But if you decide to accept invitations solely based on this information, how would you know they are who they claim to be and not some fake profile, as seen on other social media platforms these days? Via LinkedIn verification, of course.

What is LinkedIn Verification?

Getting verified on LinkedIn is no different than getting verified on any other social media platform. It involves verifying personal information you’ve mentioned in your profile to prove your identity and authenticity to the world. The times we’re living in is no joke, after all.

In general, LinkedIn has zeroed in on three main categories of verification that often serve as the basis of connection on the platform: identity, workplace, and educational institution. Each category has slightly different methods and requirements for verification. Nevertheless, the process is free of charge, unlike other platforms that require a fee.

READ MORE: How to Cancel LinkedIn Premium on Android, iOS & Web [2024] ➜

How to Get Verified on LinkedIn

Regardless of the method you choose to verify your LinkedIn profile, one thing you cannot overlook is that your profile name must match the official name in your documents. This means that any Katherine who prefers to go by the name Kate would need to reconsider her choice—verification or her preferred name.

For identity verification, LinkedIn currently offers two third-party services, namely CLEAR and Persona. The former is currently limited to residents of the US, Canada, and Mexico who are 18 years or older with a valid government-issued ID, while the latter is for those with NFC-enabled passports.

To verify your workplace affiliation, the method is limited to employees with either a work email associated with the company, a verified Microsoft Entra ID, or a LinkedIn Learning license sponsored by the company. Likewise, you must have an educational email or an institutional LinkedIn Learning license for educational verification.

Whichever method you’re following, the initial steps are the same.

1. Launch your LinkedIn app and log in to your account if you’re not already.
2. Tap on your profile icon at the top left corner and choose View Profile.

3. Next, tap on the three dots icon and select About this profile.

4. Under Verifications, tap on Verify now.

This will display the different options you have to verify your account based on your profile info. Choose one accordingly.

5. To verify with Persona, agree to the terms and conditions, choose your country, scan the NFC chip in your passport, review the details, take a selfie, and you’re done for the day.

6. To verify with CLEAR, enter your personal phone number and email address (this will automatically create your CLEAR account if you didn’t have one before), take a photo of yourself and then of your government-issued ID, tap on Yes, Share, and that’s it.

7. To verify via work email, simply add your work email address to receive the code. Then, enter the received code to complete the verification.
8. To verify with Microsoft Entra custom employee ID designated by your organization, you must log in with the provided corporate credentials when redirected to the sign-in page. The system will automatically retrieve the necessary information and redirect you back to LinkedIn.
9. To verify via your educational institution, provide the email address associated with your institution to receive a 6-digit code. Enter the code, and you’re good to go.

READ MORE: Does LinkedIn Show Who Viewed Your Profile? REVEALED ➜

Benefits of LinkedIn Verification

Many people don’t see the point in getting the verification badge on LinkedIn, as it’s not always a top (or even the last) priority for hiring managers. It is what it is.

However, you cannot deny the perks that come with the verification badge on the platform. It not only signifies your credibility on LinkedIn but also claims to enhance your visibility by ranking your profile higher in search results. So, if your goal is to be seen and make connections, a verification badge can definitely help.

Final Thoughts

LinkedIn verification undoubtedly serves as a symbol of reliability, credibility, and professionalism. And while LinkedIn only displays the badge itself and not the information used to verify your account, it does raise a security concern for many. However, an actual annoyance is that if you’re verified through your work email, it will expire every 365 days and will need to be renewed.

The post What is LinkedIn Verification & How to Get Verified in 2024 appeared first on Appuals.

This post will discuss the mechanics behind these services, weigh their advantages against potential drawbacks, and examine real user experiences to determine whether they’re a practical solution for genuine Instagram growth.

How does Instagram growth actually work?

Instagram’s growth involves more than just posting regularly. Organic growth on Instagram combines strategic content creation and knowledge about the platform’s algorithms, which are personalized to enhance visibility and user engagement naturally.

Organic content creation

Instagram’s organic growth hinges on content quality and relevance. High-quality, engaging posts that resonate with your audience are more likely to be shared and saved, boosting visibility. Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content with strong user engagement, such as likes, comments, shares, and saves, promoting it in feeds and suggestions.

Reels are a powerful tool for rapid organic growth, thanks to their prominent placement in the app and popularity. Short, engaging videos can quickly go viral, reaching beyond your current followers. Instagram often boosts Reels using trending sounds or hashtags, further driving growth.

The Explore feed is essential in Instagram’s ecosystem, delivering personalized content based on user interactions. To appear here, create content that aligns with your audience’s interests. Using relevant hashtags, engaging captions, and high-quality visuals increases your chances of being featured.

The role of luck and timing

While strategy is important, sometimes timing and luck also play significant roles in organic Instagram growth. Posting when your audience is most active can lead to more immediate engagement, signaling the algorithm to boost your content’s reach. External factors such as being shared by a popular account or featured in a widely viewed story can significantly increase your profile.

Understanding the Algorithm

Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content that keeps users on the platform longer. It considers factors such as user interaction, the recency of the post, and the relationship between the poster and the viewer. Familiarity with these aspects can help tailor content strategies to align with algorithmic preferences, enhancing organic reach and growth.

READ MORE: Are Instagram Fake Followers Worth it in 2024? ➜

But there is another way… Instagram Growth Services

While organic growth is the preferred way for many, Instagram growth services offer an alternative path. These services range from automated tools to agencies specializing in boosting Instagram profiles through various means. Here’s how these services typically operate:

1. Automated tools

Automated tools are designed to handle following, unfollowing, liking, and commenting on posts to increase engagement and follower count. Users can set parameters based on specific hashtags, accounts, or geographies.

While these tools can rapidly increase followers, there is a risk. Instagram’s algorithm is developed to detect and penalize unnatural activity, which can lead to shadowbans or permanent bans.

2. Engagement pods

Engagement pods are groups where users agree to engage with each other’s content to boost their visibility artificially. These pods aim to game the algorithm into promoting content more widely by increasing likes and comments. This method often attracts artificial engagement that may not translate into genuine interest or sales.

3. Paid promotions and sponsored content

Working with influencers or investing in sponsored posts are more direct methods offered by growth services. These paid promotions can effectively reach targeted demographics and increase visibility. Unlike automated tools or engagement pods, Instagram specifically marks and recognizes sponsored content, making it a safer and more transparent growth strategy.

4. Agencies and consultants

Some services involve hiring agencies or consultants who manage your Instagram strategy for you. These experts optimize your content, handle engagement, and run ad campaigns. They use their expertise and industry knowledge to grow your following organically, which aligns with Instagram’s best practices.

READ MORE: How to Turn Off Active Status on Instagram on Mobile & PC ➜

Pros of Instagram growth services

Instagram growth services can significantly accelerate your profile’s visibility and audience engagement. They offer updated solutions to increase your follower count quickly and efficiently.

• Potential for quick follower growth: Instagram growth services can rapidly increase your follower count, making them an appealing option for new accounts looking to establish a presence quickly.
• Can help increase engagement and overall visibility: By boosting the number of interactions on your posts, these services can help your content appear more frequently in the Explore feed and higher in your followers’ timelines, enhancing your visibility.
• May provide analytics to tailor future strategies: Many growth services offer analytics tools that analyze engagement patterns, demographics, and more, allowing you to refine your content and engagement strategy based on data-driven insights.

READ MORE: How To View Instagram Without Account in 2024 [2 Methods] ➜

Cons of Instagram growth services

While promising, these services come with significant risks and drawbacks. They may compromise the authenticity of your following and conflict with platform policies, endangering your account’s standing.

• Risks of using automated services: Automated liking, commenting, and following can lead to penalties from Instagram, including account restrictions or bans, as they violate the platform’s terms of service.
• Possibility of attracting low-quality followers who don’t engage: Growth services often attract followers interested in give-and-take engagement rather than your content. This can lead to low engagement rates as these followers are unlikely to interact meaningfully with your posts.
• Dependency on external services for growth: Relying on growth services can create a dependency that isn’t maintainable in the long term. Once the service is discontinued, the artificial engagement and growth rates may drop if not supported by genuine interest and interaction from a real audience.

Alternatives to Instagram growth services

For those cautious about the potential risks associated with Instagram growth services, there are effective alternatives that lean on organic engagement and well-planned advertising strategies. These methods align better with Instagram’s policies and substitute a more authentic audience connection.

1. Organic growth strategies

The foundation of organic growth on Instagram lies in producing high-quality content that matches your target audience. This involves understanding what your followers want to see and delivering it consistently.

Regular posting keeps your brand at the forefront of your audience’s minds while engaging directly with comments, messages, and other user-generated content helps build a community around your brand. This approach improves visibility through Instagram’s algorithm, favoring high-engagement content and promoting a loyal following that will likely convert customers.

2. Utilization of Instagram Ads

Instagram ads are a helpful tool for precise audience targeting. These ads allow you to specify demographic details such as age, interests, location, and more, ensuring your content is presented to the most relevant viewers. This targeted approach is especially beneficial for businesses looking to boost their reach beyond their current followers and tap into new customer segments.

Instagram provides strong analytics tools with its ads, enabling you to track the success of your campaigns and refine your strategies based on real performance data.

READ MORE: How to Perform a Reverse Image Search on Instagram? [2024] ➜

Are Instagram growth services worth it?

Deciding on the value of Instagram growth services depends on your specific goals and the nature of your brand. These services can rapidly increase your visibility and follower count, providing a quick boost that might attract new or small accounts.

This approach comes with risks, including lower engagement rates and the potential for violating Instagram’s terms of service. For brands seeking maintainable growth and genuine user engagement, the benefits of these services may not justify the risks. Focusing on organic growth through high-quality content and targeted advertising is generally more effective for long-term success.

The post Are Instagram Growth Services Worth It? Alternatives Analyzed appeared first on Appuals.

In this guide, we will discuss buying followers, know if Instagram fake followers are worth it in 2024, and examine whether this strategy boosts social credibility or poses more risks than rewards. We’ll explore the pros and cons of inflating follower numbers artificially, taking into account Instagram’s latest algorithms and policy updates.

Can you buy Instagram followers?

Yes, you can buy Instagram followers, but it comes with significant risks. Services offer thousands of followers for relatively low prices, often as little as $10 for 1,000 followers. These are not genuine followers but rather bots or inactive accounts that will not engage with your content, which is critical to growing a fundamental and influential presence on Instagram.

The cost varies significantly, ranging from a few dollars to thousands, depending on the quantity and quality of followers you purchase. This practice is against Instagram’s terms of service and can lead to account suspension or a permanent ban. The potential costs extend beyond money, including losing your account and damaging your online reputation.

READ MORE: How to Turn Off Active Status on Instagram on Mobile & PC ➜

Risks of inactive accounts and bots

While some services promise followers from real accounts, these are often accounts created to follow others without any intent to engage. They might provide initial engagement, which quickly decreases as the accounts go inactive.

Demographic-based follower purchases might result in followers who are technically real people but who have no genuine interest in your content, leading to low engagement and interaction.

Cons of buying fake Instagram followers?

Buying fake Instagram followers is generally damaging to your social media strategy. Here are the main reasons why this approach can harm your online presence:

1. Lack of engagement

Fake followers are typically bots or inactive accounts that do not engage with your content. This lack of engagement means your posts are less likely to appear on the Explore Pages or in the newsfeeds of real audiences, which is crucial for organic reach and growth.

2. Reduced credibility

A high number of followers with low engagement rates can quickly break trust among real users. If your audience notices that your posts get minimal likes or comments relative to your follower count, it can lead to suspicions of inauthenticity and damage your reputation.

3. Indirect analytics

When you buy followers, you corrupt the integrity of your performance metrics. Measuring genuine audience interest and engagement becomes challenging because the exaggerated follower count doesn’t match actual interaction or interest in your content.

4. Risk of account penalties

Instagram actively seeks out and removes fake accounts that violates community guidelines. If you’re caught with many fake followers, you risk account suspension or even a permanent ban under Instagram’s terms of service.

5. No real customer conversion

Fake followers do not convert into customers. For businesses, the end goal is to increase conversions and sales, which only real and engaged followers can achieve.

6. Violates community guidelines

Purchasing followers goes against Instagram’s efforts to increase genuine interactions on the platform. This practice can lead to consequences from Instagram, including the removal of inauthentic likes, follows, and comments.

READ MORE: How to Perform a Reverse Image Search on Instagram? [2024] ➜

Effectiveness of buying followers in 2024

As Instagram continues to evolve, its algorithms and features have become more sophisticated, significantly impacting the effectiveness of buying followers. Here’s how these changes affect the practice:

Changes in Instagram’s algorithm

Instagram’s algorithm has been refined to prioritize user engagement over follower counts. This means that accounts with high engagement rates of likes, comments, shares, and saves are more likely to appear in users’ feeds and on Explore Pages.

Therefore, bought followers, who typically do not engage with content, do not contribute to the visibility of your posts. The algorithm’s shift focuses on meaningful interactions, and executing the strategy of buying followers is mainly ineffective.

Detection of fake followers

With advanced analytics and machine learning, Instagram has enhanced its ability to detect and flag fake accounts. These tools analyze patterns such as the frequency of engagement, the authenticity of comments, and the growth rate of follower counts.

Sudden spikes in followers without corresponding increases in engagement are red flags that can lead to closer inspection by Instagram’s systems.

READ MORE: How Long Can an Instagram Reel Be in 2024?

Ethical considerations for buying Instagram followers

Buying Instagram followers involves ethical problems centered on the authenticity and transparency of social media interactions. This practice misleads the public and advertisers by artificially expanding follower counts, creating a false perception of popularity and influence. It undermines the trust users place in the genuineness of social profiles and the credibility of their content.

It misrepresents the competitive field, giving an unfair advantage to those who use false tactics over those who build their follower base organically. This can lead to a broader loss of trust in the social media ecosystem, affecting how users see and interact with content across platforms.

Alternative strategies for buying followers

Focus on enhancing your content’s quality and boosting engagement through genuine interactions to grow your Instagram organically. Consider using Instagram’s paid advertising for targeted reach and better long-term results than buying followers.

1. Enhance your content quality

Focus on creating high-quality, relevant content that resonates with your target audience. This includes using high-resolution images, engaging captions, and videos that capture attention. Content should be informative, entertaining, or inspiring to encourage sharing and engagement.

2. Boost engagement

Actively engage with your followers by responding to comments, liking posts, and participating in conversations. This builds a community around your profile and encourages more interaction, which can lead to increased visibility and organic growth.

3. Prefer genuine interaction

Connect with other users authentically by commenting on their posts, participating in challenges, and collaborating with peers. Genuine interactions help build lasting relationships that can lead to more followers organically.

4. Paid advertising

Investing in Instagram’s paid advertising options allows you to target specific demographics and interests, ensuring that your content reaches potential followers who are genuinely interested in your niche. Paid ads offer analytics that help you understand the effectiveness of your campaigns and adjust strategies accordingly.

READ MORE: How To Use the “Share Other Blocked” Method on Instagram ➜

Should you buy fake followers for Instagram?

Purchasing fake followers for Instagram is not worth it at all. While it might offer a quick boost in numbers, this practice fails to deliver genuine engagement or sustainable growth, ultimately harming your credibility and trustworthiness. More importantly, it contradicts Instagram’s policies, risking penalties such as account suspension.

A better strategy focuses on organic growth through quality content, real interactions, and targeted advertising, ensuring a strong, engaged follower base that can provide tangible long-term benefits for your personal or brand reputation.

The post Are Instagram Fake Followers Worth it in 2024? appeared first on Appuals.

Whether you’re frequently active on Snapchat or just getting to grips with its features, understanding this aspect can enhance your overall experience and help you manage your social connections more effectively.

Understanding the Snapchat “In a group with me” notification

The “In a group with me” notification on Snapchat is designed to notify users when someone from a shared group chat adds them as friends. This notification appears when a user not already on your friend’s list but shares a group chat with you taps on your name within the group and sends a friend request.

It serves as a prompt indicating that you both are part of the same group conversation, even if you haven’t directly interacted.

READ MORE: How to Screenshot Snapchat Without Them Knowing➜

1. How did you get this notification?

Snapchat users typically encounter this notification in a few scenarios:

• Joining a new group: When you join a new group chat that includes members you are not directly connected with, and one of those members decides to add you.
• Existing groups: Within existing group chats, you will receive this notification if a new member joins and clicks on your profile to add you.
• Group dynamics: Sometimes, during the reorganization of group chats or when new subgroups are formed from larger groups, members might opt to add others they find interesting or relevant to their network.

Read More: What is Snapchat Plus Planets? Order & Meaning Explained [2024]➜

2. Interaction between group chat members and non-friends

In Snapchat group chats, members can see and interact with each other regardless of existing friendships, increasing potential new connections. This open visibility encourages users to expand their networks by engaging with others who share mutual interests or group affiliations.

Visibility and accessibility

In Snapchat group chats, all members, friends or not, can see each other’s names and tap into each other’s basic profiles. This visibility facilitates more comprehensive interactions beyond your existing friend list.

Social changing aspects

This feature slightly encourages expanding social networks by making connecting with new people who share mutual friends or interests easy and intuitive, as evidenced by their presence in the same group chat.

It also helps maintain a sense of community within the group by enabling members to identify and connect with others who may contribute meaningfully to conversations.

Privacy considerations

While this feature promotes social connectivity, it also respects user privacy. Snapchat only shows minimal information until the friend request is accepted. Users can always choose to ignore or block friend requests if they prefer not to expand their network.

READ MORE: How to Half-Swipe on Snapchat in 6 Easy Steps [w/ Pictures] ➜

Common misunderstandings and issues

The “In a group with me” notification on Snapchat occasionally leads to confusion due to system inaccuracies:

• Misleading notifications: Users sometimes receive this notification without being in any shared group chats, likely due to bugs or outdated information in Snapchat’s systems.
• User feedback: On platforms like Reddit and Twitter, users have expressed confusion over receiving friend requests from unknown individuals despite no shared group connections, highlighting potential glitches.

These experiences highlight the need for Snapchat to enhance the accuracy of its notifications and for users to carefully manage their privacy settings to prevent unwanted interactions.

User privacy and control

Managing your privacy on Snapchat, especially with group chats, is crucial for controlling social interactions. Here’s how you can adjust your settings to enhance your privacy and manage who can connect with you:

Managing privacy settings for group chats

Here’s how you can manage privacy settings on Snapchat:

• In the Snapchat settings, you can choose to receive notifications only from friends or customize them to exclude group chat alerts from non-friends, helping you control the entry of notifications.

• You can set who can add you to group chats, allowing anyone, just your friends or no one. This helps prevent unwanted additions by strangers or contacts.

Controlling friend requests

Here’s how you can control and manage friend requests on Snapchat:

• Snapchat allows you to tweak who can send you friend requests. You can restrict this to friends of friends or keep it open to everyone. Adjusting this setting helps manage how accessible your profile is to potential new friends.
• Disabling the Quick Add feature can also reduce random friend requests. This setting prevents your profile from appearing in other users’ suggestions, thereby minimizing unsolicited requests.

READ MORE: What Does “You May Know” on Snapchat Mean? [2024] ➜

Comparison with other social media platforms

Snapchat’s “In a group with me” notification offers a distinctive approach to group interactions compared to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

Comparison with WhatsApp

WhatsApp lets users control who can add them to groups, providing more direct privacy settings than Snapchat’s broader approach. Unlike WhatsApp, where phone numbers are visible in groups, Snapchat maintains anonymity, increasing privacy.

Comparison with Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger includes features like admin controls and roles that are not present in Snapchat, allowing for more structured group management. Messenger has advanced notification settings and tagging features, which Snapchat lacks, focusing instead on more brief interactions.

Tips for managing group chats on Snapchat

Effectively and securely managing group chats on Snapchat can enhance your social media experience. Here are some practical tips:

• Set clear boundaries: Establish rules about what is shared and discussed to maintain a respectful environment.
• Use group features: Take advantage of features like “Do Not Disturb” for specific groups to manage notification overload.
• Adjust privacy settings: Tighten your privacy settings to control who can add you to groups and send friend requests.
• Block or Report: Don’t hesitate to block users who send unwanted messages or use the report feature to notify Snapchat of inappropriate behavior.

READ MORE: What Makes Your Snap Score Go Up? Snapchat Guide 2024 ➜

Final thoughts

Understanding the “In a group with me” notification on Snapchat and effectively managing group chats are key to enhancing your experience on the platform. You can use Snapchat more confidently by familiarizing yourself with how this feature works and setting appropriate privacy controls.

Whether adjusting settings to prevent unwanted ads or utilizing group chat features to maintain order and respect, these practices ensure your interactions remain enjoyable and secure. Embrace these insights to fully utilize Snapchat’s unique social tools and enhance meaningful connections within your digital circles.

The post What Does “in a group with me” Mean on Snapchat? [2024] appeared first on Appuals.

This blog post will guide you through the steps to turn off your active status on Instagram, helping you maintain more control over your online visibility and reduce unwanted interactions.

What is Instagram’s Active Status feature?

Instagram’s Activity Status feature allows users to see when their friends and influences are online or when they last opened the app. This status is visible through a green dot next to the user’s profile picture or name, indicating that they are currently active.

When the user is not currently online, you might see a timestamp showing when they were last active. This feature enhances connectivity and interaction by letting users know the best times to reach out for instant communication.

For those who prefer more privacy, Instagram provides the option to hide this active status, ensuring users can control their visibility according to their personal preferences.

What happens when you turn off Activity Status?

Turning off your Activity Status on Instagram affects your interaction capabilities and visibility in several ways:

• Reduced visibility: Others can’t see when you’re online or your last active time.
• Decreased pressure: You can browse and respond to messages without feeling pressured to reply immediately.
• Limited visibility of others: You also won’t be able to see if others are online or when they were last active.

READ MORE: How to Turn Off Active Status on Facebook Messenger and Chat ➜

Benefits of turning off Active Status

Turning off your activity status on Instagram can significantly enhance your privacy and user experience. These benefits align with a more controlled and distraction-free interaction with the app, which can be particularly useful during work hours or personal downtime. Here’s how:

1. Privacy enhancement

By turning off the active status, you keep your browsing habits private. This means that others won’t know when you’re online or the last time you logged into Instagram. It’s a simple way to maintain a low profile on the social network, especially if you prefer not to broadcast your usage patterns.

2. Avoiding distractions

Without the activity status signaling your availability, you’re less likely to receive spontaneous messages or interruptions while scrolling. This can help you manage your time on the app more effectively, as you won’t feel compelled to respond immediately just because someone knows you’re online.

READ MORE: How to Comment GIFs on Instagram Posts in 4 Easy Steps ➜

How do you turn off Activity Status on Instagram?

Instagram’s active status feature has pros and cons: it lets others know when you’re online but can also disturb your privacy. Here’s how to turn this feature off, whether using a mobile device or accessing Instagram from a desktop.

On mobile devices (iOS and Android)

Turning off your active status on Instagram from your smartphone allows you to browse privately without signaling your availability to your contacts. Here are the detailed steps to do this:

1. Open your Instagram app. Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your profile.
   

   

2. Tap on the three horizontal lines (often called the hamburger icon) in the top right corner of your profile page. It will open the “Settings” page.
   

   

3. Below the “How others can interact with you” tab, tap “Messages and story replies.”
   

   

4. Then select “Show Activity Status” under the “Who can see you’re online” section.
   

   

5. You will see a toggle next to “Show Activity Status.” Tap on it to turn it off. Once disabled, users will no longer be able to see your activity status.
   

   

On desktop

Turning off your active status via a web browser provides the same privacy benefits as on mobile, and the process is as straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Visit Instagram on your web browser and log into your account. Click on three horizontal lines under the profile icon at the bottom left corner, then select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
   

   

2. Scroll down and click “Messages and story replies” under the “How others can interact with you” section.
   

   

3. Similar to the mobile version, select “Show Activity Status” under the “Who can see you’re online” tab.
   

   

4. You’ll find a toggle next to “Show Activity Status.” Click to toggle it off. This will prevent others from seeing your online status and activity timing.
   

   

Tips for managing online visibility on Instagram

Controlling your visibility on Instagram isn’t just about turning off your Active Status. Here are some tips to further control your online presence and minimize distractions:

• Utilize Quiet mode: This feature silences all Instagram notifications for a set period, helping you focus without interruptions. It automatically sends a message indicating you’re in Quiet mode to anyone who DMs you during this time.
• Manage notifications: Customize your notification settings to receive alerts only for specific activities, such as comments or likes on your posts. This reduces the frequency of interruptions and helps you maintain focus on essential tasks without completely going offline.

READ MORE: How to Perform a Reverse Image Search on Instagram? [2024] ➜

Final thoughts

Managing your Active Status and other visibility settings on Instagram puts you in control of your online presence. Whether you’re looking to enhance privacy, reduce distractions, or simply take a break without completely disconnecting, these features empower you to customize your social media experience to suit your needs.

By utilizing options like Quiet Mode and tailored notification settings, you can enjoy a more focused and personalized interaction with your network, ensuring that your time on Instagram is as engaging and interruption-free as possible.

The post How to Turn Off Active Status on Instagram on Mobile & PC appeared first on Appuals.

This feature creatively represents your closest friends as planets in your own personalized solar system, adding a fun and engaging way to visualize your top friendships on the app.

Whether you’re curious about who your “Mercury” is or how the planets align in your social universe, this guide will help you understand the Snapchat Plus Planets, their order, meanings, and how to make the most of this exciting feature.

What is Snapchat Plus?

Snapchat is a popular app for sharing photos and videos, called “snaps,” with friends. Users can enhance snaps with filters and lenses and create “streaks” by exchanging snaps daily. The app also features “Stories,” which are snaps viewable for 24 hours, and a Snap Map to share real-time locations with friends.

Snapchat Plus is a premium subscription that offers exclusive features like custom app icons, story rewatch counts, and the ability to mark friends as BFFs. Subscribers can also see who rewatched their stories and use the Friend Solar System to visualize their closest friends on the app.

Read More: How to Enable Map Feature on Snapchat➜

How do Snapchat Planets work?

Snapchat Planets are part of the Friend Solar System feature available to Snapchat Plus subscribers. This feature visualizes your closest friends as planets in a solar system, with you as the Sun. The planets, from Mercury to Neptune, represent your top eight friends based on how frequently you interact with them.

For example, the friend you snap and chat with the most will be represented as Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun. Each subsequent planet represents friends with decreasing levels of interaction, with Neptune being the eighth closest friend. This fun and unique feature helps you easily see who your best friends are on Snapchat.

Read More: How to Fix Snapchat’s Save/Share Button Not Showing?➜

Snapchat Planets order and meaning

The Snapchat Friend Solar System assigns your top eight friends to different planets, creating a fun and engaging way to visualize your social interactions. Here is a detailed explanation of each planet and what it represents:

1. Mercury (Closest friend)

Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, represents your best friend on Snapchat. This planet is shown as a red planet with several red hearts surrounding it. If someone is assigned Mercury in your Friend Solar System, it means you share the most snaps and messages with them, indicating a strong, frequent interaction.

2. Venus (Second closest friend)

Venus is the second planet in the Snapchat solar system and symbolizes your second closest friend. It is shown as a beige-colored planet with pink, yellow, and blue hearts around it. You interact with this friend almost as much as your top friend, sharing a significant amount of communication and snaps.

3. Earth (Third closest friend)

Earth, the third planet from the Sun, represents your third closest friend. It appears as a blue and green planet with a moon and red hearts around it. This friend is still quite close, reflecting a good amount of interaction and shared snaps, making them an important part of your Snapchat social circle.

4. Mars (Fourth closest friend)

Mars, known for its reddish appearance, is the fourth planet in the Snapchat Friend Solar System. It symbolizes your fourth closest friend and is represented with stars and purple and blue hearts. This indicates a strong bond, though slightly less interaction than the top three friends.

5. Jupiter (Fifth closest friend)

Jupiter is the fifth planet and represents your fifth closest friend on Snapchat. This planet is shown as a reddish-orange planet with dark orange stripes and stars revolving around it. You communicate with this friend regularly, maintaining a steady connection through snaps and messages.

6. Saturn (Sixth closest friend)

Saturn, famous for its rings, is the sixth planet in the Snapchat solar system and symbolizes your sixth closest friend. It is portrayed as an orange planet with a ring and stars around it. This friend is part of your regular interaction circle, with less frequent communication than the top five.

7. Uranus (Seventh closest friend)

Uranus represents your seventh closest friend and appears as a green planet with stars around it. This indicates a more distant yet still significant interaction within your social circle, showing that you share snaps and messages, but not as frequently as with the closer planets.

8. Neptune (Eighth closest friend)

Neptune, the farthest planet in the Snapchat Friend Solar System, symbolizes your eighth closest friend. It is depicted as a blue planet with stars, representing the least frequent interaction among your top eight friends.

This friend is still important, but your communication and snap sharing are less than your solar system’s others.

Read More: The Difference Between Sent a Snap vs Sent You a Snap [2024]➜

How to enable Friend Solar System and get Snapchat Planets?

To enable the Friend Solar System feature on Snapchat, you first need to subscribe to Snapchat+, a premium service offered by Snapchat. Snapchat+ provides access to exclusive features and enhancements, and it is available for $3.99 per month.

By subscribing, you unlock additional functionalities that enhance your Snapchat experience, including the ability to use the Snapchat Planets feature. Here’s how you can enable it:

1. Launch the Snapchat app and tap your profile icon in the top left corner.
   

   

2. Scroll down your profile page and tap on the “Snapchat+” section.
   

   

3. Find the Solar System feature and turn on the toggle switch. Confirm if prompted.
   

   

How to check your Planet in a Friend’s Solar System?

Once the Friend Solar System feature is enabled, you can check your position in a friend’s solar system. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Launch Snapchat, visit the profile of a friend you’re interested in, and tap on the “Best Friends” badge.
   

   

2. That’s all! Now you can see which Snapchat Planet your friend is on.
   

   

Snapchat Plus Planets alternatives

While Snapchat Plus offers a unique Friend Solar System to visualize your closest friends, other social media platforms have their own features for highlighting important connections.

Instagram allows users to create a “Close Friends” list for private story sharing. Facebook’s “Favorites” feature prioritizes posts from specific friends, and Twitter’s (X) “Circles” lets you tweet to a smaller group. WhatsApp offers “Broadcast Lists” for sending messages to multiple contacts without creating a group chat.

While these features help manage close connections, Snapchat’s Friend Solar System is distinctive in its visual and interactive approach. There is no exact alternative to Snapchat Plus planets.

READ MORE: How to Screenshot Snapchat Without Them Knowing ➜

Is Snapchat Plus Planets feature worth trying?

The Snapchat Plus Planets feature is worth trying if you enjoy engaging and interactive ways to visualize your friendships. It adds a fun, unique element to your social media experience, allowing you to see how close you are to your friends in a playful, solar system-themed layout.

While it does come with a subscription cost, the added features, including the Friend Solar System, can enhance your Snapchat experience by making interactions with your closest friends more meaningful and entertaining. The Plus Planets feature is worth exploring if you appreciate such personalized touches and are an enthusiastic Snapchat user.

The post What is Snapchat Plus Planets? Order & Meaning Explained [2024] appeared first on Appuals.

Many users wonder if the platform can be trusted with their personal and financial information and whether their purchase products will meet their expectations. This guide will address these concerns by looking at TikTok Shop’s safety measures, potential risks, and how it compares to other e-commerce platforms.

What is TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop is an innovative feature integrated within the TikTok app, transforming how users interact with content by allowing them to purchase products directly through the platform.

This in-app shopping hub combines entertainment with e-commerce, offering users a variety of ways to shop while scrolling through their favorite videos. You get the following shopping options within TikTok Shop:

• Live shopping: Users can buy products in real time during live broadcasts. Sellers can pin products to their live streams, making it easy for viewers to purchase items as they watch.
• Shoppable videos: Similar to live shopping, shoppable videos allow users to shop for products directly from regular video posts. By tapping on product links or basket icons that appear in the video, users can go straight to product pages to make purchases.
• Product Showcase: Brands and creators can feature their products directly on their TikTok profiles. This dedicated section acts as a mini storefront where all showcased products are accessible in one place.
• Shop Tab: The Shop tab is a centralized area where users can explore the entire product assortment, shoppable content, and ongoing promotion campaigns offered by various sellers.

Availability of TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop is currently available in several countries, enhancing its global reach. It’s operational in the United States, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, providing to a diverse range of consumers across these regions.

This wide availability allows TikTok to tap into different markets, offering a localized shopping experience to millions of users worldwide.

READ MORE: Can Other People See Who Viewed Their TikTok Videos? ➜

Safety features of TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop claims to prioritize user safety and security, implementing strong measures to ensure a secure and reliable shopping experience. Here’s a detailed review of the safety features offered by TikTok Shop:

• Secure checkout and payment processing: TikTok Shop uses advanced encryption to protect user data during transactions, ensuring that payment details are securely processed.
• Order management and customer support: Users can manage orders, track shipments, and access support directly within the TikTok app, simplifying the resolution of issues and enhancing the shopping experience.
• Policies against fraudulent sellers: TikTok Shop enforces strict policies to verify sellers and prevent fraud, including mechanisms to report and remove dishonest sellers quickly, safeguarding buyers from scams.

READ MORE: How to prevent TikTok App from crashing on iOS & Android Phones ➜

Is TikTok Shop safe?

The safety of using TikTok Shop varies based on whether you are a buyer or a seller and how each group interacts with the platform.

➜ For Buyers

TikTok Shop generally offers a safe shopping environment due to its integrated features and oversight. The platform provides secure payment methods and encrypted transactions, protecting personal and financial data. The openness of the marketplace means that buyer awareness is essential.

While many sellers are reputable, the possibility of encountering fake goods or less trustworthy sellers remains. Buyers are advised to review seller ratings, read customer feedback, and carefully check product descriptions before purchasing.

➜ For Sellers

TikTok Shop presents a secure platform for sellers to reach a vast audience. TikTok requires sellers to comply with strict guidelines and offers a transparent review system that can help legitimate businesses build their reputations.

The platform’s heavy dependence on seller performance and customer satisfaction can pose challenges. Negative reviews or failure to adhere to TikTok’s policies can result in penalties or account suspension, making consistent, high-quality service crucial.

General safety considerations

TikTok Shop employs several layers of security to ensure the integrity of transactions. It has a dedicated team to monitor and address any fraudulent activities quickly. TikTok’s policies are designed to protect buyers and sellers, with clear guidelines and support for dispute resolution.

READ MORE: How to Download A TikTok Video Without Posting It [2024] ➜

Understanding the risks involved with TikTok Shop

Shopping on TikTok Shop, like any online marketplace, comes with risks that users should be aware of before engaging in transactions. Being informed about these risks can help users navigate the platform more safely and make more secure purchases.

1. Counterfeit products

The presence of counterfeit items is a significant risk. These products often lack quality and could overstep on intellectual property, causing potential legal troubles. To avoid fakes, scrutinize product details, compare prices, and read user reviews carefully.

2. Scams

Scams may include sellers failing to ship products or creating fake reviews to attract buyers. Ensure the seller’s reliability by checking their ratings and customer feedback. Be doubtful of deals that appear overly advantageous.

3. Data privacy and security concerns

Data privacy remains a concern with the extensive data TikTok Shop collects. Although TikTok uses secure payment methods and data encryption, it’s essential to be cautious with the personal and payment information you share and always use secure networks for transactions.

READ MORE: How To Get Your TikTok Account Unbanned in 2024 ➜

How to access and use TikTok Shop?

To use TikTok Shop, you must live in a country with this feature and have a TikTok account. Here’s a straightforward guide to accessing and utilizing TikTok Shop:

1. Open your updated TikTok app. Locate and tap the “Shop” tab within the app to access available products.
   

   

2. Explore items through videos or browse categories for details like price and reviews.
   

   

3. Select products and add them to your cart. Proceed to “Checkout” or continue browsing.
   

   

4. Review your cart, enter shipping details, select a payment method for secure purchase, and tap “Place order.”
   

   

5. Track your order’s progress directly within the app and utilize customer support.
   

   

Images sourced from Sami Rox

READ MORE: Blink vs Ring Doorbell – Which One Should You Buy in 2024? ➜

TikTok Shop vs other shopping platforms

TikTok Shop differentiates itself from other e-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Instagram Shopping in several ways:

1. Fees structure

TikTok Shop primarily charges a sales commission, potentially more cost-effective for new or smaller sellers than Amazon and eBay, which involves listing, final value, and promotional fees. Instagram Shopping redirects users to external sites for purchases, so fees vary based on those external payment processors.

2. User experience

TikTok Shop integrates shopping directly within the app through viral content and live streams, offering a dynamic, social-first shopping experience. In contrast, Amazon and eBay focus more on search-oriented experiences. Instagram Shopping, similar in its social approach, still requires users to leave the app for purchases.

3. Buyer and seller protections

While Amazon and eBay have comprehensive, established buyer protection programs, TikTok Shop is still developing its reliability and trust levels with its own protections. Instagram Shopping depends on the protections of the linked e-commerce platforms, leading to variability in customer security.

READ MORE: How to Use & Watch TikTok Without App [3 Easy Methods] ➜

Should you trust TikTok Shop?

Whether to trust TikTok Shop depends on your needs and expectations as a user. It offers a unique, interactive shopping experience, tapping into the social media trend to make purchasing more engaging.

It’s newer and still developing its safety and security frameworks compared to more established platforms like Amazon or eBay. Users should proceed cautiously: verify sellers, use secure payment methods, and stay informed about TikTok’s evolving policies.

TikTok Shop offers a modern and dynamic shopping experience for those willing to explore it, though it might lack the strong protections of other e-commerce sites.

The post Is TikTok Shop Actually Safe to Buy From? [2024] appeared first on Appuals.

This leads to many users finding themselves eager to view the private profiles and access information, be it for personal or investigative purposes. But you know what they say, when you encounter a digital dead end, there’s likely a software expert who has reached there before you and already coded a way through.

What is a Facebook Account Viewer?

Just as there are tools to see who visits your profile, there are also tools for viewing user profiles that are otherwise private. A Facebook account viewer is one such tool, claiming to provide access to the locked media, content, and personal information of Facebook profiles and pages.

They essentially function as add-ons not provided by Facebook itself, precisely because they undermine the concept of privacy on the platform. Not to mention, these tools require access to your account in order to work, putting your account and data at potential risk, along with the user whose profile you’re trying to access, of course. But hey, that doesn’t stop privacy invaders from creating and utilizing such tools.

READ MORE: 10 Easy Ways to Fix Facebook Reels Not Showing [2024] ➜

How to Use Facebook Account Viewer to Access Private Profiles

Attempting to access someone’s private Facebook account, whether out of curiosity or investigative purposes, involves bypassing Facebook security measures. So, how exactly do privacy invaders accomplish this? By employing the right Facebook account viewer tools and adhering to their specific procedures.

Employing Facebook account viewer apps for this purpose usually involves making an account as your first step. Once signed up, the application demands you to select a subscription plan after which comes the tricky part: downloading the tool on the target phone. Only then can you track someone’s Facebook through the dashboard or control panel on your device.

However, if getting your hands on the target user’s device seems like an impossible task, there’s another way. These tools are also available as browser extensions you can download on your end. No need to get sneaky and add more guilt to your conscience.

When you refresh the browser afterward, the extension will appear in the top-right corner of the page. What then! Just start searching on Facebook for the target profile and view tagged photos, personal information, etc.

Remember, for those conscious about their safety on the platform, it’s important to stay updated with the various illicit methods out there in the market that can threaten your sense of privacy and also understand how they work.

READ MORE: How to See Facebook Password Without Changing [2024] ➜

Best Facebook Account Viewers

While Facebook account viewer tools may seem convincing to serve your purpose, it’s crucial to be wary of the consequences of illegally bypassing Facebook’s security and privacy measures. Generally, these third-party apps are scams designed to steal sensitive information and spread malware. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any legitimate apps and services that can be employed to target your profile.

Despite being against the company’s guidelines and the potential for account suspension and other consequences resulting from the utilization or promotion of these tools, many still continue to employ this technique. Nevertheless, in such situations, it’s always the best services that will come in handy.

1. mSpy

mSpy, as the name indicates, is a monitoring application designed for discreet spying or viewing purposes. This application has made a name for itself among the best Facebook account viewer tools due to the plethora of features it offers and reliable performance. With mSpy, you can not only access private Facebook profiles but dive into personal chats and track real-time location.

Moreover, this tool extends its reach to other social media platforms, providing insight into the target’s broader online activity. It runs in hidden mode on the target’s device and uses its in-built function to track all the activities.

Pros

• Easy-to-use interface
• Tracking services extend beyond Facebook
• Customer support is available 24/7

Cons

• Can be expensive for some
• Requires physical access to be downloaded onto the target’s device

2. uMobix

uMobix is another Facebook account viewer tool facilitating discreet monitoring of private profiles and their content including pictures and posts. It is well known for its capability to track real-time location. In addition, this application prioritizes user anonymity while providing access to personal conversations. With uMobix, insights extend beyond social media to encompass browser history and app usage.

Furthermore, it incorporates a keylogger functionality, recording every keystroke on the target device, potentially revealing sensitive information such as passwords.

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Allows monitoring of phone calls
• Gives regular updates

Cons

• Jailbreaking required for access to certain features

3. EyeZy

EyeZy, in addition to its Facebook account viewing capabilities, provides a range of features including keylogger functionality and the ability to track chats and messages. With this tool, you can discreetly view private profiles and content on the target device in secret mode. Its user-friendly interface and effectiveness make it a versatile application for tracking private Facebook accounts and pages.

Pros:

• Provides real-time alerts for efficient tracking of activities
• Simple dashboard

Cons:

• Offers less advanced features compared to other tools

Can You Use Facebook Account Viewer to Access Private Profiles?

Facebook has strict privacy and security policies safeguarding its user data and personal information. Keeping this in view, users can either make their content public or keep their profile private for safety reasons.

However, many third-party services disregard this ethical factor and provide services to access the hidden and private media and information on the platform, bypassing its terms of services, which can lead to legal consequences.

But not every tool or app that claims to provide you access to private profiles is authentic. Most are scams tricking you into compromising your account data, so it’s crucial to be vigilant about which one you choose to serve your purpose.

On the other hand, while some Facebook account viewers can work, it’s not worth the risk as there’s a threat to both your personal data and the user you’re targeting.

READ MORE: How to Add Another Email to Your Facebook Account [2024] ➜

Conclusion

Although it’s not impossible to view private Facebook profiles, it’s crucial to prioritize ethical methods over relying on third-party apps or software. Sending a friend request and connecting directly via Facebook is a more appropriate approach than resorting to such tactics to achieve your objective.

Remember to respect others’ privacy and safeguard your data by staying on the right side of the ethical line!

The post How to Use Facebook Account Viewer to Access Private Profiles appeared first on Appuals.

The most common cause of this problem is an outdated version of the app, which might not support newer features or have existing bugs fixed. In some cases, a poor internet connection or software conflicts on the device can also lead to this error.

In this article, we’ll discuss various solutions to resolve this issue.

1. Restart your Phone

1. Long-press the Power button and click the Restart button.
   

2. Force Stop Snapchat

1. Long-press the Snapchat icon and click the info icon.
   
2. Click on the Force stop button.
   
3. Reopen Snapchat to check if the issue is resolved.

3. Clear Cache

1. Long-press the Snapchat icon and click the info icon.
   
2. Go to Storage.
   
3. Click the Clear Cache.
   
   
4. Restart the app.

4. Check for Updates

1. Open PlayStore or AppStore and search for Snapchat.
   
2. If updates are available, download and install them.

5. Reinstall Snapchat

If none of the above solutions seem to work, consider reinstalling Snapchat. This process will remove all bugs and errors in the app files and will install a fresh version of the app, which might resolve the issue.

Note: Deleting Snapchat will also erase your account data, so ensure you know your account details before proceeding.

1. Long-press the Snapchat icon.
2. Tap the Uninstall button.
3. Tap the confirmation button OK.
   

The post How to Fix Snapchat’s Save/Share Button Not Showing? appeared first on Appuals.

What Does You May Know Mean on Snapchat

The You May Know feature on Snapchat recommends new friends based on factors like similar interests, mutual friends or people you may follow, and people on your phone’s contact list. “You may know” is Snapchats way of asking you “Hey do you know this guy” or “Remember them? How about you say hi”.

How To Access The You May Know List

Snapchat’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to access any feature the app offers, and the You May Know list is no exception. To access the You May Know list follow these steps:

1. Open the Snapchat app on your iPhone or Android and log into your account (if necessary).
   

   

2. From any tab in the app, tap on the Add button at the top right corner. This will take you to the Add Friends screen.
   

   

3. Here, you’ll find the “Quick Add” section. Scroll through this list to see people you might know. You can add them by tapping on “Add” adjacent to their name
   

   

To add a friend, you must tap the add button next to their profile. Similarly rejecting incoming friend requests is also as simple. Just tap the X button to ward off any unwanted friends. 

READ MORE: How to Reopen A Snap Unlimited Times in 2024 [Ban-Proof] ➜

How Does Snapchat Suggest You New Friends?

The You May Know feature takes several factors into account when suggesting new friends or people you may know. Here is a brief rundown of those factors:

1. Mutual friends: Snapchat uses your existing friends to suggest new friends based on common interests. It analyzes your friend’s list and looks for other people who may have the same things in common. It also keeps an eye out for mutual friends. So, if you share mutual friends with someone, they may appear in your you may know section
2. Contacts in Address Book: Another thing Snapchat uses to suggest friends is your address book. It goes through your phone’s contacts and compares the contacts with its user database. If any of those contacts are on Snapchat it suggests you add them as friends
3. Interests: Our interests can usually help us make friends with even strangers quickly. Snapchat realizes this and uses it to help us connect with new people.  Snapchat analyzes your activity on the platform, such as the accounts you follow and the content you engage with. If you have similar interests with other users, they could be recommended to you.

Apart from all this, Snapchat also uses the power of algorithms and computers to aid you in finding new friends. Snapchat uses complex algorithms to analyze user data and determine potential relationships. 

These algorithms consider factors like your activity, the people you interact with most frequently, and connections within your extended network. Through this analysis, Snapchat generates recommendations that reflect your existing connections and interests. 

READ MORE: How to Half-Swipe on Snapchat in 6 Easy Steps [w/ Pictures] ➜

How To Use The You May Know List Effectively

Now that we have understood what the You May Know list is and the factors that influence this list, let’s discuss how you can make the most out of this feature.

1. Get Relevant Friend Suggestions

One of the best ways to use the You May Know list to your advantage is to influence the factors that help Instagram suggest new people. This way you’ll not only be able to meet new friends but also find those with similar interests as yours.

For that to work, you’ll need to keep your Snapchat activity high. Interact with stories and reels regularly, chat about your interests in different group chats, and send snaps to signal out your interests and receive more friend suggestions.

2. Customizing Privacy

Just as others are being suggested to you, there’s a chance your profile is also being suggested to someone out there. So, if you are concerned about your privacy or aren’t in the mood to chat with new people you can customize your privacy settings on Snapchat.

This allows you to control who can contact you, view your content, access your location, and a few other factors that help Instagram suggest the “you may know list. ”

To customize your privacy settings, head to your profile and tap on the gear icon to access the settings menu. From here, scroll down to privacy to manage your privacy settings. A list of privacy options will appear including:

• Who Can Contact Me: Choose who can directly contact you with Snaps, Chats, calls, etc.
• Send Me Notifications: Decide whether to receive notifications from everyone or just your friends.
• Who Can View My Story: Control who can view your Story. You can even block specific friends from seeing it by tapping “Custom”.
• Who Can See My Location: Choose who can view your location on the Snap Map. Your location won’t be shared until you open the Map for the first time.
• Who Can Use My Cameos Selfie: Specify who can use your Cameos selfie in two-person Cameos.
• Who Can See Me In Quick Add: Manage visibility in Quick Add, a feature that helps you find and add friends.
• Activity Indicator: Decide whether other Snapchatters can see if you’ve been active recently.

READ MORE: How to Screenshot Snapchat Without Them Knowing ➜

Conclusion

To sum it up, the You May Know feature on Snapchat helps you make new friends or find people you already know on Snapchat. You can do multiple things to influence your You May Know list such as interact with certain reels or certain people to signal out your interests. Snapchat also cares about your privacy and allows you great control over your Snapchat account.

The post What Does “You May Know” on Snapchat Mean? [2024] appeared first on Appuals.