Spammers. Why do they have to ruin it for the rest of us? Recently, Instagram announced it would be removing the option to follow hashtags from the app. Basically, if you're following something like #bookstagram on IG, you'll no longer see your favorite book content from that hashtag in your feed. This is one of the more disappointing changes announced from the platform, since many of us are using hashtags for added reach and visibility. Unfortunately, spammers have targeted hashtags as a way to reach new audiences, filling it with junk and frustrating users. Instagram ultimately became too overwhelmed by the complaints and removed the ability to follow hashtags entirely. What does this mean for hashtags? We're not really sure. In recent years, algorithms have become better at understanding the type of content the individual user wants to see, decreasing the need for a hashtag as an added method of connecting. Which, really, is good news for content creators and users alike. On the other side of the coin, Instagram has broadened the reach of the hashtag search, increasing the opportunity to be discovered by users looking for your product or service. Of all the social platforms, the Instagram team perhaps spends the most amount of time truly understanding what its audience wants. The next chapter for the #hashtag remains to be seen. With gratitude, Allie @ Twilight Social Media |
Hi Reader, I opened up my phone this morning to respond to a couple of texts. When I tapped on the emoji icon, this popped up ...a new AI tool to help me better communicate to my friends and family in emoji form. I don't know about you, but at this point I'm almost overwhelmed with AI tools. And I use them daily. Do I really need an AI for my emojis? Not to show my age, but this really reminds me of the onslaught of social media platforms that tried to get a piece of the market ~20 years ago....
Hi Reader, Here's something I had to "unlearn" as a social media manager. In my marketing classes (back in the day), the mantra was if that you wanted someone to do something, make it as easy as possible for them to do it. This meant including the most need-to-know information in a concise, easy-to-read format. This might have been a map or set of instructions, or in more recent years, a QR code or website link. Which brings me to my topic: overlinking. What do I mean? Including external...
Hi Reader, When you're scrolling socials, do you ever find that engaging with content now takes soooo much work? Like. Share. Follow. Save. Comment. Screenshot. Reshare. You're not alone. We're simply consuming so much content that it's taking more effort than it ever has before. Why hit the Follow button on an account when it's already being suggested to me in reels? I just DM'd this reel to a friend, so who am I hitting the Like button for? There is a mental toll associated with engaging on...