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Read time: under 7 minutes

Welcome back!

This week we have quite a few new Instagram features being tested. Note that since these are tests, none of them have been announced as official features, but it's very interesting to see current goals and priorities of IG!

Also, I have a slight request from you...

Do you read this newsletter? Do you mind replying to this email to let me know what you do or don't like about it? (Don't worry, you won't hurt my feelings!) I'd love to gather feedback about what is or isn't working in order to make this even better for my readers: YOU! I'll reply to each one!

This week's news:

• Meta is testing new features for Meta Verified​
• Instagram testing the option to send files via DM​
• Instagram testing new "Spins" feature for Reels​
• Will TikTok get banned in the US? Latest news here.​
• A helpful article on how to pair fonts together.​
• A YouTube interview about how Mr. Beast's team create effective video thumbnails​

Meta Verified could be adding more?

Meta Verified, the paid feature which grants you the blue checkmark, could be adding more features. This week, some users received a feedback form directly from Meta asking them which additional features they'd like to see as part of Meta verified. Some interesting ones include: protection against having your content stolen, ability to put links in your Reels, an actual phone line for customer support.

cm @cmcalgary Instagram survey, re: Meta verified for businesses. Links in Reels would be pretty sweet. Would love to see that feature built in normally. #socialmedia 3:37 PM • Mar 12, 2024 1 Retweets 1 Likes Read 1 replies

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Instagram testing new option to send files via DM

Renowned app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi (known for regularly finding confirmed tests by IG and other apps) recently discovered new options being tested that would allow us to send files like PDFs via DM. Check it out here.​

Alessandro Paluzzi @alex193a #Instagram is working on the ability to send files in DMs 👀 ℹ️ This feature may only be available for Business accounts 6:34 PM • Mar 12, 2024 8 Retweets 76 Likes Read 2 replies

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A new way to discover Instagram trends?

And finally, also discovered by Paluzzi, Instagram is testing a new option called "Spins" which allows other users to instantly swap out the text on your Reels to create new trends that link back to your account. Check it out here.​

Will TikTok get banned in the US

It's been a rollercoaster of a story about TikTok potentially getting banned in the US so for all of the up-to-date answers about it, I've been reading and following Social Media Today. I recommend reading this article for all the updates!​

Want to learn more about how to pair fonts together?

This week I found a great article by Adobe on how to make some of their best font pairings. Check it out here.​

Want free social media trainings?

Last week I launched a completely free social media community which now has over 400 members! I'll be running weekly free workshops and trainings to teach you the insides and outs of social media strategy. You can sign-up here!​

How the team at Mr. Beast create their highly effective YouTube thumbnails

This week the YouTube Insider account interviewed the creator behind Mr. Beast's video thumbnails and the conversation has some great insights on how you can do the same for your content. Check out the video here.​

Now here's what you can post next week:

-Share your top tips for managing stress in your business and ask your audience to do the same.

-Create a list of 10-20 steps for anyone just starting in your industry/niche to follow.

-Share a sneak peek/sample of an upcoming or current product or service you have.

-Share a throwback photo from when you were just starting in your business and what you've learned.

-Share or discuss a recent news story/issue in your industry and ask your audience to share their thoughts.

Do you get value from this newsletter? I'd love for you to share it with your audience! They can sign up here.​

You can also use that link if someone forwarded this email to you and you'd like to sign up officially.