This week’s FWD covers the recent backlash from users after Instagram launched a TikTok-style revamp. Following complaints from users, influencers and celebrities, Instagram has paused the revamp to reconsider the future of the update.

The (now paused) update, prioritised video content recommendations from non-followers over photos from friends and family. Instagram CEO, Adam Mosseri said “I’m glad we took a risk, if we’re not failing every once in a while, we’re not thinking big or bold enough. But we definitely need to take a big step back and regroup. [When] we’ve learned a lot, then we come back with some sort of new idea or iteration”.

News:

• Google announced further delays in the removal of third-party cookies in Chrome until 2024, allowing for more time to test that users’ online privacy is protected.
• Ticketmaster and Tiktok have partnered up to give users a new way to discover and purchase event tickets directly through TikTok.

Start-up:

• Seedata.io is a UK-based cybersecurity deception-technology platform to help businesses identify previously undetected data leakage incidents, significantly reducing incident costs.

Insights:

• In a new update, Instagram will now turn all video uploads into Reels. Users also have access to new creative tools for Reels content.
• Google makes it easier for people to find/support Asian-owned businesses, by adding “Asian-owned” label to verified Google business profiles.
• Tiffany & Co. creates wearable NFT jewellery including a $50,000 necklace, exclusively available to CryptoPunk owners (limited to 3 tokens per customer).
• Snapchat release a new AR game called Ghost Phone, built using Lens Studio and web-first game engine, Playcanvas.