Super Social - The Best of Social Media
Super Social - A regular feature about the best things we spot in the world of social media. You probably haven't heard of Strava. That's okay, this social network isn't for everyone. It isn't a turned up nose app that only allows the most beautiful or hand-picked users, it's one that appeals to people who sweat a lot. We mean that in the best way possible, as its core market started out as cyclists, and is rapidly expanding across all sporting endeavours. Strava, which is Swedish for strive is growing by about 2 million users every quarter. Strategic partnerships with equipment makers allows users to upload their activity easily, and they are - 9.9 million times a week. Whilst competition is inevitable, this is one network where competition is healthy, and with the help of fitness experts (influencers) you can follow in their fit footsteps. Sounds brilliant doesn't it?
Mirror Image
To say Facebook Stories has been a failure in many of Facebook's key markets is being polite. Instagram, once considered Facebook's little brother, has blossomed through the rapid uptake of the Snapchat-imitating feature, Instagram Stories. Users are once again sharing every moment of their lives, knowing that these imperfect snapshots won't stick around for longer than 24 hours. It's become the necessary antidote to the sculpted perfection of an average Instagram feed. However, we've heard of testing being done to enable Instagram users to share directly to both Instagram and Facebook Stories. This has the potential to make Facebook come to life as it trails behind other networks for real-time engagement. Whether you want all your Facebook friends to see your Instagram stories is another matter - we know plenty of people who wouldn't dare cross-share.
Gamified
Adidas has come up with an interactive football-based Snapchat advert that let's you compete against your friends. As you work your way through the game you can unlock new skills and geo-filters. The game isn't just accessible by being served an advert though - you can play by finding a snapcode at Adidas' London stores. This is certainly a step-up from Sainsbury's game we reported on in an earlier blog post. We wanted to share, compete and take advantage of the social network we were playing the game on, but simply couldn't. The ad was recently launched in the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy and is sure to be a hit with football and gaming fans alike. The best part of these adverts is that you don't feel like you're being advertised to!
Morgan Stanley
Every major institution and corporation on the planet understands the importance of social media, regardless of whether they are taking advantage of it or not. Morgan Stanley are certainly taking advantage in a smart way by using geo-filters to welcome back students at universities across the US. In a email to Business Insider, Lisa Managanello, head of integrated brand marketing said, "We're always looking for new and innovative ways to reach today's best talent on campuses around the country. We have to be where they are, and they're on Snapchat."
Anti-Social - The Bad Side Of Social Media.
Anti-social: A regular feature on the not-so-great things we spot in the world of social media. Losing 70 thousand followers is a very big deal. Losing them when you're trying to do something positive is even worse! Instagram 'fitspo' junky 'wayofgray' recently posted about why she wasn't going to be posting any more sports bra or bikini posts. She felt like having to maintain a six pack and appearing perfect was making her feel insecure. "Pizza and cookies are f**king delicious and I'm sick of women being told they have to be anything other than themselves to be happy." She's now pushing the idea of "self-love over six-packs" and the 70 thousand decline is turning around through appreciation of her honesty and brave move.