Here is your roundup of the best digital and social news from the last seven days. If you have any questions, or spotted something that we’ve missed, then feel free to get in touch with us.
Facebook adds gif support, letting animated images play in news feed
Facebook has updated its Newsfeed algorithm to allow users to include moving images within posts and comments, by linking to external sites which host gif content.
The social media network’s move to support gifs within Newsfeeds and comments, offers brands greater opportunity to experiment with creative visual content. This offers brands the chance to make social content more sharable and eye-catching for consumers, driving engagement and brand awareness online.
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Facebook launches new security check-up tool
In addition to its increasing number of new services and tools, Facebook has also launched a new security check-up tool to make it easier for users to update their security settings and protect their account.
A more public profile for privacy and additional security settings help instil trust in the platform among users, especially as Facebook looks to expand its offering into services such as money transferring via messenger. Allowing brands greater opportunities to utilise the platform’s services in a safer and consumer focused environment.
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Facebook messenger payments arrives in NYC
After months of waiting, Facebook’s long rumoured Messenger Payment service has launched in New York, allowing friends to send and receive money using Facebook’s messaging app.
Facebook’s messenger payment offering is the latest step forward for digital services to expanding their offering to keep consumers from crossing platforms. This, along with developments such as Facebook’s new Instant Article, are all designed to keep consumer attention on one platform.
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Twitter reportedly eyeing $1bn Flipboard acquisition
Social media giant, Twitter, has reportedly been in talks this week with popularly tablet-based news curation service, Flipboard, to buy the platform for $1bn. Flipboard allows users to link their favourite news sites and blogs into one platform, creating a tailored news source.
If successful, Twitter’s acquisition of this widely popular news curation tool would make it a strong contender against Facebook’s new Instant Articles offering. Boosting the potential for content curation on the platform will enable brands to share richer content and will allow users the chance to instantly interact with content, without the hassle of switching platform.
Flipboard’s key features:
Collect great articles, videos and photos into beautiful, shareable and portable digital magazines
Gain access to the world’s most respected publishers, plus leading thinkers on the subjects most relevant to each user
Users get only the best, most relevant articles, videos, photos and audio on subjects that matter to them
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