We live in a generation that considers smartphones as a basic necessity. It is something we wake up to and also the last thing we look at before going to bed. Everyone is in possession of one regardless of social class thus they are no longer classified as a luxury item. This leads to a concentration on social media since everyone is on some form of it. Millennials have even been described as a generation that depends on social media as a society. As such, the companies behind these social media platforms are competing to get ahead of one another. For one, Instagram began as a mere photo sharing application. Now, the live recording, boomerang effects and video features etc. are all part of Instagram. Facebook too, offers these things and so much more.
There was a time when each social media platform had their unique distinction; the one element that they stand for, and is recognized for. Like texts are to Twitter as photos are to Instagram. None of these social medial platforms function like that anymore. Now, whatever Snapchat offers, so does Instagram as well as Facebook.
There are always murmurs about possible updates in Snapchat and so on. Just a few months ago, there were talks around CNBC that suggest a potential camera-centric feature in Twitter.
Based on the analytics, Twitter has observed a substantial increase in posts and usage involving video contents. This is particularly noticeable throughout the course of 2017. People have been checking out local news as well as sports-related matter in the form of videos. This is so that users will have higher convenience and accessibility to post and to share videos through its platform. An article by Engadget, a technology media outlet has made juxtaposition concerning this. It was of this possible feature with Snapchat’s version of “the location-based snap collections” curated and distributed on its Discover tab. CNBC outlet further explains that there will be a new element, the Twitter Moments. Twitter will then gather these location-based pictures and recordings and subsequently assemble them through Twitter Moments. In this way, a wide range of stories about things going on in the area will conveniently be within reach.
A while ago, Snapchat had disappointed all of its users by introducing advertisements all over their Stories and Discover content. Similarly, Twitter will become the next platform for businesses to place their advertisements on. All in all, this feature will no doubt increase the firm’s revenue through advertising profits.
Nevertheless, Twitter has not disclosed any official statement to the public. They have not revealed any information about its possible release date. As a matter of fact, no official statements have even confirmed its release. Inside sources from CNBC reveals the fact that this notion is somewhat fresh off the boat. It is still way too early to expect its release anytime now.
Still, it seems as though every social media platform is contesting against one another. They are now coming up with distinct features to match what the others offer. Stories, Moments, Live are all features that Facebook and Instagram have implemented following Snapchat. Be that as it may, Snapchat’s frequent changes have affected its users significantly. In fact, users are beginning to realize the number of alternative social media platforms there are. They all offer the same features as well as the same conditions.
Snapchat approach to the addition of commercials has generated a lot of unease. Many users believe that the commercials are intruding and interfering their social media use. Snapchat has placed these commercial videos at the end of each story where users will eventually get to when using the application. Their recent change in design in order to accommodate more advertisement have caused it to lose their supporters. Many are now deleting their Snapchat altogether since Instagram is slowly becoming the better option.
Conversely, we cannot blame the firms for such actions. Put yourselves in the shoes of the company. What is the main concern and aim of a business if not profit? Profit maximization remains to be the first and foremost priority for suppliers in the market.
This leads to the following questions. Profit motivations aside, is it a good idea for all social platforms to be the same? Will people eventually stick to one particular platform and which one would that be? Are these changes better or worse and for who?
Only time will tell.
