Social media stories in the news have tended to center on TikTok (whether that be BookTok-related items or anything and everything to do with the erstwhile-planned ban in the US, whether it would happen, what it would mean, how it is avoided, and so on).
ALLi News Editor Dan Holloway
But a couple of pieces caught my eye this week because they feature the launch of tools to make it easier for creators like us to find an audience and promote our work on social media platforms.
Mastodon's Creator Push
First is Mastodon's (the decentralized X alternative) decision to court the creative community. Three things stood out for me. First is what seems to be a concerted effort to encourage people into the smaller niche servers, which house dedicated communities.
Second is an ability for content creators (and it seems writers in particular) to showcase samples of work more prominently. Most significant of all is a feature that will allow people without a Mastodon account to follow the work of their favorite creators via email. (It's almost like someone just invented RSS!)
Snapchat Subscription Model
Then there is a move from Snapchat also aimed at making it easier for creators to make money. A feature currently launching in alpha will allow people to create paid subscription options in return for special content in a wide variety of media. At present it is limited to a very small number of creators, but it will inevitably roll out more widely to more of us.
Social Media Age Restrictions Spread
This doesn't mean all is rosy for creating on social media. Many of the most avid audiences, and no small number of creators, are young. And that is now an increasingly hot-button issue. Australia have, of course, banned social media use for under-sixteens. And now it seems other countries are exploring whether to follow suit. France has already begun the legislative process, and the UK is seriously considering it.
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