Weekly External Insights - 02.06.21

Instagram link stickers, 3min TikTok videos, Norway bans re-touched photos, Pinterest bans weight loss ads, GAP is closing its UK stores, Black TikTok Creators strike

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Each week, Socially Powerful get together and share industry news and what is inspiring us from The World of Social Media, Advertising, Influencer Marketing, Gaming and more...

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PLATFORM NEWS -

1. Instagram to introduce link stickers for Stories

Instagram is testing a new feature that lets users add linking stickers to Stories. These new linking stickers will work very much the same way as the swipe-up links, but without having to swipe up. Instead, users tap on the sticker to go to the link. (via WeRSM)

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PLATFORM NEWS:

2. TikTok is rolling out longer videos to everyone

TikToks are about to get longer. The app is now rolling out the ability for everyone to publish videos up to three minutes in length, three times the existing one-minute limit. The extension is meant to give creators more flexibility while filming and limit the need for multi-part posts. (via The Verge)

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INDUSTRY NEWS -

3. It’s now illegal in Norway to not label retouched photos on social media

New regulations in Norway are pushing back against unrealistic beauty standards on social media platforms in an effort to curb body dysmorphia in the country. According to the amendments made by the Norwegian Ministry of Children and Family Affairs, advertisements with alterations to a body’s size, shape or skin will need to be marked with a standardised label. It also directly implicates celebrities and influencers who “receive any payment or other benefit” from a post on social media. (via i-D) 

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INDUSTRY NEWS

4. Pinterest bans weight loss ads

Pinterest has today announced an updated weight loss ad policy that prohibits all ads with weight loss language and imagery. The updated policy prohibits not only weight loss language and imagary but testimonials of weight loss products, referencing of Body Mass Index (BMI) or similar indexes, any products that claim weight loss through something worn or applied to the skin, and language or imagery that idealizes or denigrates certain body types. (via Mobile Marketing)

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INDUSTRY NEWS -

5. Four reasons why Gap is closing its shops in the UK

Famed for its hoodies and sweatshirts, fashion brand Gap has said it will close all 81 of its stores in the UK and Ireland by the early autumn. The company will continue trading online, but it also plans to sell its stores in France and Germany following a strategic review of its European business. Spoiler alert: 1. It failed to adapt 2. Too many discounts 3. Not distinctive enough 4. Too many shops (via BBC News)

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INDUSTRY NEWS -

6. Black TikTok Creators protest appropriation of dance trends by going on 'strike'

Some Black TikTok creators have refused to choreograph moves to a new song in an effort to show how essential they are to the platform and demonstrate how their work is co-opted by white creators. Material created by Black artists has routinely been used by white TikTok users without credit. (via Huff Post)

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Lloyd Williams, Head of Strategy @ Socially Powerful.