We’re springing into the first weekend of a new season with another edition of The Weekly Download!
On the docket today: Clubhouse launches its new accelerator program, YouTube’s Shorts lands in the US, Twitter tests in-feed YouTube clips, Apple and Siri help users locate vaccination sites, a new study sheds light on the spread of “fake news” on social media, and Friday Fun.
Clubhouse Launches Creator Accelerator Program
Clubhouse is just getting started, but it’s already looking for new ways to support talented creators. Clubhouse Creator First is a new accelerator program “designed to help aspiring creators on Clubhouse host amazing conversations, build their audience, and monetize.”
Today’s Town Hall Updates:
We are launching our first creator accelerator program, Clubhouse Creator First. We are looking to support and equip 20 creators w/ resources they need to bring their ideas and creativity to life. Details and application here: https://t.co/kmKjQvoUBK— Clubhouse (@Clubhouse) March 14, 2021
According to a Clubhouse weekly town hall session, co-founder Paul Davison said selected creators will be provided equipment (if required), concept development assistance, and relevant brand matching for sponsorship opportunities. Davison also noted that those who are selected for the program are provided with at least $5000 in guaranteed monthly income.
Ready to apply? The deadline is March 31!
YouTube Rolls Out ‘Shorts’ in the US
After announcing its TikTok competitor, Shorts, YouTube is rolling out an initial beta of Shorts to select users in the US this week.
YouTube describes Shorts as a “short-form video experience for anyone who wants to create short, catchy videos using nothing but their mobile phones.” Since introducing its initial beta in India, YouTube says the number of Indian channelos using Shorts has more than tripled since the beginning of December alone. People are also watching more and more Shorts around the globe – the YouTube Shorts player has now surpassed 6.5 billion daily views globally.
Those are big numbers, but can they catch up to TikTok?
Twitter Tests the Ability to Watch YouTube Clips in Feed
Yesterday Twitter announced a new test on iOS that will allow users to play YouTube clips in-stream.
Starting today on iOS, we’re testing a way to watch YouTube videos directly in your Home timeline, without leaving the conversation on Twitter. pic.twitter.com/V4qzMJMEBs
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) March 18, 2021
The current lack of support for YouTube video content on the platform is one of the more frustrating aspects of the app. While some clips can be played within a user’s timeline, more often than not, links prompt users to tap through directly to YouTube in order to view attached content.
The new way to watch YouTube clips within the app could be a great way to boost engagement on the platform, with big benefits for brands and content creators alike.
Apple Maps and Siri Will Now Help you Locate Vaccination Sites
More COVID-19 tech from Apple this week – the tech giant’s latest update will allow users to discover vaccination sites by asking Siri a quick question.
Thanks to data provided by VaccineFinder, Apple users in the U.S. can search on Apple Maps for “COVID-19 vaccines.” Or they can ask Siri, “Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccination?”
According to Mashable, more than 20,000 COVID-19 vaccination sites are currently listed on Maps with more to come in the future. The listings include hours of vaccination sites, and websites to book an appointment or learn about eligibility.
New Study Shows People Need Reminders Not to Spread Misinformation on Social Media
A new study co-authored by MIT scholars is shedding light on the viral spread of misinformation on social media. Surprisingly, findings show that most people who share false news online do so unintentionally, and that their sharing habits can be modified through reminders about accuracy.
The study claims that when reminders are provided, it can increase the gap between the percentage of true news stories and false news stories that are shared online, as proven through online experiments that the researchers developed.
Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have taken steps to “red flag” misinformation in hopes of reducing the spread of fake news, and we have a feeling these policies will become a lot more commonplace in the world of social media as time goes on.
Friday Fun
TJ swears he didn’t eat those cupcakes… How couldn’t you believe that cute face?!
Idk who ate them cupcakes, but it definitely wasn’t TJ 🤗 pic.twitter.com/5Xb1vehi6U
— Mel (@TheBaddestMitch) March 16, 2021
