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Here’s a thread on how social media platforms and tech companies have responded to #COVID19.
For each site, I’ve tried to capture any messages appearing organically in newsfeeds as well as the results for when you search “coronavirus” or “COVID19”.
For each site, I’ve tried to capture any messages appearing organically in newsfeeds as well as the results for when you search “coronavirus” or “COVID19”.
Disclaimer: everyone’s mobile newsfeeds are different due to how they use a given service.
These platforms may target some users with information and not others. I’ve tracked this over a week and the thread shows whether I’ve been given any COVID19 information on my newsfeeds.
These platforms may target some users with information and not others. I’ve tracked this over a week and the thread shows whether I’ve been given any COVID19 information on my newsfeeds.
First up, @Facebook.
Facebook are displaying information tiles in newsfeeds (image 1) that redirect to the NHS website.
When you search for “coronavirus” the top result is a pinned post (image 2) that links to the same NHS webpage.
Facebook are displaying information tiles in newsfeeds (image 1) that redirect to the NHS website.
When you search for “coronavirus” the top result is a pinned post (image 2) that links to the same NHS webpage.
Next up: @Twitter.
I use Twitter a lot and haven’t come across any posts appearing organically in my newsfeed. However, if you search for “coronavirus” or a related hashtag, there’s a pinned message linking to the @DHSCgovuk website.
I use Twitter a lot and haven’t come across any posts appearing organically in my newsfeed. However, if you search for “coronavirus” or a related hashtag, there’s a pinned message linking to the @DHSCgovuk website.
Next: Apple News.
This might seem like an odd one to include but Apple News does have almost 100,000,000 users worldwide.
At the very top of the front page there’s a tile (image 1) that takes you to a dedicated section for updates, analysis and advice (images 2, 3 & 4).
This might seem like an odd one to include but Apple News does have almost 100,000,000 users worldwide.
At the very top of the front page there’s a tile (image 1) that takes you to a dedicated section for updates, analysis and advice (images 2, 3 & 4).
Next: @Snapchat.
Snapchat doesn’t offer any information on the service or in searches on the app. It displays news items, and then any users or filters that might match the query.
Snapchat doesn’t offer any information on the service or in searches on the app. It displays news items, and then any users or filters that might match the query.
Next: @Instagram.
Similar to Snapchat, from what I can see the app doesn’t offer any COVID19 information to users. Similarly, I haven’t seen any Instagram-sponsored information in my newsfeed.
Similar to Snapchat, from what I can see the app doesn’t offer any COVID19 information to users. Similarly, I haven’t seen any Instagram-sponsored information in my newsfeed.
Next: TikTok.
TikTok seems to provide the most information and support for its users.
A query for “coronavirus” or “COVID19” returns a tile that takes users to a dedicated in-app page featuring the tabs Q&A, Protect Yourself, and Mythbusters. All content is provided by @WHO.
TikTok seems to provide the most information and support for its users.
A query for “coronavirus” or “COVID19” returns a tile that takes users to a dedicated in-app page featuring the tabs Q&A, Protect Yourself, and Mythbusters. All content is provided by @WHO.
Next: @Amazon.
Amazon don’t appear to display any information on the home page of the app, but do have pinned results for queries.
A generic search for “coronavirus” (image 1) as well as for “alcohol gel” (image 2) have a pinned result linking to a http://gov.uk page.
Amazon don’t appear to display any information on the home page of the app, but do have pinned results for queries.
A generic search for “coronavirus” (image 1) as well as for “alcohol gel” (image 2) have a pinned result linking to a http://gov.uk page.
Next: @YouTube.
There’s no information on the main Home, Explore or Subscriptions tabs but queries return a pinned post linking to the NHS website.
There’s no information on the main Home, Explore or Subscriptions tabs but queries return a pinned post linking to the NHS website.
Next: @Tumblr.
I don’t use Tumblr so I can’t comment on organically occurring information.
However, a search for “coronavirus” or “COVID19” returns this post from the Tumblr “staff” (official admin) account: https://staff.tumblr.com/post/611866340494622720/tumblr-as-youre-probably-aware-the-coronavirus
I don’t use Tumblr so I can’t comment on organically occurring information.
However, a search for “coronavirus” or “COVID19” returns this post from the Tumblr “staff” (official admin) account: https://staff.tumblr.com/post/611866340494622720/tumblr-as-youre-probably-aware-the-coronavirus
Next: @Pinterest.
Pinterest have very strict policies for health-based content on their platform and stringently regulate posts.
When you search for “coronavirus” or “COVID19” their standard response comes up. They don’t link to any specific websites.
Pinterest have very strict policies for health-based content on their platform and stringently regulate posts.
When you search for “coronavirus” or “COVID19” their standard response comes up. They don’t link to any specific websites.
Next: @AppStore.
The App Store’s front page as well as the Apps section features a “Public Service Announcement” from the Chief Medical Officer.
Tapping on it leads to a Gov/NHS video and links to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus .
The App Store’s front page as well as the Apps section features a “Public Service Announcement” from the Chief Medical Officer.
Tapping on it leads to a Gov/NHS video and links to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus .
Next: @Google.
The dedicated Google iPhone app features a pinned tile for coronavirus information. This performs a query for coronavirus (image 2) which then gives you access to NHS information (images 3 & 4).
The dedicated Google iPhone app features a pinned tile for coronavirus information. This performs a query for coronavirus (image 2) which then gives you access to NHS information (images 3 & 4).
Update: @instagram.
Instagram now offers a link to the NHS coronavirus information page ( https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/) when users search for “coronavirus” or “COVID19”.
Interestingly, this doesn’t include “corona” on its own but does include a query like “corona cure” (image 3).
Instagram now offers a link to the NHS coronavirus information page ( https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/) when users search for “coronavirus” or “COVID19”.
Interestingly, this doesn’t include “corona” on its own but does include a query like “corona cure” (image 3).
Update: @Reddit.
Reddit now features a pinned post on the home screen linking to r/Coronavirus and recommending users visit the CDC website - however, this is aimed entirely at a US based audience.
Reddit now features a pinned post on the home screen linking to r/Coronavirus and recommending users visit the CDC website - however, this is aimed entirely at a US based audience.
Update: TikTok.
TikToks that have “coronavirus” or “COVID19” as a tag feature a banner at the bottom linking to a coronavirus information page featuring TikToks from @MayorofLondon, @BritishRedCross and others.
(h/t @LaurenLCollier for sending these over).
TikToks that have “coronavirus” or “COVID19” as a tag feature a banner at the bottom linking to a coronavirus information page featuring TikToks from @MayorofLondon, @BritishRedCross and others.
(h/t @LaurenLCollier for sending these over).
Next: @Fitbit.
The Fitbit companion app now has a permanent COVID-19 tab (bottom of image 1) that leads you to coronavirus information and resources (image 2), including linking to the @WHO website.
The Fitbit companion app now has a permanent COVID-19 tab (bottom of image 1) that leads you to coronavirus information and resources (image 2), including linking to the @WHO website.
Update 2: TikTok.
Last week, opening the TikTok app displayed a sponsored message from the Government asking people to stay home (image 1).
TikToks now have a permanent COVID-19 button (top right of image 2) that leads to the existing dedicated information page (image 3).
Last week, opening the TikTok app displayed a sponsored message from the Government asking people to stay home (image 1).
TikToks now have a permanent COVID-19 button (top right of image 2) that leads to the existing dedicated information page (image 3).
Next: Google Maps.
@googlemaps have added a coronavirus information button on the “Explore” overlay (image 1) that links to Google’s coronavirus information hub in your phone’s browser (image 2).
@googlemaps have added a coronavirus information button on the “Explore” overlay (image 1) that links to Google’s coronavirus information hub in your phone’s browser (image 2).
Next: @Spotify.
Spotify, the music streaming service, doesn’t feature any information across its main tabs (checked 15/04) but queries for “coronavirus” or “COVID19” return a result for “Coronavirus Info” (images 1 & 2) which leads to information and the @WHO website (image 3).
Spotify, the music streaming service, doesn’t feature any information across its main tabs (checked 15/04) but queries for “coronavirus” or “COVID19” return a result for “Coronavirus Info” (images 1 & 2) which leads to information and the @WHO website (image 3).
Update 2: Facebook.
@Facebook’s COVID-19 Information Centre now appears at the top of the app (image 1). It contains the latest updates (image 2) and links to organisations such as @NHSuk, @PHE_uk and @DHSCgovuk.
There’s also advice for how to cope with lockdown (image 3).
@Facebook’s COVID-19 Information Centre now appears at the top of the app (image 1). It contains the latest updates (image 2) and links to organisations such as @NHSuk, @PHE_uk and @DHSCgovuk.
There’s also advice for how to cope with lockdown (image 3).
Update 3: Facebook.
@Facebook’s coronavirus information centre now has a dedicated tab at the bottom of the app, making it a permanent feature.
The tab is animated to draw attention to it.
@Facebook’s coronavirus information centre now has a dedicated tab at the bottom of the app, making it a permanent feature.
The tab is animated to draw attention to it.
Next: Google Chrome.
The desktop version of @GoogleChrome now features the Government "Stay At Home. Protect the NHS. Save Lives." message at the bottom of new tabs (image 1). Clicking on this leads to Google information for "coronavirus prevention" (image 2).
The desktop version of @GoogleChrome now features the Government "Stay At Home. Protect the NHS. Save Lives." message at the bottom of new tabs (image 1). Clicking on this leads to Google information for "coronavirus prevention" (image 2).
