Vine Closing
Twitter announced it would be discontinuing Vine over the coming months in October, this came as a shock to its users. The announcement came as part of Twitter’s restructuring to trim costs as the company tries to find a sustainable way forward. Twitter has released that the app will change into Vine Camera, a low maintenance app. Innovation from Vine did not keep pace with other players on the market including Snapchat and Facebook. Vine’s website will stay up for a few more months so users will be able to have access and can download the videos.
Twitter announces it will shut down Vine https://t.co/3DBIMg7GkF pic.twitter.com/qUNVOdTnPm
— The Drum (@TheDrum) October 27, 2016
Instagram stories
In August Instagram released stories, a feature that allows you to share all moments of your day, not just the ones you want to keep on your profile. The feature works exactly like Snapchat Stories, allowing you to post a slideshow of photos and videos that disappear. Instagram Stories appear at the top of the feed, meaning your followers will inevitably see them without you needing to build a new audience in a different app.
Instagram launches “Stories”, a Snapchatty feature for imperfect sharing #Instagramstories https://t.co/SUUfwXvCMH pic.twitter.com/oVUuRL9xsW
— TechCrunch (@TechCrunch) August 3, 2016
Facebook Live – Two-person broadcast
Facebook introduced the Live feature, which allows users to broadcast to anyone in the world. Facebook Live means you can interact in real time with your followers. There was a big shift in the way we communicated in 2016, and the innovation of live technology created new opportunities for people to come together. The two-person broadcast update allowed for two people in different locations to share a live broadcast. The new feature, invites your friends to “drop in” on your broadcast, and join the conversation.
Two-Person Broadcasting Is Coming To Facebook Live https://t.co/paXTAc1XDO pic.twitter.com/QV4aD3Eedv
— We are Social Media (@WeRSM) June 24, 2016
Snapchat Memories
Snapchat released memories in 2016, the feature meant Snapchat could encompass the past rather than only being about the present. Memories lets Snapchat users save snaps to a smart, searchable camera roll which enables re-sharing of previously sent snaps. With the ability to save images, the app allows for easier access and a fun, more engaging way to share your memories without scrolling through unsorted camera rolls.
Snapchat Memories is a searchable replacement for your camera roll https://t.co/rrbLS9m3hu pic.twitter.com/UZKSUqAvEA
— TechCrunch (@TechCrunch) July 7, 2016
Facebook reactions
In 2016 Facebook announced Facebook Reactions, six different emoji’s which act as an alternative to the like button these being: angry, sad, wow, haha, yay and love. Facebook users have wished for a dislike button but Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed concern that the option would convey negativity. Allowing users to react with different options allows them to express empathy and make it easier to share a wider range of emotions.
Facebook Is Ready To Rollout Reactions To All Users https://t.co/iFwmMW6wLb pic.twitter.com/HmCmz5IeU5
— We are Social Media (@WeRSM) January 29, 2016
