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Threads Introduces New Features

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Threads, recently launched by Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is making significant strides in enhancing user experience and interaction. 

The app, designed for sharing text updates and joining public conversations, has introduced new features in response to user feedback. 

Some of the features include:

  • Chronological Feed Option

In response to user feedback, Threads has introduced a feed option that allows users to view posts from people they follow in chronological order. This feature provides users with a more organized and intuitive way to engage with content, ensuring they don’t miss any updates from their favourite accounts.

  • Post Translations

A post-translation feature has been added to allow users to understand and interact with content from different languages, breaking down language barriers and promoting cross-cultural communication.

  • Enhanced Notification Filters

This enables users to prioritize and manage their notifications more effectively, reducing clutter and ensuring that they stay updated on the activities that matter most to them.

  • Follow Back Button

Threads has added a “Follow” button to facilitate connections and interactions among users, allowing users to follow their followers back easily. This feature simplifies the process of building and expanding one’s network on the platform.

  • Quick Approval for New Followers

A quick approval feature allows users to manage their follower requests more efficiently, ensuring they can maintain privacy while growing their community.

Introducing these new features underscores Threads’ commitment to improving user experience and fostering a more interactive and inclusive community. 

The Meta-owned platform is paving the way for a more user-centric social media landscape by listening to user feedback and continuously innovating. 

As the company announced, “This is just the beginning. Thanks for the feedback as always – please keep sending through as we make even more updates to improve your experience on this app.”

Instagram expands Subscriptions to more Creators

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Instagram, the popular social media platform, recently announced that it will expand Its  Instagram Subscriptions feature to more creators.

The feature will provide creators a recurring monthly income, deepening their connection with their most engaged followers.

“We introduced Instagram subscriptions as one of those tools last year, giving creators in the US a new way to deepen connections with their most engaged followers while unlocking recurring monthly income.” mentioned Instagram in a blog post.

Instagram Subscriptions

Instagram Subscriptions was introduced to help creators earn a living on the platform. Initially available to creators in the United States, the feature has proven valuable, prompting Instagram to expand its availability to creators worldwide. 

In the coming weeks, eligible creators in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom will gain access to Subscriptions.

With Instagram Subscriptions, creators can set a monthly price of their choice, unlocking a “subscribe” button on their profile. 

Subscribers gain access to exclusive content and benefits, all within the same platform where they already interact with the creator. 

This includes subscriber-only posts, stories, reels, live broadcasts, and special badges beside their comments and messages.

Once a creator enables Subscriptions, their followers will see a notification in their activity feed and on the creator’s profile, inviting them to subscribe. 

Instagram will also feature the creator’s Subscription under the Subscriptions tab on the Followers and Following page.

Eligibility and Monetization Policies

To enable Subscriptions, creators must meet Instagram’s Partner Monetization Policies and remain compliant with Instagram Community Guidelines and Content Monetization Policies. 

It’s also important to note that while creators can continue to use music from Instagram’s music library in non-subscription content, that music is generally unavailable for subscriber-only content.

Creators can review their earnings and invoices in the professional dashboard. Interestingly, Instagram’s revenue share is currently at 0%, although Google and Apple collect 30% in fees for in-app purchases.

Impacts on Creators

Expanding Instagram Subscriptions to more creators worldwide could potentially lock in the best and most popular creators within Instagram’s ecosystem, as they now have more ways to generate cash from their followers.

On the positive side, Instagram Subscriptions can provide a steady stream of income for creators, making their earnings more predictable and less dependent on the reach of individual posts. This could be a game-changer for creators with a dedicated follower base willing to pay for exclusive content.

The feature also allows creators to offer exclusive access to their Live videos and Stories, creating a more intimate and engaging experience for their subscribers.

In addition, subscribers get a purple badge next to their username, elevating them above other followers and bringing them to the creator’s attention when they comment on the content or send a direct message.

Although positive, Introducing a paid subscription model could create a divide between paying and non-paying followers. This could lead to a less inclusive community, as non-subscribing followers may feel left out or less valued.

Moreover, there’s a risk that the platform could become overly commercialized, with creators focusing more on paid content and less on freely accessible content. This could potentially alienate some followers and change the overall dynamics of the platform.

While Instagram Subscriptions offer exciting opportunities for creators, it’s important to consider the potential implications and carefully navigate this new feature. As the feature rolls out globally, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of Instagram and its community of creators.

TikTok’s New Text Post Feature

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TikTok, the popular video-sharing platform, has recently introduced a new feature that allows users to create and post text-based content. 

This move is seen as a strategic step to rival other social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, which already have text-based posting features.

According to TikTok, “Text is the latest addition to options for content creation, allowing creators to share their stories, poems, recipes, and other written content on TikTok – giving creators another way to express themselves and making it even easier to create.”

How It Works

To create a text post, users will access the app’s camera page to find three options: photo, video, and text. Upon selecting the text, they will be directed to a page where they can create their text post.

TikTok allows greater customization for text posts compared to other platforms. The new feature lets Users add stickers, tags, hashtags, sounds, and locations to their text posts. They can also enable comments and duets.

A New Avenue for Expression

TikTok’s primary appeal has always been its short-form video content. 

The platform has thrived on the creativity of its users, who have leveraged the video format to create everything from dance trends to cooking tutorials. 

Therefore, introducing a text post feature significantly shifts TikTok’s content strategy.

This new feature could open up a new avenue for expression on the platform. Users who may not have been comfortable expressing themselves through video now have a medium that might be more in their wheelhouse. 

It could also lead to a more diverse range of content on the platform, with written stories, poems, and other text-based content now having a place alongside videos.

A Competitive Edge

TikTok’s text post feature is a strategic move to compete with other social media platforms. The feature was launched just 20 days after Meta’s Threads and Elon Musk’s Twitter, renamed X, which are text-based social media platforms.

Unlike Threads and X, TikTok offers more customization options for text posts, allowing users to include features such as location and music. This differentiation strategy could give TikTok an edge over its competitors.

Impact on Creators

The introduction of the text post feature provides a new medium for creators to express themselves and share their stories, poems, recipes, and other written content. 

This new feature aims to simplify content creation and provide a platform for users to display their creativity over comments and captions1.

The impact of this new feature on TikTok’s overall user experience remains to be seen. On the one hand, it could attract a new demographic of users who prefer text-based content. 

On the other hand, it could potentially dilute the video-centric nature of the platform that has made it so popular.

It’s also worth noting that the success of this feature will largely depend on how well TikTok’s existing user base embraces it. If the platform’s influencers and high-profile users start using text posts regularly, it could encourage wider adoption among all users.

TikTok’s text post feature is an intriguing development that could broaden the platform’s appeal. 

However, its success will depend on how well users receive it and whether it can enhance the TikTok experience without detracting from its unique identity. 

Remini: The AI Photo Enhancer Taking the Internet by Storm

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Remini, an AI-powered photo enhancement app, has recently been making waves on social media platforms like TikTok, amassing millions of downloads on app stores. 

The app leverages cutting-edge AI technology to breathe new life into old, pixelated, or damaged photos, transforming them into high-definition images with a simple tap.

While the app’s capabilities are impressive, the question remains: will it maintain its current momentum and succeed in the long run? We can make some educated guesses from the performance of other apps in the market.

Creation and Popularity

Remini is the brainchild of Bending Spoons, a company renowned for its innovative apps. 

As of July 21, 2023, the app has been updated and boasts over 100 million downloads and 2.9 million reviews on the Google Play store

This indicates a high level of acceptance and popularity. However, as we’ve seen with other apps, maintaining this level of popularity over time can be challenging and will depend on the app’s ability to meet user needs and expectations continually.

Remini’s official website states, “Transformative technology gives your low-quality visuals a stunning HD upgrade. Restore old photos to incredible detail and elevate your content to a professional level.” 

They also emphasize that all the enhancements shown on their website are 100% authentic. 

They highlight the various industries that can benefit from their app, including social platforms, heritage, printing services, e-commerce, education, and magazines.

Remini also addresses the concerns of users by stating, “Details, colors, and clarity are instantly enhanced in your photos and videos. Your content becomes sharper, more vibrant, and more dazzlingly defined than you could even imagine.” 

User Experience

The user experience with Remini is generally straightforward; Users can enhance their portraits, selfies, or group pictures, repair old or damaged photos, and increase the pixel count in low-quality images. 

The app is regularly updated with improvements and new features, a sign of longevity. 

However, as with any app, user experience can vary, and Remini must address any issues promptly to retain its user base.

Some users, like Mon Bon Patterson, praise the app for its ability to produce high-quality photos. 

However, others have pointed out issues.

For instance, Allison Bartels noted, “The AI seems to struggle with teeth, regardless of how many toothy smiles I uploaded.” Cameron Isom reported technical issues, stating, “While the app usually works great for photo enhancement, I have recently received an error message stating that the app can’t retrieve my photos, forcing me to repeat the process.” 

These criticisms highlight the importance of ongoing improvements to the app’s AI and technical performance.

Experts like Robert K Baggs from Fstoppers have lauded Remini for its impressive AI capabilities in photo editing.

Baggs noted, “The app could generate detail that wasn’t there, restoring images in a way I hadn’t seen before.” 

However, expert opinions alone may not guarantee the app’s success. It will also need to maintain a high level of user satisfaction and continually innovate to stay ahead of competitors.

Advantages for Creators

Remini offers significant advantages for content creators, including the ability to enhance and restore images, making them more visually appealing. 

The AI avatar feature also allows creators to generate unique and personalized images for their projects.

Remini’s official statement emphasizes the transformative technology used in the app and its commitment to continuous improvement. This is a positive sign for the app’s potential longevity.

While Remini has made a strong start, its long-term success will depend on several factors, including its ability to continually innovate, respond to user feedback, and stay ahead of competitors. Only time will tell if it can meet these challenges.

YouTube’s Channel Permissions Update: A Step Forward 

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YouTube, the world’s largest video-sharing platform, has recently announced significant improvements to its channel permissions feature. 

This feature, which has been part of YouTube Studio since 2019, allows creators to delegate access to their channels via specific roles. 

The recent update expands these roles, enabling managers, editors, and editors with limited roles to manage a channel directly on YouTube and YouTube Studio. But is this a step forward or just added complexity?

Channel Permissions

Channel permissions are designed to reduce security risks such as password sharing and minimize privacy concerns by allowing channel owners to grant access to other users via specific roles. 

“channel owners can give delegates manager or editor roles to upload content or manage comments on their behalf. Up until now, this was only limited to YouTube Studio features. Today, we’re happy to announce that managers, editors, and editors limited roles can manage a channel on behalf of a channel owner directly on YouTube, on mobile and desktop, in addition to YouTube Studio” mentioned Lauren, program manager at Youtube.

However, if not managed properly, the risk of misuse cannot be overlooked. As with any feature that involves delegation and access, channel owners must grant access only to trusted users to avoid potential issues with channel management.

The update unlocks new features such as creating a short, adding a post, managing playlists, and commenting on any YouTube video as the owner. 

While these features could potentially streamline channel management, they could also lead to confusion and misuse if the roles are not clearly defined and understood by all parties involved. 

It’s a delicate balance that YouTube needs to strike, and it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

How to Use Channel Permissions

To use channel permissions, open YouTube Studio on your computer or mobile app, click on Settings, then Permissions. 

From there, you can click Invite to add the email address and role type for the person you’d like to manage your channel, or you can update your existing delegation.

YouTube has indicated that it plans to improve the permissions feature in the future

The Impact on Music Partners

Channel permissions are particularly beneficial to music partners as they allow artists to give labels or management access to their accounts without granting full access. 

This is helpful for labels managing multiple accounts, as they can use the account switcher without needing extra credentials. 

However, this also raises questions about control and ownership. Will artists feel comfortable giving this level of access to their labels or management?

The recent update to YouTube’s channel permissions feature is a significant development, but whether it’s a step forward or just added complexity is debatable.

It’s a move that could potentially enhance the platform’s user experience but also raises questions about control, ownership, and potential misuse. As always, the devil is in the details, and it will be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming months.

Instagram Reels Templates: Unleashing New Creative Possibilities for Creators

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Instagram, the globally renowned social media platform, has recently unveiled an exciting update to its Reels feature. 

This update is set to revolutionize the Reels templates, making creating captivating content significantly easier for users.

Discovering Inspiration for Your Next Reel

The cornerstone of this update is the introduction of a new and improved Template Browser. 

This feature allows users to effortlessly browse templates by categories such as Recommended, Trending, and templates or audio that users have previously saved. 

This innovative feature can be accessed seamlessly when creating a reel, providing a smooth and user-friendly experience.

Instagram expressed their enthusiasm in a recent blog post, stating, “Today, we’re excited to share some upgrades to Reels templates that will help you more easily find inspiration and create engaging reels.”

Crafting Engaging Reels with Minimal Effort

Instagram has also significantly enhanced the creation and editing experience for templates. 

When a user crafts a reel from a template, elements like audio, number of clips, duration of the clips, and AR effects are automatically incorporated into the reel.

In the near future, the platform plans to include text and transitions used in the original reel automatically. 

These templates will be fully customizable, allowing users to add or remove clips, adjust the timing of individual clips, or edit any preloaded element.

In their blog post, Instagram emphasized the ease of this process, saying, “Whether you’re joining in on a trend or want to create a fun reel to express your creativity, Reels templates can get you started in just a few taps.”

The Implications for Creators

This update marks a significant leap forward for creators on Instagram. The enhanced templates simplify the process of producing high-quality content, eliminating the need for excessive time spent on editing.

The automatic addition of audio, clips, and AR effects streamlines the creation process, allowing creators to focus more on their creative vision.

Moreover, the new Template Browser serves as a wellspring of inspiration for creators, aiding them in staying abreast of trends and crafting content that resonates with their audience. 

The ability to see how others have utilized templates can also ignite new ideas, fostering a vibrant community of creativity and innovation.

This update comes hot on the heels of Meta’s announcement of a revamp of Facebook videos, underscoring the platform’s commitment to enhancing the user experience and nurturing creativity. 

By simplifying the process of creating and sharing content, Instagram is empowering creators and equipping them with the tools they need to thrive.

“We’re always working on ways to improve your Reels experience. We’ll continue to build on the Reels templates feature to make it easier and more fun to create and share on Instagram,” Instagram announced.

As we move forward, it will be intriguing to observe how these improvements influence the creation of reels on the platform.

Mobile Deep Linking: Pinterest’s New Feature to Enhance Purchase Activity

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Pinterest, one of the biggest social sites globally, is introducing deep mobile links to Enhance User Experience. This will provide a seamless transition from the Pinterest platform to specific pages within the app.

This feature allows businesses to direct users to a specific page in their app to purchase products or perform specific actions. 

Overview of Mobile Deep Links

Mobile deep links are a tool that allows businesses to direct users to a specific page within their app. 

This feature is particularly useful for businesses that want to drive users to buy their products or take specific actions.

“Mobile deep links allow you to direct people to a specific page in your app to buy your products or take specific actions.” mentions Pinterest in a blog post

If a user clicks on an ad and doesn’t have the app installed, they are directed to the same page on the business’s website within the Pinterest app.

Types of Deep Links

Pinterest offers different types of deep links depending on the advertising objectives. For the catalog sales objective, a single deep link can lead to the correct destination across Android, iOS, and the web. 

For consideration and conversion objectives, two links can be used: an app link (for Android, iOS) and a web link or a single destination link that leads to the correct destination across all platforms.

The use of deep links varies depending on the ad format. Deep links can only be used on static images for the catalog sales objective. However, deep links can be used on static images, video formats, and idea ads for consideration and conversion objectives.

Setting Up Mobile Deep Links

Setting up mobile deep links on Pinterest can be done through the Ads Manager or the Bulk Editor. 

The process involves logging into your Pinterest business account, creating a campaign, selecting your targeting, budget, and schedule, and selecting the Pins you want to promote. 

You can then add your destination link and a fallback destination. The fallback destination is where users are directed if they click on an app link ad and don’t have the app installed.

The Importance of Mobile Deep Links

These links are crucial for businesses as they enhance the user experience by seamlessly transitioning from the Pinterest platform to a specific page within an app. 

This can significantly improve conversion rates, as users are more likely to purchase or take a specific action if they are taken directly to the relevant page.

They also allow creators to monetize their Pinterest presence more effectively. By directing users straight to their app, creators can increase their chances of making a sale or getting users to take a specific action.

Mobile deep links help creators increase user engagement with their content. By seamlessly transitioning from Pinterest to their app, creators can keep users engaged and encourage them to interact with their content more deeply.

By providing a seamless user experience, increasing conversion rates, and offering enhanced monetization opportunities, mobile deep links are set to revolutionize the way businesses and creators use Pinterest. 

Facebook’s Video Revamp

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Facebook, the social media giant, has recently announced a series of updates to its video features, aiming to enhance the user experience and offer more creative tools for content creators. 

The platform has started rolling out updates that will bring more Reels editing tools to the Feed, making creating dynamic videos easier. 

The new tools include seamless editing, more clip-editing tools, and enhanced audio. Users can now layer and time creative elements to create the perfect reel, speed up, reverse, or replace their clips, and mix the right sound into their videos by exploring and adding music and audio clips, recording voiceovers, and reducing unwanted noise.

“Whether posting a video for friends and family to see, or trying to reach people who share similar interests, our video editing tools will make it possible for people to express themselves in new ways via Reels or long-form videos.” – Facebook.

These updates are a significant step for creators to produce more engaging and high-quality content, which could potentially attract a larger audience and increase their visibility on the platform.

All Videos in One Place on Facebook

The Video tab, previously known as Facebook Watch, is now the one-stop shop for everything video on Facebook, including Reels, long-form, and Live content.

The Video tab will feature a personalized feed that recommends all types of video content and new horizontal-scroll reel sections highlighting recommended reels.

Consolidating all video content into one place will likely make it easier for users to discover new content and for creators to reach a wider audience.

However, it remains to be seen how this change will impact the visibility of individual creators and whether it will lead to a more competitive environment.

Engage with Instagram Reels on Facebook

Facebook has also made it possible to view and write comments on Instagram Reels that have been recommended on Facebook without needing to switch between apps.

This feature could potentially increase the reach of Instagram creators and allow users to enjoy the best of Instagram and Facebook Reels in one place.

“The ability to watch Instagram Reels on Facebook has helped many Instagram creators reach more people – even for creators who don’t have an active Facebook profile.” mentioned Facebook in a blog post.

While this feature is undoubtedly convenient for users, it may also blur the lines between the two platforms and could potentially lead to a dilution of the unique characteristics that make each platform appealing.

Overall, Facebook’s video updates seem to be a positive development for creators, offering them more tools to create engaging content and potentially reach a larger audience. 

However, as with any change, it will be important for creators to adapt to these new features and find ways to use them to their advantage.

As Facebook continues investing heavily in video, it will be interesting to see how these changes evolve and impact the creator community.

For now, creators should take full advantage of these new tools and experiment with new ways to engage their audience.

A Deep Dive into TikTok’s 2023 Gaming Trend Report

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Recently, TikTok released their first-ever “What’s Next: Gaming Trend Report,” a goldmine of insights for content creators. 

TikTok has become a hub for gaming culture, with over 3 trillion views on gaming content in 2022. 

As Rema Vasan, Head of Global Gaming Business Marketing at TikTok, puts it, “TikTok has truly become the place where gaming culture and entertainment intersect, giving gamers from every walk of life the opportunity to find their community, as well as discover, connect, and create in exciting new ways.”

Key Trend Forces

The report identifies three key Trend Forces underpinning TikTok’s culture and content: 

  1. Actionable Entertainment. Gaming audiences on TikTok don’t just passively consume content. They bring gaming to life uniquely, from fan edits and animations to cosplay. The report highlights two key signals that reflect this trend: Home of the #GameEdit: Gamers on TikTok are leveraging their creative skills to share engaging fan edits that drum up hype and awareness for the characters and titles they love. Bringing the Game to Life: New technologies on TikTok, like voice filters and AR effects, make it easier for users to blur the lines between in-game universes and real-life scenarios.
  1. Making Space for Joy. Humor and content highlighting the relatable joys of being a gamer win over the TikTok community. The two key signals that reflect this trend are: Playful Ideation: On TikTok, gamers, and developers are on a level playing field, making connecting and sharing ideas a fast new norm to unlock creative opportunities. From Winning to Welcoming: By showing that there’s no right or wrong way to be a”gamer,” TikTok inspires meaningful joy and a sense of belonging among diverse audiences.
  1. Community-Built Ideas. Gaming culture on TikTok is an open space where different passions collide, and gamers actively exchange ideas. The two key signals reflecting this trend are Endless Replay Value: When the storyline ends, gamers turn to TikTok for limitless inspiration to keep the fun going through community challenges and creative modes. Gaming as a Lifestyle: Gaming has become a broader dedicated lifestyle or aesthetic, unlocking new opportunities for crossovers with diverse interests such as fashion, home decor, food, etc.

What This Means for Creators

For creators, these insights provide a roadmap for authentically and effectively showing up on the platform. 

The community embraces brands that experiment and create a more fun and engaging experience on TikTok. Creators should also lean into playful, humorous content that shows they don’t take themselves too seriously.

Moreover, creators should consider becoming part of the larger community, helping users see new sides of their brand. 

As the report suggests, “77% of global TikTok users say they like it when brands come up with new challenges, trends, or memes for others to join in with.”

TikTok’s 2023 Gaming Trend Report provides a wealth of information for creators looking to make their mark in the gaming community. 

By understanding these trends and adapting to them, creators can find success on the platform and connect with their audience meaningfully.

Read the full report here.

Amazon’s Prime Day 2023 Sets New Sales Records

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Amazon Prime Day 2023 was a landmark event in the e-commerce world, setting new records and redefining the potential of online retail. 

Amazon reported that the first day of Prime Day, July 11, was the single largest sales day in the company’s history. 

This is a significant milestone, demonstrating the growing popularity of Amazon’s Prime Day event. 

Doug Herrington, CEO of Amazon Stores, said, “The first day of Prime Day was the largest sales day in Amazon’s history, and Prime members saved more this year than any other Prime Day event.”

This statement underscores the immense scale of the event and the value it provides to Amazon’s Prime members.

The Rise of Independent Sellers

One of the most noteworthy aspects of Prime Day 2023 was the success of independent sellers. 

According to Amazon, the event was the largest ever for independent sellers in Amazon’s stores, with their sales growth outpacing Amazon’s retail business. 

This promising trend indicates a healthy ecosystem where small and medium-sized businesses can thrive alongside Amazon’s retail offerings.

Top-Selling Categories and Products

Amazon offered more deals than any past Prime Day event, with Home, Fashion, and Beauty emerging as the top-selling deal categories. 

Some of the top-selling deals included the Fire TV Stick, LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm, Apple AirPods, and Bissell Little Green Portable Deep Cleaner. The diversity of these top-selling products reflects Amazon’s global customer base’s wide range of interests and needs.

Prime members saved over $2.5 billion across millions of deals during Prime Day 2023. This figure is a testament to the value proposition of Amazon Prime, which offers members exclusive access to deals and savings.

The ‘Buy with Prime’ Feature

A new feature that caught my attention this Prime Day was ‘Buy with Prime.’ This feature allows U.S.-based Prime members to shop directly from participating brands’ websites while enjoying the benefits of their Prime membership. 

According to Amazon, merchants who participated in Prime Day activities saw a 10x increase in daily ‘Buy with Prime’ orders and an 8x increase in daily revenue from those orders during the Prime Day event period. 

This suggests that ‘Buy with Prime’ could be a game-changer, offering a new way for brands to engage with Amazon’s vast customer base.

With this, it is safe to say Amazon Prime Day 2023 was a resounding success, setting new records and offering unprecedented savings for Prime members. 

The event’s success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a wide selection of deals, the growth of independent sellers, and innovative features like ‘Buy with Prime.’

 It is exciting to see how Amazon continues to innovate and shape the future of online retail and how other events pan out.

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Logie streamlines influencer discovery, product distribution, and content performance to drive measurable sales for eCommerce brands. We also equip content creators with the smart tools, brand partnerships, and commission opportunities they need to turn content into income.

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