Could we have accidentally stumbled into one of the most uniquely creative periods in modern history?
Despite the limitations of our social and cultural lives, creatives have been forced to come up with ideas, no matter their access to space, tools, or like minds. Things are happening on the fly right now. And, to our collective credit, we’re hitting the mark.
Social media is, of course, at the forefront of this creative boom. From time-honored network shows like SNL staging Zoom skits to Facebook and TikTok creating online graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020, we might have been forced into these new mediums, but the point is we’re excelling in them.
This week in the Social Sphere, we’re highlighting all the creative ways social media is at the forefront of our new norm. And not just the way we consume information, but how we work out, how we consume entertainment, and how we stay close while being physically apart.
Let’s dive into this week’s Social Sphere!
In the News
Instagram Rolls Out Stories Challenge Sticker
Instagram is taking social media challenges up a notch with an all-new sticker option in Stories. Challenges have been all the rage in 2020, and Instagram makes things much easier when a friend nominates you to share personal details, have a Toosie Slide dance-off, or show the records you can’t live without in that weird Bill Clinton meme. It’s simple to use: enter your hashtag challenge, nominate friends, and let that Story fly!
Facebook Celebrates the Class of 2020 with Graduation Features & Commencement Program
Graduating right now can’t be easy. But Facebook is making this celebratory time a lot more fun with new graduation features and commencement programs. On May 15th, Facebook and Instagram will launch #Graduation2020 – featuring commencement addresses by Oprah Winfrey, Awkwafina, Jennifer Garner, Lil Nas X, Simone Biles, and more. Each will offer a few words of encouragement for the Class of 2020 while Miley Cyrus will even do a special performance of her song “The Climb.”
Pinterest New Tools and Resources for Creators
These days, everyone is looking to Pinterest for inspirational content and positive reinforcements. To celebrate the creators across the globe, Pinterest has launched new “Creators” tools and resources with specialty brand partners to provide additional support for creators and small to medium-sized businesses. New Pinterest partnerships include Adobe Spark, Over, PicMonkey, and Canva.
LinkedIn is Working on New “Presentation Mode” and Polling Features
Among the fasting growing social networks in 2020, LinkedIn is more interactive than ever – and their new plans are proof. With a hashtag “presentation mode” and polling features in the pipeline, communication on the platform is growing more social and impactful. They may be following the likes of Instagram and Twitter with polling options, but the upcoming hashtag “presentation mode” is prime for Linkedin.