The Weekly Download – July 17, 2020

Welcome back to The Weekly Download – your source for weekly digital marketing news and updates!

On today’s agenda: Twitter’s massive data hack, Facebook’s report on COVID-19 impacts for small businesses, Instagram’s redesigned Shop, YouTube’s tips for creating more inclusive content, and of course, Friday Fun.

Twitter Disables Tweets for Verified Users Amid Massive Data Hack

Earlier this week, verified Twitter users were victims of a massive data hack. In an attempt to mitigate the attack, Twitter disabled verified users’ ability to tweet.

Cryptoscammers targeted notable figures like Elon Musk, Kanye West, Bill Gates, and Barack Obama. Although most of the tweets were taken down within minutes of posting, scammers have reportedly received over $100,000 in bitcoin transfers thus far.

Facebook Publishes New Report on COVID-19 Impacts on SMBs

A new report published by Facebook looks at the impacts of COVID-19 on small to medium-sized businesses (SMB) around the world and their respective lockdowns to limit the spread of disease.

The Global State of Small Business Report includes responses from over 30,000 business owners in 50 countries and shares some of the key concerns and challenges they are currently facing.

Some of the key findings:

• More than a quarter of respondents said they closed between January and May this year – but that figure rose to more than 50% in some countries.
• A third of respondents currently operating reported that they had reduced their workforces, a sign of what could become a lengthy jobs crisis.
• Nearly two-thirds of businesses in operation reported sales are down on the same period last year.
• Female-led businesses are more likely to be closed in comparison to male-led ones.

You can download the report in full here.

Instagram Launches its Redesigned Shop, Now Powered by Facebook Pay

Instagram is moving forward with its plan to promote the app as a place to shop with the launch of the new Instagram Shop, a place for users to make purchases directly within Instagram’s Explore page.

Instagram Shop allows users to browse products from favourite brands and creators, as well as curated collections published by @shop. It’s a shopping experience personalized for each end user with a “Suggested For You” section at the bottom of the page.

Facebook Pay – a new feature for secure transactions across Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp – will allow U.S. users to make purchases as they shop, as well as donations. No word yet on when Canadians might have access to Facebook Pay functionality.

YouTube Provides Tips for Creating More Inclusive Content

A new infographic from YouTube’s Creator Academy is sharing tips for more inclusive content on the platform. The Black Lives Matter movement has underscored the fact that there are still significant discrepancies when it comes to cultural and racial representation across many mediums around the world.

The infographic poses several questions to help creators address representation issues within their own content, and provides a checklist to help make necessary changes. Not only does the infographic address creator content, it also provides guidelines for engagement with other creators.

You can check out the infographic here, or take YouTube’s Creator Academy 20-minute course on Creating Inclusive Content.

Friday Fun

Seniors Recreate Album Covers During COVID-19 Lockdown

Here’s the heartwarming news you needed to hear this week!

At Sydmar Lodge in the United Kingdom, residents are using time spent in lockdown to tap into their inner creativity.

When residents needed something to take their minds off the lockdown, Robert Speker, the home’s activities director, had just the idea to help lift their spirits.

Residents have been posing for photos to recreate classic album covers since lockdown began back on March 12, and the results are totally worth it! It didn’t take long for the project to go viral.