Baidu has updated its Post Bar service, integrated with microblogging features.
About Baidu Post Bar
Baidu Post Bar (Chinese: tieba) provides users with a query-based searchable community to exchange views and share knowledge and experiences. Any user can set up a post bar or post bar club. In Post Bars, anyone can post; but in Post Bar Clubs, only members are allowed to post.
The updated Baidu Post Bar revealed a new featured called “i Post Bar” (Chinese: i tieba) with more social UI.
i Post Bar
Every registered user (Baidu has Baidu account similar to Google account) has his own i Post Bar, and celebrities can set up its own verified i Post Bar as well.
Baidu i Post Bar UI (Click for Larger Image)
You can absolutely take i Post Bar as Baidu’s attempt into microblogging sphere. Each i Post is limited to 32 characters (either English or Chinese) with image and video attachment. However, clicking on a “text” icon will enable the user to input unlimited extra words.
The first tab (blue bar) shows all “tweets”, second one excludes user’s own “tweets”, the third and fourth one shows the user’s own status and i posts (“tweets”) respectively, the fifth displays who the user is following, and the last shows the user’s followers (or fans).
i Post Bar shows statistics including total visits, yesterday’s visits, total replies, total re-posted posts (like retweets).
Verified i Post Bar
Example of Verified i Post Bar
Verified i Post Bar has a red “i” logo beside the celebrity’s photo thumbnail with the following extra features:
- “i” posts (tweets) at verified i Post Bar will be shown in the celebrity’s respective Post bar.
- Move and stick any i post to the top
How to Apply for Verified i Post Bar?
To apply, a corresponding Post Bar must exist with no less than 100 posts or 10 fans. Follow this link and apply.
- Submit application form
- Provide identification via email
- Verify by phone
It takes about three days.
The introduction of i Post Bar showed Baidu’s ambition in social media; however, it needs better integration with the previous Post Bar not to confuse users. It definitely has its potential.
Baidu should work on easy posting (tweeting) of its i post bar: from instant messengers (especially its own IM “Baidu Hi”), emails, and more.
Verified i Post Bar is a good feature and it’s not clear yet whether Baidu charges for this verification. However, it could have great marketing value if it’s extended beyond celebrities to brand owners.
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