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Facebook Photo Frames

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The Snapchat-ripoffs continue! Facebook recently introduced a frame-creation tool to create free “frames” for photo uploads, profile pictures, and a built-in camera...though, sad face, it’s currently only available to a app-users in Ireland.

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Visit the Facebook Camera Effects page to learn more, and to see if you have access yet. You’ll just need to design and upload some PNG files with transparent backgrounds to get started.

Facebook Group Video Chat

Ever been frustrated by the paid-only group-chat feature on Skype, and the confusing nature of Google Hangouts as the alternative? Well, now Facebook has you covered.

Lauded as “the most requested Messenger feature ever,” Facebook Messenger now lets you video chat with groups. Best of all, it’s free!

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Instagram Facebook management and Stories download

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A new feature is slowly rolling out to Facebook pages that will allow you to update Instagram from your Facebook business dashboard. So far, this integration is limited to Instagram profile details and comment responses.

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You can now also save your 24-hour Instagram Story as one continuous video. This is a great feature for documenting and keeping track of your Instagram Stories for reporting, case study videos, and more. Just click the little “save” arrow at the top of your Story from the mobile app. (See image below.)

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“YouTuber” becomes a real-life word

The English Oxford Dictionary added “YouTuber” to its list of official words in December. The definition reads, “a frequent user of the video-sharing website YouTube, especially someone who produces and appears in videos on the site.”

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Congrats, YouTubers! (Especially Jim.)

Twitter introduces Periscope360

Both live-stream and 360° video were big trends across the board in 2016. Twitter just combined the two with Live 360 video via Periscope.

360 Sunset in Florida. First ever #Periscope360 with @Brandee_Anthony https://t.co/AZWbnnT15S

— Alex Pettitt (@Alexpettitt) December 28, 2016

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

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Explore the #Periscope360 tag to see more examples. You might even catch someone during their live streaming session. Only select partners can broadcast in 360 for now but the feature should roll out globally soon, offering marketers and SMBs a unique opportunity to engage followers on Twitter and Periscope. (You can also apply for early access.)

Snapchat group chats and custom stickers

Ever noticed you tend to send pics to the same group of people? Snapchat Groups let you share photos and chats that disappear after 24 hours to a select group of up to 16 people. Each group you create or join will show up in a dedicated area of your contacts and messages, allowing you to share to or view the content in the same way you would “normal” conversations.

001124710American Modern Insurance Group5183314.0Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USJAX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:115%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;}Another really fun feature that just rolled out is the Scissors tool. After taking a photo, tap the scissors, then outline an object in your pic, such as your face or the family dog. You’ll see a copy of the object in your snap that you can move around and make smaller or bigger. You’ll also be able to add it to future snaps from your stickers menu. We’ll see if this feature is picked up by businesses or not, but it could be a great way to include consistent branding elements on your Snapchat content without paying for a sponsored Geofilter.

Pinterest customizable business profiles

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Company profiles on Pinterest just got a little more customizable with a new showcase section. This allows you to “introduce yourself” to new profile visitors by highlighting up to 5 boards and your buyable pins at the top of your profile.

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