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New updates to Instagram reels

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Browsing on instagram

Instagram recently announced a series of improvements to its reels. The company has launched a bunch of features that give content creators better tools to maximize reach while also providing users with a more engaging platform for discovering new trends and creativity.

So, what’s new?

1. Central Destination for Trending Audio and Hashtags

Users will now be able to see top trending songs and hashtags on Reels, view how many times audios have been used, tap to use – and even save audios for later. For creators, top trending topics and hashtags are now easily accessible to help inform your content plan. This is a significant addition for creators because sometimes, it is difficult to know which type of content consumers are likely to respond to. It’ll make it a whole lot easier to keep up with what’s trending.

2. Redesigned Editing Experience 

The new update makes it easier for users to time elements and align reels at the right moments visually. Video clips, stickers, audio, and texts are brought together on a unified editing screen. The update will be accessible to both iOS and Android devices globally.

3. In-Depth Insights and Recognitions 

Two new metrics to help creators understand how various content is performing have also been added. This is the total watching time and the average watch time. The metrics will provide valuable insights when viewing reels directly. Users will be able to capture the total amount of time your reel was played and any time spent replaying the reel. The average watch time will capture the watch time divided by the number of total plays. This will also provide a way for creators to know how their reels contribute to their growth; from specific reels, they will also receive a notification of their new followers.

4. Updates to Gifts: Easier Way to Recognize Fans

Gifts on Reels had previously been rolled out for fans to show their appreciation, and creators could earn money; the feature has now been expanded to more markets; the UK, Canada, Australia, France, New Zealand, and Mexico. A new feature has also been added to show creators which fans have sent gifts to allow them to recognize their supporters.

“We strive to make Instagram a home for creators like you to express your creativity, connect with your audience, and earn a livingCreators like you inspire people and shape everyday culture. We’re committed to building more products to help you grow and thrive on Instagram, and today’s updates are just a few of the ways we’re investing in your success” Instagram.

Instagram is paving the way for creators to excel and build a strong presence online. With improved editing tools, better insights, and an increasing focus on community engagement, creators will find ways to adapt to these new features and improve their content creation. We expect to see a more vibrant and dynamic landscape of short-form videos on Instagram Reels.

Amazon joins generative AI bandwagon

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AI empowered hand

Amazon has unveiled Bedrock, an AI platform that will make the development of generative AI-powered applications more accessible than ever before. In a creative twist, it has taken a different route from other platforms. Instead of building AI models in-house, it is leveraging the prowess of third-party AI startups such as Anthropic, Stability AI, and AI21 to host their pre-trained models on Amazon Web Services (AWS). This unique approach will empower developers to harness the power of cutting-edge AI technologies without the need for extensive infrastructure or resources.

What it is set to Offer

Unlike other AI platforms, Amazon Bedrock is set to offer unprecedented flexibility and provide a choice to its developers when selecting foundation models. Its collaboration with leading AI startups will provide an array of pre-trained models, allowing developers to choose the ones they feel best suit their needs. This move will empower creators to build more tailored and efficient generative AI-powered applications without starting from scratch. If successful, the initiatives will make AI technologies more accessible and affordable, ultimately benefiting hundreds of millions of Amazon creators and customers by streamlining supply chains, personalizing digital experiences, and making goods and services more readily available.

Availability

Currently, Amazon Bedrock is available in a limited preview; it offers exclusive access to the Titan family of foundation models developed by AWS and access to foundation models (FM), a suite of ultra-large ML models that generative AI relies on. Recently, Amazon collaborated with Nvidia to develop and launch a generative AI accelerator for startups, the “next-generation” infrastructure for training AI models; this shows its commitment to driving innovation further and building a technological revolution.

‘’We have a lot more coming, and we are excited about what you will build with generative AI on AWS. Our mission is to make it possible for developers of all skill levels and organizations of all sizes to innovate using generative AI. This is just the beginning of what we believe will be the next wave of ML powering new possibilities for you.’’ Swami Sivasubramanian, Vice President of Data and Machine Learning at AWS

“Logie joined the bandwagon a long time ago, but it is interesting to see Amazon’s approach. We hope to see how the invention will impact developers; not having to start from scratch will surely give them a head start. I am excited about what is to come,” Mohamed Raza, Logie’s lead engineer and security expert

TikToks new push to boost in-app shopping

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shopping on tiktok

TikTok is trying to improve shopping uptake on the app and tap into its vast US audience. To achieve this, the company has recently launched a new push in its in-App shopping platform and invited selected US sellers to create shops and promote their products through clickable links embedded in videos and live streams. The company has also offered incentives such as subsidies and coupons on sales and shipping to maximize interest and encourage users to purchase within the app.

Integration 

Unlike the previous TikTok shop where to complete a purchase, consumers would be directed to the website inside the app, selected brands have now added a shop tab on their TikTok profile, and there is now a direct overview and purchase. The new program allows businesses to sell products directly within the app and offer customers a seamless checkout process. The app has succeeded with Instream commerce with the Chinese version Douyin, but the Western market seems less enthusiastic.

To increase popularity, TikTok has offered sales commissions through a new affiliate marketing program, incentivizing creators to promote and support retail partners. Using the TikTok hashtag with 50.4 B views, #TikTokmademebuyit, the app aims to make the new shop into a full-funnel sales platform. Recently, Tiktok announced a new feature ShoppingCenter for its Malaysia users, making it easier for them to find more product options and providing better ways for merchants to manage orders within its shop. This shows its determination to ensure its in-app shopping succeeds globally.

Will it be Successful?

Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter have tried different live shopping streaming methods but soon scaled back due to the low adaptivity of their users. Just recently, Instagram removed its dedicated shop tab from users’ feeds and is now looking to retire its live-stream shopping after a similar end to the live stream by Facebook. If TikTok succeeds, other social media platforms may soon follow suit and adopt similar strategies that allow for consumer collaboration with retailers, incentivize influencers, and prioritize consumer engagement. Will the new push by TikTok be the missing piece? This is, of course, if it survives the ban threats it’s currently facing.

“The latest innovative approach by TikTok is empowering both influencers and retailers. The determination to pursue avenues that other social media platforms seem to have given up on holds immense potential for social commerce. If successful, the new push will reshape how consumers discover and purchase products online. And this could very well propel them to the forefront of social commerce if they survive the ban threats,” said Mohamed Raza, Logie’s lead engineer.

Instagram launches new API access to enhance creator collaborations

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Instagram new post button

Instagram is extending its API access to allow multiple brand agencies to connect easily with their preferred content creators. It is extending access to elements of the Creator Marketplace through an API to enable brands to discover potential creators and continue working with them via their preferred third-party creator marketing platforms.

Some key features of this update include:

  • Prioritized Direct Messages (DMs): Brands can easily reach creators in a new priority inbox on the creator marketplace. This will be possible without leaving their preferred creator marketing platform. 
  • Project Briefs: Using Instagram’s matchmaking capabilities for project partnerships, Brands can now publish structured project briefs to the creator marketplace direct from a third party

These features will make it easier for brands and creators to communicate and collaborate effectively. Before opening access to more creator marketing partners, Instagram is currently testing these APIs with a select group of partners, including Captiv8, CreatorIQ, and Aspire. 

API Integration

Integrating APIs into Instagram’s Creator Marketplace is set to revolutionize how creators and brands collaborate. With the new release, agencies will;

  • Leverage APIs to track creator conversations with a dedicated folder. Messages will be sent directly to creators, where they will see and conveniently respond on Instagram.
  • Effectively work with Content creators and track projects. Structured briefs will be quickly published or sent to creators on behalf of the clients. They will also be able to publish discoverable projects that creators can apply to, track if creators have agreed to collaborate, and monitor progress.
  • Acquire the best talent for their client brands. Using advanced filters and search capabilities from their business accounts, and advanced filters, they will discover creators from the creator marketplace.

The new API integration will bridge the gap between Instagram and the preferred third-party marketing platforms, streamlining the collaboration process. As Instagram continues to refine the functionality of its Creator Marketplace, it is set to become an important hub in fostering collaborations between creators and brands. It has shown its commitment to supporting its creator community and adding value to brands since the creation of the marketplace in 2022. We, therefore, expect to see more exciting developments in tools and features.

“The new third-party API access by Instagram is a great addition to digital marketing. Although it is still being tested in a small cohort, I am excited to see how it will impact brands and elevate the content creation process. They say it can track project progress, right? I wish they included a digital payment method to ensure creators or brands are not short-changed, but this is a step in the right direction,” said Tanya Breus, Senior Business Development Executive at Logie.

Temu gains traction in the US despite TikTok’s controversies

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Online Purchase using a credit card

Temu, currently the most downloaded app in the US, is an online marketplace for discount products. It provides a platform for creators and businesses to monetize their content or sell products. The app is operated by PDD Holdings, owners of Pinduoduo (the company’s parent eCommerce app that has also been in the spotlight for data privacy concerns). Most products in the app are shipped directly from China to consumers in the US.

Temu’s Surprising Success in the US

Despite the controversies surrounding TikTok, Temu has experienced remarkable growth in the United States. Its key selling point is cheap products, leading consumers to weigh options between the different e-commerce platforms and eventually landing on Temu. With the help of Tiktok, Temu has reached over 300 million views on the hashtag #Temu, where creators are taking advantage of low prices and unboxing purchased items on camera.

Temu held an extravagant marketing campaign during the Superbowl with the caption ‘shop like a billionaire,’ resulting in millions of downloads and varying customer reactions. When asked about its motto, a Temu spokesperson told CNN

‘’Through the largest stage possible, we want to share with our consumers that they can shop with a sense of freedom because of the price we offer,” 

Review of Temu Products

Being the top downloaded App since January 2023, you would expect shipped products sold on the site to offer maximum quality for the least price possible. On the contrary, customer reviews on Better Business Bureau show that Temu has only a 2.21/5 star rating and 235 customer complaints, most of which allege that products were delayed, delivered with damages, or the customer service was slow and unhelpful. 

Is Temu Safe?

The app deals with sensitive information like home addresses and credit card information, and consumers are bound to be paranoid. Temu supports several secure payment methods, including PayPal, Apple Pay, google pay, and most credit cards; apart from this, it is backed by PDD Holdings Inc, which has many years of experience in global commerce. Still, there are doubts surrounding the app considering, Pinduoduo, Temus’s sister company, and Tiktok are under scrutiny, yet they were considered safe. Should users be skeptical? 

Navigating eCommerce fraud in 2023: what you must know

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ECommerce Product

Counterfeiting has been a sticking issue in both the e-commerce and traditional retail industries. When vendors sell or promote sub-standard or misleading products, they put their reputation on the line and expose their customers to all sorts of dangers. Countless complaints show that scores of consumers have been harmed by counterfeit cosmetics, poor-quality toys, inadequately constructed shoes, and similar purchases. 

Modern consumers have high expectations and demand authenticity, uncompromised quality, and a seamless shopping experience. Now more than ever, creators and brands must watch out for cracks that could negatively impact consumers and translate to costly or permanent business damage.

Snapshot: Scope of Counterfeiting & Fraudulent Activity in eCommerce

The Amazon Counterfeit Crimes Unit sued or referred for investigation of more than 1,300 criminals (around the world) for counterfeiting and fraudulent activity. 

A joint study by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that more than half of counterfeit goods entered the EU market were sold online.

China (along with its trading partner and transit point Hong Kong) is the leading producer and distributor of counterfeit goods in the world, according to the same OECD-EUIPO study.

The Intellectual Property Roadmap 2020 report by the International Chamber of Commerce declared that the COVID-19 pandemic created the most substantial negative supply chain security effect in history.

In its latest Brand Protection Report published April 2023, Amazon stopped over 6 million attempts to create new selling accounts in 2020, compared to 2.5 million in 2021, and 800,000 in 2022.

Counterfeit goods are not just a temporary challenge but a major industry problem that has grown from $30B value in the 1980s to over $3 trillion (projected) in 2023. 

In August 2022, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency made nearly 17,000 counterfeit product seizures worth about $2.4 billion.

Counterfeiting problems are evident across the entire eCommerce but are more prevalent in niche industries such as music and DVD movies, luxury handbags and apparel, jewelry, running shoes, and Rolex Watches, among others.

Ecommerce Fraud & Counterfeiting Infographic

It’s clear from these statistics that counterfeiting peaked during the pandemic and has been gradually climbing down since then. But this obviously does not mean that the industry is off the hook. All stakeholders must devise strategies to make sure that they (and their customers) do not fall prey to counterfeits or any sort of fraudulent eCommerce schemes. 

2 Creators Share Their Experience With Fraudsters 

Altovise Pelzer, a seasoned digital creator, fell victim to a disloyal vendor.

I had a vendor reach out about a product. I agreed to do the video, but when it was time for them to pay me, they told me I needed to purchase a large quantity of another product. 😳 Even went so far as to show screenshots of other “people” they had made payments to after they made the big purchase. Nope, nope, and nope. I immediately explained that what they were doing was fraudulent practices. Blocked them and moved on,” said Altovise.

Melody Johnson, an experienced digital creator crossed path with a bad actor whose product did not match the reviews:

I was once going to accept a collaboration. Something seemed off, so I went to the reviews. The product did not match the reviews. It was a broom they wanted me to stream. The reviews were about birthday cards😒,” Melody revealed.

Amazon’s Latest Brand Protection Report

As one of the dominant players in the global eCommerce playground, Amazon is at the forefront of protecting brands and consumers. The company has repeatedly emphasized that trust, brand safety, and consumer protection are among its key goals. It’s no wonder the online shopping giant has invested more than $1.2 billion dollars and employed over 15,000 personnel (including machine learning specialists and expert investigators)  to achieve these very goals. 

See the 2022 Brand Protection Report by Amazon

Some of the key tools the company has launched to help you and your customers stay on the safe side include:

  • Project Zero – this is cutting-edge technology that uses in-depth knowledge of intellectual property to effectively detect counterfeits. This is done using a cocktail of robust brand protection tools such as automated safeguards, product serialization, along with granting brands the unique ability to directly remove counterfeit listings from the Amazon store.
  • Transparency –  Amazon uses a product serialization service with unique codes to identify individual items, preventing counterfeits from reaching customers. These codes can be scanned throughout the supply chain and by customers to confirm authenticity using the Amazon Shopping App or Transparency App.
  • IP accelerator – this intervention helps small businesses secure intellectual property rights by connecting them with a trusted network of IP law firms in 39 countries and 13 languages. It offers affordable trademark registration services and expedites access to Amazon’s Brand Registry to enhance brand protection.

Other tools used by Amazon to protect brands include; the Brand Registry and Amazon Patent Evaluation Express (APEX). The company’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit collaborates with selling partners and global law enforcement to disrupt counterfeiters and target bad actors through joint enforcement and seizures. Additionally, the company collaborates with industry authorities such as the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries Associations and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to raise awareness and educate tens of millions on how to avoid counterfeits. 

Interventions in Other Marketplaces

Outside of Amazon, most other leading marketplaces seem to adopt a lot of measures, from creating anti-counterfeiting policies to prohibiting third-party sellers from promoting fake products and even appointing fake shoppers to flag potential counterfeit products. But how effective these measures can be trusted to be is a whole different ball game. It’s something that cannot be left to system-wide interventions. 

What you can do to Guard Against eCommerce Fraud

It’s easy to rest in the comfort that Amazon and other marketplaces are investing big-dollar and their top talent to stay on top of counterfeiting and malicious sellers. But you also need to take the initiative to make sure that your business or customers do not brush shoulders with any product that is not what was genuinely intended. Below are some of the intervention measures you can take: 

  • Verify suppliers – thoroughly vet and research potential suppliers to ensure they are reputable and have a history of providing genuine products. Check for certifications, licenses, and references to ensure they are authentic.
  • Purchase from authorized distributors – buy directly from the manufacturer or authorized distributors to minimize the risk of accidentally purchasing counterfeit goods. And even so, make sure you only work with manufacturers who have a proven track record creating authentic products. 
  • Implement strict quality control measures – regularly conduct quality checks on products received from suppliers to detect any inconsistencies or discrepancies in materials, packaging, or branding that may indicate counterfeiting.
  • Educate customers about counterfeit products – inform customers about the dangers and consequences of using counterfeit products, and provide them with information on how to identify genuine items.
  • Use product serialization – assign unique serial numbers or barcodes to each product, making it more difficult for counterfeiters to replicate and easier for you to track and authenticate items.
  • Register trademarks and copyrights – ensure that your brand’s logos, designs, and intellectual property are legally protected by registering them as trademarks and copyrights. This will help you take legal action if necessary, against counterfeiters.
  • Monitor online marketplace listings – regularly monitor online marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, and Alibaba for any counterfeit products sold under your brand name. Report any suspicious listings to the respective platforms for removal.
  • Implement anti-counterfeiting technologies – utilize available security features such as holographic labels, tamper-evident packaging, or RFID tags to make it more difficult for counterfeiters to duplicate your products and easier for customers to identify genuine items.
  • Collaborate with customs and law enforcement – work closely with customs authorities and law enforcement agencies to share information about known counterfeiters, track shipments, and enforce anti-counterfeiting efforts. This collaboration will help identify and stop counterfeit products from entering the market.
  • Educate employees – if you have a team, train them on how to identify counterfeit products and what actions to take if they encounter them. Ensure they’re aware of your company’s anti-counterfeiting policies and strategies, as well as the consequences of not adhering to them.
  • Monitor and enforce legal action – if you discover instances of counterfeiting, pursue legal action against the counterfeiters to protect your brand and send a strong message that you will not tolerate such activities. This may include sending cease-and-desist letters, filing lawsuits, or working with law enforcement agencies.
  • Encourage customer feedback – invite customers to report any counterfeit products they encounter and provide them with an easy way to share this information with you, such as through a hotline, email address, or online form. This can help you identify potential counterfeiting issues more quickly.
  • Keep track of counterfeit trends – stay informed about the latest counterfeit tactics, technologies, and risks in your industry to ensure your anti-counterfeiting measures remain effective and up to date.
  • Join industry associations or coalitions – collaborate with other businesses and organizations in your industry to combat counterfeiting collectively, share best practices, and exchange information about new threats and countermeasure strategies. By working together, businesses can magnify their efforts against counterfeiters.
  • Be proactive on social media – monitor social media platforms for any signs of counterfeit products being sold under your brand name. Act quickly to report and remove suspicious content and educate users on how to identify genuine products.

These experiences show that at any given point, we may have to deal with fraud or encounter counterfeit products; it is just prudent that we devise ways to prevent us from falling victim to such malicious acts.

Video display elements transform Facebook Marketplace listings

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Video Display Elements

Facebook has introduced a video display elements feature to their marketplace listing. Buyers can now request a video of a product so they can make better purchase decisions. This new addition will also allow sellers to record or upload videos alongside their product listings, offering potential buyers a more comprehensive understanding of the products they are considering.

Benefits of Video Display Elements

Here’s some of what you can expect from this valuable new feature:

  • 360-degree Views – with video display elements, buyers can now enjoy 360-degree views of listed items and adequately see the product’s appearance, size, and potential issues or defects.
  • Proof of Authenticity – sellers can demonstrate that the listed item is genuine and matches the description provided. 
  • Real-time Demonstration of Functionality – in addition to displaying the physical appearance of an item, video display elements can also demonstrate its functionality
  • Improved Communication and Engagement – sellers can create a more engaging experience for potential buyers. 

How you can Harness the Power of Video Display Elements

Sellers must invest in high-quality videos and keep them concise to maintain customer interest. Adding descriptions and captions to enhance the viewer experience also helps. Videos offer a unique opportunity for sellers to showcase their personalities and build a connection with potential buyers. A genuine and friendly demeanor will help establish trust and make the buying process more enjoyable for the customer. 

Consider offering a brief introduction, sharing some background information about the item, or sharing a personal anecdote related to the product.

“As social media platforms continue to create tools for creators and eCommerce vendors, it is important that you stay on top of the latest releases so you can make the most out of them. Video display elements are set to become indispensable tools for enhancing customer experience and driving success for brands and content creators alike,” said Bethwel N., Logie’s Creative Director. 

BRAND NEW analytics & metrics features launched for Amazon Live creators

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Amazon has rolled out exciting new analytics features for live streamers on their Live platform. With real-time additions, you can now optimize your live-streaming sessions and tailor them to better cater to your viewers’ preferences – while also realigning your strategy. These new features have been out for a few days, including viewer count, hearts, click tracking, and gifts during the live stream. 

What are the New Analytics Features? 

The new metrics tools now available to live creators include:

Viewers Count

The update shows the number of users viewing your live stream at any moment in time (eye icon) along with the cumulative total number of viewers who watched your shoppable stream (next to the ‘play’ icon).

Views tracking provides important insights on audience engagement to help you understand how well their content resonates with viewers. Furthermore, the total views icon number gives you a straightforward way to gauge your overall reach.

Hearts / Likes

Visible next to the new heart icon, this cool new metric shows the total number of viewers who have liked your stream. It is a nice way to create an encouraging atmosphere by gathering real-time feedback that will give the content creator instant acknowledgment for their content and helps them know which products to keep reviewing.

Product Click Tracking

The new analytics for Amazon live streamers also tracks clicks for individual products featured during the live stream. This allows influencers to see the total number of clicks at the top and clicks for each showcased product at the bottom. This is just what you may need to figure out what items to focus on and when to move on to the next one. 

Fire Indicator

This brand-new analytics tool for Amazon live streamers allows you to recognize the most popular products among the viewers. By identifying the items generating the most engagement, you can prioritize those “on fire” products within your live stream and ensure they are the most prioritized.

Gift Icon / Promo Code Clicks

It wasn’t quite obvious what the gift icon would represent when Amazon released the new analytics tool. But it’s now clear that this nice addition will allow creators who are eligible to run promotion codes to see how many of their viewers are actually interested in the promo code offer.

Our Thoughts on Amazon Live’s New Analytics Tools 

These new tools give live creators wings to stay on top of their live streams. You can watch out for the number of viewers you have, both aggregate and product-specific clicks, and other awesome, interactive elements to make each live stream better than before. While many of us have had issues with dismal live stream performance over the last few months, this can be a great way to do more on Amazon Live. 

What Other Influencers Think 

Some creators who have already seen these analytics features argue that they are a welcome addition to the Amazon Live platform, especially when conversions and views have sucked big time. 

Jesse Moran, a seasoned influencer and Amazon A-lister thinks that click tracking for individual products is a real game changer. 

“It shows at the top the concurrent viewers but also the estimated total views right next to it to show how your stream is doing. The heart shows engagement which is the heart / like button. I like to encourage my audience by thanking them for the hearts throughout the stream to try to get more hearts. There is no proven positive things that happen if you get a lot of hearts like on TikTok,” said Jesse.

“Top clicks show total clicks received. And we think the other is bought items live but no one has seen that change from 0 yet. It is pretty motivating for me to stream a little longer to hit certain clicks or views on the stream. It is nice to have the totals up there live. But the big game changer is the bottom products where it shows clicks for individual products where you can watch the clicks on the products. If you pay attention to it you should continue to talk about the product if the clicks continues to grow on it,” he added.  

Other creators have noted a discrepancy between the live analytics and what you see in the backend. But Amazon made it clear that there should be a 24-hour delay before real-time metrics are included into your post live metric view. You can always reference your post stream metrics for deeper analytics.

Let us know what you think of these new tools and how you plan to use them in your upcoming lives. 

Government bans: what’s next for Tiktok influencers?

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TikTok has created overnight celebrities and fostered trends in every corner of the globe. Many brands have benefited from positive reviews while others flopped in sales due to negative reviews. The platform has dominated social media with over 2 billion downloads worldwide. However, several Western governments have banned the app, and still, others are considering a ban, so the future for TikTok influencers seems uncertain.

Tik-Toks popularity

The app quickly gained traction due to its ease of use, entertaining content, and unique algorithm that caters to users’ interests. As of Q1 2021, it had over 689 million active users worldwide, with India, the US, and Brazil being its top markets. Young users comprise a significant portion of TikTok’s audience, with approximately 60% being between 16 and 24 years. This demographic has attracted various brands looking to engage with potential consumers through creative marketing strategies.

Government Restrictions

Several governments have imposed bans due to concerns ranging from national security to privacy issues. Notably, India banned the app in June 2020 alongside 58 other Chinese apps, citing data privacy concerns. This decision has affected an estimated 200 million active users in the country. Following India’s lead, the United States has contemplated a ban; although it has not materialized, concerns remain. Italy, and the Netherlands, have investigated restrictions, while Australia has joined India in banning due to similar issues. 

Migration to other Apps

The potential restrictions and ban on Tiktok have left its influencers in limbo. Influencers who have used it as their primary source of income since its inception may now be forced to seek alternative apps. Instagram and Youtube have gained shelter from migrating influencers, while others have started using emerging apps like Dubsmash and Triller to retain their audiences. Due to uncertainties, brands hesitate to create marketing campaigns using the platform, forcing influencers to seek new sponsorship and partnerships. Is Tiktok headed in the same direction as WeChat and Pinduoduo? Only the future will tell.

”Data privacy concerns are a real risk concern, and, understandably, governments may want to protect their users; many apps have raised safety concerns, and it is high time we devise a way to prevent these apps from hitting the market before irreversible damage is caused. Companies should also do their due diligence and ensure safety and privacy issues are adhered to before endorsing any of these apps,” commented Mohamed Raza, Logie’s lead engineer, and security expert

Does this Chinese app spy on its users?

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One of Chinese biggest shopping apps, Pinduoduo, has gained coverage due to malware claims. Security experts have argued that the app can spy on user data. The app (currently only available for Android users) is famous for purchases of all kinds ranging from foodstuff to electronics.

Popular in the US

While it is mostly used in China, Pinduoduo has entered the US market via the name Temu which offers various products at highly affordable prices. It made its Debut in September 2022 and became popularized via a viral Super Bowl ad. Sources reveal that Temu has not exhibited the same security risks as demonstrated by the mother app.

Suspended by Google

Late last monthGoogle suspended a version of Pinduoduo from its play store due to security concerns. A spokesman revealed that they had found malware issues on app versions. “ The Off-Play versions of the e-commerce app that were found to contain malware were enforced on via Google Play Protect,” read the report. A detailed coverage by CNN reported that Pinduoduo could bypass security constructs and monitor activity on its user’s phones; it also can change settings, read private messages, check notifications, and detect usage by other apps. Even worse was the allegation that Pinduoduo made it difficult for users to remove it. We haven’t seen a mainstream app like this trying to escalate their privileges to gain access to things they’re not supposed to, “Mikko Hypponen, a senior research officer at Secure (the Finnish cybersecurity firm), told CNN.

Findings by Kaspersky Researchers 

Researchers at Kaspersky Lab found that the app could compromise user privacy and data security and relay information to Boomerang. Some evidence also showed that versions of Pinduoduo could install backdoors and obtain access to user data and notifications by exploiting system software flaws.

Same Suspicions as Titkot

The security issues that Pinduoduo has presented give credence to the fears government officials have raised about TikTok. Both apps have their roots in China, and legislators in Western countries have worried that the Chinese government could use them to spy. Congress recently grilled TikTok’s CEO for nearly 6 hours, and many people argue that the latest development will only make things worse for the short video giant. 

What Our Lead Engineer Thinks

Security is one of the most important concerns for technology providers regardless of the industry and country of origin. The fact that Pinduoduo has exhibited such glaring security inconsistencies will have a lasting impact on user trust. A company of Pinduoduo’s size should go above and beyond to ensure that its platforms adhere to the highest standards of security and privacy, with no excuses. This will almost certainly also have ripple effects on the TikTok situations currently unraveling here in the US,” said Mohamed Raza, Logie’s lead engineer, and a seasoned security expert’’.

About Logie

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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