Buffer - Will Trump ban TikTok in the US? 🤔

Hi there, 

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It's been a wild few weeks for those working in the social media space. Between Instagram launching a TikTok competitor – Instagram Reels –, Twitter being hacked, and Trump talking seriously about attempting to ban TikTok within the US, it's been especially difficult to keep on top of the ever-changing social media industry.

The reality is that social media is far from static and what worked a few months ago may not get you the same optimal results now. So, when trends change, platforms evolve or when new platforms come into existence, I first ask myself: "Will adapting to this change help me reach my social media goals?" If the answer is yes, I begin to find ways to adapt with the changes by updating my social media marketing strategy. If the answer is no, then I move on and keep my social media marketing strategy as is.

I hope this little piece of advice helps you navigate these times of fast-changing social media news.

Now… let’s dive in to all the social media news of the week! 👇

• TikTok’s future in the US: all of the news about Microsoft’s deal and Trump’s ban threats
• Three people have been charged for Twitter’s huge hack, and a Florida teen is in jail
• TikTok’s 7 highest-earning stars
• ‘There’s been no emails or interest’: As the drama over TikTok intensifies, advertiser interest cools
• As the Facebook boycott ends, brand advertisers are split on what happens next with their marketing budgets
• Facebook launches new video interview series to share more insight into its product development process
• Facebook launches new fonts in Instagram Stories
• Apple goes to war with the gaming industry
• The ultimate guide to social media image sizes in 2020
• Twitter is considering these Premium features in a subscription model

Instagram Reels launches globally in over 50 countries

Last week, Instagram Reels was officially launched in over 50 countries, including the U.S., India, Brazil, France, Germany, the U.K., Japan, Australia, Spain, Mexico, Argentina and several others. The Instagram Reels feature lets users create and publish 15-second videos using a new set of editing tools that include options like AR effects, a countdown timer, a new align tool to line up different takes, and music. 

Takeaway: Many think that Facebook is taking advantage of the current unstable situation of TikTok to launch the copy-cat version, Instagram Reels, however, Facebook's plans to undertake TikTok were happening way before all these uncertainties of the future of TikTok had begun. With Reels, Instagram’s goal is not just to capture the now potentially up-for-grabs TikTok audience in the U.S. — it’s to steal them away even if TikTok remains.

More than 1,000 companies boycotted Facebook.

Did it work?

Major advertisers, such as Microsoft, Unilever, Diageo, Coca-Cola, and CVS, reduced their spending by millions of dollars on Facebook in July by participating in the #StopHateForProfit boycott. However, it seems that the boycott was not enough to significantly damage the platform’s revenue. Some brands are extending their pause of paid Facebook and instagram advertising, while others are resuming advertising on Facebook's platforms. 

Takeaway: The ad boycott had more of a negative impact on Facebook's brand image and reputation rather than on its bottom line. 

Facebook Pixel Helper [Chrome Extension]

If you're currently running advertising on Facebook's platforms, or plan to in the future, there's one tool that you should start using: the Facebook Pixel Helper.

The Facebook Pixel Helper is a troubleshooting tool that helps you find out if your pixel is working correctly.

Once you install the Chrome plugin, you can see if there's a Facebook pixel installed on a website, check for errors and understand the events that your pixel is receiving.

How Huel Uses Social Media to Reach an Audience of 400,000+

Learn how a growing direct-to-consumer brand keeps their social media audience satisfied using original content and Buffer.

And that’s a wrap for this week! 

Now... over to you:

What content would help you reach your marketing goals and maximize your social media strategy?

Feel free to reply to this email or send me a Twitter DM to let me know. 💌

And don’t forget to sign up to our Built to Last podcast conference (it’s free to attend!), which will take place next week, on August 19 and 20. 🎧

Have a great rest of the week! 

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