#exploresocial

[mymediaswitchup]

What’s up with WhatsApp?

These days, I find myself reaching out to my family more than ever. I’m always appreciate our conversations and their unending support. My frequent contact with them also showed me just how much they like to socialize... and that’s a lot.

This pushed the need for a platform that we can consistently have conversations, and make sure no one feels excluded. Group chats via text weren’t working, since only 20 people were allowed to join. My aunt soon insisted we use “WhatsApp”.

I don’t use WhatsApp as much as my other family members and haven’t incorporated it into my daily routine. I check it maybe once or twice a week to see what my family is up to. I’m used to checking text message group chats. By the time I open WhatsApp to look at my family’s group chat, it takes a while to get fully caught up on their thoughts, feelings, and discussions about everyday life. It’s an endless scroll of words, pictures, and video. This sometimes feels like the beginning of a Star Wars movie...

What’s Up with WhatsApp?

It wasn’t until I started using WhatsApp that I began seeing how useful a tool it is. The mobile messaging app boasts about 2 billion (with a “B”) users worldwide. That’s very impressive! Facebook bought the app in 2014 and it’s completely free to use (either for chats or calls). The platform offers privacy, with end-to-end encryption. This means WhatsApp and third parties can’t read or listen to conversations. It’s a straight-forward platform that’s not overly visual. 

WhatsApp is more widely used outside the United States. India is the country with the largest number of users, 340 million. Overall, it’s used in 180 countries. 

Getting started is fairly simple. I was able to import my contacts from my phone into WhatsApp. From there, I can make a profile, including a bio. The cool thing about WhatsApp is that you can have a group chat with up to 256 people! This may be over-excessive for my family, but perfect for fan groups. 

Who is using WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is mostly popular with younger adults. In the U.S., 44 percent of adults 18-24 use the app, compared to those aged 25-29 (31 percent) and 30-49 (26 percent). One in five U.S. adults use WhatsApp.

WhatsApp also has a focus on businesses, with WhatsApp Business. It’s a standalone app that allows small businesses to connect with customers. Businesses can set a greeting and away message, as well as quick replies and status updates. There’s also an option to make a short link, so businesses can promote their page. Though its great for fast, two-way communication, a downside is that the app is not customizable to the business.

Snapchat on WhatsApp? Yes, please!

Though the platform doesn’t offer too much in the way of engaging with the user, it does take a page out of Snapchat’s book with the “WhatsApp Status.” Instead of just a boring “away” message, you can post a video (up to 45 seconds) about what you’re doing. The cool thing is the status remains for 24 hours, before disappearing!

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think WhatsApp is a great way to connect with family, friends, and small businesses. I like to use it as a free way to connect with people, especially those who don’t live in the U.S. However, I have a feeling we’ll soon see ads on this platform, which may or may not change the experience. For now, it’s great as an instant communication tool. I’m glad that it gives my family a space to share, debate, inspire, and post random thoughts.

[mymediaswitchup]

Pinning down Pinterest

Since the coronavirus pandemic forced much of the country to stay at home, I found myself cooking more than usual. Anyone who knows me knows that this is a big deal! I tend to look at cooking as more of a chore, than a preferred hobby. My go-to meals are simple chicken or pasta dishes.

However, when I realized I needed more ideas, I reached out to a pro... my mother-in-law. Her homecooked meals are-- in a word-- divine! After she did a happy dance over my budding curiosity about cooking, she gave me some initial advice and suggested I turn to one of her main sources of inspiration, Pinterest.

The Big Deal with Pinterest

I never had much of an interest in using Pinterest before. I have an account, but didn’t really take advantage of what the platform had to offer. However, there are many people who do... 335 million users or “Pinners” to be exact. It’s the third largest social media platform in the world and free to use. Pinners use the platform mainly for inspiration. They can pick up ideas on everything from weddings and fashion, to home decor and recipes. 

As you can see, Pinterest is all about visual representation. Pinners use “boards” to view various topics. In fact, Pinterest curates a board for you based on your interests, when you first sign on. I think it’s a great way to get started on the platform, without feeling overwhelmed.

When you click on a “pin”, you’re able to see more details and can go to the URL where the information originated. You can leave a comment or ask a question about the pin. You can also save the pin to a personalized board to help organize your ideas.

Women prefer to use Pinterest more than men. Eighty percent of women ages 18-64 with children are Pinners. More than half of users are college-educated and more than half live outside the U.S. I also found it interesting to learn that Pinterest is the only social media platform to allow a search by image.

I like that you can “follow” friends and family, and get access to their boards, unless it’s private. So, I can follow my mother-in-law and get recipe ideas from her boards fairly easily. I’ll be a cooking pro in no time and she’ll be so proud!

Who else is a Pinner?

There are numerous brands on Pinterest. From big name brands like Target and The Container Store, to small photography businesses. News organizations like Buzzfeed and CNN also have a page. Basically, if you have something visual to show, this is the platform for you! That includes photos, videos, or even quotes. Pinners can also “follow” brands, the same way they follow individuals.

The brands use their pages to promote products or services. For example, Target (below) has an activity board, a community page, and shop page. This makes it easy for the user to find what they want and the business to cross-promote. I also noticed that ads are cleverly integrated onto boards for a seamless appearance. The only difference is a “Promoted by” label at the bottom of the pin.

Overall, Pinterest is an amazing platform for creatives and those looking for some inspiration. However, it’s not a platform that I see the average person checking constantly throughout the day like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. There’s no organic way to socialize beyond sharing pins and leaving a comment. But honestly, that may be for the better. I see Pinterest as a much-needed caffeine boost in the social media world. It’s something to put a smile on your face and find some inspiration. I think that’s something we can appreciate now, more than ever.

[mymediaswitchup]

Exploring LinkedIn

Hey there, and welcome to my first Media Switch Up blog!

I wanted to use this post and give some shine to LinkedIn. Launched in 2002, it is (by far) the largest social media platform for professionals. Despite its growing popularity, this is not an app that I choose to use on a regular basis. In fact, I don’t really check LinkedIn unless I’m looking for a job or trying to connect with current and former coworkers. However, I do find it ironic that I have a Premium account for this platform. I got pulled into the free trial and forgot to cancel.

It is NOT cheap and I plan to cancel it. But I’m getting off topic...

HOW POPULAR IS LINKEDIN?

In a short answer, VERY! LinkedIn has 690 million users worldwide. That’s pretty impressive. It’s also worth noting that 45% of LinkedIn users make more than $75,000 a year, and half of users have some type of college education. 

I found it interesting that only 57% of users on LinkedIn access the site on a mobile device. That seems very low, especially when you compare it to sites like Facebook and YouTube. LinkedIn is considered helpful when you factor in buying power. Fifty-two percent of buyers say LinkedIn has the most influence on their research process before making a purchase on a product or service. WOW! This makes sense since the nature of the platform is typically free of the opinion posts that you’ll find on Facebook or Instagram.

USING LINKEDIN

LinkedIn allows users to post text, photos, and short videos. Character limits vary, depending on what you’re typing. The majority of posts I’ve encountered tend to be inspirational or aspirational, help wanted messages, or excerpts from professional blogs. 

Most major companies are on LinkedIn. They use the platform to help increase visibility for their brands or to recruit new hires. Individuals use LinkedIn as a way to connect with mentors and colleagues, and to be encouraged.

LinkedIn also hosts “LinkedIn Learning”, which is an amazing way to show its unique value in the social media world. You can learn just about any skill through various courses. This is a paid service, but premium members can have access through their membership. The premium membership also provides InMail points, which allows you to send messages to recruiters or high-profile users.

In all, LinkedIn is a pretty cool social media platform. I do wish that it provided more of an interactive experience (outside of LinkedIn Learning). This would encourage users to keep coming back and would help to increase engagement. 

[inlearning]