Why Do Social Media Platforms Copy Each Other?

It's not uncommon to find similarities between various platforms in the dynamic world of social media. From layout and design to features and functionality, social media platforms frequently seem to copy one another. But why? To find an answer, we are going to look at some of the primary reasons for this trend, as well as examine its effects on the digital world.

  1. User Familiarity and User Experience

The main reason social media platforms resemble one another is to provide consumers with a familiar experience. Users feel more comfortable and the learning curve is reduced when a new platform incorporates features that have already proven successful on another platform. If users are already accustomed to the features and characteristics of their preferred social media platforms, they can rapidly adapt to the new one. By reducing complexity and ensuring a smooth transition, platforms can secure new users more effectively. 

  1. Competitive Advantage

In the fiercely competitive social media world, platforms constantly seek ways to gain an edge over their competitors. Copying successful features from competitors can be a strategic move to capture a larger user base. By incorporating popular features, platforms aim to retain existing users and attract those who are looking for similar functions. For example, Instagram's introduction of Stories, which were first made popular by Snapchat, helped Instagram maintain its position as a leading platform and drew users away from its competitors.

  1. Market Validation

Creating a new feature requires significant resources, time, and effort. By observing and copying features that have proven successful on other platforms, social media companies can leverage market validation. If a particular feature is well-received on one platform, it suggests that users are interested in that functionality, reducing the risk associated with innovation. For instance, TikTok's skyrocketing popularity demonstrated the immense appeal of short videos, prompting other platforms like Instagram and YouTube to introduce similar features such as Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. By implementing features that have already been validated, platforms can focus on refining the execution rather than reinventing the wheel.

  1. User Expectations and Trends

Social media platforms are under constant pressure to live up to user expectations and keep up with the emerging trends. Users often desire similar experiences across several platforms to maintain a consistent digital presence. If a new platform fails to offer features that are popular on existing platforms, it risks being perceived as outdated or irrelevant. This is evident in the case of Vine, a once popular short-form video platform that failed to adapt to the evolving social media landscape. With the rise of platforms like Instagram and Youtube, which capitalized on the demand for short video content, Vine's inability to incorporate additional features ultimately led to its decline and eventual shutdown. This serves as a compelling example of the importance of adapting to trends and implementing features that resonate with users to maintain relevance in the social media ecosystem.

  1. Monetization Strategies

Social media platforms rely largely on advertising revenue and user engagement metrics. By duplicating successful features, platforms can tap into established monetization strategies. For instance, Facebook capitalized on the increased interest in real-time interactive content when it introduced live video streaming. With the help of this feature, advertisers and influencers had a great opportunity to monetize their video by including sponsorships and advertisements.

Facebook gave businesses and influencers a platform to reach a highly engaged audience while content creators could make money and form profitable partnerships by facilitating the seamless integration of promotional content within live streams. Platforms can create opportunities for both users and advertisers, attracting more investment and increasing profit.

Due to the competitive nature of the digital market and the goal to provide consumers with a seamless experience, social media companies are increasingly mimicking one another. Although some would claim that it hinders innovation, the approach has many benefits, as noted above. In the near future, we can anticipate more replication, adaptation, and invention as the social media world continues to change. This will eventually influence how social interaction and digital communication will develop in the coming years. 

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5 Unconventional Ways to Promote Your Podcast

It's no secret that the popularity of podcasts has risen in recent years, with millions of people tuning in to their favorites daily. But with so many podcasts available, it can be difficult to distinguish between the competition and entice new listeners. Despite their effectiveness, traditional marketing strategies like email blasts and social media promotion can occasionally fall short. So if you are stuck on how to make your podcast go viral, here are five unconventional strategies for podcast promotion that you might not have considered before.

Collaborate with other podcasters

  1. A great method to cross-promote your show is to collaborate with other podcasters in your niche. Connect with them and propose a joint episode or a guest appearance. You'll get access to a new group of listeners who may not have been familiar with your podcast otherwise.

Host a live event

  1. An excellent way to engage with your listeners and foster a sense of community around your podcast is to host live events. Try holding a meet-and-greet with your followers, a Q&A session with listeners, or a live recording of your show. Whether in-person or virtual, this could be a fantastic chance to interact more personally with your audience and even receive valuable feedback from them. 

Create a YouTube channel

  1. Since YouTube is a video-only platform, unlike podcasting, it can help you expand your audience. Experiment with creating brief video snippets of your podcast episodes, producing behind-the-scenes material, or recording guest interviews. This can be an effective method to advertise your show, helping you draw in listeners who spend more time on YouTube.

Leverage influencer marketing

  1. Influencer marketing has grown to be a popular strategy used by brands to reach new consumers. Finding influential people in your niche who have a sizable following can help you reach out to potential listeners. Start by contacting these individuals and asking them to promote your podcast to their audience. Offer them incentives and rewards like a commission or a guest appearance on your show. By collaborating with influential figures in your field, you can leverage their credibility and audience to increase traffic to your podcast.

Create a podcast trailer

  1. Crafting a podcast trailer is a terrific approach to getting the attention of potential listeners. A trailer is a brief introduction to your show that focuses on its distinguishing qualities and advantages. Think about producing an eye-and-ear-catching trailer that highlights your personality and the subjects you address. To draw in more listeners, you can share this on social media, your website, and other platforms.

Whether you try all or some of these ideas, promoting your podcast requires a little imagination and originality. You may expand your audience and draw in new listeners by utilizing collaborations, live events, YouTube channels, influencer marketing, and podcast trailers.  Keep in mind that marketing your podcast is a continuous process, so try out different approaches to see what works best for you.

We've got years of experience creating and promoting podcasts at Random, so let us help you! Send us a message below to learn how we can work together to boost your podcast. 

Get Influenced: Analyzing The Top Social Media Platforms For Each Generation

Casey Wright

April 2023

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. It has changed the way we communicate, share information, and interact with each other. There are various social media platforms available today, and each platform has its own unique features and target audience. In this blog, we will explore which social media platforms are used most by each generation and the reasons behind their influence.

Generation Z (born between 1997-2012)

Generation Z is the youngest generation and the most tech-savvy. They have grown up with technology and have a strong presence on social media. According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, the top social media platforms used by Generation Z are:

  1. TikTok - TikTok is a short-form video sharing app that allows users to create and share 15-second videos that are often accompanied by music. This format is particularly appealing to Generation Z, who have grown up with short attention spans and a preference for quick and easily digestible content. TikTok's algorithm is designed to show users content that is relevant to their interests. This means that users are constantly exposed to new and interesting content, which keeps them engaged and coming back for more. TikTok has a strong sense of community. Users can interact with each other through likes, comments, and shares, and there are many popular challenges and trends that users can participate in. 

This sense of community and belonging is particularly important to Generation Z, who are known for their social consciousness and desire to connect with others. Overall, TikTok's unique format, personalized content, sense of community, and emphasis on creativity and self-expression makes it the most influential platform for this young and vocal generation.

  1. Instagram - Instagram is a photo and video sharing app that allows users to share pictures and videos of their daily lives. This format is particularly appealing to Generation Z, who are known for their love of visual content and their desire to share their experiences with others. Instagram has a strong emphasis on aesthetics and creativity. Users can use a range of filters, editing tools, and hashtags to create unique and visually appealing content. This allows Generation Z to express themselves in new and exciting ways and to showcase their talents and creativity to a wider audience. 

The platform is constantly evolving and introducing new features and trends that allow Generation Z to stay up-to-date with social culture and to express themselves in new and exciting ways. Overall, Instagram's focus on visual content, creativity, community, dynamic features, and constant innovation has kept Gen Z engaged for over a decade.

Generation Y (born between 1981-1996)

Generation Y, also known as millennials, grew up during the rise of the internet and social media. They are comfortable with technology and are heavy users of social media. According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, the top social media platforms used by Generation Y are:

  1. Facebook - Facebook was the first major social media platform that many millennials used and it has become a part of their daily lives. Many millennials have been using Facebook for over a decade, and it has become a way to stay in touch with friends and family members who are spread out across the country or the world. 

The platform's wide range of features, including messaging, groups, events, and pages allows millennials to connect with others who share their interests and to stay up-to-date with the latest news and events in their communities. Overall, Facebook's longevity, wide range of features, strong sense of community, emphasis on privacy and security, and diverse content has made it a hugely popular platform among millennials.

  1. Twitter - Twitter is a platform that allows users to express their thoughts and ideas in short, concise messages called tweets. This format is particularly appealing to millennials, who are known for their ability to communicate quickly and efficiently. Users can interact with each other through retweets, likes, and replies, and there are many popular hashtags and trends that users can participate in. 

The platform is widely used by journalists, politicians, and celebrities which has given the generation a way to digest local and world news beyond the traditional morning newspaper. Overall, Twitter's focus on concise messaging, community, real-time news and events, and diverse content makes it the perfect platform for Millennials.

Generation X (born between 1965-1980)

Generation X grew up during a time of rapid technological change. They are comfortable with technology but are not as heavily reliant on social media as younger generations. According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, the top social media platforms used by Generation X are:

  1. Facebook - Many Gen Xers use Facebook to connect with old friends and classmates, as well as to participate in discussions and debates about topics that are important to them. This sense of community and belonging is particularly important to Gen Xers, who are often seeking to establish and maintain relationships.
  1. LinkedIn - LinkedIn is a platform that is specifically designed for professional networking. This is particularly important to Gen Xers, who are often in their peak career-building years and may be seeking new job opportunities, networking contacts, or industry insights. The platform has a strong emphasis on professionalism. 

Users are encouraged to create detailed profiles that highlight their education, work experience, and professional achievements. This allows Gen Xers to showcase their skills and expertise to potential employers or business partners. Overall, LinkedIn's focus on professional networking, emphasis on professionalism, wide range of features, strong sense of community, and educational content has made it a hit with Generation X.

  1. Pinterest - Pinterest is a platform that allows users to discover and save inspiration and ideas for a wide range of topics, including recipes, home decor, fashion, and travel. This is particularly appealing to Gen Xers, who are often seeking inspiration and new ideas for their personal lives and interests. 

The platform's highly visual and user-friendly interface allows users to easily create boards and save or organize pins in a way that is easy to navigate and share with others. Many Gen Xers use Pinterest to connect with others who share their interests and to discover new content through social sharing and collaboration. Overall, Pinterest's focus on inspiration and ideas, user-friendly interface, sense of community, diverse content, and emphasis on personalization has found its place in this generation of users.

Baby Boomers (born between 1946-1964)

Baby Boomers grew up during a time when technology was not as prevalent as it is today. They are not as comfortable with technology as younger generations, but they are increasingly using social media to stay in touch with family and friends. According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, the top social media platforms used by Baby Boomers are:

  1. Facebook - Facebook is one of the longest standing social media platforms, which has allowed time for older generations such as Boomers to learn and adapt with the platform more than others.  Boomers are often in a phase of life where their children have moved away from home or have friends or family members who live in different parts of the country of the world so being able to post life updates and stay connected has proven to be extremely beneficial to this generation of users. This sense of community and belonging is particularly important to Boomers, who may be seeking to establish new social connections as they enter retirement.
  1. YouTube - YouTube is a platform that offers a wide range of content, including music, news, educational videos, and entertainment. Boomers appreciate the diversity of content and the ability to explore new topics and interests. 

With the platform's user-friendly interface and the ability to easily search for educational content, Boomers enjoy taking advantage of lifelong learning content such as wealth resources, tutorials, and topic based podcasts. Overall, YouTube's diverse range of content, user-friendly interface, educational resources, sense of community, and personalization features have made it a hugely popular platform amongst Boomers.

Understanding the platforms your target audience uses is crucial for the success of your marketing campaigns. By knowing where your audience spends their time online, you can tailor your messaging, content, and advertising efforts to resonate with them. Each platform has its unique features, audience demographics, and communication styles. Therefore, adapting your strategy to match each platform's characteristics will help you engage your target audience and build a strong online presence. 

Additionally, understanding the platforms your audience uses will allow you to optimize your advertising budget and reach the right people at the right time. Overall, knowing your target audience's preferred platforms will help you create more relevant and effective campaigns that drive engagement, conversions, and brand loyalty.

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Using Social Media for Hiring

Businesses and recruiters now use social media as a powerful tool to seek and attract top talent. With over 4.6 billion social media users it's no wonder that recruiters are turning to these platforms to locate the most qualified candidates for their open positions. Here are some tips for using social media for hiring:

Define Your Employer Brand

Defining your employer brand is crucial before you start promoting job openings on social media. This is how potential employees perceive your business, and it can significantly affect their decision on whether or not they want to work for you. Focus on presenting a clear and compelling message about your company's values, culture, and mission.

Use Social Media to Advertise Job Openings

LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook are just a few examples of social media sites that make it easy to interact with a large pool of potential candidates. Make sure to include a clear and enticing description of the position along with any relevant credentials or prerequisites when posting a job opening.

Use Hashtags

Use relevant hashtags in your job postings since they can help you reach a larger audience on social media. For instance, you might use hashtags like #marketingjobs, #marketing, or #socialmedia if you're looking for a marketing specialist.

Engage with Potential Candidates

As social media is a two-way street, don't be reluctant to interact with prospective candidates who show interest in your job postings. When a candidate leaves a comment or sends you a message, respond promptly and take advantage of the chance to get to know them better.

Use Social Media to Screen Candidates

Social media is a helpful guide for selecting candidates. While Facebook and Twitter can provide you with a look into a candidate's personality and interests, LinkedIn can be used to analyze a candidate's professional connections and employment history.

Be Mindful of Bias

When employing social media for hiring, it's crucial to be mindful of bias. Instead of drawing conclusions about a candidate based on their social media presence, pay attention to their qualifications and experience.

Follow the Law

While using social media for hiring, it's crucial to abide by the law. Ensure that your hiring procedures are fair and morally correct by being informed of any laws or standards that may be relevant to your field or region.

Social media can be a powerful tool for hiring, but it's important to use it strategically and responsibly. By defining your employer brand, advertising job openings, engaging with potential candidates, screening candidates, and following the law, you can leverage social media to find the right candidates for your open positions. However, it's important to be strategic, authentic, and professional in your use of social media for hiring.

Our social media experts here at Random have extensive experience in using social media for recruitment. Let us help! Send us a message below to learn more and get started. 

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5 Careers That Didn't Exist Before the Internet

Casey Wright

February 2023

The internet has revolutionized the world of work and opened up a whole range of new career opportunities. The rise of the digital age has created numerous jobs and careers that didn't exist before the internet became popular for everyday use. Here are five careers created in the post-internet era that have transformed the business world as we know it.

Digital Content Creator

The rise of the internet and social media has created a demand for digital content, which has given birth to the role of digital content creator. Digital content creators produce content for websites, social media channels, blogs, and other digital platforms. They can work in a variety of industries, such as marketing, advertising, and journalism. They must have strong writing, research, and communication skills, as well as a good understanding of the different digital platforms and technologies.

Digital content creators have changed the business world by providing fresh and engaging content that attracts and retains customers. Their work has made it possible for businesses to connect with their target audience and build a loyal customer base. In addition, the rise of digital content has opened up new job opportunities, such as social media management, SEO, and content strategy.

Data Scientist

The internet generates vast amounts of data every day, and businesses need to analyze this data to gain insights and make informed decisions. The role of a data scientist has emerged to address this need. Data scientists use statistical analysis and machine learning techniques to extract insights from large data sets. They also use data visualization tools to communicate their findings to stakeholders. Data scientists work in a variety of industries, such as healthcare, finance, and e-commerce.

Data scientists have changed the business world by making it possible for businesses to make data-driven decisions. They have also created new job opportunities and made existing job roles, such as marketing, more data-focused. Data scientists have helped businesses improve their operations, cut costs, and increase revenue.

App Developer

The internet has given rise to the mobile app industry, which has created a demand for app developers. App developers create mobile apps for Android and iOS devices that cater to a variety of industries, such as gaming, finance, and healthcare. App developers must have a good understanding of programming languages, app development platforms, and user interface design.

App developers have changed the business world by making it possible for businesses to engage with their customers through mobile apps. They have also created new job opportunities, such as mobile app design, mobile app testing, and mobile app marketing. The rise of mobile apps has helped businesses improve their customer experience, increase their revenue, and expand their reach.

E-commerce Manager

E-commerce has revolutionized the way we shop, and it has become an essential part of the modern business landscape. E-commerce managers are responsible for overseeing a company's online sales operations. They manage the online store, develop marketing strategies, and ensure that customer orders are fulfilled efficiently. 

E-commerce managers must be familiar with a range of e-commerce platforms and technologies, including payment gateways, shopping carts, and inventory management systems. They play a critical role in ensuring that businesses can compete in the highly competitive online retail market.

Digital Marketer

The internet has created a vast range of new marketing opportunities, and digital marketers are responsible for leveraging these to drive business growth. They develop and execute digital marketing campaigns that target specific audiences and drive traffic to a company's website. 

They use a range of tools and techniques, including search engine optimization, social media marketing, and email marketing, to engage with customers and build brand awareness. Digital marketers help businesses to reach a wider audience, generate leads, and increase revenue. They have truly become a vital part of any modern marketing strategy.

In conclusion, the internet has created a vast range of new career opportunities that have transformed the way we work and do business. Content creators, data scientists, digital marketers, app developers, and e-commerce managers are just a few examples of the new careers that have emerged with the rise of the internet. They have each played a critical role in driving innovation and growth, and they will undoubtedly continue to do so in the years to come.

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The Best Podcasting Microphones for Every Budget

Casey Wright

January 2023

If you're a podcaster, streamer, gamer, or content creator of any kind, picking the right microphone is very important. With the recent rise of individuals podcasting and live streaming, more and more people are looking to begin their own production with little to no knowledge about what they need to thrive. 

Here are the top 5 microphones to get you started:

Blue Yeti 

Price: $99.00 (avg.)

blue yeti podcasting microphone

πŸ”Œ Connection: USB

🎀 Type: Condenser

πŸ‘ Pros:Β 

πŸ‘Ž Cons:Β 

A Blue Yeti is a USB-powered microphone that comes with 4 different pattern settings and a desk stand. This budget mic was built for podcasting and is a popular choice in the podcasting, gaming, and streaming communities. From the look, to the USB Connectivity, all the way down to the internal hardware, this microphone makes for a great desktop audio device with a wide range of uses.

Blue has a reputation for developing high-quality microphones for podcasting, videos, and even music. They're affordable, use quality parts, and for the most part are pretty simple to use.

At the end of the day, it's important to remember that as a USB microphone, the Blue Yeti will have some limitations. However, even the base version is packed with features that produce decent sound quality, which is hard to complain about with the price tag.

Buy it here.

HyperX QuadCast S

Price: $159.00

HyperX QuadCast S microphone

πŸ”Œ Connection: USB

🎀 Type: Condenser

πŸ‘ Pros:Β 

πŸ‘Ž Cons:Β 

The HyperX Quadcast S is an ultra-credible USB mic that is comparable to other microphones around the $200 price range. The microphone records 48kHz/16-bit audio and has three 14mm condensers, which provides enough data for post-production if you want to go that route. Despite its technical limitations, it can effectively record a podcast, live-stream, or other musical needs just short of a professional recording. The HyperX QuadCast is very easy to set up yet a little difficult to get the audio exactly right.

As great as this microphone is, the QuadCast S has one glaring issue that might be a dealbreaker. HyperX's software to control the microphone called Ngenuity is not available on Mac devices. This means you can't customize the RGB lighting when using the QuadCast S with your Mac, so you're stuck with the rotating rainbow pattern. 

While it isn't the cheapest or most expensive microphone out there with most of the same features, the QuadCast S is a solid choice for anyone looking for a multi-purpose USB microphone.

Buy it here.

Shure MV7 

Price: $224.00

Shure MV7 microphone

πŸ”Œ Connection: USB or XLR

🎀 Type: Dynamic

πŸ‘ Pros:Β 

πŸ‘Ž Cons:Β 

The Shure MV7 is a great dynamic microphone for those looking to podcast and stream. Its hybrid USB and XLR connectivity allows users to keep it simple or utilize more advanced options. The "natural" tone doesn't add any sort of boost, leaving your audio in a raw state that's better suited for conversations or anyone who prefers to clean up audio in post-production processes. 

The MV7 can act as its own interface when connected directly to a computer or iOS device. This interface is impressive when it comes to modern features that are controllable both on the mic and with the ShurePlus Motiv desk-top app. There is also an auto-leveling mode which allows the microphone to mix your level in real-time. Preferences like near or far mode allow you to adapt the mic to suit your recording style, with saveable presets, so you can be comfortable and know this is working to record you accurately. It is not the cheapest microphone on the market, but the quality and features definitely live up to what you pay for.

Buy it here.

Shure SM7B

Price: $359.00

Shure SM7B microphone

πŸ”Œ Connection: XLR

🎀 Type: Dynamic

πŸ‘ Pros:Β 

πŸ‘Ž Cons:Β 

The SM7B is a testament to Shure's attention to detail, high and long-lasting quality, and top-notch construction. The mic is XLR with a detachable close-talk windscreen, internal shock mount, and toggle switches on the back panel with a graphic display of the setting. Many professional hosts and podcasters such as Alex Cooper from the Call Me Daddy podcast and Hasan Abi from his daily political live-streams on Twitch utilize this top-of-the-market microphone. 

The large diaphragm and housing are designed for an extended low-end and wide frequency response as well as loud bursts of sound. The heart-shaped cardioid polar pattern is impervious to background noise and is forgiving when it comes to precise mic placement. If the Shure SM7B is in your budget, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Buy it here.

Electro-Voice RE20

Price: $449.00

Electro-Voice RE20 microphone

πŸ”Œ Connection: XLR

🎀 Type: Dynamic

πŸ‘ Pros:Β 

πŸ‘Ž Cons:Β 

The Electro-Voice RE20 is an industry standard dynamic broadcast microphone that offers maximum background rejection without sacrificing the quality and tone of the voice. It was originally developed to compete with the rising number of condensers being found within every recording studio, and the level of performance is outstanding. 

The RE20 is considered the industry standard for audio equipment and surpasses many other broadcast mics when it comes to signal quality. The downside is the mic is more expensive than any others on this list and may require other pieces of equipment, such as preamp to be on par to get the best of it. Whether you are in the world of podcasting, streaming or the music industry, look no further than the RE20 because this mic is truly one of the best out there.

Buy it here.

...................

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How Can You Use Twitch To Market Your Business?

When you hear the word Twitch what do you think of? Live streaming? Video Games? Unless you're already a successful content creator, business opportunities may not be the first thing that come to mind but it should be! 

Originally designed for gamers, the Amazon-owned platform has recently made a big shift into all different categories, from politics to music, and even sports. Have a talent or passion you want to share with the world? This is a platform designed for building communities!

Here's how you can use Twitch to take your business to the next level.

Build Your Brand

Twitch can open you and your company up to engaging with potential and current customers. For example, the 1,000 Dreams Fund non-profit did a partnership with Twitch where they were able to introduce an entirely new audience to their brand. 

In the partnership they offered some female Twitch streamers currently attending university grants to assist with their educational expenses. Twitch promoted the content on its social media channels, helping drive awareness for their brand. 

Influencer Marketing Opportunities

Twitch has more than 15 million daily unique visitors with an average watchtime of 95 minutes of content every day. The platform is literally designed for connection and community building which is the perfect environment for influencer marketing strategies to thrive. In recent years, Twitch and TikTok are the only social media platforms that have seemed to increase focus on influencer marketing. Meanwhile, more traditional platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have only seen a decline. 

Finding the right Twitch influencer to partner with is a great way to expose your brand to an established community of loyal followers. 

Unlike other platforms, Twitch looks at interaction much differently. Both the streamer and the audience get to see the chat and engage with each other in real time and hold a one-on-one discussion. This is especially great for gaining feedback on a company or product as well as learning about your audience.

Create Your Own Content

Behind Closed Doors

Consumers are often curious about what goes on behind the scenes of their favorite brand, so why not give them a little taste? Is there something exciting happening at the office or a work event? Want to show the world what it's like to be a CEO? Set up your camera and take them along for the ride!

Q&A Session

Whether you have a topic in mind or not; Just Chatting is a great category for your viewer to get to know you. If you're nervous about low attendance, you can always request questions in advance and have some in your back pocket just in case. Once you establish a regular schedule, it'll be easier to get questions and viewers on a regular basis. (NOTE: Even if viewers missed your live stream, they will be able to watch a rerun VOD”Video On Demand”on your main page.)

Online Classes / Webinars

 If your business model contains any educational aspects, running an online class or holding a webinar are great ways to build your audience. If your audience likes what they learn, it provides you with the opportunity to connect them to your landing page where they can find more of your content. Think of it like a free sample. You can also repurpose your VOD recordings for clips and content on other social platforms or newsletters.

While Twitch can be an intimidating platform for marketers or business owners to include in their content strategy, those who are willing to put in the effort to build a community have gotten encouraging results. Even though live streaming is now a prominent feature on multiple social platforms, Twitch's ability to customize the user and viewers' experience truly makes it the best. 

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5 TikTok Features to Help Your Business Thrive

With approximately 1 billion active monthly users worldwide, TikTok is one of the most influential apps in the marketing world right now. In just a few short years the app has become a globally diverse ecosystem of culture and people looking to digest all types of entertaining content. While some people may look at TikTok and only see Gen Z dancing to choreographed routines or light comedy skits, many businesses are taking advantage of its wide range of audience to grow and promote their own company. 

As I'm sure any good business owner would tell you, success in any format doesn't come easily. It takes hard work and knowledge to figure out how to connect with customers and create something that they authentically want (and keep coming back for).

Here are 5 TikTok features to help your business thrive:

Filter your comments!

This TikTok feature can be accessed through the Settings and Privacy tab. Go to Privacy and click on Comments to add any beneficial filters. The menu brings up an option to enter keywords and phrases that you wish to be automatically blocked from your content. 

While feedback is important, we all know that the internet is full of trolls so this feature can be helpful for avoiding triggers or dangerous language. Another cool thing is that this feature has multiple language options besides English. A similar feature can filter commenters themselves. To go one step farther, the menu even has a Who Can Comment On My Videos tab that has the option to restrict comments on your content to friends or family.

You can Dislike videos!

A lot of people agree that the TikTok formula does an awesome job at figuring out what kinds of videos you enjoy and customizing your For You page, but did you know that you can take matters into your own hands?

To start, you can dislike any videos that appear on the app's For You page by holding your finger down on the video and selecting the option titled Not interested on the menu. Disliking a video tells the app that you don't want to see similar videos and can help customize your feed better to the content that you want to see. 

Another tool for further control is Restricted Mode, which helps to prevent your feed from recommending videos that might be risque or inappropriate. In order to activate this mode just tap your Profile at the bottom right and click on the three-line menu at the top right. This should bring up a menu where you can then click the Settings and privacy. From there go to Content preferences, tap Restricted Mode, and Turn on Restricted Mode. (Note that you will need to enter your passcode in order to enable this feature.)

Go Live!

TikTok LIVE is a feature that allows you to stream live broadcasts to your followers and others on the app who may be interested in your content. Live streaming tends to improve engagement rates and gives you the opportunity to engage with your followers on the platform in real-time. You can answer questions, read out your viewers' comments, and even play games together. This feature can help you to create a much stronger connection with your audience all while building a community.

Here are some features that can help to boost engagement during your next live stream:

You need Stitches!

Instead of there being a split-screen like the duet feature, Stitches play a few seconds of another creator's video (usually as a reference point) and allow you to connect your own video to it. Stitching is commonly used to respond to a video or add a follow-up to a thought or idea. 

For example, you might post a video on how to grow an audience on social media, and you find that another creator has a great video on talking about the same subject. With Stitches, you can take a short clip of that creator's video, add it to your own post and say This creator has made good points, and here are some things I want to add. Tell me your thoughts in the comments.

TikTok Stories

Similar to Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, TikTok has jumped on the trend of allowing users to create ˜Stories.' TikTok Stories are great for sharing quick thoughts that you don't want to make a regular video for, or content you only want to last for a short period of time. 

A blue ring will also appear around your profile picture, indicating to your audience that they can tap to view your Stories. TikTok stories allow you to see who has viewed your stories and who has reacted and commented. 

To create a Story, click on the Post button at the bottom of the navigation bar and swipe to the Story option. From there you can either record a video on the spot or upload one from your camera roll. Similar to regular TikTok videos, you can edit your stories, then tap the Post to story to upload.

There is no doubt that TikTok is the app to be on. Whether you're building a brand or making a community, taking advantage of all the amazing features is going to help you get to where you strive to be. Check out these examples from five brands that are killing it on TikTok.

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