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Zack Jackson

Nine Underrated Christmas Songs to Add to Your Holiday Playlist

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I’ll confess … I’m a big fan of Christmas music.  And while I enjoy the classics, I think we can all agree that there’s only so many times you can listen to Mariah’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” before you want to just throw all your Christmas stockings in the fire and just fast forward to January.

Fear not fellow Christmas music fans!  I have nine more holiday gems to spice up your playlist …

#9: Bing Crosby, “Christmas in Killarney”

Let’s be honest, you don’t even have a Christmas playlist if you don’t have Bing Crosby on it.  He’s the Godfather of the Yule Log and his estate still happily cleans up every December when your favorite family friendly radio station flips to their all-Christmas playlist.  

That said, we need DIFFERENT Bing from the regular songs, and this one totally fits the bill and gives you a little Irishy vibe to boot. What’s so special about Killarney? I have no idea, but Bing says they’re the “prettiest people you’ve ever seen,” so I’ll take his word for it.

Honorable mention:  “Christmas Is a Comin’” (also by Bing)

#8: Slade, “Merry Christmas Everybody”

There’s simply not enough 70’s classic-rock inspired Christmas music in this world, but at least Slade did their part with this 1973 rocker.  If any “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie had a Christmas song in it, then this is pretty much the only place they’re gonna look. (I’m actually shocked they haven’t already used it.)

#7: Anything from Esquivel

If you can find his “Merry Xmas From the Space Age Bachelor Pad” album, then that is the holy grail, but I’m not sure it’s even available on any streaming platform. That said, there are other Christmas compilations that you can find so you can enjoy the true GOD of space age lounge and pop music.  Admittedly, the whole genre was popular for about three seconds, but his jazzy loungy vibes are the perfect mix of nostalgic and weird your holiday playlist needs, and I guarantee you at least one person at your party will ask “who the heck is this?”  (Or possibly “WHAT the heck is this?”)

#6: Coldplay, “Christmas Lights”

It’s a little more of a downer (cuz you know … Coldplay), but there’s no denying it’s just a lovely song. So if you wanna wax nostalgic and regret all the random bad decisions in your life, this jam is for YOU!

#5: girl in red, “two queens in a king sized bed”

Do you have a teenage girl in your house like me?  Well then the added bonus of this song is you get instant street cred from them when you include one of their favorite artists. If you’ve never heard of girl in red (yeah it’s all lowercase), she’s basically Billie Eilish’s slightly more upbeat Norwegian cousin.

#4: Louis Armstrong & Velma Middleton, “Baby It’s Cold Outside”

Get as woke as you want about this song, but this is easily the most fun and original version.

#3: Hermes House Band, “Holiday Express”

I’ll be honest, I’m not entirely sure if this is a Christmas song and I originally found it by accident.  Back in the early days of the internet when Napster and Limewire were massively popular, I was a downloading FIEND. (Unless you’re the government and happen to be reading this, then this is totally being written for satire and I absolutely purchased every single album I’ve ever owned.)

I was trying to download (I mean … “purchase”) a goofy Dutch pop song called the “Holiday Rap” by MC Miker G and DJ Sven, which samples heavily from Madonna’s 80’s classic “Holiday.”  I grabbed what I THOUGHT was that song, and ended up with this equally wacky Dutch song instead.  After some investigation, I found out it was by a group called the Hermes House Band and it ended up totally growing on me.  20 years later it’s still on my Christmas playlist.

#2: Smashing Pumpkins, “Christmastime”

Pardon my French, but back in the 90’s compilation CD’s were the sh*t.  Infomercials were loaded with compilations and “NOW That’s What I Call Music!” built an empire.  Another slightly smaller empire was the “A Very Special Christmas” series that launched some serious holiday heavy hitters. By the time we got to volume 3 things were a little saturated, but this song by the Smashing Pumpkins was an underrated original.

#1: Manchester Orchestra, “Silent Night”

I’ll admit, I’m a massive Manchester Orchestra fan so I’m a little biased, but I dare you to find me a voice better than Andy Hull’s to sing “Silent Night” (or “O Holy Night” which they also do on the same album.) His somewhat haunting and echoing vocals are perfectly suited for this spiritual celebration of the season.  This might also be the song that makes me claim, “I’m not crying, you’re crying” every year when I hear it on Christmas eve.

Navigating the Great Link Debate: Social Media Platforms and External Links in 2024

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Social media platforms have become essential tools for small businesses and content creators to connect with audiences and grow their brands. But there’s a catch: not all platforms treat external links equally. Some embrace them, while others seem to view them as uninvited guests. Let’s break down where the major platforms stand on external links and how businesses can craft their strategies to thrive within these guidelines.

The Link Wars: Platform by Platform

  1. X (formerly Twitter): A “Rival-Free Zone”
    Since Elon Musk’s acquisition, X has tightened its policies on external links, especially those leading to rival platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or Mastodon. Posts with such links are often deboosted, reducing their visibility. Even Linktree-style tools face restrictions, making it tougher for creators to cross-promote. Pro Tip: Instead of linking out, focus on engaging content that keeps the conversation within X. Try using multimedia posts, like polls or short videos, to share your story. When you must share a link, keep it subtle and test for engagement.
  1. Facebook and Instagram: Links, but with Limits
    Meta platforms allow external links, but they don’t come without a price. Posts with links often see lower organic reach, as the algorithm prioritizes content that keeps users on the platform.. How to Win: Leverage Stories and Reels for link stickers or use “link in bio” calls to action. In-feed posts should focus on engagement, with links reserved for comments or follow-up conversations.
  1. TikTok: Dancing in Its Own World
    TikTok prefers to keep users engaged on its platform. External links in captions or comments? Not a fan. TikTok even limits the clickable bio link to drive revenue through its ecosystem. Workaround: Use content to build intrigue. Spark curiosity with storytelling or hints that direct viewers to your bio link. Your TikTok profile is prime real estate—optimize it to make that single link work overtime.
  1. LinkedIn: The Most Link-Friendly Player
    Professional yet practical, LinkedIn is more open to external links, especially when they add value to the audience. However, native content such as PDFs or articles still tends to outperform link-heavy posts. Optimization Idea: Share links sparingly and consider uploading resources directly. For example, convert a blog post into a native article or PDF with actionable tips.

Why Do Platforms Dislike External Links?

Social media platforms thrive on user attention. When you link externally, users leave the platform—taking their engagement and ad-viewing potential with them. Platforms like X and TikTok tighten link policies to maximize retention, while LinkedIn focuses more on value-driven interactions.

How to Thrive Despite the Restrictions

The key to success in this “link-limiting” landscape lies in adaptability. Here’s how small businesses and creators can maximize their reach without falling foul of platform algorithms:

  1. Prioritize Native Content:
    Craft posts that deliver immediate value—infographics, videos, or mini-tutorials. This keeps your audience engaged and boosts your content’s algorithmic reach.
  2. Use Links Strategically:
    When platforms restrict links, work around them. Embed links in bio sections, Stories, or comments. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram allow creative placements that feel less intrusive.
  3. Build Curiosity:
    Instead of outright linking to a product or blog, tease it. Phrases like, “You’ll never believe the 3rd tip…” drive interest and engagement.
  4. Experiment with Content Types:
    Try using interactive content like polls, quizzes, or Q&A sessions. These not only boost engagement but also keep your audience on the platform longer.
  5. Leverage Analytics:
    Pay close attention to what works. Test different strategies—native posts, subtle link mentions, and bio redirects—and measure engagement.

Conclusion: Play by the Rules to Beat the Game

The evolving landscape of external links on social platforms can feel restrictive, but with a strategic approach, small businesses and creators can thrive. By focusing on native content, creative engagement strategies, and thoughtful use of links, you can navigate the algorithms’ quirks while growing your online presence.

Ready to revolutionize your social media strategy? Let’s connect and create a customized plan that works for your business. Whether it’s building a TikTok bio that pops or crafting LinkedIn PDFs that convert, our team is here to help! Reach out today.

Meta’s AI Training Controversy and Instagram’s New Ad Format: What You Need to Know

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Meta’s AI Training Controversy and Instagram’s New Ad Format: What You Need to Know

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, two recent developments have sparked significant conversation: Meta’s controversial use of user data for AI training and Instagram’s testing of new video ads designed to halt endless scrolling.

Meta’s AI Training Practices

Meta (formerly Facebook) has recently come under scrutiny for its approach to using user data from Facebook and Instagram to train its AI models. The company has clarified that it collects both public and private posts, including photos and captions, for this purpose. While Meta claims that this practice is essential for improving AI capabilities, it has raised privacy concerns among users (Beebom) (DeCrypt).

Users outside Europe have limited options to opt out of this data collection. Meta has made it clear that opting out is not straightforward and, in many cases, not possible. The process to request exemption from AI training involves filling out a form and providing detailed information on how this data processing impacts the user. However, Meta does not guarantee that it will honor these requests (Intego).

In contrast, European users have slightly more leverage due to stricter data privacy laws like GDPR, which allows them to object to the use of their data. Even then, the opt-out process is cumbersome and not widely publicized (Intego).

Instagram’s New Video Ad Format

Meanwhile, Instagram is experimenting with a new ad format that introduces video ads designed to stop users from scrolling further. These “persistent” video ads appear in the feed and do not allow users to scroll past them until the ad has finished playing. This format aims to capture users’ attention more effectively than traditional ads, which can be easily bypassed (DeCrypt).

This move is part of a broader strategy by Instagram to enhance ad engagement and provide advertisers with more impactful ways to reach their audience. However, it also has the potential to frustrate users who may find these unskippable ads intrusive.

Implications for Users and Advertisers

Both of these developments highlight the ongoing tension between user experience and monetization efforts on social media platforms. For users, these changes might feel like an invasion of privacy and an interruption to their social media browsing. For advertisers, however, they represent new opportunities to engage with audiences more effectively.

As Meta continues to leverage user data for AI advancements, it’s crucial for users to stay informed about how their data is being used and to explore any available options to protect their privacy. Similarly, with Instagram’s new ad format, users should prepare for a potentially more ad-intensive experience.

For those concerned about privacy, it’s advisable to regularly review and adjust privacy settings on social media accounts and to stay updated on policy changes by these platforms. For advertisers, understanding these new formats and user sentiment can help in crafting more effective and less intrusive ad campaigns.

Stay tuned to updates from Meta and Instagram as these practices and formats evolve, shaping the future of social media interaction and advertising.

For further details, you can visit the original articles on Social Media Today:

The AI Revolution: Shaping Your Social Media Feeds and Redefining Engagement

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As we scroll through our feeds, we’re not just navigating through posts from friends and pages we follow; we’re traversing a landscape meticulously curated by algorithms, increasingly powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This AI influence is not just a side note; it’s reshaping how content is served to us and, consequently, how we engage with it.

Recent insights from Social Media Today highlight a critical shift in the priorities of social media marketers. While engagement has long been the North Star guiding content strategies, there’s a growing recognition of the paramount importance of entertainment. In a digital ecosystem where attention is the ultimate currency, content that entertains holds the key to capturing and retaining audience interest.

Mark Zuckerberg’s revelation, as reported by Benzinga, that over 50% of the content on Instagram is now AI-recommended, underscores the pervasive role of AI in shaping our social media experiences. This statistic is not merely a reflection of technological prowess; it’s a testament to the profound impact AI algorithms have on what we see and consume.

So, how does this AI-driven curation affect us as users?

Firstly, it’s altering the content landscape itself. AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of data to understand user preferences, behaviors, and interests. Armed with this knowledge, they tailor our feeds with precision, serving up content they predict we’ll find compelling. This means that the posts, videos, and stories we encounter are increasingly personalized, reflecting our individual tastes and habits.

Secondly, the focus is shifting from traditional engagement metrics like likes, comments, and shares to a more nuanced metric: time spent watching. As AI algorithms prioritize content that captures and retains attention, creators and marketers are compelled to produce content that isn’t just scroll-stopping but also keeps users glued to their screens.

This emphasis on captivating content is driving a wave of creativity and innovation across social media platforms. From engaging short-form videos to immersive AR experiences, creators are exploring new avenues to captivate audiences in a crowded digital landscape.

For social media marketers, this paradigm shift necessitates a recalibration of strategies. While engagement remains important, it’s now intertwined with the broader goal of entertaining audiences. This means crafting content that resonates emotionally, sparks curiosity, and fosters genuine connections with users.

Furthermore, it underscores the significance of understanding AI algorithms and leveraging them to amplify reach and impact. By deciphering the intricacies of these algorithms, marketers can optimize their content for maximum visibility and relevance, ensuring it stands out amidst the algorithmic noise.

The rise of AI in shaping social media feeds heralds a new era in digital communication. It’s not just about what we post; it’s about how effectively we capture and retain attention in an era of infinite distractions. By embracing the power of AI-driven curation and prioritizing entertainment, social media marketers can navigate this evolving landscape with confidence, forging deeper connections with audiences in the process.

Grab some popcorn and watch the meltdown … Twitter/X news and updates for October 2023

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Sometimes it’s fun to watch a dumpster fire. Sometimes it isn’t. But it’s always important to learn from it, especially how it may impact your small business’ marketing strategies. let’s see what ol’ Elon is up to this month at Twitter/X …

  1. Twitter/X Faces Trademark Infringement Lawsuit

Twitter/X finds itself entangled in a legal battle as it faces a trademark infringement lawsuit. This lawsuit centers on allegations of trademark infringement by a company called “X Social Media.” The case highlights the importance of protecting one’s intellectual property in the digital age.

For a detailed understanding of this legal dispute and its potential implications for Twitter/X, Read more about the trademark infringement lawsuit faced by Twitter/X

  1. The Removal of Engagement Counts and Buttons on Posts

In a surprising move, Twitter/X is considering removing all engagement counts and buttons on posts [^2^]. This potential change could significantly impact the way users interact with content on the platform, potentially shifting the focus from metrics to meaningful engagement.

For those interested in the evolving user experience on Twitter/X, Learn about Twitter/X’s consideration to remove engagement counts and buttons on posts

  1. Twitter/X’s Daily Active Users Drop Under Elon Musk

In the final story, Twitter/X’s daily active user numbers have reportedly dropped under the leadership of Elon Musk. This decline raises questions about the platform’s direction and its ability to retain and attract users.

To gain a comprehensive view of the challenges faced by Twitter/X under Elon Musk’s leadership, Discover the challenges Twitter/X faces as daily active users drop under Elon Musk

Twitter/X remains in the spotlight with these recent developments and challenges. From legal battles to potential changes in the user experience and shifts in user engagement metrics, the platform is navigating a dynamic landscape. Staying updated with these developments is essential for users, marketers, and investors.