The world of apps is constantly evolving, with new features and updates released every week. In this
edition of “This Week in Apps,” we explore two major developments that have the potential to shake up
the app world: Spotify and Reddit’s introduction of TikTok-style feeds, and Meta’s plans for the
Fediverse.

Spotify and Reddit Introduce TikTok-style Feeds

The rise of TikTok has been nothing short of meteoric, with the social media platform amassing over a
billion active users in just a few short years. One of the keys to its success has been it’s unique “For You”
feed, which uses sophisticated algorithms to curate a personalized feed of short-form videos for each
user.

Now, two major apps have taken notice and are looking to incorporate similar feeds into their platforms.
First up is Spotify, which recently announced the launch of its new “Spotify Clips” feature. This will allow
users to create and share short video clips, up to 60 seconds in length, which will appear in new “Clips”
tab on the app’s Home screen. The clips will feature music and other audio content, with users able to
add text overlays and other effects.

According to Spotify

Clips is designed to help artists and creators connect with their fans in new ways,
with a particular focus on promoting new releases, behind-the-scenes content, and other exclusive
material. For users, Clips provides a new way to discover and engage with their favorite artists and
creators, as well as discover new content through the app’s algorithmic recommendations.

Meanwhile, Reddit has also introduced its own TikTok-style feed, with the launch of “Reddit Talks”. This
the new feature allows users to create short-form audio posts, up to five minutes in length, which will be
featured in a new “Talks” tab on the app’s Home screen. Like Spotify Clips, Talks will feature a
personalized feed based on each user’s interests, with users able to upvote and downvote posts to help
curate the content.

For Reddit, the launch of Talks represents a major step into the world of audio content, which has
become increasingly popular in recent years. The company has long been known for its text-based
forums, but now sees an opportunity to expand its reach with the popularity of podcasts and other
audio content.

Meta’s Fediverse Plans

In other app news, Meta (formerly Facebook) has announced plans to embrace the “Fediverse,” a
decentralized network of social media platforms that are built on open standards and protocols. The
Fediverse includes platforms like Mastodon, Diaspora, and PeerTube, which allow users to connect and
share content across multiple networks without relying on a centralized platform.

Meta’s move into the Fediverse is significant, as it marks a departure from the company’s traditional
approach of building walled gardens of content and data. Instead, Meta is looking to embrace
interoperability and open standards, which could help to create a more decentralized and democratic
social media landscape.

According to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the company’s goal is to create a “metaverse” that is more
open and accessible than the current internet. The Fediverse represents a major step in that direction,
as it allows users to connect and share content without relying on a single company or platform.

However, Meta’s move into the fediverse is not without controversy. Some critics argue that the
company is simply trying to co-opt the decentralized social media movement, while others worry about
the potential for abuse and harassment on open platforms.

Overall, this week’s app news represents a major shift in the social media landscape. With Spotify and
Reddit both embracing TikTok-style feeds, and Meta looking to embrace the Fediverse, we could be
seeing the beginning of a new era of decentralized, personalized social media. While there are certainly
risks and challenges associated with these developments, there is also a great deal of potential for
innovation and positive change.

What This Means for Users

For users, the introduction of TikTok-style feeds and the Fediverse represents a significant shift in the
way we consume and interact with content online. With personalized feeds becoming the norm, users
will have greater control over the content they see, with algorithms tailoring their experience to their
interests and preferences.

At the same time, the Fediverse offers users a more democratic and decentralized alternative to the
current social media landscape. Rather than relying on a single platform or company, users will be able

to connect and share content across multiple networks, with greater freedom and control over their
data and privacy.

Of course, there are also risks associated with these developments, particularly when it comes to abuse
and harassment on open platforms. As always, it will be up to developers and users alike to ensure that
these new tools are used in a responsible and ethical manner.

Looking Ahead

As the app world continues to evolve, we can expect to see more and more innovations in the social
media space. With TikTok-style feeds and the Fediverse now becoming mainstream, we may be on the
cusp of a new era of decentralized, personalized social media.

As always, however, it will be up to users and developers to navigate the challenges and opportunities
that come with these changes. With the right approach, we can create a more democratic and inclusive
online world, one that reflects the needs and desires of users rather than the interests of corporate
giants.