In the news this week – Instagram announce a bunch of updates, Twitter consider a premium Tweetdeck, and Ed Sheeran stands up to Facebook for a busker…
Instagram rolls out option to save live videos to your phone
Instagram has begun offering users the option to download their Live streams as videos to their phone. The new feature was announced on a post on the Instagram blog at the beginning of the week. Once a broadcast has finished a save button appears in the top right-hand corner.
Although downloaded videos do not include any live interactions, comments, likes or viewer count information, the feature nevertheless has merit for users who want to either study their Live feed or re-purpose it as content for another network.
Instagram begins blurring content marked as ‘sensitive’ to all users
Until recently, Instagram had a very simple way of dealing with content – either it was deemed okay for posting and made it through their censors, or it was banned. Not anymore – starting soon the app will begin blurring out photos and videos marked as containing ‘sensitive’ content.
The Verge approached Instagram for clarifications on what qualifies as sensitive content. The app confirmed that what was banned before will still remain banned. Blurring will first be focussed on posts depicting violence, such as those from animal rights groups sharing content to expose animal abuse.
Facebook rolls out Live for desktop and laptop computers
People across the world will now be able to go live on Facebook direct from their desktop or laptop computers. Facebook Live has been accessible via mobile devices for over a year now and has facilitated a great deal of ‘on-the-go’ and hand-held broadcasts. The desktop option gives a much more professional, stable feel to broadcasts.
The social network has also given personal profiles the option to use streaming software while going Live – such as gamers streaming their PC gameplay or tech experts sharing advice on how to achieve more on a piece of software. Check out their how-to guide here.
Ed Sheeran defends busker who was banned from Facebook for covering his song
A full-time busker from London named Charlotte Campbell was blocked from accessing her Facebook page for three days for including a teaser video of an Ed Sheeran cover she had posted on her YouTube channel. After discovering the ban, the 27 year old singer posted a explanatory video to her YouTube page. When he found out, Ed Sheeran himself got in touch with her apologising. Below is a transcript of his comment to Charlotte:
“Just seen your video, it definitely has nothing to do with me, I bloody love seeing people cover my songs, one of the best things I get out of this job is seeing other people find enjoyment too. I asked whats gone on and apparently its a bot that Warner have that works on some weird algorithm (I have no idea what that means) but its just bad luck that it was your video. I’ve had a word, and I’ll get it sorted. Sorry again. Keeping doing what you do, tis ace. Ed x
Instagram plans to introduce new in-app booking feature
Instagram plans to release a new feature that will allow users to book appointments from with the app within the next few months. The announcement was made in a post that also explained that it was keen on helping businesses to grow and to play its part in deepening the relationship between users and businesses.
Twitter considers offering a premium version of Tweetdeck
A spokesperson for Twitter has announced that the social network is conducting a survey “to assess the interest in a new, more enhanced version of Tweetdeck.” Suggestions have been made the a premium version could include “more powerful tools to help marketers, journalists, professionals and others in our community find out what is happening in the world quicker”. The spokesperson said this:
“We regularly conduct user research to gather feedback about people’s Twitter experience and to better inform our product investment decisions, and we’re exploring several ways to make Tweetdeck even more valuable for professionals.”
