With the weather growing warmer as we spring into the next season, technology’s biggest power players like YouTube, SoundCloud, Google, and Instagram are also heating up the industry with some major upgrades to their platforms. From SoundCloud’s first-ever creator-focused advertising campaign to a redefined Instagram algorithm, here is March’s biggest technology headlines to help you stay up to date with the hottest tech news:
Dial Back With a New Instagram Algorithm
In response to the common gripes from its users (like posts appearing on your feed for days and having a skewed feed in favor of the same old friends you habitually double-tap), Instagram is rolling out a new algorithm to make things ‘a little more timely’. The new Instagram algorithm dials back from the previous update where users would see posts that Instagram felt were more tailored to you based on its machine learning capabilities. Now, users will be more likely to see newly posted images and/or videos higher up instead, however, Instagram states that it’s not completely returning back to a strict chronological feed. The company is additionally testing a “new posts” button so users can refresh their feeds when they want to rather than automatically being transported to the top in the middle of browsing. Instagram is one of several social media companies that are striving to find the right balance between arranging content chronologically and ranking it according to their machine learning technology. The new Instagram Algorithm will allow more images and videos to appear as they are posted keeping users’ feeds up to date and fresh.
YouTube Unveils New Live Streaming Feature
YouTube is making moves to be the next ‘go-to’ destination for live streaming with the addition of its desktop live streaming feature. This feature allows users to easily set up a stream right from their computer without additional equipment and will include live chat replays that show up alongside the video, exactly as it appeared live. Live streaming through YouTube was previously made available for iOS and Android apps, however, the addition of a live streaming straight from your desktop will simplify the process and encourage more users to utilize it. To access live streaming, navigate to the YouTube Live Dashboard or click on the camera icon at the top header of the site and select “Go Live”. Before entering the live broadcast, users will be asked to verify their identities with a phone number (to make sure they are in good standing). It can take up to 24 hours to even obtain access to this feature, however, once you are verified you can go live instantly. YouTube’s latest live stream feature is currently available on Google Chrome and will soon roll out to additional browsers. Being known as the hub of all video content with over 1 billion users, YouTube’s live stream feature is just another addition that places it at the forefront of video content.
SoundCloud Debuts Creator-Focused Campaign “First On SoundCloud”
SoundCloud continues to put creators first with the announcement of their latest creator-focused advertising feature, “First on SoundCloud”, which will celebrate the inspiring stories and raw energy of creators of all genres who started on SoundCloud through multimedia content. Just last year, SoundCloud experienced a rap revolution where many of the platform’s top creators were able to top the charts in mainstream music. SoundCloud will be bringing those creators along with up and coming creators’ stories to life across its apps, playlists, social feeds, and newsletters, as well as social and out of home advertising. Creators who wish to participate in SoundCloud’s “First on SoundCloud” campaign can upload their latest tracks to SoundCloud with the tag #SCFIRST for consideration. SoundCloud will randomly choose creators who upload and use this tag to be featured in spotlights, newsletters, blog posts, and more. To support the launch of the campaign, SoundCloud released a playlist spotlighting 10 groundbreaking artists across its global community and their content.
(Finally) The End of Autoplay Videos for Google Chrome
Google is (finally) getting serious and taking measures to block autoplay videos for Chrome. Now, the browser will only play videos automatically if the sound isn’t playing by default, if you click and interact with the site, or have previously shown an interest in the media. Google initially planned to launch this update back in January with Chrome 64 (which introduced an option to permanently mute websites that would abuse autoplay videos with the sound on by default) but has delayed the additional autoplay changes to be released with Chrome 66. Updates are currently appearing in beta channels of Chrome but are set to be released to the public next month. The end of autoplaying videos will force creators to produce a high quality click-worthy video. One of the easiest ways creators can compel viewers to click play is with the the perfect video thumbnail. For tips on how to create an eye-catching video thumbnail, click here
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