Instagram vs TikTok

Welt to launch Instagram-native livestream for Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern elections

German publisher Axel Springer's Welt brand is launching Instagram-native live broadcasts for the state elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Hosted by Marlene Barduhn, the format uses Instagram's live infrastructure, with Barduhn moving through the Welt newsroom, including the newsroom CvD, domestic politics desk, and TV studio analysis wall. Two editions are scheduled: one at 6 PM for initial projections and another at 8 PM with current counting status and political analysis. Reporters from Berlin (CDU headquarters) and Schwerin (SPD election party) will be integrated via personal Instagram accounts, and data analyst Marian Grunden will provide real-time analysis. The community is engaged through live questions and a dedicated Q&A block with political editor Maximilian Heimerzheim. Moritz Seyffarth emphasized that this proves journalistic competence can be translated into Instagram's mechanics, ensuring the content is native to the platform, not a repurposing of TV content.

• Welt plans two Instagram-native live election broadcasts on Sunday at 6 PM and 8 PM.
• The format uses Instagram's native live infrastructure, with host Marlene Barduhn moving through the Welt newsroom.
• Reporters in Berlin and Schwerin will be integrated via personal Instagram accounts, covering CDU and SPD election events.

EU Plans Social Media Ban for Under-13s

The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, is proposing regulations to ban children under 13 from major social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, with stricter age verification. The plan, to be formally presented soon, includes a gradual approach: 13-15 year olds would have supervised 'mini-accounts' limited to one hour daily, with full accounts allowed from age 15. Platforms must implement safer designs, such as preventing endless scrolling or autoplay videos, and face mandates on child safety certifications, default private accounts for minors, and restrictions on live streaming. German officials support the initiative, but experts highlight challenges in implementation and enforcement, including potential circumvention, impacts on fundamental rights, and competitive disadvantages for new platforms. The proposal requires approval from the European Parliament and member states, a process that may take months or years.

• EU Commission proposes banning children under 13 from social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
• 13-15 year olds would have supervised 'mini-accounts' limited to one hour daily; full accounts only from age 15.
• Proposal includes requirements for safer design features, such as preventing endless scrolling and auto-play videos, plus bans on addictive designs.

Instagram's Mosseri Defends Feed Algorithm, Rejects Addictive Claims

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri has defended the platform's algorithmic feed, arguing that a chronological feed would overwhelm users with brand content and reduce engagement and satisfaction. He made the comments in response to Australian government plans to require social media platforms to offer users a choice between algorithmic and chronological feeds. Mosseri also rejected claims that Instagram is addictive, despite a recent US court ruling that found Meta and Alphabet negligent for not warning users about platform risks, awarding $3 million in damages. He acknowledged the ranking is not perfect but emphasized the company's efforts to give users control over their feeds.

• Australia announced plans to mandate that social media platforms offer users a choice between algorithmic and chronological feeds.
• Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri stated that a chronological feed would lead to more brand content and lower user engagement and satisfaction.
• A US court ruled that Meta and Alphabet acted negligently by not adequately warning users about platform risks, awarding the plaintiff $3 million in damages.

TikTok Celebrates MILEY’s New Album Bass Persuades With Exclusive In-App Experience

Miley is turning up the volume on TikTok with Bass Persuades and bringing fans along for the ride. Fans can complete in-app missions to unlock exclusive rewards, shop album merch via TikTok Shop, and more.

Crocs Becomes Top TikTok Shop Seller via Audacious Social Strategy

Crocs has become one of TikTok Shop's top sellers through an early adopter strategy and a focus on engaging Gen Z and Gen Alpha. The platform named Crocs its Seller of the Year in May, and the brand generated an estimated $52.4 million in sales in the 12 months to April, making it the top footwear seller. Crocs chief brand officer Terence Reilly discussed this approach at ADWEEK's Brandweek event, emphasizing a test-and-learn mindset, a nimble team, and content that includes live commerce experiences like 'Croctober', a 31-day livestream marathon which tripled followers and generated 550 million impressions. The brand also demonstrated live selling on stage at Brandweek, selling 200 items in a 12-minute segment. Reilly advised against bureaucracy, advocating for permission to fail and scale.

• TikTok Shop named Crocs Seller of the Year in May.
• Crocs generated an estimated $52.4 million in sales on TikTok Shop in the 12 months to April, becoming the top footwear seller.
• Crocs' 'Croctober' livestream marathon tripled followers and generated 550 million impressions.

EU Plans Social Media Ban for Under-13s

The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, is proposing regulations to ban children under 13 from major social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, with stricter age verification. The plan, to be formally presented soon, includes a gradual approach: 13-15 year olds would have supervised 'mini-accounts' limited to one hour daily, with full accounts allowed from age 15. Platforms must implement safer designs, such as preventing endless scrolling or autoplay videos, and face mandates on child safety certifications, default private accounts for minors, and restrictions on live streaming. German officials support the initiative, but experts highlight challenges in implementation and enforcement, including potential circumvention, impacts on fundamental rights, and competitive disadvantages for new platforms. The proposal requires approval from the European Parliament and member states, a process that may take months or years.

• EU Commission proposes banning children under 13 from social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
• 13-15 year olds would have supervised 'mini-accounts' limited to one hour daily; full accounts only from age 15.
• Proposal includes requirements for safer design features, such as preventing endless scrolling and auto-play videos, plus bans on addictive designs.