Weekly Digital Roundup (6.23.14)
Facebook releases Slingshot into the world, Twitter accepts GIFs into the family, and other headlines from last week. Without further ado, here’s what we found to be the biggest news, so you may comfortably remain snuggled under a rock.
Slingshot
Given Slingshot a shot? The new mobile app is Facebook’s answer to competitor, Snapchat. The premise is the same: share photos with friends that vanish in a matter of seconds. However, users are not allowed to view their messages until they’ve replied with a photo or video of their own. In a blog issued by Facebook, the company states, "When everyone participates, there’s less pressure, more creativity, and even the little things in life can turn into awesome shared experiences.”
Twitter GIF Support
One small step for Twitter, one giant leap for GIFN! Twitter announced this week that the platform now supports animated GIFs. Several major brands have already jumped at the opportunity to entertain their audiences in GIF-form. Now, when will Facebook jump on the wagon?
Pinterest Positioning
Pinterest debuted its first ad at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The social platform is positioning itself to jive with creatives and be taken seriously as a search platform. The messaging behind the presentation is that Pinterest is a visual search for those looking for inspiration. CEO Ben Silbermann addressed the audience saying, “Search suggests a hierarchy, but people are looking for a broader survey of what’s out there…We have tens of millions of curators and tens of billions of images…[Pinterest is] about seeing what is possible.”
The Met's Instagram
The New York Metropolitan Museum of Art is taking to Instagram to showcase its artwork and institution, teaming up with popular Instagram photographer Dave Krugman. With the rise of social media platforms and democratization of photography, Krugman notes that doors are opening and new alliances are being formed with a whole new generation of creative minds. Insta for the winsta.
Acronyms Uncoded
Ever wonder what those crazy kids are talking about on Twitter? So does the FBI. Check out the agency’s guide to Twitter shorthand for deciphering phrases such as “GPOY” and “BU2M.” Well, now you know.Heads up, Google I/O streams live this Wednesday!