TikTok video length, LinkedIn newsletters, algorithm free Instagram and Pinterest pins

TikTok expands video length capabilities

TikTok has launched 10-minute video uploads to the platform. Originally TikTok videos were limited to 15 seconds, which generated more scrolling and a new wave of social media influencers. Over time, they’ve been slowly increasing video length capabilities, extending to 60 seconds, then three minutes and five minutes. 

The expansion will allow creators more flexibility and creativity when filming, as previously longer content had to be broken up into a series, leaving some viewers frustrated when they had to search for the next video. Despite the success of short-form video content and many other platforms copying TikTok’s formula, this latest expansion could potentially help with one of their biggest problems… effectively monetising. 

Short-form videos are notoriously difficult to generate revenue on, but if TikTok can be successful in implementing this newest update, it will lead the battle of TikTok vs Youtube. Creators will be able to share long-form videos across multiple channels and for brands to take their pick when it comes to ad spend. 

The question remains: will users want to watch 10-minute TikTok videos? Over time it will be interesting to see how this impacts the platform, user behaviour and interest. 

LinkedIn launches newsletters for company pages 

LinkedIn company pages can now create newsletters, adding a new way for brands to stay in touch and directly reach their followers. The first time a LinkedIn newsletter is created, it will be sent out to each follower with a one-time notification and an invitation to subscribe. 

By subscribing, followers will receive a notification and email for each new newsletter article. The newsletters will also be shared on the feed to further help grow the network and engage new audiences. The feature has shown immediate value for early adopters, such as Zoom, which saw 10% of its followers subscribe to its newsletter in the first 24 hours.

Algorithm free Instagram feed

Instagram has announced the launch of ‘Following’ and ‘Favourite’, two new ways for users to choose what they see on their feed, following demands from users for the return of algorithm-free and chronological feed options. This announcement was part of Instagram Chief Adam Mosseri’s US Senate appearance, addressing concerns about the platform’s harmful influence on youngsters. Here’s what the two new options mean.

‘Following’ - Displays posts from all the accounts that you follow as per the regular Instagram feed. This is the default and standard feed layout.

‘Favourite’ - Displays the latest posts from accounts that you’ve added to your ‘Favourites’ list, with an allowance of up to 50 accounts for optimised relevant updates. 

The one key issue highlighted by Instagram’s reverse-chronological feed options is that you can’t set either as a default; users need to manually select their preferred feed display each time they log in to the app. Instagram does benefit from having an algorithm in place, so this may be why the platform doesn’t give users a way to lock in an alternative feed display as a permanent preference.

More ways to share Pinterest pin ideas 

Pinterest has a handy update if you’re looking to boost your presence on the platform. Now, you can download and share Idea Pins on other social media platforms with a Pinterest watermark. We’re curious to see how other platforms will react to this update, as Instagram already penalises Reels that include a TikTok watermark as a way to avoid users copying and pasting content, and it’s only a matter of time until Facebook does the same for their recently launched Stories.