Meta doubles down on creator monetization for user acquisition

The news: Instagram is testing another pay-to-post program, offering creators money to help increase web traffic and account sign-ups.

Influencers and creators can make $100 for every new Instagram user or 1,000 web visits to the app, up to $20,000. The test is open to US creators on an invite-only basis, per Business Insider.

This sharpens Meta’s efforts to acquire users and boost content through monetization programs.

Our take: Meta is using referral and bonus programs as a growth engine to compete with TikTok, YouTube, and other rivals. However, currying platform loyalty with cash could blur the line between authentic posting and affiliate marketing.

Epic vs. Apple case opens up options for Spotify app users

The news: Apple approved a Spotify app update that will let iPhone users change their subscriptions in the app, see subscription pricing information, and use third-party payment methods outside Apple’s payment system.

Users can also see audiobook pricing in the app—which was previously only available on the web—and buy additional listening hours past the standard 15 hour monthly limit.

Spotify attributed the change to a ruling in the Epic Games versus Apple antitrust case and stated that this “freedom is a win for authors, audiences, and developers” in a blog post.

Our take: Apple’s antitrust case is opening up floodgates for other developers and apps to offer more access and interface options, though Apple’s history of appealing and ignoring rulings may make this a short-lived victory for Spotify.

Amazon expands Zoox robotaxi testing

The news: Amazon’s Zoox robotaxis are coming to Atlanta and will serve as the autonomous vehicle fleet’s seventh testing city. This is a forerunner to public rides in Atlanta, which Zoox said will begin this summer, per TechCrunch.

The service may meet challenges in its expansion in the wake of a software recall of 270 vehicles due to an April crash in Las Vegas.

Our take: Amazon’s Zoox ambitions haven’t died down in the wake of device division layoffs, but Waymo and Uber may be stronger contenders for autonomous driving dominance considering their longer history and bigger names.

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