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Inside Facebook

Inside Facebook

Facebook Roundup: NATO Declaration, Irish Data, Privacy Adoption and More

Posted: 21 Oct 2011 10:00 PM PDT

NATO Uses Facebook to Announce Libya Pullout Plans — The Libya commander for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Admiral James Stavridis wrote on his Page today that “I will be recommending conclusion of this mission to the North Atlantic Council of NATO in a few hours.” Wired has more.

Irish Government Considers Fine for Facebook’s Data Retention Policies – This follows revelations that Facebook has continued storing data that users had already deleted, as we covered in detail recently. A commission of the Ireland government (where Facebook’s regional headquarters are based) is investigating if any local or regional laws were broken, and may fine Facebook if it turns out that they were.

Facebook Preferred Developer Consultant Program Concludes Latest Round - The company says it will announce more details about the next submission round later this month. The program lets developers go through a voluntary approval process in order to receive its endorsement — “What separates a Preferred Developer Consultant (PDC) from most other development firms is the ability to understand social mechanics and technical possibilities on Platform,” in Facebook’s words — as well as a place on its Preferred Developer page.

Facebook's Taylor Says Most Users Change Privacy – Most users of Facebook have altered their privacy settings, Facebook chief technology officer Bret Taylor said at a conference earlier this week.

Forum for Pages Mimics Facebook Discussions Apps – Forum for Pages is an app that allows Page admins to add a discussion tab to their Page, important since Facebook is set to remove this app from all Pages on October 31. The app allows users to import and save all existing discussions, too.

Sweepstakes With Grand Prizes Make Most Effective Contests – A single, big-ticket grand prize was the most effective incentive for marketers to get users to enter a Facebook contest, according to a study from ShortStack. Becoming “Fan of the Week” was also highly attractive. In terms of entry volume, simple sweepstakes received the most entries, while high-friction video submission contests received the fewest.

Randi Zuckerberg Profile - Randi Zuckerberg was profiled by The New York Times this week, in an attempt by her to establish her identity separately from the company that her younger brother founded.

Facebook Ups Lobbying Dollars in Q3 – The $360,000 is going towards the promotion of its views on a wide variety of issues. As TechCrunch details, this includes “global regulation of software companies and restrictions on internet access by foreign governments; patent reform, online safety measures, internet privacy regulations, freedom of expression on the Internet; discussion of location-based services, cyber security, discussing House, Senate, and Government rules to allow more Government and Congressional offices to access social media to engage with citizens, and lobbying for Oregon power and water needs to support high-tech growth and investment in Oregon.”

Other Announcements:

BranchOut Launches Recruiter Tool - Professional networking app BranchOut launched RecruiterConnect, allowing recruiting to search on Facebook for job candidates from those using the app.

GroSocial Raises $450K - GroSocial raised $450,000 in seed funding this week, led by Kickstart Seed Fund with additional contributions by Monarch Ventures, Rock & Hammer Ventures, plus other angels.

SNAP Interactive Launches Developer Blog – SNAP Interactive launched a developer blog this week.

Facebook Testing “Facebook Credits for Websites” That Helps Third-Party Sites Sell Virtual Goods

Posted: 21 Oct 2011 06:09 PM PDT

Facebook has just announced a closed, limited test in which for the first time it will allow websites to process payments for virtual goods using Facebook Credits. Facebook’s virtual currency is currently the mandatory payment method for all Facebook games on the web, a payment option for Facebook apps, and became available as a payment option to mobile app developers last week. The only initial launch partner for “Facebook Credits for Websites” will be online and downloadable games site GameHouse that until now only accepted payments through credit card and PayPal.

During the test, Facebook will closely monitor the demand for Credits as a payment method and the user experience of those that pay though its virtual currency. If a high enough percentage of users make purchases through Credits and feedback is positive, Facebook may expend additional resources to let more websites add Credits as a payment option.

Eventually, Facebook might open the option to all web developers selling virtual goods or digital media, allowing the social network to earn a 30% cut on transactions across the web. In exchange, sites will be able to provide an easier way to buy their goods and media than punching in credit card or PayPal details. Facebook has provided a signup page for developers that want to try Facebook Credits for Websites if the test is expanded.

GameHouse users that sign in to the site with their Facebook login  and play Collapse Blast or UNO Boost will only see Credits as a payment option, not credit cards or PayPal. If they choose to buy virtual goods or proprietary in-game currencies, Facebook Credits will be deducted from the same account that Facebook canvas and mobile games pull from. Similar to how it works within Facebook, users without an existing balance of Credits will be able to purchase a bundle within the payment flow.

Unlike on Facebook where Credits are the exclusive payment method for games, GameHouse may still offer other payment options. However, Ian Fliflet who handles corporate strategy for GameHouse tells me that those signed in through Facebook won’t see the option to pay with a credit card or PayPal account. This could anger some long-time GameHouse users that try signing in through Facebook for the first time only to find their preferred payment options missing in the two test games. That in turn could negatively skew feedback on Credits for Websites.

If the test does indicate a demand for Credits as a payment option outside of Facebook.com, its unclear whether Facebook would require developers to use its virtual currency exclusively. It could simply make them an additional payment option, the way Credits currently work for Facebook.com apps as well as mobile apps and games. However, it might extend this test model so that sites that want to use Facebook as an identity and login provider will also need to use its taxed virtual currency.

The impact of Facebook Credits for Websites could be significant. It could assist independent game developers and digital media merchants with monetization, as customers might be able to quick make purchases rather than having time to reconsider while enduring the friction of entering their credit card information or logging in to PayPal.

Currently, many independent game developers have to distribute through portals like GameHouse that have built a base of users that have already provided their credit card details. Facebook Credits for Websites could give them the opportunity to distribute directly to fans in way that gives them more control over branding. The tax that third-party game portals take on credit card or PayPal transactions may vary widely, so Facebook’s 30% cut could be less or more than developers are used to paying.

Facebook has much to gain from Credits for Websites, though. The more places they’re accepted, the more users that are likely to buy and maintain a balance of Credits, and the more transactions Facebook will get a cut of. A user might buy a bundle of Credits to spend them on a gaming portal or to buy a band’s album, but then spend then become a paying customer of a freemium game on Facebook.com.

More users maintaining a balance of Credits also makes Facebook a more lucrative platform for developers. Typically only a few percent of gamers ever pay to play, but if they already have a balance they may be more likely to spend. Facebook may need to initially reduce its tax or not demand any exclusivity as a payment method to get websites hooked on Credits. With time, though, Facebook Credits for Websites could become a significant revenue source and powerful way to attract developers.

Facebook Pages Can Now Be Opened in Facebook’s iOS Apps Via fb://page URL Scheme Links

Posted: 21 Oct 2011 01:34 PM PDT

Facebook has quietly released a new feature in Facebook for iPhone 4.0 update that could create new opportunities for marketers. If users click or enter a URL that uses the fb://page URL scheme and have the official Facebook for iPhone/iPad app installed, the corresponding Facebook Page will be opened in that app. Before the 4.0 and later software updates, fb://page URL scheme links would load a blank screen in the apps.

For example, if you click the link of or enter the URL fb://page/7844589738 in an iOS device that has Facebook for iPhone/iPad installed, that app will launch and bring up t he official Facebook Page for InsideFacebook.com (7844589738 is the Facebook ID of the Page for Inside Facebook). Marketers could distribute URL scheme-linked text via email or mobile site, and users wouldn’t notice the strange URL, they’d just click on a link and suddenly see the Facebook app open.

This new functionality could let marketers instantly bring users to their Page where they can Like it or write on its wall, rather than forcing them to open the m.facebook.com site where they might not already be logged in. Marketers could attach this link to a QR code to promote their Page and gain Likes from iOS device users. The fb://page URL scheme could become even more important if users gain the ability to access Page tab applications from mobile devices in the future.

 

iOS URL schemes allow specific first- and third-party iOS applications to be launched with special URLs. They can also be used to immediately perform certain functions such as setting a recipient for a new text message, showing directions in Google Maps, or add a shortened URL to a tweet in Tweetie or Twitterific. However, if the user doesn’t have the corresponding app installed, neither the app or a browser version will load.

Previously, URL schemes could be used to open a specific photo album, Event, or user profile in Facebook for iPhone. With the latest major Facebook for iPhone and iPad software updates, official Pages and Places Pages can now be opened with URL schemes as well. Page use the “fb://page/[Page ID]” URL scheme while Places use “fb://place/[Place ID]“.

There may be a URL scheme suffix that allows the info or wall tab to be loaded specifically, though none of the logical suffixes I tried worked. Android devices have their own URL scheme, and some developers have found ways to open user profiles in the Facebook for Android apps, though I haven’t seen a solution for opening Pages.

Facebook for iPhone/iPad has 52.3 million daily active users and 92.7 million monthly active users according to AppData, many of which stay logged in on the app at all times. This creates a large audience that can utilize the Facebook Page URL scheme to quickly gain access to a Page from a logged in state, allowing them to Like it or leave a wall post.

iOS app developers could use the Page URL scheme to send their users out of their app and to their Page so they can gain Likes. Similarly, marketers could distribute a Page URL scheme as an “iOS only” link to gain Likes.

In the physical world, marketers could also tie the URL scheme link to their Page to a QR code and display in their brick and mortar store or distribute through print materials. Users could then scan the QR code to launch their Facebook app and Like the Page. This could become a way to speed up in-store promotions where users who show they’ve Liked a business’ Page get a discount or free gift.

Those trying to take advantage of the URL scheme functionality should be sure their audience is likely to have an iOS device with the Facebook app installed. Otherwise providing a standard browser link that’s accessible across devices and to those without the Facebook app is a safer bet, even if it means users may have to log in to Facebook again before they can Like the Page.

Facebook recently launched its mobile app platform that allows users to access canvas apps built in HTML5 from their mobile devices. Page tab applications cannot be accessed from mobile yet, judging by the fact that some Page tab app developers such as RootMusic have begun building in HTML5. Once Page tab apps are opened to mobile, Page URL scheme links could become a powerful way to drive traffic to them as well as helping Pages gain Likes.

[Thanks to Sam Cornwell for the tip]

Inside Network Is Hiring Writers to Cover Facebook and Mobile Apps — Apply Now

Posted: 21 Oct 2011 11:36 AM PDT

Inside Network has continued to grow with the industries it covers. Now we need more writers to build out our coverage Facebook and mobile apps.

Inside Facebook

We’re looking for part-time or full-time writers who want to follow and analyze Facebook’s latest product and business changes.

Product/Marketing Writer: Focusing on Facebook features like the the news feed and profiles, Pages and Page marketing applications, the Ads API and the companies using it, other day-to-day news related to the company, that fits within Inside Facebook’s focus. Previous experience in journalism, at technology startups, or in marketing recommended.

Business/Finance Writer: Focusing on Facebook’s role in the advertising industry, corporate financial developments, and legal/public policy issues. Previous experience in finance, business or technology journalism recommended.

Inside Mobile Apps

Having launched at the beginning of the year, the site has established a strong readership among top iOS and Android game developers. We’re looking to hire a part-time writer now who can help us further cover developer news.

Developer Writer: Focus areas include developer-related platform updates from Apple, Google, Facebook and other companies that offer mobile platforms, as well as the latest developments among monetization and growth service providers. Familiarity with mobile products and development recommended.

If you are interested in any of the above positions, email me with a one-page resume, a short cover letter, and three clips from published articles (if you have them). My email address is eric (at) insidenetwork (dot) com.

Halloween, Grooveshark, “Twilight,” Page Tabs and More on This Week’s Emerging Facebook Apps by MAU

Posted: 21 Oct 2011 08:00 AM PDT

One of the more unusual applications on our list of those emerging by monthly active users this week was an app that lets you view the trailer for the next installment of the "Twilight series. Then there was the Spanish language Halloween dress-up app, other than that it was a pretty mixed bag, plus a bunch of Page tab-type applications, including some from Offerpop and North Social.

The apps on our list grew from between 55,7000 and 430,300 MAU, based on AppData, our data tracking service covering traffic growth for apps on Facebook. We define emerging applications as those that ended with between 100,000 and 1 million MAU in the past week.

Top Gainers This Week

Name MAU Gain Gain,%
1.  Disfrázate 870,000 +430,000 +98%
2.  Grooveshark 790,000 +280,000 +55%
3.  ASOS Fashion Friendsy Win free fashion for a year! 510,000 +210,000 +70%
4.  Pick Your Fave 180,000 +130,000 +260%
5.  JibJab 720,000 +130,000 +22%
6.  Amazon Sweepstakes 280,000 +120,000 +75%
7.  3D Slots 820,000 +85,559 +13%
8.  Sign Up 330,000 +80,000 +32%
9.  Fragrance Rebel Shop Tab 450,000 +76,441 +25%
10.  My Top Fans 140,000 +71,550 +251%
11.  Triple Town 180,000 +71,338 +104%
12.  Bob Marley 380,000 +70,000 +23%
13.  First Impression 1,000,000 +70,000 +8%
14.  Big Photo 210,000 +70,000 +50%
15.  Playboy’s Barmate Tab 110,000 +64,402 +252%
16.  Breaking Dawn – Part 1 300,000 +60,000 +25%
17.  Static IFRAME Tab : Pin Icon 890,000 +60,000 +7%
18.  Dove Home 210,000 +60,000 +40%
19.  PM Meet us Tab 250,000 +60,000 +32%
20.  Static FBML – HTML Estatico 250,000 +55,730 +30%

Disfrázate, the Spanish language app that lets users "try on" different Halloween costumes and then publish to the stream, topped our list wit 430,000 MAU. It was followed by the music app Grooveshark with 280,000 MAU.

There were also quite a few different Page tab or Page apps that made our list. Pick Your Fave is an app from Offerpop that grew by 130,000 MAU. Then Sign Up with 80,000 MAU and First Impression with 70,000 MAU were from North Social, apps to use on a Page. Static IFRAME Tab : Pin Icon grew by 60,000 MAU, as did PM Meet us Tab and finally Static FBML – HTML Estatico grew by 55,700 MAU.

Everything else was an interesting mix.

ASOS Fashion Friendsy Win free fashion for a year! appeared to be a sweepstakes app with 210,000 MAU. Then the JibJab notes that it's inactive, yet keeps growing, this week by 130,000 MAU, inviting users to visit the website. Amazon Sweepstakes grew by 120,000 MAU. An interesting social commerce app, Fragrance Rebel Shop Tab, takes users to a discount fragrance Page where Snoop Dogg pitches to users, with 76,400 MAU. My Top Fans grew by 71,600 MAU and promises to show you a profile "report card," but asks you to invite friends first.

Bob Marley is an app that says it's the landing tab for the Page, with 70,000 MAU. Big Photo is an app that grew by 70,000 MAU and promises to let users add, publish and share photos using the app. There was Playboy’s Barmate Tab with 64,400 MAU and Dove Home with 60,000. Finally there was the Twilight video app for the new part of the series, Breaking Dawn – Part 1, which grew by 60,000 MAU.

All data in this post comes from our traffic tracking service, AppData. Stay tuned next week for our look at the top weekly gainers by monthly active users on Monday, the top weekly gainers by daily active users on Wednesday, and the top emerging apps on Friday.

lørdag den 22. oktober 2011 at 07.41