3 Underrated Features on TikTok to Elevate Your Social Performance
TikTok is a creative breeding ground—not just for memes, dances, and cultural trends but also for app features. Over the past several years, we’ve seen innovative features originally introduced on TikTok adopted by platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and even LinkedIn. It’s clear that TikTok knows what it’s doing when offering features that help users and creators.
In this article, we’ll uncover three underrated TikTok features—Playlists, Q&A, and Spark Ads—that can transform the way creators grow, engage, and monetize their presence.
Feature #1: TikTok Playlists
What TikTok Playlists Are and How They Work
Playlists allow creators to group related videos into themed collections directly on their profile. Much like YouTube playlists, they give viewers a guided path to binge-watch multiple videos without leaving your page.
Benefits of Playlists for Content Longevity
Boost watch time: Playlists encourage viewers to keep watching instead of bouncing after one video.
Improve discoverability: A neatly organized profile helps new followers instantly understand your niche.
Increase authority: Structured playlists signal you’re serious about your content, especially for educators, coaches, and storytellers.
Best Practices for Creating Engaging Playlists
Use clear titles (e.g., “Beginner Cooking Tips” or “Fitness Challenges”).
Organize videos logically, like step-by-step guides or topic clusters.
Refresh playlists regularly to highlight your best and newest content.
Feature #2: TikTok Q&A
How the Q&A Feature Works
TikTok’s Q&A feature lets your audience submit questions directly, which you can answer through short-form video replies. Unlike simple comments, Q&A pins the original question above your response, creating interactive and personalized content.
Turning Questions into High-Engagement Content
Answer FAQs in your niche to establish authority.
Address follower-specific questions to build loyalty.
Turn trending or funny questions into entertaining responses.
Use Cases for Q&A Feature
Educators can use it to break down complex topics into bite-sized videos.
Brands can answer product-related questions, building trust with potential customers.
Influencers can respond to lifestyle or behind-the-scenes questions, strengthening personal branding.
Feature #3: TikTok Spark Ads
What Spark Ads Are and How They Differ from Traditional Ads
Spark Ads allow brands (or creators) to promote existing TikTok videos instead of creating new ad-specific content. This means your promoted content looks and feels native, maintaining the authenticity that drives TikTok engagement.
Advantages of Spark Ads for Authentic Reach
Seamless integration: Spark Ads appear like organic posts, avoiding the “ad fatigue” common with traditional ads.
Boost top-performing videos: You can amplify content that’s already resonating.
Drive conversions: Spark Ads allow clickable links to your website, product pages, or app installs.
Cost-Effective Strategies for Using Spark Ads
Start small by boosting one viral or high-engagement video.
Target niche audiences rather than broad demographics.
Use A/B testing to identify the most effective ad creatives.
FAQs About TikTok Playlists, Q&A, and Spark Ads
Q: Are Playlists available for everyone? A: Playlists are currently available to most creators, but some may need a minimum follower count to unlock the feature.
Q: How do Playlists impact TikTok SEO? A: Playlists can improve TikTok SEO by grouping videos around keywords, making it easier for users to find your content.
Q: Is Q&A better than replying in comments? A: Yes—because Q&A highlights questions directly and creates shareable content that can trend independently.
Q: Do Spark Ads work for low-budget campaigns? A: Absolutely. Even small daily spends can significantly boost reach if you target effectively.
Q: What’s the minimum spend for Spark Ads? A: The minimum is typically $20 per day, but TikTok allows testing at smaller budgets in some regions.
Conclusion: Unlocking TikTok’s Underrated Features
TikTok is more than just trends and hashtags—it’s a platform rich with features that most creators barely touch. By mastering Playlists for retention, Q&A for engagement, and Spark Ads for scalable growth, you can elevate your social performance to new heights.
How Instagram Is Empowering Creators in 2025: New Tools, Features & Opportunities
Instagram in 2025 truly hits different. And creators are winning big from it. The platform is rolling out feature after feature designed to help creators grow, engage, monetize, and shine. Whether you’re a micro-influencer, full-time content creator, or just getting started, Instagram’s updates this year are proof: it’s your time to thrive.
Let’s break down the latest upgrades and how they’re shifting the power into creators’ hands.
Follower demographics, broken down by region, age, and interest
Better visualization of which content drives the most engagement
These updates give creators the power to strategically tailor content, track their audience trends, and even pitch to brands with concrete data in hand.
And that’s not all. Earlier this year, Adam Mosseri announced that reels can now be up to 3 minutes long. That’s a lot more storytelling, showcasing, and value-packed content in one go.
Why does that matter? Because more time = more engagement = more potential for growth.
Monthly Performance Recaps & Milestones
Instagram’s now giving creators monthly performance recaps, along with milestones and personalized recommendations.
Think of it like your own digital coach — reminding you what worked, what didn’t, and what to try next. It’s a solid motivator and a helpful tool to improve content game without guessing.
New advanced comment filters help weed out spam, hate, or just plain irrelevant chatter, so creators can protect their space and stay focused on real engagement.
🔁 Boost Reach with Reposts
Another 2025 update that’s changed the platform for both creators and average users is “Reposts.” These are similar to how retweets on X or shares on Facebook work.
This can massively boost reach and visibility, especially for creators who rely on viral content. Plus, it helps content live longer, travel farther, and gain more traction across feeds.
Meta Officially Rolls Out the Edits app
Meta released their new video creation app, Edits, back in April and new features and updates have followed very consistently.
Why’s this important? Meta wants Instagram to become a one-stop shop for content creators, where they can manage everything from content creation to community management. Expect to see more features added to this video creation tool that keeps users returning to Instagram (as opposed to competitors like TikTok and CapCut).
Want a full breakdown on what creators can accomplish on Edits? Read our review here.
Pro Tips from the Top: Creator Q&A with Instagram Chief
Finally, creators got some direct answers from Instagram’s head honcho this year. Adam Mosseri sat down with the YouTube channel Build Your Tribe to discuss algorithms, audience growth, and more juicy insights for creators, big and small.
This kind of transparency signals one big thing: Instagram wants creators to win.
Final Thoughts
From better data and tools to community-building features, the platform is making it loud and clear: creators are at the center of its future. As the creator industry grows more and more each month, it’ll be interesting to see how platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram compete to be the #1 choice for content sharing.
If you’re a creator, we hope this overview of features inspires you to keep creating and growing your community!
💡 Want to stay ahead of the curve? Check outmore of our posts to discover how you can win on social media in 2025.
3 Underrated Instagram Features to Elevate Your Brand’s Community
When it comes to marketing on Instagram, most brands are already using the usual suspects—Stories, Reels, and grid posts. But Instagram is constantly evolving, and beneath the surface are lesser-known tools with powerful potential. If you're looking to maximize engagement, build community, and drive brand performance, it’s time to explore some of Instagram’s hidden gems. Here are 3 underrated Instagram features to help elevate your brand’s reach and community building in 2025.
1. Broadcast Channels: A One-Way Megaphone
If you're not using Instagram's Broadcast Channels, you're missing out on a direct line to your most engaged followers.
What It Is:
Broadcast Channels are a one-to-many messaging feature that allows creators and brands to send text updates, polls, voice notes, and behind-the-scenes content to followers who opt in. Think of it as a private newsletter, except it lives on Instagram and thrives on real-time interaction.
Why It Works:
Instant Reach: Messages hit the top of users’ inboxes, ensuring visibility.
Exclusivity: Followers feel like insiders when they join a brand’s private channel.
Pro Tip:
Use Broadcast Channels for product drops, live event reminders, and exclusive tips. It’s a no-algorithm zone—just pure, unfiltered brand-to-fan communication.
2. Unlockable Reels: A Secret Code to Exclusive Engagement
This one is still in testing, but if you want to stay ahead of the curve, Unlockable Reels are worth watching and planning for.
What It Is:
Instagram’s new lockable Reels allow creators to hide content behind a secret code. Only users who know the code can unlock and view the Reel—creating an “IYKYK” moment with built-in exclusivity.
Why It Works:
Exclusivity Sparks Buzz: Fans feel special when they unlock content others can’t see.
Creative Campaign Potential: Perfect for secret launches, scavenger hunts, or customer reward codes.
Targeted Engagement: Great for superfans, regional audiences, or loyalty groups.
Pro Tip:
Before this rolls out widely, start building your private communities and email lists. When live, offer access codes to VIP customers, regional fans, or newsletter subscribers.
3. Close Friends: The VIP List That Builds Loyalty
When Instagram launched Close Friends in 2018, it was meant for party invites, outfit checks, and private rants. Fast-forward to 2025, and brands are using it to create VIP experiences that drive engagement, loyalty, and conversion—all without cluttering the main feed.
What It Is:
Close Friends allows you to share Instagram Stories with a hand-picked audience. Originally a personal feature, it’s now a powerful brand tool for private content, early access drops, exclusive discounts, and community-building.
Why It Works:
FOMO Meets Function: Followers feel like they’re getting insider access—because they are.
Algorithm-Free Visibility: No feed competition or noise, just your message delivered to people who want it.
Loyalty in Action: It rewards your most engaged fans in real time.
Pro Tip:
Use Close Friends for:
Early access to product drops
Secret discount codes
Invite-only events or pop-ups
Beta testing and campaign feedback
Behind-the-scenes moments that humanize your brand
Close Friends is your brand’s secret menu, offering intimate, algorithm-proof storytelling that strengthens bonds with your audience.
Bonus: Combine All 3 for Maximum Impact
Want to create an unbeatable Instagram strategy? Here’s how these tools work together:
Announce exclusive Reels in your Broadcast Channel
Deliver secret codes to view Unlockable Reels
Share bonus content through Close Friends Stories
This layered approach builds excitement, deepens engagement, and keeps your audience coming back for more.
By tapping into these underutilized features—Broadcast Channels, Guides, and Close Friends—you can unlock new ways to engage your audience, increase visibility, and build brand love. Good luck!
Want to work with an agency that strategizes and deploys these new Instagram features for you? Contact us today.
Instagram Edits App Review: Should You Use It?
It’s finally here: Meta’s answer to CapCut. Say hello to Edits, Meta’s new standalone video editing app built just for creators. We spent some time with the app and have compiled our thoughts, loves, and disappointments with it.
In this Instagram Edits app review, we’ll walk through:
What the Edits app is
Its main features (including what works/what doesn’t)
Honest Reddit user reviews
What features we hope to see added
Our final verdict of the app
What Is Instagram Edits?
Launched in April 2025, Edits is Meta’s take on a modern, mobile-first video editing tool. It connects seamlessly with your Instagram account and aims to streamline the entire content creation process, from idea to publication.
Key Features:
100% Free
No watermarks
4K video export
In-app camera
Audio overlays, text, transitions, and animations
Integrated project folders
Super-helpful inspiration and performance analytics tabs
Here’s What the App Looks Like
Let’s dive into how Edits is structured—and what each tab brings to the table.
Keep Track of Your Ideas
The Ideas tab is your creative brainstorming board. From here you can:
Jot down quick ideas using sticky notes
Save Reels from Instagram directly into the app
View saved content in a familiar, scrollable format
Collections stay synced with Instagram, so your saved categories transfer right over
This is a surprisingly useful feature. Instead of storing video ideas in your Notes app or screenshots folder, you get a dedicated, visual space to plan content. It’s one way Meta is trying to make Edits a one-stop shop for project creation.
Get Inspiration from Other Creators
The Inspiration tab is your standard feed of trending or followed Reels for content ideas. To be honest, we don’t see a ton of added value here. Aside from the option to use a Reel’s audio or save it as a sticky note for later reference, it feels pretty much identical to Instagram’s regular Reels feed.
Create Projects with a Variety of Tools
This is where the actual editing happens—and it’s got some hits and misses. For starters, Meta has made the process of creating green-screen social media content very smooth and intuitive.
One of Edit’s most impressive features is the CutOuts tool, which allows you to create cut-out elements from videos or images and superimpose them over other videos or images. This feature has real potential for creators to get creative and push boundaries.
Overview of the Edit app’s features
CutOuts: Isolate a subject and layer it over other media
Green Screen: Intuitive and ready to use with one tap
AI Animation Tool: Animate still images (though results are often blurry)
More fonts, transitions, and sound effects than the native Instagram editor
The Downsides of the Edits App
AI Animation still needs polish—blurred and low-res outputs were common
No multi-account support (a pain point for social media managers)
Can’t export videos with added audio
Auto-captions are tricky to edit and time correctly with your footage
In-app camera quality feels weaker than the phone's native camera
Gather Insightful Data on Your Content
The Insights section offers a bit more data than you’d find on the regular Instagram app including Skip rate, Retention, Share rate and more. For creators serious about content strategy, this gives a better sense of what’s working—without jumping into Instagram’s business suite or third-party tools.
Important to remember: Edits’ Insights tab only gives you analytics on your Reels content. It does NOT show you insights on stories, carousels, or static posts.
What We’d Love to See Added
Edits is promising, but with so many users already using CapCut’s vast library of features, there's room to grow. Here's our wish list for future updates:
Collaboration Tools: The ability to co-edit with a team would be a game-changer.
Keyframes: A must for creators who want complete animation control.
Desktop Access: Mobile-first is fine, but please give us a browser version.
Meta has hinted at some of these, but no ETA yet. Stay tuned.
✅ Final Verdict: Should You Use Instagram Edits?
Use Edits if you:
Create Reels often
Want a cleaner editing flow than the native Instagram editor
Like organizing your ideas and inspiration in one place
Stick with CapCut if you:
Need pro-level tools, templates, and audio editing
Post across multiple platforms
Value desktop access and team workflows
If you’re ready to improve your social media content strategy, request a proposal, and let us help you bring your vision to life.
CapCut or Adobe Express: The Best Video Editor for Your Social Media Needs?
Creating scroll-stopping social media videos doesn't have to mean mastering professional editing software. With intuitive, free-to-use tools like CapCut and Adobe Express, content creators—from beginners to seasoned marketers—can turn raw footage into polished posts in minutes. But when it comes to social media video editing, which one truly earns the title of best video editing app for social media?
Let’s break down the CapCut vs Adobe Express review, looking at everything from templates and effects to export options and ease of use.
CapCut, developed by ByteDance (the makers of TikTok), is tailor-made for social-first content. Its mobile-first design makes it wildly popular among everyday creators on TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Unlike many free video editing software options, CapCut enables multi-layer timelines that support text, stickers, filters, and overlays in a single view. This gives users more freedom to experiment with creative direction, mainly when producing high-volume content for varied platforms.
Key CapCut Features:
Drag-and-drop editing with multi-track timelines
Pre-made CapCut templates designed for TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts
A vast library of filters, transitions, text animations, and effects
AI-powered tools like auto-captions, background removal, and voice changers
Seamless integration with TikTok for direct publishing
Free? Yes—CapCut offers a robust free version with minimal watermarks or paywalls. A Pro plan at $9.99/month unlocks more advanced assets like additional effects, transitions, video templates, and more, but most casual users won’t feel the pinch.
✅ Pros of CapCut:
Mobile-first and highly intuitive
Ideal for short-form, trending video styles
Fast export and direct TikTok publishing
Strong AI tools for captions, editing, and effects
❌ Cons of CapCut:
Limited branding and design customization for businesses
Less ideal for horizontal/long-form videos
Some users report occasional app lag or crashes
New pricing options have limited once-free features (teleprompter, specific captioning options, etc.
Adobe Express (formerly Adobe Spark) brings Adobe’s design muscle to video editing, without the intimidating interface of Premiere Pro.
This program distinguishes itself by embedding design logic into every step of the content creation process. Instead of building around a video-first timeline, it layers motion and interaction into graphic-first compositions—an approach that resonates with organizations managing diverse content formats.
Key Adobe Express Features:
Clean, brand-ready Adobe Express templates for professional-looking videos
Easy timeline-based editing for quick social media cuts
Text overlays, stock music, and animations baked into the interface
Direct publishing to social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
Access to Adobe Fonts and stock photos
Free? Adobe Express has a strong free tier, though some premium assets and templates are locked behind a subscription. Premium tiers start at $9.99 a month.
✅ Pros of Adobe Express:
Professional, polished templates ideal for branded content
Easy for beginners and marketers to pick up quickly
Native access to Adobe Fonts and stock media
Consistent layout across web and mobile platforms
Great for teams and brand kits
❌ Cons of Adobe Express:
Limited editing flexibility compared to CapCut’s multi-track tools
Some key features require a subscription
Not optimized for short-form trends like TikTok/Reels
Video Editing Tools Comparison: Side-by-Side
Feature
CapCut
Adobe Express
Ease of Use
Beginner-friendly, mobile-first
Beginner-friendly, web-based
Templates
Trendy, short-form focused
Polished, brand-forward
AI Tools
Auto captions, voice effects
Basic animation & design tools
Platform Compatibility
Mobile & desktop
Primarily Web, mobile app too
Export Options
Optimized for TikTok, IG, YT
Multi-platform exports
Best For
Creators, influencers
Small businesses, marketers
Which Is More Beginner-Friendly?
Both platforms are designed with non-editors in mind. CapCut shines for creators who want quick, trend-driven content with minimal effort. Its drag-and-drop timeline and viral-ready templates make it ideal for those new to editing but eager to grow their social presence.
Adobe Express, on the other hand, offers more brand control—perfect for marketers or business owners who want consistent logos, colors, and font styling in their video content. If you’ve used Canva before, Adobe Express will feel very familiar.
Final Verdict: Which One Wins?
Choosing between CapCut or Adobe Express comes down to your goals and workflow:
Choose CapCut if you’re a content creator, influencer, or short-form video enthusiast who values speed, trends, and mobile-first convenience.
Choose Adobe Express if you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or small business owner who needs on-brand, professional-looking content with design flexibility.
The good news is that both are free video editing software options worth trying. So why not test both and see which best suits your needs?
If you’re ready to improve your social media content strategy, request a proposal, and let us help you bring your vision to life.
How LinkedIn Is Empowering Creators: A 2025 Guide
LinkedIn has been undergoing a significant transformation in recent years. As we enter 2025, it's clear that LinkedIn is no longer just a place to connect with colleagues and search for job opportunities.
The platform has been evolving to become more creator-friendly, recognizing the growing importance of personal branding and thought leadership in the professional world. LinkedIn is now a space where individuals can showcase their expertise, engage with their audience, and build a strong online presence.
Why is LinkedIn becoming a creator-friendly platform?
LinkedIn's evolution into a creator-friendly platform is driven by the increasing demand for valuable, industry-specific content. Professionals are seeking insights, inspiration, and thought leadership from experts in their field—and LinkedIn is positioning itself as the go-to platform for this type of content.
By introducing features that support content creators, LinkedIn is fostering a community of thought leaders and innovators. The platform's algorithm prioritizes content based on professional relevance, ensuring that creators can reach their target audience effectively. This targeted approach sets LinkedIn apart from other social media platforms, making it an attractive space for professionals looking to build their personal brand and engage with like-minded individuals.
Creator-Friendly Additions to LinkedIn
New Video Features and Updates
Last year, LinkedIn implemented its dedicated video feed in the app. The feed displays content in a TikTok-style, full-screen format, leaning into the broader vertical video trend. Since then, LinkedIn has reported that total video viewership on LinkedIn is up 36% year-over-year.
Courtesy LinkedIn
With the rising popularity of its video feed, LinkedIn has now announced that it is bringing these video features to its desktop feed as well. Additionally, relevant videos will now be shown in search results. This is great news for creators on the platform as their content will have more opportunities to reach new audiences.
A smaller, but extremely useful addition that LinkedIn has added is the ability for creators to track average watch time on their videos.
Courtesy LinkedIn
Newsletter Metric Additions
LinkedIn has made great strides in making its newsletter feature an enticing and effective tool for creators. Most recently, LinkedIn has rolled out helpful metrics for newsletter creators to provide a better understanding of your content performance.
The newest additions have been the “Email sends” and “Email open rate” metrics. These are great tools for creators looking to optimize and enhance their newsletter targeting.
Live events on LinkedIn are gaining traction. The platform reported that the number of live events increased by 15.3% in Q4 last year. While LinkedIn live events seem to be more focused on organizations and brands, there’s no reason they can’t be a great tool for individual creators as well. Live events nurture engagement with one’s community, with the unique ability to engage directly with participants.
The “Top Voice” badge is one of LinkedIn’s attempted features to promote thought leadership, but it’s gone through several updates and changes within the last year.
The most recent update concerns the requirements for earning one of these badges on one's profile. According to LinkedIn, “Top Voices” badges will be evaluated twice a year to ensure that users are posting consistent and valuable content for the community.
How to Succeed as a Creator on LinkedIn
All of these new and improved features set the perfect stage for creators to start growing their audiences. Implementing these features and tactics into your own content strategy could help you enhance your personal brand and increase business and networking opportunities. Here are a few ways you can succeed as a creator on LinkedIn:
1. Leverage LinkedIn's video capabilities
LinkedIn's new video feed heralds a new era of content engagement on the platform. This swipeable feed has proven to be high-performing on other platforms (TikTok, Instagram, etc.) and its implementation on LinkedIn could be an exciting opportunity for LinkedIn creators.
To fully capitalize on these capabilities, creators should pay close attention to LinkedIn's advanced video metrics. These analytics provide a deeper understanding of how content performs, offering insights into viewer interactions and preferences.
2. Engage your audience effectively
To truly connect with your audience on LinkedIn, create posts that directly address the primary concerns and interests within your industry. This approach not only attracts attention but also solidifies your position as a leader in your field.
The platform's advanced algorithm plays a pivotal role in ensuring your content reaches those most interested in your insights. With personalized suggestions, your posts are strategically placed before professionals who are predisposed to engage with your subject matter.
3. Build a personal brand on LinkedIn
Crafting a personal brand on LinkedIn involves a strategic blend of sharing your own personal insights and actively participating in industry discourse. Start by developing content that positions you as a valuable voice in your field.
Active participation in discussions is essential for enhancing your visibility within the professional community. Engage with posts by contributing thoughtful comments and insights that add depth to ongoing conversations. Collaborating with respected figures in your industry can also expand your network and reinforce your credibility, as these interactions often lead to shared visibility and mutual respect.
As LinkedIn continues to evolve and empower creators, it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve and adapt your strategies accordingly. If you're looking to take your LinkedIn presence to the next level, we at That RANDOM Agency are here to help—request a proposal today.
Random Round-Up: Social Media Updates and News, January 2025
As we move into February, it’s time to recap the latest social media updates and news from January (spoiler: there’s A LOT to cover). 🫣
1. The Ongoing TikTok Saga
If you thought January was off to a quiet start, TikTok had other plans. On January 19, a Senate-approved bill went into effect that banned the app. U.S. users could still open the app but were met with this pop-up that stopped users from accessing app features.
But psych! The blackout didn’t last long, and 16 hours later, TikTok was back up and running. The app was granted a 75-day extension in order to work out…something? It’s pretty unclear what’s in the works now but it looks like the new presidential administration is hoping to find an alternative.
There has been speculation on suitable buyers from YouTube star MrBeast to Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary. Whether or not these potential buyers actually have a serious chance of purchasing the app is pretty unclear.
With tensions still high and TikTok’s fate hanging in the balance, one thing’s for sure—everyone is trying to take advantage of the moment. Especially Instagram…
2. Instagram is Trying to Steal the Show
With TikTok on the ropes, Adam Mosseri and his team have been working overtime to increase “creativity” and “connection” (i.e. win over TikTok users) on the platform.
To achieve this, Instagram has released a slew of new social media updates (too many to go into detail). Here’s a brief overview of the biggest ones:
Instagram Updates in January 2025:
Users can now publish reels up to 3 minutes long. Previously, Instagram advised that reels longer than 90 seconds have a negative impact on post-performance, but they have adjusted that with this new update.
Apart from the updates, there's also been some controversy on the platform and with Meta in general in the past month.
3. Is Meta Taking a Political Stance?
It seems that Donald Trump's re-election has influenced both small and large decisions at Meta. While these changes could be seen as adaptive business efforts to align with the current administration, it’s hard to ignore the possibility of political bias shaping the platform’s direction.
On top of all that, Mark Zuckerberg also announced that Meta is replacing fact-checks with Community Notes. According to Zuckerburg, this is an effort toward “restoring free expression on our platforms.” It also seems like an effort towards increased misinformation and decreased public safety. (uh oh)
With the new administration just barely taking office, we predict that Meta will make many more changes in the near future.
4. And now for the Drama-free updates…
Meta and TikTok have been absolutely dominating the headlines. Here are some social media updates that went a little under the radar and deserve some attention:
Threads is now testing ads on its platform.
YouTube is testing a new feature that allows creators to easily clip segments from long-form YouTube videos and INSTANTLY publish them as separate 16:9 videos.
Spotify is testing an option that allows users to share a video snippet from a podcast to their Instagram Stories.
Need expert guidance on the latest social media updates and trends? You’re in the right place. Get in touch with us today!
Is Bluesky the Game-Changer We’ve Been Waiting For?
Bluesky, the decentralized social media platform, has taken the digital world by storm. With its user base surpassing 24 million as of December 2024, the app is quickly becoming a formidable competitor to established platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
The rise of Bluesky can be attributed to a combination of factors. This includes controversial policy changes at X and a growing desire among users for a more transparent social media experience.
In this article, we'll explore the key features of Bluesky, its growth potential, and what its success could mean for the future of social media. We'll also examine how Bluesky stacks up against its competitors and what businesses and organizations can learn from its innovative approach.
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky is a decentralized social media platform that was conceptualized by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. The platform operates on an open-source framework called the AT Protocol, which allows for transparency and a federated design. This means that users have more control over their experience and can choose from a variety of algorithms to curate their feeds.
Key Features and Differences from X
At first glance, Bluesky looks nearly identical to X. Features like following, liking, sharing, and retweeting are exactly how you’d expect them to work if you're familiar with X. Apart from that basic workflow, there are a few key differences (both big and small):
Content Differences
When comparing content capabilities, Bluesky and X are actually pretty similar, but here are a few notable distinctions:
Video Posting Limitations: Bluesky allows users to post only one video per post, with a maximum duration of 60 seconds. In contrast, X permits up to four videos per post, each up to 140 seconds long—or longer for X Premium subscribers.
Polls: Bluesky currently lacks the option to create poll posts, a popular feature on X that enables users to engage their audiences with interactive questions.
These differences highlight Bluesky's more streamlined approach to content formats while maintaining its focus on user-centric features.
Absence of Ads
One of the standout features of Bluesky is its commitment to keeping the platform free from sponsored or paid advertisements. Unlike X and many other social media platforms, Bluesky has yet to introduce a monetization model based on ads. This ad-free environment aligns with the platform's ethos of user control and transparency, allowing users to engage with content without the disruption of targeted ads or promotional content.
Algorithmic Choice
Bluesky's commitment to algorithmic choice is another factor that sets it apart from its competitors. By giving users the ability to select from a range of algorithms, the platform ensures that individuals have greater control over the content they see and engage with. This level of customization is particularly appealing to businesses and organizations looking to tailor their social media presence to their specific audience and goals.
Federated Design
The federated design of Bluesky is built on the AT Protocol, which enables a network of interconnected servers to communicate with each other seamlessly. This structure allows for the development of new social apps that can integrate with Bluesky. For businesses and organizations seeking to expand their reach and engage with new audiences, this interoperability presents exciting opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Direct Messaging and Enhanced User Autonomy
The addition of direct messaging marks a significant enhancement to Bluesky's communication capabilities. While currently limited to one-to-one exchanges, this feature lays the groundwork for more nuanced interpersonal interactions. Users benefit from a classic block feature that provides a sense of security, contrasting with X's recent changes that have caused user dissatisfaction.
Commitment to User-Centric Data Policies
Bluesky's approach to data usage reflects a strong commitment to user privacy and respect for personal content. By choosing not to utilize user content for AI training, the platform builds trust with its community. This focus on safeguarding user data differentiates Bluesky as a platform where privacy and user rights take precedence. One aspect of this feature is the option to choose what service hosts your user data.
The platform's emphasis on user autonomy, privacy, and ethical standards continues to attract individuals and organizations seeking a responsible alternative to traditional social media. As Bluesky evolves, these distinct features underscore its potential to reshape digital engagement.
Diversified Revenue Sources
Bluesky's revenue model includes various unique offerings. Among these is the option for users to obtain custom domains, providing them with personalized handles that enhance brand identity and visibility. This feature not only serves individual users but also appeals to businesses seeking a distinctive online presence.
The strategic financial boost from November 2024's $15 million Series A funding round underscores Bluesky's potential and supports its plans to introduce a subscription model. This model aims to deliver advanced features—such as enhanced multimedia capabilities or personalized user interfaces—designed to attract a diverse user base, from everyday users to professional digital creators.
The Exodus from X (formerly Twitter)
Bluesky's impressive growth can be attributed to a series of strategic missteps by X. Users have grown weary of X's recent changes, which have eroded trust and alienated its community. As a result, many are flocking to Bluesky, seeking a platform that better aligns with their expectations.
Reasons People are Choosing Bluesky over X
Several key factors have contributed to the migration from X to Bluesky:
Policy Discontent at X: Changes to the block feature, which now allows blocked users to still see public posts, have sparked concerns about privacy and safety. In contrast, Bluesky preserves a straightforward block feature, offering users enhanced control over their interactions.
Ethical Data Practices: The decision by X to permit third parties to use content for AI training has been met with criticism from privacy advocates. Bluesky sets itself apart by not engaging in these practices, resonating with users who prioritize ethical data management.
The Impact of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election
The 2024 U.S. presidential election further intensified scrutiny on X, driving many users to explore alternatives. As political tensions rose, a significant number of users migrated to Bluesky, which experienced a notable increase in sign-ups. This trend highlights the public's search for a platform that offers integrity and user empowerment.
Bluesky's dedication to ethical standards and user control continues to draw individuals and organizations looking for a more conscientious social media environment.
The Future of Social Media
Bluesky is poised to redefine the digital landscape with its commitment to user empowerment. By enabling individuals to have more control over their online interactions, Bluesky challenges traditional models of social engagement. This paradigm shift allows users to craft their digital experiences more intentionally, aligning with a growing demand for platforms that prioritize transparency.
Catalyzing Innovation and Connectivity
At the core of Bluesky's transformative potential is its ability to foster connectivity through adaptable frameworks. By supporting the development of diverse applications, Bluesky encourages a wide range of social experiences that cater to various community needs. This adaptability not only enhances user engagement but also encourages developers to create novel solutions that integrate seamlessly with Bluesky's ecosystem, expanding the platform's reach and functionality.
Bluesky's dedication to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment offers a refreshing alternative to the atmosphere of other platforms. By prioritizing constructive dialogue, Bluesky sets a new standard where users can interact without the fear of hostility or misinformation. This focus on maintaining a positive user experience resonates with those seeking a more ethical approach to social media, positioning Bluesky as a leader in the evolution of digital communication.
Community-Driven Evolution
As Bluesky continues to expand, its community-driven model is likely to influence the broader social media landscape. By proving the effectiveness of a user-centric approach, Bluesky challenges other platforms to innovate and prioritize user well-being. This could lead to the emergence of new social media paradigms that emphasize transparency, diversity, and empowerment.
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