Instagram Tests Hiding Like Counts Globally (TechCrunch)
Instagram is making Like counts private for some users everywhere. Instagram tells TechCrunch the hidden Likes test is expanding to a subset of people globally. Users will have to decide for themselves if something is worth Liking rather than judging by the herd. The change could make users more comfortable sharing what’s important to them without the fear of publicly receiving an embarrassingly small number of Likes. Read more: https://tcrn.ch/2OqT6D5
TikTok Tests Social Commerce Links in Videos (Social Media Today)
TikTok continues to race towards full monetization with a new test of options to add links into user bios and eCommerce URLs directly into uploaded videos. Read more: http://bit.ly/2D9LFeB
Google Maps Tests a Social Networking Feature with the Ability to ‘Follow’ Local Guides (TechCrunch)
Google Maps will soon begin testing a new feature that’s more common to social networks like Facebook, rather than a maps app: the ability to find and follow other users. In Google Maps’ case, it’s specifically rolling out the ability to follow top “Local Guides” — its community members who actively review business and share to Google Maps photos and other knowledge as part of a larger rewards program. Read more: https://tcrn.ch/343ke1N
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