TikTok goes big screen, Clubhouse streamed to YouTube, Apple fights fraud, and more
Crazy month, right? TikTok goes big screen, Twitch streams soccer, Clubhouse breaks into our lives and locks us in its rooms (and we love it), Apple fights against all kinds of fraud, Spotify launches an audio ad marketplace. You think that’s it? Stock up on popcorn and read.
Clubhouse: YouTube streams, security issues, and Facebook competition
Telegram was the most installed app in January, and Clubhouse has become the February breakthrough with over 8 million installs. Even Elon Musk showed up there, almost breaking the limit of 5,000 people per room. Since not everyone was able to get in, fans streamed the meeting on other platforms as well. The company will soon introduce a tool to monetize rooms. Since Clubhouse is currently only available on iOS, third-party developers made some apps for Android and Windows devices to access the app. They used the source code, thus raising the issue of security. It seems Facebook is planning to create an in-house competitor to Clubhouse.
App Store fights fraud, overpricing, and its own monopoly
Apple’s policy is heading towards anti-fraud. The company has published an extensive guideline on how to implement App Tracking Transparency. It will make it easier for users to understand what data is going to be used. The subscription rules screen has changed too. Now the price is highlighted, and at the very top, it says Pay instead of App Store for clarity. Besides, the store has become more determined to decline apps that sell overpriced subscriptions.
If you are now worried that App Store will earn less money, don’t panic. It’s already testing a new ad spot on the homepage of Search tab as part of iOS 14.5 beta. The update also includes a new Apple Music interface that makes it possible to share lyrics on social media — along with new swipe gestures, app-specific screen orientation options, and 200 new emojis. Maybe Apple will allow users to set a different default music service too.
Facebook urges users to agree to be tracked, Google Play looks for solutions
You may remember that Apple postponed the IDFA rule change until the beginning of the year. We’re talking about a unique device identifier that helps track users and customize ads. Apps will now have to ask for user consent. Facebook has already started showing prompts to some users. They explain why Facebook wants to track users and how it will help them get a ‘better ads experience’.
According to a Bloomberg report, Google is close to a similar decision, but it might be less harsh than that of Apple. Since March 1, Google Play has allowed gambling and betting apps in 15 more countries. Australia, Belgium, Canada, Spain, and some US states are among them. The store also added a new sharing feature. Now users can share apps and updates with nearby Android devices.
Instagram copies TikTok again, Spotify tests paid podcasts
Spotify is about to launch an audio ad marketplace and plans to introduce paid subscriptions. The beta testing stage for Anchor, its new podcast tool, will begin this spring. The feature will allow US authors to publish paid content. Instagram is developing a vertical stories feed (its mechanics is similar to TikTok) and introducing the Recently Deleted feature that makes it possible for you to protect content from hackers who may have gained access to your account. When restoring or deleting content, you must verify your identity. Facebook has begun testing the tools that will bring an opportunity for marketers to avoid placing News Feed ads next to inappropriate content.
Twitch streams soccer, TikTok goes big screen, Youtube likes it shorter
Twitch goes beyond live-streaming of games — welcome non-gaming content like live soccer broadcasts. Youtube is testing a new format called Clips. Users can cut pieces from videos into 5 to 60 second clips and share them with others. Any clip will contain a unique URL that you can copy by hand. TikTok goes big screen — the app is now available for Google TV and Android TV devices. Now you can watch TikTok even on a projector. ‘What for’ is the question of secondary importance.
New features and opportunities to earn on TikTok
TikTok has received a number of complaints from the EU for failing to protect children from ads and malicious content. The incident may require an investigation. The good news is that TikTok stays in a closer partnership with Universal Music Group (UMG). This will likely enhance its music catalog and add some new features. TikTok is expanding its e-commerce scale as well; its users will be able to share affiliate links to products and earn commissions from their videos.
P.S.
At Checkaso, this February has been anything but boring too. We’re preparing something really big. Wow big. Subscribe to our newsletter (you don’t want to miss this out, seriously) and try our tools if you haven’t already.
