social media changes Archives - Social Media Just for Writers

Have you noticed all the changes occurring on social media?

Sure, every day there’s a tweak here and there but these are exciting.

But here are some changes that authors need to know.

Twitter

Periscope

Back in March, Twitter unveiled Periscope, a live-streaming video application.

Videos are called scopes and likes are communicated in the form of hearts. Similar to Instagram, just tap the screen and send you an appreciation for the “scope.”

When I first learned about Periscope in late spring, I also discovered Alex Pettitt on YouTube. He’s a Periscope expert and uses the app to dispense his tips. You’ll also find his short videos on YouTube. He’s a kick to listen to.

When I first tried Periscope several months ago, I filmed my first scope, and then immediately deleted it. However, I enjoy some of the Scopes my followers have been posting.

[Read more…]

Some facet of social media is always changing.

You can depend on that.

Recent Social Media Changes

So imagine my surprise when I tried to schedule a post to my Facebook page and I initially couldn’t find the calendar within the status update box.

Alas! It’s now located on the Post button. In addition, you can also backdate posts now.

More New Features to Facebook

New App Called Rooms

Rooms is a new Facebook App for the iPhone. It’s designed to provide private, online venues to share images, videos and conversations.

Room creators control the room, from who gets to enter the room to whether you can post links to your website content.

Once you download the Rooms app, Recommended Rooms will appear on your home screen. Users can share Rooms invites as they would images.

According to the Rooms instructions, there are two ways to enter the room once you receive an invitation:

Take a screenshot of the room invite on your phone and open the Rooms app. The room will be automatically added to your home screen.
Open the Rooms app and tap Use Invite at the bottom-right corner of the home screen. Take a photo of an invite or chose one from your Camera Roll.

Think of a room as a chat room, those online venues where people could anonymously discuss any topic they chose. The benefit of Rooms is that unlike Facebook, you don’t have to use your real name.

As an author, you may want to start a room for your critique group or your book group.

Facebook Stickers

You can now add a variety of expressions to your Facebook comments.

When a mere happy face, grouchy face or laughing face won’t do, click the happy face icon to the far right of the comment box and three categories of stickers will appear – even animated ones.

Changes to Twitter

Have you noticed that the Me tab is gone? Until recently, you could click on Me and quickly navigate to a page where you would see your tweets and the option to see your lists, followers, and users who you were following.

That phase of Twitter is over.

Now you need to click on your avatar and then click on View Profile.

Once you’re there, you can access tweets, followers, a list of people you follow, and your lists. In addition, you can click on Edit Profile to change your avatar and header images, edit your bio or change your theme color.

Changes to Pinterest

When Pinterest came first appeared, the options to upload an image from your computer or add a new board were at the top of the page. Now they are practically hidden in the lower-right section of your news feed.

Previously, to access your news feed you need to click on the word Pinterest, formerly located on the center of your profile. Now you need to click on the red P.

In addition, the search bar is larger and to the right of the search bar are categories you can use for your search for images.

Canva Now Available on iPads

Canva is perhaps one of the coolest apps out there. I use it extensively – along with PicMonkey – to create images for my blog and social media posts.

Well, Canva now has an app for the iPad. Read about it here.

What changes have you noticed on the social media networks you use?

Related Reading

Blogging Just for Writers

Avoid Social Media Time Suck

About the Author: Frances Caballo is an author and social media strategist and manager for writers. You can receive a free copy of her book Twitter Just for Writers by Clicking Here. Connect with Frances on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Google+.