Netflix UK launch criticised, brands face 'social' test, Jay-Z & Beyonce's baby's Twitter handle, O2's giant free Wi-Fi and Levi's uses Instagram

Miscomunication scars Netflix UK launch

Netflix, the film and TV streaming service, has just launched in the UK at £5.99 per month. What caught headlines was the criticism it received through Twitter and Facebook, slamming the company's decision to link Facebook to the registration for a free-trial. People were against the idea of sharing their film/TV interests on Facebook, much like Spotify songs.

However, users don't actually have to link Facebook at all, which wasn't made clear on the registration form. Netflix had to clarify this through its Twitter feed; "To clarify, signing up to @NetflixUK using Facebook is NOT compulsory".

Brands face tough social media tests
A study by the Altimeter Group found that many global brands are finding it hard to coordinate their social media activity, especially when it comes to presenting a unified message on their channels.

It found that 'enterprise-class corporations' with over 1,000 staff have an average of 178 social media accounts each, which may disrupt the company's main message and tone. Companies that don't control these accounts are "at risk of having abandoned accounts, lack of consistent experience, or untrained employees creating a crisis". 

Companies should establish a coordinated approach to handling all social media, including a set of guidelines. An example of successful management is Cisco, who shutdown over 200 rouge accounts and pages, keeping it to one per department or country, and provided training for employee's personal accounts.

Jay-Z and Beyonce's baby to get her own Twitter handle?

Blue Ivy Carter, the newborn daughter of popstars Jay-Z and Beyonce, could be getting a new Twitter handle following the success of @BeyonceJayFetus, which ranked 73rd in Paste Magazine's top 100 Twitter accounts.  The account had over 10,700 followers, but following the birth of Blue on the weekend, a new account might be created accomodate the newborn's name and gender.

O2 starts rolling out Europe's largest free WiFi network in London this month

O2 will shortly roll out what it claims to be 'Europe's largest free WiFi network' in London this month. It aims to have its network running prior to the Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The network will cover Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea.

Levi's uses Instagram for global casting call

American denim specialists Levi's will soon launch a global casting call for its 2012 brand campaign through Instagram. The iPhone app has 15 million users, including Barack Obama, and is expected to launch on Android early this year. Levi's has asked men and women to upload images of themselves with the tag '#IamLevis'. 

Instagram is increasingly being used by brands, including Ford with its Fiestagram campaign last year. Once it's released on Android, you can expect its userbase to grow rapidly.