Instagram adds a sonic identity to all Reels—users do not like it

Instagram has launched a new sound identity for its Reels section. The new sound, presented in a social media post, will play at the end of each Reel. According to the design team, they tested “a variety of different sounds” until they found one that was “simple and iconic.” However, many users have pointed out that they do not like the result. Not at all. Siera Sinclair, a sound designer at Meta, explained that the goal was to create “a punctuated, but imperfect atmosphere, a metaphor for everyday creativity.” According to Sinclair, “not everything creative has to be perfect to be shared,” referring […]

Instagram has launched a new sound identity for its Reels section. The new sound, presented in a post on the social network, will play at the end of each Reel. According to the design team, they tested “a variety of different sounds” until they found one that is “simple and iconic.” However, many users have pointed out that they do not like the result—not at all.

Siera Sinclair, sound designer at Meta, explained that the goal was to create “a punctuated, yet imperfect environment, a metaphor for everyday creativity.” According to Sinclair, “not everything creative needs to be perfect to be shared,” referring to the philosophy behind this sound. The design process was meticulous, involving multiple listening tests, adjustments, and different versions. The final sound begins with a bass drum hit symbolizing creativity, followed by a vibration that extends for a second.

Despite Meta’s efforts, the public’s response has been mostly negative, to the point of comparing the sound to a digital error message. “This really reminds me of a ‘fatal error’ warning message,” noted one user in the comments of the post, while another expressed, “I thought it was a download error.”

One aspect that greatly concerns users is the frequency with which the sound will be heard, as it will play at the end of each Reel watched or downloaded, which could make it somewhat annoying. A user warned: “Hearing this all the time would not be pleasant,” and asked Instagram to “reconsider” its choice.

According to Instagram, the biggest challenge for the design team was to create a soundtrack that could adapt to all types of Reels, “from the most serious to the inspiring or comedic.” However, while some consider that the sound fits well with the more “light-hearted” or motivational Reels, its suitability for more serious or sad content shared by users is not so clear. Will Meta end up reversing the sound?

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Marvel and DC are no longer the only ones who can use the word “superhero”

Superman did not invent the word “superhero,” nor did Captain America. The origin of the term dates back to 1899, and some of its earliest examples were characters like The Scarlet Pimpernel, Buck Rogers, or Zorro, all of whom were created years before DC Comics was established in 1934 (under the name National Comics Publications). However, in 1977, this publisher and Marvel jointly trademarked the term “superhero” so that only they could use it. Surprisingly, nearly five decades later, the trademark was still in effect… until now. I’m not Superman The company’s request […]

Superman did not invent the word “superhero,” just as Captain America did not. The origin of the term dates back to 1899, and some of its earliest examples were characters like The Scarlet Pimpernel, Buck Rogers, or Zorro, all of whom were created years before DC Comics was established in 1934 (under the name National Comics Publications). However, in 1977, Marvel and the publisher jointly registered the term “superhero” so that only they could use it. Surprisingly, almost five decades later, the registration was still in effect… until now.

I’m not Superman

The request from Superbabies Ltd, creators of a collection of books and dolls titled, obviously, Superbabies, indicates that DC and Marvel are mistaken. The law does not allow companies to claim ownership of an entire genre.” This does not mean that the two companies cannot use the term, but they will not have exclusivity over it because others can use it as well.

“This result is not only a victory for our client, but a victory for creativity and innovation.” Basically, now anyone can create a superhero and call it as such because it is in the public domain. It was about time, in 2024, for the two publishers to realize that the publishing world is becoming exciting… and they are starting to smell, whether they like it or not, like mothballs.

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