Snapchat borrows from Instagram this time, tests mention tagging to Stories

This time around, Snapchat is taking cues from Instagram and is letting users tag their friends in their Stories. When someone is tagged on the social network, it works similar to how Instagram implements this. Viewers can tap on the link and a new menu shows up that links to that user’s information and you can be given the option to add said user. The difference though is there is no autofill, so you’ll need to remember your friend’s Snapchat username and they won’t be alerted if they get tagged. Snapchat confirms they are trying out this feature and there is no official word yet about when it’s going to be available for all users.

Source: The Verge

Snapchat might be bringing Stories to the web

Snapchat is looking to snap up more users or at least encourage its existing user base to do use its service more. It’s being reported that the social network is working on bringing its Stories Everywhere to the web or on other apps. It’ll be an embedded web player that would help increase exposure to snaps and hopefully encourage people to download the app or at least watch content from the service. Snapchat has been struggling to attract new users, so it needs to extend beyond its walls. If there’s any truth to these rumours, it’ll give them an advantage over Facebook and Instagram since both don’t offer embedded stories just yet. But with Facebook known to quickly copy Snapchat features, we aren’t sure if that advantage will last long. Snap is refusing to comment on the report.

Source: Engadget

Facebook tests out Snapchat-like streaks feature

Facebook has on numerous occasions copied features from Snapchat both for its main app and its other properties (like Instagram and WhatsApp). That behaviour continues with the new feature the social network is trying out. This time, it’s copying the feature that has kept Snapchat users, particularly its teen user base, engaged: streaks. These streaks or having continues back and forth direct snaps with friends come with emoji rewards and have had Snapchat users obsessively trying to keep it going for as long as they can.

Facebook confirmed it’s testing this feature out in Messenger, complete with emoji-like icons and a counter that shows how long the streak is going. According to a spokesperson for Facebook, they are testing out the feature "to see at a glance fun facts about the people you message with. For example, a lightning bolt may appear next to the name of a person you've messaged with for at least three days in a row, and a counter will indicate how many consecutive days you've been chatting. We're interested to see if people enjoy this insight, but we don't have any additional information to share at this time." Now, whether this is something users would want, we can’t say. What we do know is this is Facebook’s way to keep users (hopefully) engaged.

Source: Mashable

Snap Inc. says they’ll start paying top creators

A platform is only as good as the content it produces. And while it might be a bit late, Snapchat is looking to put a bit more effort to support its pool of creators. Aside from revamping its Android app, Snapchat’s parent company, Snap Inc., plans to start paying its top creators, similar to what YouTube does with its star YouTubers that are encouraged to create videos in exchange for advertising revenue. Snap Inc.’s CEO Evan Spiegel acknowledges in his prepared quarterly remarks that they have “neglected the creator community on Snapchat that creates and distributes public Stories for the broader Snapchat audience.”

Spiegel says they plan to develop more distribution and monetization options for its creators over the next year. Snapchat might also introduce professional tools and help facilitate sharing beyond friend groups.

Source: The Verge