoppers will be able to convert and checkout without ever having to leave the Facebook or Instagram app, improving user experience and keeping social media users on platform.
In a further attempt to keep businesses happy, Facebook have also announced that they have plans to roll out another update in the near future, including features such as live shopping and loyalty programs.
4. Facebook 3D Images
Facebook’s latest image sharing feature utilises machine learning to turn any ordinary two-dimensional photo into a 3D image. The image can then be viewed from different perspectives by tilting or rotating your phone and will even move as users scroll past – increasingly the likelihood that they will scroll back!
The tool extrapolates the three-dimensional shape of objects in your image, using them to generate a convincing 3D effect. It can be used on virtually any image, and now works on any smartphone running Android or iOS.
Another fantastic way for brands, users and influencers to create compelling content beyond the still image posts of old!
5. TikTok Augmented Reality Ads
TikTok is preparing to launch a new augmented reality ad format. As its organic reach grows, the platform is ramping up its ad product development in line with its business solutions department (also known as ‘Make TikToks Not Ads’)
The “AR brand effect” ad will allow brands to add interactive visual effects from advertisers to their TikTok videos. The ads will be clickable and feature music or sound chosen by the advertiser, and the AR effects will interact with the physical environment around the user.
The global rollout is due in Autumn 2020, so this will certainly be one to watch!
If you’re interested in finding out how you or your brand can benefit from the latest social media updates, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
