1. Google to choke off ‘less secure apps’ starting June 2020
Google is making a move towards further securing G Suite accounts by cutting off “less secure apps” or LSAs starting June 2020 and will completely switch off access in February 2021. [Source: ET CIO]
2. Facebook Adds Holiday-Themed Features for Messenger, Along with Messenger Stories Archive
Facebook has announced a new set of holiday-themed features for Messenger, providing additional ways to engage in the spirit of the season via the app. [Source: Social Media Today]
3. Instagram Has New Rules for Publishing Branded Content
Instagram is introducing a new policy that will prohibit influencers from publishing certain types of content. Under this new policy, branded content that promotes goods such as vaping, tobacco products, and weapons will not be allowed. [Source: Search Engine Journal]
4. Snapchat Launches New, Interactive Ad Format, New Competitive Game Features
Snapchat has this week launched a new movie preview ad format called a “trailer reaction lens” as part of a campaign for the upcoming Paramount Pictures film “Top Gun: Maverick”. The format will add another level of interaction to Snap’s growing slate of games, which could make them more engaging. [Source: Social Media Today]
5. Bing Expands Visual Search to More Places in Microsoft Windows
Bing is expanding its visual search features, allowing the features to be accessed in more places throughout Microsoft Windows. Visual search lets users conduct a search using an image to find other, visually similar images. This feature was previously only accessible from Bing’s image search results. [Source: Search Engine Journal]
6. Facebook Expands Brand Collabs Manager to Include Instagram Creators
Influencer marketing set to remain a significant consideration in 2020, particularly on Instagram. Facebook is now looking to provide an easier, more direct way for brands and Instagram creators to collaborate on campaigns and partnerships. [Source: Social Media Today]
7. Instagram Officially Launches New Layout Mode for Stories
Instagram has this week officially launched its new Layout mode for Stories, which provides a range of grid display styles for still images within a single frame. There are six different grid styles to consider, providing new options for your Stories images. [Source: Social Media Today]
8. Yandex Announces Major Algorithm Update
Yandex announced an update to their search engine. The update is named Vega. The update offers many details about how modern search engines work. This update features 1,500 improvements. [Source: Search Engine Journal]
9. Instagram Provides New Age Restriction Options for Business and Creator Accounts
Instagram is now rolling out an option, which will enable brand and creator accounts to set age restrictions for followers of their profiles. Businesses can also set variable age limits for different countries, which could be particularly helpful for brands that are looking to adhere to regional restrictions. [Source: Social Media Today]
10. Facebook Adds Additional Fact-Checking Resources via ‘Community Reviewers’
Facebook continues its approach to fact checking with a new program that will see the appointment of a team of ‘community reviewers,’ a diverse group of non-Facebook employees who will be called upon to check potentially false reports. [Source: Social Media Today]
