Finn Partners’ Social Media Round Up

by Eric Glover on Nov 9, 2012

Election Day dominates Facebook and Twitter while Instagram and Pinterest roll out new features – check out what else was sizzling in social media this week.

Facebook
Election Day Was Facebook’s Most Talked About Event This Year
This week, Facebook users mentioned Election Day-related topics 71.1 million-plus times, making it the most talked about event this year. When comparing men and women, men were more likely to share political content on their Facebook pages. In terms of location, those in Washington D.C. were blowing up their Facebook pages the most with political commentary. Can you guess what the most popular election-related term? Bird Bird. Binders Full of Women was a close second.

Twitter
Pope Benedict to Get Personal Twitter Account
Although Pope Benedict XVI tweeted for the first time from a Vatican Twitter account last year, Newsmax reports that the Pope will be tweeting from a personal Twitter account by the end of this year. A Vatican official said he will be sharing opinions and Church news. Although the Pope might not be writing the tweets himself, he’ll be signing off on them.

#EatDownTipUp Campaign Aims to Save NYC Restaurants Post-Sandy
Want to know how you can help restaurants in Lower Manhattan recover from Sandy? It’s easy. Eat downtown, tip generously, and then include #EatDownTipUp in a tweet. The campaign was inspired by Anthony Bourdain, a celebrity chef, who tweeted: “In NYC? Eat downtown tonight! Pick a small restaurant. Tip heavily! Send a 20 back to the dishwasher!” Have you participated in #EatDownTipUp? If not, will you to help out your fellow Manhattanites?
Election Night Hits Record High: 20 Million Tweets
Twitter’s government team, @gov, reported that over 20 millions tweets were sent about the election. By far, this is the most tweeted about political event in U.S. history. Similarly, Barack Obama was on course to have the most retweeted tweet in history. He tweeted the following: “RT if you’re on #TeamObama tonight.” It received more than 100,000 retweets.

Instagram
Hands-On With Instagram’s New Profile Pages
Why settle for solely having Instragram on your mobile phone? The photo-sharing app recently introduced web profile pages so you can browse photos from the comfort of your computer.

Pinterest
Pinterest Introduces Secret Boards
Pinterest’s new secret boards allow users to pin something without others seeing it. You can make these private boards un-private, but it looks like there’s no going back after you choose to do so. If you suddenly want one of your secret boars to be revealed to the world Pinterest, make sure you have nothing to hide. Something else to note: you can’t choose to hide a board that you’ve already created; it has to start secret from scratch.

Finn Partners’ Social Media Roundup

by Eric Glover on Sep 14, 2012 in Social Media

It’s been an interesting week in social media with Facebook planning to grow in Asia, Twitter memorializing 9/11 and the launch of the iPhone 5. I honestly don’t know how we got any work done here at Finn Partners! Luckily, we’ve rounded up the top news in social media for your Friday reading pleasure.

Facebook:

Sheryl Sandberg Heads to Japan to Talk Facebook’s Focus on Asia

Facebook’s Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg is now in Japan to talk about the social network’s plan to grow in Asia. According to Socialbakers, Facebook has about 14 millions users in Japan, but that doesn’t compare to the 21 million users that Japanese-based social network, Mixi, has. Will Facebook be able to compete with Mixi in the Asian market?

Zuckerberg: A Facebook Smartphone is ‘The Wrong Strategy For Us’

Still wondering if Facebook is next in line to debut a smartphone? Well, Mark Zuckerberg squashed those rumors on Tuesday when he said: “It’s always been the wrong strategy for us.” Instead, the company is focusing on mobile. “We want to build a system, which is as deeply integrated into every major device people want to use.”

Instagram Has 100 Million Users, Says Zuckerberg

According to Mark Zuckerberg, Instagram – recently bought by Facebook – has reached 100 million users and that number is still growing. Back in July, Instagram reported that the photo-sharing service had 80 million users – that’s about 10 million news users per month!

Twitter:

OMG LOL: Twitter Account Tweets Your Old AIM Away Messages

Remember the days of away messages on AIM when you would post song lyrics in a passive aggressive manner to show someone you were mad at them? (Probably because they didn’t text you back right away). Or maybe you just wanted to let everyone on your buddy list (remember those?) know exactly what you were doing with your best friends, Carole, Gina, Mike, Todd, Jaime, and Maxwell, at every second of ever day. Well, you can relive that with the parody account, @YourAwayMessage, on Twitter. Examples of tweets you might find on this account are: “brb mom needs comp;” “out for a run…cell’s good;” or for those of you who were really into making those away message look real fancy: “~*~*~++HOMECOMING 2004++~*~*~ this is our year <<SENiOrS 2005>>.” Give this account a follow if you’re looking for a good laugh.

How Twitter Users Are Memorializing 9/11

It’s hard to believe it’s been over ten years since the tragic events of 9/11. On the eleventh anniversary, Twitter was overwhelmed with tweets, remembering those who lost their lives . One user, @gtongi, says, “Let’s not forget all those who perished.” #neverforget

Other:

iPhone 5: It Doesn’t Levitate?

As most you (should) have heard, Apple announced it’s new iPhone 5 earlier this week. InformationWeek lists some of the best features of the new phone (thinner, lighter, better wireless, etc.). Will you be upgrading to the iPhone 5?

Social Media Week in Review

by Eric Glover on Jun 1, 2012 in Social Media

Pepsi will offer free music downloads through its "Live for Now Music” initiative. (Photo courtesy of logotalks.com)

Facebook smartphones are a possibility for 2013, China’s Twitter-like micro blogging site keeps a close eye on what users are posting, and Google+ is still trying to find its place in the world of social media.

Facebook

Facebook May Launch Smartphone by Next Year

Reports suggest that Facebook might be launching its first-ever smartphone sometime next year. This will be Facebook’s third attempt – the first attempt being in 2010. But will the social media company finally pull through in 2013? If so, would you use a smartphone made by Facebook?

Facebook in Talks to Acquire Face.com for ‘Tens of Millions’

According to reports, Facebook may be acquiring Face.com, a facial recognition tool. Calcalist, an Israeli publication, says this acquisition could be for “tens of millions of dollars.” Face.com already powers two photo apps on Facebook – Photo Finder and Photo Tagger. Should this rumor be true, this will be Facebook’s first acquisition since going public earlier this month.

Facebook Stock Price Dips Below $30

For the first time, Facebook’s stock fell below $30. The reason behind this decrease is unclear. As the price of Facebook fell, the Nasdaq and the Dow were up slightly.

Twitter

The Censorship Game: Chinese Twitter Will Score User Behavior

China’s top Twitter-like microblogging site, Sino Weibo, will now penalize users for posting controversial content. Users will be given 80 points to begin with, but their points will fluctuate in relation to the content they post. If you participate in a community-based activity, good for you – you gain some points. However, if you promote “evil teachings,” shame on you – you lose some points. Should a user lose all their points, their account will be banned. Content will be monitored by a “community committee.” Aren’t you happy Twitter doesn’t have a “community committee?” If there was, how long do you think your Twitter account would last?

Pepsi to Provide Free Music Downloads on Twitter

Enjoy free music downloads? Well, be sure to thank Pepsi in advance. Through its “Live for Now Music” initiative, the company will offer free music downloads, music videos, and a series of pop-up concerts this summer and fall. Every Wednesday for the next 52 weeks, Pepsi will offer videos and an overview of the music news that week. Via the Amazon MP3 store, Pepsi will offer free downloads for fans who follow @pepsi and use the hashtag #PepsiMusicNOW. Be sure to follow @pepsi on Twitter for all sorts of updates

Google+

Google+ Local Unlocks the Power of Zagat

Google+ introduced a new ‘Local’ tool, which allows users to share information about nearby places, whether it’s a restaurant, museum, hotel, etc. This tool also features information from Zagat (which Google bought last year). Local is a great tool for users to discover new places around them, whether you’re looking for a place to eat lunch with your colleagues or looking for a fun activity to do near your home. Additionally, because of Google+ Local’s integration with Open Table, users can make reservations at restaurants using this feature.

20 Reasons to Switch to Google+

Why should you embrace Google+? Infographic Labs will tell you via… well… an infograpic – no better way than that, right? Reasons include: safer sharing, better ads, easier profile set up, hangouts, better mobile app, and more. Are these reasons enough to get you onboard?

Foursquare

Turn Your Foursquare Check-ins Into Jewelry

Meshu, a San Francisco-based startup, allows you to make jewelry out of your Foursquare check-ins. All you have to do is connect your Foursquare account with Meshu’s website, then choose whether you’d like to focus on worldwide check-ins or possibly stay a little more local (i.e. United States or New York City). You have complete freewill to change the shape of your design by eliminating any unwanted check-ins. Costing anywhere from $75 to $150, you can have earrings, a necklace, or cufflinks made of acrylic, wood, nylon, or silver. Don’t have Foursquare? Not a problem. You can create your own piece sans Foursquare check-ins, or you could even select from their pre-made pieces.

Social Media Week in Review

by Eric Glover on Apr 6, 2012

500 Paramount Pictures films will soon be available for renting via YouTube and Google Play. (Photo courtesy of gawker.com)

Instagram makes its grand debut to Android, while Facebook and Yahoo duke it out and Conan O’Brien attempts to overthrow Mashable.

Facebook

Facebook vs. Yahoo Round 2: Social Network Files a Suit of Its Own

Mashable: http://on.mash.to/Hq27Vp

Ding, ding, ding! Facebook vs.Yahoo. The battle continues. Facebook fights back with a lawsuit of their own, claiming that Yahoo is infringing on their patents. Facebook will also continue to defend the original lawsuit filed by Yahoo in March. It seems that most are pro-Facebook. Whose side are you on?

Facebook Coming to Nasdaq With the Ticker ‘FB’

Mashable: http://on.mash.to/HhZQIP

According to a report, Facebook will be traded on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol ‘FB.’ Will Facebook be joining Apple and Google on Team Nasdaq?

Twitter

Twitter Updates Blackberry App

Mashable: http://on.mash.to/Hhqq4p

WhackBer… I mean, BlackBerry updated its Twitter app, making it easier for users to share links directly from the browser, in addition to automatically shortening links. Additionally, users can upload photos from their devices to pic.twitter.com or when they’re composing tweets. Another feature involves connecting your Twitter account to BlackBerry Messenger so you can share your latest tweet as a BBM Personal Message.

Oakland Police Department Uses Twitter to Report on Oikos University Shooting

Mashable: http://on.mash.to/HXpjrt

Earlier this week, tragedy unfolded at Oikos University in Oakland, California when a gunman opened fire. The Oakland Police Department, in addition to local media, took to Twitter to spread the news to the rest of the community. It just goes to show that social media is just as efficient as any other news source when it comes to sharing breaking news.

Twitter Opening Detroit Office to Serve Auto Clients

Mashable: http://on.mash.to/HywsMR

On Wednesday, Twitter opened a new office in downtown Detroit, Michigan. Based in the M@dison Building and led by Greg Myrick, the staff at this location will be responsible for promoting Twitter’s ad products, including Promoted Tweets and Promoted Accounts. One of Twitter’s Detroit-based clients is General Motors.

YouTube

500 Paramount Films Coming to YouTube

Mashable: http://on.mash.to/Hli3af

500 Paramount Pictures films will soon be available for renting via YouTube and Google Play. Many of the films – including The Godfather trilogy, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Hugo – are available now in the U.S. and Canada. According to Google, others will be available within the next few months. 48-hour rentals will run you between $2.99 and $3.99 HD rentals are an extra dollar). You’ll have 30 days from the time of purchase to start watching your movie, but once you’ve started it, you’ll only have 48 hours with it. No word yet as to whether or not Google will sell movies, in addition to rentals.

General

Conan O’Brien Takes Over Mashable for April Fools’ Day

Mashable: http://on.mash.to/I33ASY

In light of April Fools’ Day, Conan O’Brien set forth to “take over” Mashable, including videos and a slight site redesign. What do you think – would you be a fan of #Conashable?

Instagram for Android: Advanced Camera, But No Tilt Shift

Mashable: http://on.mash.to/HTgl1Q

Instagram has finally made its debut to Android devices. As an Android user, I was quite thrilled. The Android app for this mobile-based social network differs slightly from the iPhone version, mainly lacking some editing features. However, the Android version has an “Advanced Camera,” which is something the iPhone version lacks. Android users, what do you think of Instagram so far?

Social Media Week in Review

by Eric Glover on Feb 17, 2012 in Social Media

Hi, I’m Eric and I work in the Planned Television Arts department at Finn Partners in New York.

This week, Facebook is getting ready to introduce verified accounts and branded Timeline pages, while tweets about Whitney Houston, Jeremy Lin, and Adele dominate the Twitterverse. Also, buzz about the popular Web site Pinterest continues to makes its way into social media news.

Facebook

Facebook Statuses Reveal Top 10 Cities for Getting Engaged

After analyzing over 29 million Facebook statuses, Uptake determined that the top ten cities for getting engaged are: Atlanta, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Hamilton, Chicago, Baltimore, Houston, Milwaukee, and Seattle. Do any of these cities surprise you? http://on.mash.to/xBx1y2

Facebook Timeline for Brands Coming Later This Month

Later this month, Facebook is planning to make its Timeline feature available to brands. Timeline will allow brands to express themselves in a number of new, different ways. Additionally, Timeline will allow brands to display a large image at the top of their pages, just like people are able to do on their personal pages. Examples of possible branded Timeline pages are show at the bottom of the full article in a slideshow. Example pages include Burberry, McDonald’s, Kanye West, New York Yankees, Coca-Cola, RedBull, and more. http://on.mash.to/wfGXL3

Facebook Will Verify Celebs – And Let Them Use a Fake Name

TechCrunch reports that Facebook will start offering verified accounts, much like Twitter, to high profile users (starting out as invite-only). After an account is verified, it will appear more frequently in the “people to subscribe to” list. Strangely, unlike Twitter, Facebook will not display a badge on verified accounts – so, how exactly will we be able to tell that these verified accounts are, in fact, verified? I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Also, verified account users will have the option to display a nickname, in lieu or alongside their real name. http://on.mash.to/Avwm5m

Twitter

Pop Legend Whitney Houston Dies at 48 – Twitter Reacts

Pop music icon Whitney Houston passed away this week at the young age of 48. As with any other breaking news story, people responded on Twitter, including celebrities like Mariah Carey, Ryan Seacrest, Christina Aguilera, Usher, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj and many others. In honor of Whitney, Spotify created a playlist of her greatest hits album, which is now available. Rest in peace, Whitney. http://on.mash.to/y4RMt8

In a related article: Twitter Breaks News of Whitney Houston Death 27 Minutes Before Press. This is another example of the power of social media and how it can be used as a viable news source.

Knicks’ Jeremy Lin Continues Domination of Social Media and NBA

#Linsanity is a hashtag you couldn’t miss if you’ve been on Twitter at all this week, especially for NBA fans. In the past week alone, Jeremy Lin of the New York Knicks has added over 130,000 followers to his network. #Linsanity has inspired spinoff accounts, such as @Linterest. How long do you think #Linsanity will last? http://on.mash.to/AfBsui

Adele Raked in More Than 10,000 Tweets Per Second During Grammys

During the 54^thAnnual Grammy Awards, Adele pulled in a whopping 10,000 tweets per second after she won Record of the Year. As you might have guessed, this was the most-tweeted event of the night. After Adele, other popular Twitterlebrities (and actual celebrities) of the night were Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, and Rihanna. Who did you tweet about during the Grammys? http://on.mash.to/wNZfJ5

Google+

Google+ Most Popular With Male Users, Students [INFOGRAPHIC]

According to Website-Monitoring, men make up 67% of the Google+ audience, which isn’t exactly new information. Something we didn’t know is that 20% of Google+ users are students, which happens to be the most popular profession on the social media site. Software engineers come in second place with a mere 2.65%. On another note, Google+ has become quite popular in India with Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Calcutta all making the list of top ten Google+ cities. http://on.mash.to/xVVC3a

Pinterest

Pinterest: Everything You Wanted to Know About 2012’s Hottest Startup [INFOGRAPHIC]

Have you hopped on the Pinterest train yet? If not, here’s an infographic that will tell you everything you need to know about 2012’s social media phenomenon. http://on.mash.to/z8sPsW

Other

Valentine’s Day Google Doodle

In light of Valentine’s Day, Google featured a special Google Doodle with a cartoon video featuring Tony Bennett’s “Cold, Cold Heart.” http://bit.ly/A7oSXH

We at Finn Partners are Inspired by many things: A photo, a song, a news story, our clients - and each other. This blog is an opportunity to tell our story and to share our challenges, successes and motivations with you.