Artifact, the personalized news aggregator built by Instagram’s co-founders, is launching a new feature today that takes the app in a different direction beyond tracking, summarizing, and commenting on the news. The feature, called Links, allows users to share any link from the web to view a personalized feed of links based on their interests.
A New Way to Share Content
With the introduction of Links, Artifact is putting itself directly in competition with social apps for sharing text or links, like X or Threads. This new feature showcases what’s possible with Artifact’s AI technology, according to the company.
To get started with Links, users simply need to share a URL, which is then presented in a visual feed within a new Links tab in the app. A familiarly named ‘For You’ feed will show other links based on the user’s interests.
Creating and Sharing Content
In addition to sharing a link, Artifact’s users can also optionally write a caption or add photos to share their thoughts or "hot takes" on the content. This has the effect of turning users into creators of a sort who could build a following on Artifact.
The company says that the app will begin showing posted links to other relevant people to help the creator build an audience. This is in addition to the creative tools that will be available for users to quickly upload, crop, and reorder their images.
Using AI for Caption Writing
To help with caption writing, creators can turn to Artifact’s AI, which was originally used to summarize long news stories. This feature is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to using AI technology to enhance user experience.
Sharing Quotes from Articles
Creators can also share quotes when reading articles on Artifact by highlighting text and then choosing ‘Share to Links’ from the new pop-up menu. This adds another layer of functionality to the app, making it easier for users to engage with content.
What Early Adopters Are Sharing
The company says that early adopters have shared a wide range of content via Links, including:
- New products
- Videos
- Headline recaps
- App reviews
- Recipes
- Architecture slideshows
This makes the app feel like a competitor to not only social apps like X but also Flipboard, whose social magazines are curated by its users, or even link pinboarding sites like Pinterest.
A New Social Experience
Artifact had been inching into social networking territory with recent launches that added commenting on articles and tools for writers to claim their profiles and track their readership. The new Links feature goes a step further, making it possible for users to search for and follow anyone who’s created a social profile on the app.
Following Profiles
New posts from people you follow will appear under a new ‘Following’ section. These profiles have been redesigned to feature recent links posted.
Addressing Potential Issues
The company acknowledges that some users may try to feed the app with content from smaller sites, blogs, and other less legitimate sources. To address this issue, Artifact is using its AI technology to identify and filter out low-quality or spammy content.
A New Era for Artifact
With the introduction of Links, Artifact is taking a bold new direction in the world of news aggregation. By providing users with a platform to share their own content and engage with others, the app is creating a more dynamic and social experience.
Artifact’s commitment to using AI technology to enhance user experience is evident in its innovative approach to content sharing and discovery. As the company continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how this new feature develops and what opportunities it presents for users and creators alike.
Conclusion
The launch of Links marks a significant milestone for Artifact as it continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of news aggregation. With its commitment to using AI technology to enhance user experience, Artifact is poised to take on even more challenges in the future.
