Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many small businesses are facing huge challenges. With that said, social media marketing has become more essential than ever, with platforms like Facebook and Instagram serving as an online “Main Street.” In response, these popular social sites have announced new ways to help people connect and to support small businesses.
One example is through the use of a “Support Small Businesses” sticker on Instagram and a #SupportSmallBusiness hashtag on the Facebook app to let people show their love for small businesses. And in case you haven’t already noticed, Facebook has launched a new Avatar feature that lets you customize a virtual version of yourself for use as stickers in comments and Messenger — even more vital in this age of physical distancing.
In addition to these and the exciting Instagram updates we covered in last week’s blog, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently announced five more updates to Facebook via Facebook Live video. These updates are really amazing and will totally give Zoom some competition! Read on to learn more and tune in to our blog next month as we go further in depth.
Video chat in messenger rooms.
In addition to staying in touch with friends and family, online meetings have become the new norm for business, as more employees are telecommuting. That is why Facebook is rolling out video chat rooms with a 50-person capacity. Called Messenger Rooms, this new feature allows members to create public or private video chat rooms to interact with others. Rooms can be created from Messenger or Facebook, with privacy settings controlled by the host. Best of all, you can invite anyone to participate — no Facebook account needed. Simply send a link to the room, and your guests can join from a web browser.
Enjoy AI-powered, 360 degree backgrounds and mood lighting.
Need another reason to like Facebook? Taking a cue from webinar platform Zoom, Messenger Rooms will also feature AI-powered, 360 degree backgrounds and mood lighting. Mobile users will be able to set immersive, virtual backgrounds, or use Facebook’s augmented reality features to add effects, filters, and ambient lighting that brightens both faces and spaces.
Stream video “Live With” friends.
If you are looking for new ways to connect in real time on social sites, Facebook is bringing back the “Live With” feature through the Facebook App for IOS or Android. While you can only go live with one person at a time, you can easily remove or add different friends to your video as you live steam. Click here for instructions from the Facebook Help Center. As an added bonus, the “Live With” feature is also available on Instagram.
Go on a virtual date.
Social distancing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has made it hard for people to connect in person. Instead of putting their love lives on hold, singles can now use Facebook Dating to go on a virtual date through Messenger. This new way to use social sites may seem unconventional, but according to CNBC, video and audio dates are surging, and there are high hopes this update will boost the popularity of Facebook Dating.
Connect with video calling through WhatsApp.
Not to be forgotten, Facebook-owned WhatsApp is getting an upgrade as well. WhatsApp allows users to send text messages and voice messages, make group voice and video calls, and even share images. In addition to encrypted group voice and video, the upgrade will double the number of people you can host on a call, allowing up to eight participants.
You’ve probably realized by now that Social Media is no longer an option. In fact, it is a vital and highly successful tool for building a business. Aliya Hammond Consulting is an online Digital Marketing, Training, and Consulting Company headquartered in the greater Philadelphia area. We specialize in Social Media Management and Marketing, Social Media Training, Blog Writing, and Graphic Design Services for small and large businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations. If you are looking to improve or increase your online presence, you can rest assured you are in good hands with us. Contact Aliya Hammond Consulting today to find out how we can help your business grow!
