This Week in Social is a weekly digest of some of the biggest stories in social media marketing news. These stories are the show notes for the Brave Ad World Podcast. Each story is discussed at a deeper level on the podcast.

Facebook Expands Instant Articles (Read more at Recode)

Like them or not Facebook Instant Articles are expanding. The social network is adding 20 new partners for Instant Articles, including Bleacher Report, CBS Interactive, Hearst, Mashable, MTV and Vox Media. These partners will join Facebook’s existing nine to create quick-loading, interactive articles that are hosted by Facebook.

The Washington Post is taking it on in a big way, announcing that all of its stories will exist as Instant Articles. Washington Post publisher Fred Ryan stated, “We want to reach current and future readers on all platforms, and we aren’t holding anything back."

Facebook’s pitch appears to be working. They’re having no problems recruiting publishers, and Jeff Bezos-owned Washington Post is the biggest example of how Facebook is changing how publishers deliver they’re content. wIf publishers ant to go after where people are, Facebook makes a lot of sense. The challenge is the same as what it always has been. Facebook has the users, but it owns the experience and data. Publishers don’t seem to mind, though, and they’re investing more trust in the social network.

Facebook Launches 360-Degree Videos (Read more at Facebook)

Facebook has launched its 360-degree videos, which were previewed back in March. The videos allow Web and Android users to choose viewpoints in videos by dragging or tilting their devices.

The videos are captured using special cameras, and Star Wars, GoPro, Lebron James, Saturday Night Live and Vice have already launched their own videos.

Facebook isn’t the first to do this. YouTube has had 360-degree videos for some time, but the potential is big for Facebook. This offers brands an immersive canvas they can use to tell stories, and this is one experience that’s delivered better through mobile.

But beyond brands, there’s potential for users as well. There’s no better way to share a vacation than with a 360-degree video that will take your friends there. This is Facebook laying the early groundwork for VR and Oculus Rift integration.

Pinterest Gives API Access to Developers (read more at SocialTimes)

Pinterest has opened up API access to allow developers to integrate Pinterest with their sites and apps. The integration allows app developers to connect their users’ Pinterest profiles with their apps.

Users will be able to share their Pins, boards, profiles and follows with developer’s apps. Polyvore and IFTTT have had integrations for some time, and Polyvore reports that traffic from Pinterest has increased 35% since the integration. Pins from IFTTT have increased 33% week over week since the integration.

Pinterest opening up access is a big deal, especially as it looks to make investors happy and make the most out of it opening up Promoted Pins to advertisers. Because API access is about syndication. The more Pinterest becomes available and accessible through other apps, the more people will use it, generating views and data for Pinterest.

News Quick Hits

Instagram has reached the 400 million user mark, which means its added 100 million users since the beginning of 2015. Currently, 75% of that user base lives outside the U.S., and more than half of Instagram’s latest 100 million users came from Europe and Asia. (Read more at The Instagram Blog)
Facebook’s updated pages are starting to roll out. Pages now have smaller profile photos, page tab links are now moved directly below that profile photo, like, message and share buttons have moved beneath the cover image and call-to-action buttons have more prominence. (Read more at Shortstack)
Twitter has a new feature for user news feeds, and that feature is polls. Polls are native and not hosted through a Twitter Card. Twitter has not confirmed whether this feature will be rolled out to all users. It is just experimenting at this time. (Read more at AdAge)