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Why we built trust and safety in from the start

Trust and safety was built into Spotlite from day one, - not added later. Here’s why we chose a slower, harder path to create a social experience designed to be safer for young people from the start.

A Decade of Learning What It Takes to Build Social Platforms Young Users Can Trust

Most social platforms launch in months. We spent ten years building, operating, failing, rebuilding — and strengthening our safety architecture before relaunching. Because long-term value in youth platforms is inseparable from trust.Here’s why we chose the harder path:

How to use closed captioning to improve your online watching experience

With more and more people watching video content online, making sure your experience is as good as possible is important. By using closed captioning, you can improve the quality of the audio and video and make sure you're getting all the information you need. Here's how to use closed captioning on your favourite stream

The clone app of the social media phenomenon everyone's talking about

There's a new social media app on the block, and it's already generating a lot of buzzes. Dubbed "The Clone App," this platform is said to be a carbon copy of the popular app everyone's talking about. But is it just a cheap imitation, or does The Clone App have what it takes to compete? Here's what you need to know.

Cosmetic brand teams up with Social Media Influencer for Old Hollywood glamour-inspired collection

Are you ready to get glam? ColourPop has teamed up with Jasmine Chiswell, a professional makeup artist, to create an Old Hollywood-inspired collection that is sure to turn heads. This collab is all about glamour, sophistication, and retro style – perfect for making a statement at your next special event. Keep reading t

Why Do We Compare Ourselves to Others on Social Media, and How Can We Stop?

We've all been there, sat in our PJ's on a Saturday night, scrolling through our social media feeds and comparing our lives to those of our friends. We see them having fun at parties, on exotic holidays or enjoying nights out at fancy restaurants, while we're stuck at home with a takeaway and a Netflix binge. It's easy

Parasocial Relationships: The Internet's new favourite topic

The internet has been talking about parasocial relationships a lot lately. If you're like us, when you first heard this term, you were probably wondering what in the world it meant. Well don't worry - we're here to explain what it means and why it's become such a popular topic.

Internet Culture: Understanding the weird and wonderful of online life

If you thought the internet was just a place to watch cat videos and catch up on your online shopping, you thought wrong. The internet is a culture all of its own, with its own rules and customs. And just like any other culture, there are things about internet culture that can seem weird and wonderful to outsiders. So,

Dani Klaric, the influencer we all deserve

Ouch. That had to hurt. Yesterday, social media was buzzing with reactions to an influencer's work outfit that was just so wrong it became hilarious. If you're brave enough to look, you can see the pictures for yourself, but be warned - they're cringe-worthy. The internet wasn't gentle in its mockery, and people had a

Young users are spending more time in other apps than Facebook

It's been a known fact for a while now that Facebook is no longer the most popular social media platform among young users. According to various reports, users aged 18-24 are spending more time on other apps, such as YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat. So what does this mean for Facebook? Is the platform in trouble? Well

Get short with it: Check out this new guide for short videos

We all know that making short videos is key on YouTube, but sometimes it can be hard to know just how short to go. Well, never fear – we’ve got you covered with this new Youtube guide! In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about YouTube Shorts, from how to make them to how to promote them. We'll also g

Laugh it off: The best mental health content on the internet

Mental health is often a touchy topic. But it doesn't have to be! In fact, some of the best content on the internet when it comes to mental health is actually really inspiring. This blog post is all about asking questions about whether the content about mental health on social media helps you to relax when you feel dow

Get ahead of the competition by using Reels

Looking to stay ahead of the competition on social media? A new report showed that you should look no further than the new Reels feature! This powerful way of creating videos lets you show off your brand or product in a fun, engaging way. So do you want to check out more? Continue reading!

Scott Davies: The Funniest and Coolest Guy on Two Wheels

Meet our newest team member: Scott Davies is one of the coolest and most entertaining guys on two wheels. He's a social media influencer who knows how to have a good time, and his fans love him for it. Scott is always up for a challenge, and he never disappoints when it comes to putting on a show. Whether he's doing wh

How to Boost Game Downloads with Influencers

Almost everyone plays games on their mobile devices, and if you don’t, you should! Games are a great way to pass the time and have some fun. But what if you could make your game playing even better by using influencers? Keep reading to find out how!

What happened when a scooter trickster traded his wheels for headphones

If you're like us, you love a good scooter trick. Air tricks, wheelies, manuals... We could watch them all day! But what happens when a scooter trickster trades his wheels for headphones? Well, it's pretty darn amazing! Just check out this blog to see for yourself! This guy is incredible!

What are the ethical implications of Child Influencers?

There's no doubt that the use of child influencers is on the rise. But what are the ethical implications of using kids to hawk products and services? Is it appropriate for a 6-year-old to promote a makeup line or for a 10-year-old to endorse a sugary drink? Let's take a closer look at this growing trend and explore whe

How young people's trust in influencers could shape the future of news

We know you’re smart and savvy – you probably get your news from social media platforms more than any other source. So we wanted to let you know that when it comes to the BBC, you can trust us more than anyone else. We’re the most trusted news source in the UK, and we always deliver the truth – no matter what.So if you

Edinburgh influencer nominated at British LGBT Awards

Charlie Allan, 23, is an Edinburgh blogger who has been nominated for a top prize at the British LGBT awards for top Online Influencer 2022. The Scot was nominated for his inspiring work online across a number of social media platforms and the approachable and honest manner that has gained the Glasgow-born lad and his

Keeping an eye on your teens just got a lot easier!

Now parents can keep an eye on their teens without having to snoop through their conversations. The Family Center lets you see who your kids are talking to, and even filters out any inappropriate content. Keep your family safe and in control with Snapchat’s new Family Center.

Celebrate International Cat Day with these 9 fun facts

Happy International Cat Day, friends! Whether you're a proud cat parent or just an enthusiast, we've got some fun facts about our feline friends that you're sure to enjoy. From their quirky personalities to their surprisingly complex social lives, cats are endlessly fascinating creatures. Read on for nine things you ma

Don't panic! You don't have to stop using social media to raise literate children

If you're a parent, you've probably been told that your child is a 'digital native'. This means that they are comfortable with technology and can use it to their advantage. Many parents see this as a negative thing, but we see it as a goldmine of ideas! Children are constantly coming up with new and interesting ideas,

The future of video content: Why online streaming is only going to get bigger

Video content is taking over the internet. You can see it everywhere you look, from social media posts to brand advertising. And it's no surprise why - online streaming provides an incredibly engaging, immersive experience that draws people in and keeps them coming back for more. In this blog post, we'll take a look at

Pangpang, The Pug – The Most Paw’some Influencer on Social Media!

There's just something about Pangpang that makes your heart race - like love at first sight. Maybe it's the way they always know how to make you laugh, or maybe it's the way they always know just what to say when you need them. But one thing is for sure - once you meet Pangpang, you'll never want to be without them aga

Just when you thought you were too old for a transformation...

You know that saying, "you're only as old as you feel?" Turns out, it might be true. At least, that's what fitness influencer Joan McDonald is proving. Joan is 76 years old and looks better than many people half her age. In a recent interview, she said that her secret to looking so good is staying positive and never gi

The next big thing in social media is South Korea's virtual influencers

If you think social media is all about selfies and food pics, you're wrong. South Korea is leading the way in the world of virtual influencers – computer-generated characters who have taken on celebrity status online. And brands are taking note, turning to these digital idols to promote their products. So what's the se

Friendship is a two-way street

Happy International Friendship day! Is there anything more rewarding than a genuine friendship? We all know that feeling of happiness and contentment when we're around our BFFs, and it's clear that friendship is a two-way street. When we're good friends to someone else, they return the favour by being great friends to

From Ghana with laugh

Have you ever wondered what Ghanaian social media is like? No? Well, let me tell you anyway. It's hilarious! The brands and marketers there use humour in a way that just makes you feel good. It's always positive, upbeat, and friendly. If you're looking for a little inspiration or just some good vibes, take a quick trip

Bridging the generation gap in Thailand

We all know that there is a generation gap when it comes to social media usage, right? Well, according to this study done in Thailand, it looks like the age group for social media usage is slowly changing! Check out these influencers who are over their 60s to see how the different age groups are using social media in T

Happy World Emoji Day! 2022 Highlights Include the Approval of Emoji 15.0 and a Look Ahead to Candidates for 2023

17th of July is World Emoji Day and to celebrate, we're looking ahead to the release of emoji 15.0! This new set of characters includes some fun additions, like the sloth, flamingo and yawning smiley face. But there are also a few emoji that could support important causes, like the deaf person and guide dog. Here's eve

Geotagging your success

If you're like most brands, you're probably curious about TikTok and how you can use it to engage with your audience. Well, wonder no more! In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the best ways to create videos that will get your fans' attention. Keep reading to learn more!

YouTube viewership is booming and it's all thanks to connected TVs!

It's no secret that YouTube is a powerhouse when it comes to online video. In fact, according to recent reports, YouTube viewership is booming and it's all thanks to connected TVs! This means that marketers and brands need to start taking YouTube more seriously if they want to reach their target audiences. So what are

The One Thing You're Missing in Your Digital Strategy

As any content creator knows, YouTube is always changing - and that means staying on top of the latest trends is essential if you want to keep your channel thriving. That's why YouTube's latest 'Culture and Trends' report is so important - it helps content creators understand what's driving the latest Gen Z video trend

Why YouTube is Still a Better Option Than TikTok for Making Money

TikTok may be the hot new social media platform, but when it comes to making money from your videos, YouTube is still king. That's according to research from MoneyTransfers.com, which found that YouTube offers more potential for content creators than TikTok. The graph shows you why. YouTube Shorts are gaining in popula

The Goat of Content: Khaby Lame

Khabane Lame, social media's latest big star, is a 22-year-old factory worker from Chivasso, Italy who posts videos of himself doing everyday tasks in a much more straightforward manner. Lame has amassed a large following on social media sites due to the contrast of his content with that of other top social media sites

0.5x your selfie game

Would you have ever thought a year ago, that the selfie one of the Gen Z'ers took at a friend's house party would be taking over the internet by storm? Remember the time that Gen Zer was so excited to show off her pictures that she had taken with the iPhone 12's 0.5x lens effect without expecting any positive and negat

What's hot in the world of online beauty?

Almost every photo application and the program now offers some degree of beauty enhancements these days. There are a variety of filters and transformations intended to conceal flaws, remove wrinkles, thin your figure, and other similar visual transmogrifying in the online world. The problem with this is that it also co

Digital Wellbeing: The New Design Approach to Improving Mental Health

Teens have always been drawn to social media, but the platforms these days are more addictive and distracting than ever before. According to a study by the American Psychiatric Association, social media usage is linked to feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Another study published in the journal Computers in H

Wimbledon's Social Media Strategy: How the Tennis Tournament Engages Its Fans

The Wimbledon Championships are one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. This year's tournament will be held from June 22 to July 10, and some of the biggest stars in tennis will be competing for the title. While Wimbledon is known for its stringent rules regarding advertising, brands will still be

Gen Z Values Personalized Content Over Viral Videos

Do you remember the video of the fox that everyone was talking about? How about that one guy who did the Harlem Shake? Chances are, if you're over the age of 25, you don't remember either of those things. That's because they were both viral videos that quickly lost their appeal after a few weeks. Gen Z values personali

Why Gen Z loves pastries (and you will too!)

Do you remember the last time you had a delicious pie or cookie? If you're like most people, your answer is probably "yes." Pastries are one of the most popular snacks in the world for good reason - they're tasty! But what about young people? Why do Gen Z love desserts so much? In this blog post, we will explore the re

Gen Z Relates To Brands Differently Than Older Generations and They're Poised to Disrupt Global Markets

It's no secret that social media has had a profound impact on the way brands and consumers interact with each other. Gen Z (born between 1995 and 2010) relates to brands differently than older generations. They're more trusting of brands and more likely to make purchases based on social media referrals. As a result, Ge

YouTube Reports 1.5 Billion Monthly Active Users of YouTube Shorts

TikTok may have started the short-form video trend, but it's clear that YouTube isn't about to let its crown slip. The company has just announced that 1.5 billion users are now engaging with YouTube Shorts content each month - a figure which is only going to continue growing as more and more people cotton onto the appe

Poparazzi: The Social Media App That's Redefining Traditional Platforms

Do you love posting photos of yourself on social media? If not, then you'll love Poparazzi – the social media app that's redefining traditional platforms. Unlike other apps, users on Poparazzi can only share photos on their friends' profiles. This unique rule is designed to showcase "the real you" by your real friends.

Ideas for Celebrating Father's Day on Social Media

Father's day is coming up and you might be wondering how to celebrate it on social media. After all, this is where most people spend their time nowadays! Luckily, we have some ideas for you. In this blog post, we will discuss a few different ways that you can celebrate Father's day on social media. Whether you want to

You May Have a Thinking Digital Twin Within a Decade: How TikTok is Launching Digital Avatars

We are rapidly hurtling towards a future where we will have digital twins. These are exact copies of ourselves that exist in virtual worlds, and they could play a huge role in our lives. There are already platforms like TikTok that allow us to create digital avatars of ourselves, and it's likely that this is just the b

Yubo, a GenZ social network app, launched an age identification feature to prove digital identity

It has been a known fact for some time now that social media is one of the primary sources of information for young people. Keeping track of what age group each social media platform caters has become increasingly important, as more and more minors are using these platforms without adult supervision. In light of this,

TikTok is Electrifying the World of Books: Bestsellers, Revivals, and More

What do books and TikTok have in common? More than you may think. In this blog post, we will explore how the social media app is having a major impact on the publishing world. Teenagers are using TikTok to share stories in creative and engaging ways, and this is resulting in more people reading books than ever before.

Charities Join Together to Demand Access to Social Media Data

In an unprecedented plea, thirty-seven charities including the NSPCC, Barnardo’s, Save the Children and 5Rights have written an open letter to social media firms demanding they hand over data if it leads to serious harm or plays a part in a young person’s death. The charities are worried that bereaved families are bein

Warning Signs in Private Messaging Apps: How to Keep Your Loved Ones Safe

The recent shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde have once again brought the issue of gun violence to the forefront of American politics. But this time, something different is happening: people are talking about the role that social media plays in these tragedies. It is now well known that the shooter had been posting distur

How Businesses Can Show Their Support for Pride Month on Social Media

When June comes around, rainbow flags start popping up everywhere to show support for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride month. And businesses are no exception!If you’re wondering how your business can get involved and show its support for Pride month on social media in a meaningful way, we’ve got you covered. Keep read

The LGBTQ+ Influencers that are Changing the world

Since the beginning of time, people have been discriminated against for their sexual orientation and gender identity. But in recent years, there has been a surge in LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. This is largely thanks to the hard work and dedication of LGBTQ+ influencers. These are just a few of the LGBTQ+ influencers

The Platinum Jubilee has its own emoji - meet PJ the corgi

When you think of the queen, you think of her loyal companions - and what could be more loyal than a corgi? PJ is a nod to Her Majesty's love of the breed, and is sure to get everyone in the celebratory mood.The Royal Family has revealed a brand-new emoji to mark the hotly-anticipated occasion. PJ the corgi is the offi

Meet the app showing Social Media doesn't have to be Toxic

Somewhere Good is an app that was created with the intention of changing how we use social media by promoting positivity and building others up instead of tearing them down. The app is all about creating a community where we build others up on social media, not tear them down. The app was created by Naj Austin, who als

Meet The Brothers Using TikTok To Educate Others About Blindness

Yahya Pandor and his brother Isa are using TikTok to educate people about living with blindness. The 27-year-old from Gloucester lost his sight to macular degeneration two years ago, but he's determined to stay positive and laughter is "the best medicine" according to him. In their videos, the brothers discuss themes s

Inclusive design is becoming more common on social media

LinkedIn had announced that many new features are in the works including real-time captioning on LinkedIn Live broadcasts. The new feature is a wonderful stride forward for accessibility, allowing it to be easier for hearing-impaired people to watch these lives. It’s wonderful to see that social media sites are becomin

Rotary Young Citizens Award Winners: Making a Difference in their Communities

This year, a number of young people from Great Britain and Ireland have been awarded the Rotary Young Citizen Award. This prestigious award celebrates young volunteers who have made a real difference to their local community. These young people are inspirational, and they show that anyone can make a difference if they

TikTok Takeover: Why TikTok is exploding in popularity

TikTok has been downloaded more than two billion times globally, with over a billion active users. It is available in 155 countries and in 75 languages. There's no doubt that TikTok is one of the hottest new social media platforms on the scene. In just a few short years, the app has gone from being unknown to having ov

Prince Harry Calls for More Protection for Children on Social Media

Prince Harry is calling for more action to be taken to protect children on social media. During a webinar, hosted to mark the launch of the 5Rights Foundation's Global Child Online Safety Toolkit Prince Harry said that social media platforms need to do more to protect young people from abuse and exploitation.

19-Year-Old, Avi Schiffmann, Is Helping Ukrainian Refugees Find Shelter Through His Website

If this name is familiar you may also know Schiffmann as the teenager who created the covid tracking website. Schiffmann's website was a critical resource for people across the world looking to stay informed about the pandemic. Now, Schiffmann is using his skills to help those affected by another global crisis: the ong

BeReal: The rise of authentic social media

Do you ever feel like every social media platform is the same? That everyone is just sharing the same highlights of their life, and you can't really get a sense of who they are? Well, there's a new app that is changing all of that. BeReal is a social media app that focuses on authenticity. Users can only share real mom

Meet the teenager helping to protect the next generation of kids on YouTube

17-year-old Chris McCarty is already making a difference in the world of online video. McCarty spent months learning about child influencers as a part of their Girl Scouts Gold Award. These child influencers feature in YouTube vlogs, which are often produced by their parents and generate a living off of these videos. F

A run-down of OfComs Children and parents: media use and attitudes report

Ofcom has released their Children and parents: media use and attitudes report for 2022. The report looks at children and young people aged 3-17 views on media use as well as the views of their parents. This report is used as a reference by industry, policymakers, academics and the public.

The power of doves' "Toxic Influence" campaign

Doves the latest campaign, “Toxic Influence,” is a powerful call to action surrounding self-esteem and unrealistic body images that are often found as the beauty standard on social media - showing the impact this can have on. Through this campaign, Dove is sending a message by having mothers and their daughters confron

Beauty filters and our complicated relationship with them

In this digital age of selfies and social media, it seems like everyone is looking for the perfect photo filter to make them look their best. But what are the implications of using these filters? Are we hiding our true selves behind a mask of perfection, or are we simply trying to express ourselves in the way that we f

Our favorite role models from superhero movies

What's your favorite superhero movie? No matter what your favorite is, there's no doubt that they have some great role models to look up to! These movies are packed with positive messages and morals that tweens can learn from. Keep reading to find out more about just a few of the amazing role models found in superhero

15 Movies every tween should watch

Movies are the best way to escape from reality and have some fun. They can also teach you a lot about life. If you're looking for a good movie to watch, here are 10 options that every tween should check out. From funny comedies to heart-warming dramas, there's something for everyone on this list! So grab some popcorn a

How to take better photos for social media

Do you love snapping photos, but feel like your photos could be better? Do people always tell you that your photographs are “nice”, but they don’t really wow them? If you want to take your photography skills up a notch, then keep reading! In this post, we’re going to share some tips on how to take better photos for soc

How social media has helped the Ukraine humanitarian crisis

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, civilians are increasingly suffering from a lack of humanitarian aid. However, social media is playing a critical role in getting help to those who need it most. Through online campaigns and fundraising initiatives, social media is connecting people with the resources they need to

How to spot fake news on social media

We've all heard of the expression "fake news", but what does it really mean? And how can we spot it on social media? In this blog post, we'll walk you through some tips on how to identify fake news online.

How Safe is the Metaverse

The Metaverse is no stranger to controversy - and with the recent release of Channel 4’s latest documentary, people are now wondering if the Metaverse is really as safe as it claims to be.

What are the 5 online safety rules everyone should follow

When it comes to online safety, there are a few basic rules that everyone should follow. By being smart and vigilant online, you can help protect yourself from identity theft, cyberbullying, and other dangers. Here are the five most important online safety rules to remember…

The rise of teachers on social media

Did you know that there are educators on social media who are having a big impact on the world? These influencers are using social media to share their ideas and connect with other educators and students.

How to improve your brand's social media engagement

Want to increase your social media reach and get more people interacting with your content? Here are some tips on how to improve your brand's social media engagement.

7 Ways to Make Your Brand More Social Media Friendly

If you're looking for ways to improve your brand's online presence, here are seven tips that will help you reach more people and make your business more social media friendly.

The power of social media for good

Social media can be a powerful tool for good. From raising awareness about important issues to connecting people with others who share their interests, social media has the potential to make a real difference in the world.

Why Should My Business Care About Corporate Social Responsibility?

There has been a lot of talk about corporate social responsibility over the past few years, and for good reason. Consumers are increasingly interested in buying from brands that care about their impact on the world, and businesses have found that CSR is an effective way to build brand loyalty

The rise of social media among tweens and teens | Spotlite

Recent studies show that the number of kids on social media has increased. Learn more about how these platforms can be used for good or bad, and what you should consider before creating a profile for your child.

The importance of COPPA Compliance | Spotlite

If you're a brand or digital platform parent, learn about the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act and how it can help protect your teens online.

A parent’s Guide to Spotlite

Spotlite is the new safe and fun social media app for teens. With its state-of-the-art safety features and moderation, you can be sure your kids are safe on Spotlite.

5 inspiring young people who are changing the world

These five young people are making a difference in their communities and beyond. Learn more about their stories and how you can be inspired by them.

How to safely promote your teen brand on social media

Need help promoting your products to teens but are unsure of where to find a safe place online? Read our blog on how you can connect you’re your teen audience through Spotlite.

What is the online safety bill?

The Online Safety Bill is designed to make the internet a safer place for everyone. Find out what this means for brands and how you can stay safe online.

Organizations Call for the Shelving of Instagram Kids - Not Just a Postponement.

Facebook Whistleblower Exposes Company's Intent to "Harm Children, Stoke Division and Weaken Our Democracy"

Instagram for Kids is Paused; But Spotlite is Coming

Facebook Is Playing With Fire - and Kids' Lives - Spotlite CEO Says!

More time inside, mean more time online. Please make sure that your kids are safe!

Post wisely, because the internet never forgets... We found this very relevant article at Cyberwise written by Diana Graber; a quality advisor on digital parenting. It is a new decade, are you ready?

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Introducing Our Captain: Ole Vidar Hestaas