Here’s your quick weekly summary of all the latest social media news, including changes and new features on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Flickr and Klout:
- Facebook’s ‘lookalike audiences’ tool aids marketers – expanding on the custom audience services that the social network launched last fall, Facebook launched a new tool that allows marketers to reach audiences with characteristics that are similar to existing customers they are already targeting (MediaPost)
- After pushing silent update to some, Facebook releases updated Android app for all on Google Play – the update allows Android app users to change their profile pics from within the app, more easily manage spam/unwanted stories in the News Feed, and provides better access to group messaging; in addition, the social network is testing a new way to roll out updates to Android users (TechCrunch)
- To improve conversations, Facebook will launch a reply feature and most active threads on pages and popular profiles – to make conversations around posts easier, Facebook is rolling out “Replies,” which will enable users to respond directly to comments; users can opt-in starting today, and it will turn on for everyone in July — in addition, active-thread sifting will also launch at the same time (TechCrunch)
- Twitter obtains patent for Twitter-like messaging system – Twitter’s co-founders have obtained a patent (filed back in 2007) for a messaging system that “sounds a lot like” Twitter; it allows users to send messages to people regardless of the technology they’re using (PC Mag)
- Twitter now lets its self-service advertisers access advanced campaign tools, target based on interests, device or sex – Twitter has added new ways for advertisers to target users, and opened up its advanced campaign tools to all US advertisers (TechCrunch)
- Pinterest acquires mobile startup Livestar – last Wednesday Pinterest acquired small mobile-focused recommendations startup Livestar; its three engineers will begin working for Pinterest, and Livestar will shut down its services immediately (AllThingsD)
Flickr
- Flickr adds hashtags – an update for Flickr’s mobile app brought complete hashtag support to the image-sharing network (The Social Media Hat)
Klout
- Klout adds analytics & announces “Klout for Business” – the new “Klout for Business” will give businesses a complimentary set of analytics (including an ‘easy-to-read’ dashboard) with pointed insights into how and where influencers are engaging with their brands in social media (Klout Blog)
Any updates to social media platforms that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!
