WO2024123661A1 - Nested social networking content - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosed systems and methods may include (1) presenting a social media interface including visible content, hidden content, and a hidden content entry element that corresponds to the hidden content, where the hidden content is configured to be made visible via the social media interface in response to a digital gesture being applied to the hidden content entry element, (2) receiving user input applying the digital gesture to the hidden content entry element, and (3) in response to receiving the user input, presenting the hidden content via the social media interface.

Description

NESTED SOCIAL NETWORKING CONTENT

SUMMARY

[0001] In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-implemented method comprising: presenting a social media interface comprising visible content, hidden content, and a hidden content entry element that corresponds to the hidden content, wherein the hidden content is configured to be made visible via the social media interface in response to a digital gesture being applied to the hidden content entry element; receiving user input applying the digital gesture to the hidden content entry element; and, in response to receiving the user input, presenting the hidden content via the social media interface.

[0002] In some embodiments, the hidden content comprises user-generated content; and the method further comprises, prior to presenting the social media interface: receiving, from a user, the user-generated content, user input designating the user-generated content as hidden content, a user selection of the digital gesture, and user posting input selecting to post the user-generated content to the social media interface as hidden content; and, in response to receiving the user-generated content, the user input designating the usergenerated content as hidden content, the user selection of the digital gesture, and the user posting input, adding the user-generated content to the social media interface as hidden content.

[0003] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving, from the user, a user selection of the hidden content entry element designating the hidden content entry element as an entry point for accessing the hidden content; and in response to receiving the user selection of the hidden content entry element, configuring the hidden content entry element as an entry point for accessing the hidden content.

[0004] In some embodiments, the hidden content entry element comprises at least one of: a profile element; a word; an image; a graphic; a spatial area; or a comments box.

[0005] In some embodiments, the hidden content comprises at least one of: an image; text; a graphic; an animation; or a video.

[0006] In some embodiments, the hidden content comprises group content.

[0007] In some embodiments, the social media interface comprises: a first social media interface, comprising the hidden content entry element; and a second social media interface, corresponding to the group content; and presenting the hidden content via the social media interface comprises surfacing the second social media interface from the first social media interface.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second social media interface comprises at least one of: a group page; a digital chat thread; a media conferencing room; or a group photo album.

[0009] In some embodiments, the hidden content is password protected; and presenting the hidden content comprises: in response to receiving the user input, presenting a password-receiving element; receiving user input submitting a particular password, designated for the hidden content, to the password-receiving element; and presenting the hidden content in response to receiving the user input submitting the particular password to the password-receiving element.

[0010] In some embodiments, the digital gesture comprises at least one of: a digital pull applied to the hidden content entry element for at least a designated duration; a digital tap applied to the hidden content entry element for at least a designated duration; a designated number of taps applied to the hidden content entry element; a designated number of pulls applied to the hidden content entry element; or a designated word typed into the hidden content entry element.

[0011] In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system comprising: at least one physical processor; and physical memory comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the physical processor, cause the physical processor to: present a social media interface comprising visible content, hidden content, and a hidden content entry element that corresponds to the hidden content, wherein the hidden content is configured to be made visible via the social media interface in response to a digital gesture being applied to the hidden content entry element; receive user input applying the digital gesture to the hidden content entry element; and, in response to receiving the user input, present the hidden content via the social media interface.

[0012] In some embodiments, the hidden content comprises user-generated content; and the computer-executable instructions further cause the physical processor to, prior to presenting the social media interface: receive, from a user, the user-generated content, user input designating the user-generated content as hidden content, a user selection of the digital gesture, and user posting input selecting to post the user-generated content to the social media interface as hidden content; and in response to receivin the usergenerated content, the user input designating the user-generated content as hidden content, the user selection of the digital gesture, and the user posting input, add the user-generated content to the social media interface as hidden content.

[0013] In some embodiments, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the physical processor to: receive, from the user, a user selection of the hidden content entry element designating the hidden content entry element as an entry point for accessing the hidden content; and in response to receiving the user selection of the hidden content entry element, configure the hidden content entry element as an entry point for accessing the hidden content.

[0014] In some embodiments, the hidden content entry element comprises at least one of: a profile element; a word; an image; a graphic; a spatial area; or a comments box.

[0015] In some embodiments, the hidden content comprises at least one of: an image; text; a graphic; an animation; or a video.

[0016] In some embodiments, the hidden content comprises group content.

[0017] In some embodiments, the social media interface comprises: a first social media interface, comprising the hidden content entry element; and a second social media interface, corresponding to the group content; and presenting the hidden content via the social media interface comprises surfacing the second social media interface from the first social media interface.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second social media interface comprises at least one of: a group page; a digital chat thread; a media conferencing room; or a group photo album.

[0019] In some embodiments, the hidden content is password protected; and presenting the hidden content comprises: in response to receivin the user input, presenting a password-receiving element; receiving user input submitting a particular password, designated for the hidden content, to the password-receiving element; and presenting the hidden content in response to receiving the user input submitting the particular password to the password-receiving element.

[0020] In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising one or more computer- readable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a computing device, cause the computing device to: present a social media interface comprising visible content, hidden content, and a hidden content entry element that corresponds to the hidden content, wherein the hidden content is configured to be made visible via the social media interface in response to a digital gesture being applied to the hidden content entry element; receive user input applying the digital gesture to the hidden content entry element; and, in response to receiving the user input, present the hidden content via the social media interface.

[0021] It will be appreciated that any features described herein as being suitable for incorporation into one or more aspects or embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to be generalizable across any and all aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure. Other aspects of the present disclosure can be understood by those skilled in the art in light of the description, the claims, and the drawings of the present disclosure. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of exemplary embodiments and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for visually hidden social media content.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for visually hidden social media content.

[0025] FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary newsfeed interface.

[0026] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary digital stories interface.

[0027] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an exemplary short-form video consumption interface.

[0028] FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplary social media interface with a hidden content entry element that corresponds to hidden content.

[0029] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the exemplary social media interface of FIG. 6 in which the hidden content has been made visible.

[0030] FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary social media interface with a hidden content entry element that corresponds to hidden content.

[0031] FIG. 9 is an illustration of an exemplary password entry interface, surfaced via the social media interface of FIG. 8.

[0032] FIG. 10 is an illustration of an exemplary hidden social media interface surfaced from the social media interfaces of FIGS. 8 and/or 9.

[0033] FIG. 11 is an illustration of additional exemplary hidden social media content surfaced from the social media interface of FIG. 8.

[0034] Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the exemplary embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The instant application discloses a hidden-content framework, provided within a social networking context. In the hidden-content framework, nested content, hidden from view within an interface, may be made visible in response to a designated "secret" digital gesture being applied to a hidden content entry element presented within the interface. The designated digital gesture may take any form (e.g., applying a digital pull of a designated duration, typing a key word into a comment box, triple tapping on a profile element, etc.). The hidden content may represent any type or form of digital content (e.g., a video, an image, a message, an additional interface such as secret group page, etc.). In some examples, the hidden content may be password protected. In these examples, a password entry box may be configured to appear in response to the designated digital gesture being applied to the hidden content entry element.

[0036] As will be explained in greater detail below, embodiments of the present disclosure may improve the field of social networking by improving data organization and data discovery. Embodiments of the present disclosure may improve a computer itself by improving data consumption flows and data organization.

[0037] The following will provide, with reference to FIG. 1, detailed descriptions of computer-implemented methods for nested content in a social networking context. Detailed descriptions of corresponding example systems will also be provided in connection with FIG. 2. Detailed descriptions of interfaces and embodiments corresponding to the disclosed methods and systems will be provided in connection with FIGS. 3-11.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an exemplary computer-implemented method 100 for nested content in a social networking context. The steps shown in FIG. 1 may be performed by any suitable computer-executable code and/or computing system, including the system(s) illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, the steps shown in FIG. 1 may be performed by modules operating in a server 202 and/or modules operating in a user device 204 (associated with a user 206). In one example, each of the steps shown in FIG. 1 may represent an algorithm whose structure includes and/or is represented by multiple sub-steps, examples of which will be provided in greater detail below.

[0039] Server 202 generally represents any type or form of backend computing device that may perform one or more functions directed at social networking. The term "social networking" may refer to any type or form of digital communication that occurs between users of a social networking platform via an interface of the social networking platform. Examples of social networking may include, without limitation, text-based and/or image-based communication, video-based communication, audio-based communication, videoconferencing and/or audioconferencing, digital status broadcasting, private digital messaging, public content posting and/or commenting via a social media feed and/or a profile, etc. In some examples, server 202 may operate as part of and/or in connection with a social media platform 208. Although illustrated as a single entity in FIG. 2, server 202 may include and/or represent a group of multiple servers that operate in conjunction with one another.

[0040] User device 204 generally represents any type or form of computing device capable of reading computer-executable instructions. For example, user device 204 may represent a smart phone and/ora tablet. Additional examples of user device 204 may include, without limitation, a laptop, a desktop, a wearable device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc.

[0041] In some examples, user 206 of user device 204 may be a user (e.g., a member) of a social networking platform (e.g., social media platform 208). In these examples, user device 204 may have installed an instance of a social media application 210, which may operate as part of social media platform 208 and through which one or more services provided by social media platform 208 (e.g., via server 202) may be accessible. In some examples, social media application 210 may be dedicated to a single service. For example, social media application 210 may represent a dedicated newsfeed application or a dedicated messaging application. In other examples, social media application 210 may provide access to multiple services (e.g., a combination of two or more of the social networking services described below). In addition, or as an alternative, to social media application 210, user device 204 may have installed a browser that may navigate to one or more webpages through which the one or more services provided by social media platform 208 (e.g., via server 202) may also be accessible.

[0042] As mentioned above, social media platform 208 may provide a variety of services (e.g., platforms and/or frameworks) for the users within its network (e.g., via server 202 and/or social media application 210). For example, social media platform 208 may provide a newsfeed service. The term "newsfeed" may generally refer to any type or form of social media consumption channel, provided via an interface, that presents a scrollable collection of newsfeed posts. In some examples, a newsfeed may scroll (e.g., upward or downward) to reveal the different posts within the newsfeed (e.g., in response to receiving user scrolling input). In one example, the scrollable collection may include newsfeed posts created by contacts of a particular user (e.g., friends of the particular user) and/or other users that the particular user is following (i.e., connected content). Additionally, the newsfeed may include non-connected content (e.g., content created by users who are not contacts of the particular user).

[0043] The term "newsfeed post" generally refers to any type or form of digital composition that may be displayed in a newsfeed. Newsfeed posts may include a variety of content. For example, a newsfeed post may include, without limitation, text, an image, a video, a set of multiple images and/or videos, and/or a link (e.g., to a post, webpage, article, film, etc.). FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary newsfeed interface 300 with a newsfeed that includes an image-based newsfeed post 302, a link-based newsfeed post 304, a video-based newsfeed post 306, and a text-based newsfeed post 308.

[0044] In some examples, a newsfeed post may include a viewing pane for the content of the newsfeed post (e.g., the text in a text-based post, the image in an image-based post, etc.). A newsfeed post may also display a text-based caption, metadata content (e.g., content describing users that have been tagged in the newsfeed post, a timestamp, etc.), information indicating the source of the newsfeed post (e.g., the name of the creator of the post, a profile image, etc.), and/or a digital special effect (e.g., a digital sticker, a filter, an- augmented reality element, etc.). Such information and/or features may be displayed (and/or a menu corresponding to such information and/or features may be displayed) within the viewing pane (e.g., over the primary content), within the viewing pane and/or may be visually associated with the viewing pane (e.g., displayed beneath the viewing pane).

[0045] The newsfeed service may enable viewers of a newsfeed post to digitally respond to the newsfeed post in a variety of ways. In some examples, a newsfeed interface may enable a user to comment on a newsfeed post (e.g., via a text, image, and/or video-based reply) and may create a digital thread of comments corresponding to the newsfeed post (e.g., displayed beneath the newsfeed post and/or accessible via a comments affordance).

[0046] As another example, social media platform 208 may provide a digital stories service. The digital stories service may provide users with a digital stories feed, which presents a continuous series of digital story posts to a story-consumer, one by one (e.g., in a slideshow format). The term "digital story post" may generally refer to any type or form of digital composition intended for a digital stories feed. A digital story post may include a variety of content (e.g., a digital photograph, a graphic, text, a digital video, an artificial reality element, a digital audio recording, etc.). In one example, the story consumption channel may transition from presenting one digital story post to the next automatically, without requiring any user input to do so. In some examples, digital story posts from the same source (e.g., created and/or posted by the same user) may be grouped together, such that each digital story post from a particular source is displayed prior to displaying digital story posts from another source.

[0047] In one embodiment, a digital story post may be ephemeral. That is, the digital story post may only be viewable for a predetermined amount of time. For example, a digital story post may be set to disappear after twenty-four hours. Similar to the newsfeed service, the digital stories service may enable viewers of a story post to comment on the post, via a text and/or image-based reply and/or reply story, creating a digital thread of comments. Also similar to the newsfeed service, the digital stories service may configure a story feed for a particular user that includes connected content (e.g., story posts created by users who are contacts of the particular user or being followed by the particular user), non-connected content, or a determined ratio of connected content to non-connected content. FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary story interface 400 showing digital story posts 402, 404, and 406 of a user's digital story.

[0048] In some examples, social media platform 208 may provide a short-form video service (e.g., a reels service) that enables users to create short-form videos and/or consume (e.g., watch and/or digitally respond to) short-form videos created by other users. In one embodiment, social media platform 208 may create a short-form video feed for each user of its short-form video service. The term "short-form video" may generally refer to a digital video configured for short-form video feed consumption. In some examples, a platform for creating and/or posting a short-form video may only enable the creation and/or posting of short -form videos that are a certain length and/or that are less than a certain length (e.g., less than thirty seconds in length).

[0049] The term "short-form video feed" may generally refer to a series (e.g., a queue) of digital short-form videos (e.g., selected for a particular user) that social media application 210 (or a corresponding webpage) is configured to play, one by one, as a continuous series (e.g., advancing from one short-form video to the next automatically). In some examples, a short-form video feed may be configured to play short-form videos asynchronously (e.g., to play a continuously evolving queue of pre-recorded short-form videos). In some examples, short-form videos may be continuously added to a user's shortform video feed as the short-form videos of the feed are consumed (e.g., such that a determined number of short-form videos are always in queue to be played).

[0050] In some examples, a short-form video feed may be presented via a dedicated short-form video feed interface. FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary dedicated short-form video feed interface 500 presenting a short-form video 502. Short-form videos may be selected for the short-form video feed of a particular user based on a variety of metrics. For example, a short-form video may be selected based on a topic the short-form video has been tagged with (e.g., in response to a determination that the particular user is interested in and/or predicted to be interested in the topic). As another example, a short-form video may be selected based on a user who created the short-form video (e.g., in response to a determination that the particular user is following the user and/or is predicted to be interested in content by the creator). As another example, a short-form video may be selected based on a popularity of the short-form video.

[0051] In some embodiments, a short-form video may be displayed (e.g., streamed) with a variety of information relating to the short-form video. Such information may include, for example, a name and/or profile element of an account that created the short-form video, a title of the short-form video, viewer responses to the short-form video and/or an affordance that navigates to viewer responses to the short-form video, one or more elements for providing a digital social response to the short-form video, a transcript of the short-form video, etc.

[0052] As another example, social media platform 208 may provide a media conferencing (e.g., audioconferencing and/or videoconferencing) service (e.g., a "rooms" service) for hosting media calls (e.g., audio calls and/or video calls). The media conferencing service may operate as a stand-alone service and/or may be integrated with another service (e.g., a messaging service, a social workplace service, etc.). The term "media conferencing service" refers to any type or form of streaming and/or videotelephony service that enables the digital transmission and/or sharing of real-time media (e.g., video and/or audio) streams (e.g., from multiple endpoints) via a media conferencing interface. The term "real-time media stream" generally refers to any type or form of multimedia that is transmitted in real time (e.g., as a series of frames) from an endpoint (i.e., a transmitting device) to one or more additional endpoints. Audio and/or frames may be played and/or displayed by an endpoint (to a user) as the audio and/or frames are received.

[0053] In some examples, social media platform 208 may provide a social workplace service that enables digital communication between employees of a workplace. The social workplace service may include any of the features and/or services described above (e.g., a workplace media feed, a workplace messaging service, a videoconferencing service, etc.).

[0054] Returning to FIG. 1, at step 110, one or more of the systems described herein may present a social media interface that has visible content, hidden content, and a hidden content entry element that corresponds to the hidden content, where the hidden content is configured to be made visible via the social media interface in response to a digital gesture being applied to the hidden content entry element. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a media module 212 may present a social media interface 214 configured with visible content 216, hidden content 218, and a hidden content entry element 220 that corresponds to hidden content 218, where hidden content 218 is configured to be made visible via social media interface 214 in response to a digital gesture 222 being applied to hidden content entry element 220.

[0055] Social media interface 214 may generally represent any type orform of user interface provided (e.g., maintained and/or transmitted) by social media platform 208. Social media interface 214 may correspond to one or more of the services provided by social media platform 208 to its users. For example, social media interface 214 may represent a social media feed interface, such as the newsfeed interface, stories feed interface, and/or shortform video feed interface depicted in FIGS. 3-5. In another example, social media interface 214 may represent a messaging interface and/or a media conferencing interface. FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 provide exemplary illustrations of social media interface 214 that will be used herein throughout the discussion of steps 110-130.

[0056] As indicated above, social media interface 214 may include a combination of visible content 216 and hidden content 218. Visible content 216 may generally represents any type or form of digital content that is presented (e.g., automatically) in response to (e.g., as part of) surfacing social media interface 214. For example, each of the elements illustrated within social media interface 214 as depicted in FIG. 6 (e.g., the images, the text, the graphics, the selectable elements) represent visible content. As another example, each of the elements illustrated within social media interface 214 as depicted in FIG. 8 represent visible content.

[0057] Hidden content 218 may generally represent any type or form of digital content that (1) is not presented (e.g., automatically) within a consumption flow in response to (e.g., as part of) surfacing social media interface 214 and that (2) is only presented within the consumption flow in response to a predesignated gesture (e.g., digital gesture 222) being applied to a predesignated element (e.g., hidden content entry element 220) that is visible within social media interface 214. In some examples, hidden content 218 may be nested within social media interface 214. Additionally or alternatively, hidden content 218 may be surfaced (e.g., within an additional interface) via social media interface 214. Hidden content 218 may represent and/or include any type of digital content (e.g., an image, text, a graphic, an animation, and/or a video) and may be presented in a variety of forms (e.g., within a popup window, as depicted in FIG. 7, within a pull-down window, as depicted in FIG. 11, and/or within a full interface, as depicted in FIG. 10). In some examples, hidden content 218 may represent group content (e.g., a group page, a group messaging thread such as a digital chat thread, a group media conferencing room such as a videoconferencing room and/or an audio call room, and/or a group photo album). In one embodiment, hidden content 218 may be password protected. Features of hidden content 218 will be discussed in greater detail below in connection with step 130.

[0058] H idden content entry element 220 generally represents any type or form of element that triggers hidden content 218 to be displayed (e.g., presented). Hidden content entry element 220 may represent any type or form of user interface element. In some examples, hidden content entry element 220 may represent a profile element (e.g., a profile image), a word (e.g., within a post, a digital group description, a comment, etc.), an image (e.g., within a post and/or a background), a graphic, a spatial area (e.g., the top of a digital feed such as a social media feed of a group page), and/or a content-entry element (e.g., a comments box).

[0059] In some examples, hidden content entry element 220 may not be visually designated within social media interface 214 as corresponding to any hidden content. Thus, as opposed to a hyperlink accessible via a bolded word or a selectable element that is visually delineated as corresponding to an action and/or additional content, hidden content entry element 220 may be presented without any signal of being a hidden content entry element.

[0060] Hidden content entry element 220 may trigger hidden content 218 to be displayed (e.g., presented) in a variety of ways. In some examples (e.g., direct-display embodiments), hidden content entry element 220 may trigger hidden content 218 to be displayed (e.g., by media module 212) in response to digital gesture 222 being applied to hidden content entry element 220. In other examples (e.g., password-protected embodiments), hidden content entry element 220 may trigger hidden content 218 to be displayed by triggering a password entry element to be displayed (e.g., by media module 212), where user input of a correct (e.g., predesignated) password into the password entry element triggers hidden content 218 to be displayed. Details relating to the presenting of hidden content 218 will be discussed in greater detail in connection with step 130.

[0061] As indicated above, media module 212 may be configured to display hidden content 218 in response to receiving user input applying a designated gesture (e.g., digital gesture 222) to hidden content entry element 220. Digital gesture 222 generally represents any type or form of computer-receivable digital gesture, received from a user, that may be designated as a gesture that triggers hidden content to be made visible. Examples of digital gesture 222 may include, without limitation, a digital pull applied to hidden content entry element 220 for at least a designated duration (e.g., five seconds), a digital tap applied to hidden content entry element 220 for at least a designated duration (e.g., three seconds), a designated number of taps applied to hidden content entry element 220 (e.g., four taps), a designated number of pulls applied to the hidden content entry element, and/or a designated word typed into hidden content entry element 220. Specific examples of digital gesture 222 being applied to hidden content entry element 220 will be described in greater detail below in connection with step 120.

[0062] Hidden content 218, hidden content entry element 220, and digital gesture 222 may each be selected (e.g., designated) in a variety of ways. In some examples, hidden content 218, hidden content entry element 220, and/or digital gesture 222 may be user selected via a hidden-content creation (e.g., initiation) process provided by the disclosed hidden content framework. In these examples, media module 212 may (prior to presenting social media interface 214 to user 206) have provided an additional user 228 with a hidden- content creation process (e.g., an interface-mediated hidden-content creation flow) and received, from additional user 228 via a user device 226, a variety of user input 224: (1) usergenerated content (e.g., submitted and/or selected by additional user 228 via a content creation interface), (2) user input designating the user-generated content as hidden content (i.e., hidden content 218), (3) a user selection of a digital gesture (i.e., digital gesture 222), and (4) user posting input selecting to post the user-generated content to social media interface 214 as hidden content. Then, in response to receiving the user-generated content, the user input designating the user-generated content as hidden content, the user selection of digital gesture 222, and the user posting input, media module 212 may add the usergenerated content to social media interface 214 as hidden content. Additionally, media module 212 may receive user input from additional user 228 selecting hidden content entry element 220 as an entry point for accessing hidden content 218 and, in response to receiving this user input, may configure hidden content entry element 220 as an entry point for accessing hidden content 218.

[0063] In the examples just described, additional user 228 may represent any type of user of social media platform 208. In some examples, additional user 228 may represent a user of social media platform 208 posting personal user-generated content (e.g., to a profile of additional user 228 and/or to a post and/or message created by additional user 228 and posted to one or more social media feeds and/or digital messaging threads). Additionally or alternatively, additional user 228 may represent an administrator (e.g., of a digital group) who is posting and/or organizing group content (e.g., to a digital group page).

[0064] Additional user 228 may view the interfaces of the disclosed hidden- content creation process via a display element of user device 226 and may input user input 224 via user device 226 (e.g., as input to a touchscreen and/or input to an auxiliary device such as a mouse and/or keyboard). User device 226 may represent any type or form of computing device and may include any of the features described above in connection with user device 204. User device 226 may have installed an additional instance of social media application 210 and may provide the disclosed hidden-content creation process to additional user 228 via a social media interface 230 provided via the additional instance of social media application 210.

[0065] Returning to FIG. 1, at step 120, one or more of the systems described herein may receive user input applying the digital gesture to the hidden content entry element. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, media module 212 may receive, from user 206 via user device 204, user input 232 applying digital gesture 222 to hidden content entry element 220.

[0066] Media module 212 may receive user input 232 in a variety of ways. In examples in which media module 212 operates within user device 204 (e.g., as part of social media application 210), media module 212 may receive user input 232 directly (e.g., as tapping input to a touchscreen of user device 204 and/or input to an auxiliary device such as a digital mouse and/or a keyboard communicatively coupled to user device 204). In examples in which media module 212 operates within server 202, media module 212 may receive user input 232 by receiving an indication of the user input (e.g., from user device 204).

[0067] User input 232 may take a variety of forms (e.g., depending on the type of gesture designated for digital gesture 222 and/or the user interface element designated as hidden content entry element 220). Using FIG. 6 as a specific example, additional user 228 may have (1) posted a post 600 to the newsfeeds of one or more other users (including user 206), (2) designated, as hidden content entry element 220, each viewer of post 600's comment box (i.e., the digital entry element configured to enable a viewerto post a comment to post 600), and (3) designated, as digital gesture 222, typing the word "wonder" into a viewer's comment box for post 600. In this example, social media interface 214 may represent a newsfeed of user 206 that is displaying post 600 and user input 232 may represent typing the word "wonder" into comment box 602. [0068] Using. FIG. 8 as another specific example, additional user 228 represent an administrator of a digital group page and may have (1) designated, as hidden content entry element 220, a cover photo 800 of the digital group page and (2) designated, as digital gesture 222, triple tapping cover photo 800. In this example, social media interface 214 may represent the digital group page and user input 232 may represent triple tapping cover photo 800.

[0069] Using FIG. 8 again as another specific example, additional user 228 (as an administrator of the digital group page) may have (1) designated, as hidden content entry element 220, a top portion of the digital group page (e.g., the top eighth of the page) and (2) designated, as digital gesture 222, an extra long pull (e.g., longer than three seconds) to the top portion of the digital group page. In this example, social media interface 214 may represent the digital group page and user input 232 may represent extra long pulling input (e.g., pulling input in a downward direction to a touchscreen of user device 204 for longer than three seconds) to the top portion of the digital group page.

[0070] Returning to FIG. 1, at step 130, one or more of the systems described herein may, in response to receiving the user input, present the hidden content via the social media interface. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, media module 212 may, in response to receiving user input 232, present hidden content 218 via social media interface 214.

[0071] Media module 212 may present hidden content 218 in a variety of ways. In examples in which hidden content 218 is configured to be displayed within social media interface 214, media module 212 may present hidden content 218 within social media interface 214. In examples in which hidden content 218 is configured to be displayed within an additional interface (surface via social media interface 214), media module 212 may present hidden content 218 by surfacing the additional interface.

[0072] As mentioned above in connection with step 110, hidden content 218 may take a variety of forms (e.g., may represent a variety of different types of content). Turning to FIGS. 6-7 as a specific example, hidden content 218 may represent a pop-up window (depicted in FIG. 7) and media module 212 may present hidden content 218 over comment box 602 in response to user 206 typing the word "wonder" (i.e., the designated digital gesture in this example) into comment box 602 (the designated hidden content entry element in this example, depicted in FIG. 6).

[0073] Turning to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 as an additional specific example, hidden content 218 may represent an additional interface (i.e., a hidden group page) and media module 212 may receive a triple tap (i.e., the designated digital gesture in this example) to an area of interface 214 corresponding to cover photo 800 (the designated hidden content entry element in this example). In response, media module 212 may (in one embodiment) present the additional interface directly (i.e., interface 1000 depicted in FIG. 10 in this specific example) or (in another embodiment) may present a password-entry element 900 (e.g., via a password interface 902 and/or a hover element). In embodiments in which media module 212 presents a password-entry element, media module 212 may then present the additional interface (i.e., the hidden group page depicted in FIG. 10 in this example) in response to receiving a correct password (e.g., designated by additional user 228) entered into the password-entry element via user input.

[0074] Turning to FIGS. 8 and 11 as an additional specific example, hidden content 218 may represent a pull-down screen and media module 212 may present the pull-down screen (as shown in FIG. 11) in response to user 206 applying a digital pull for longer than three seconds (i.e., the designated digital gesture in this example) to the top portion of the digital group page (the designated hidden content entry element in this example).

[0075] User interfaces corresponding to the methods and systems described above may be surfaced as part of a variety of navigational flows (e.g., a variety of social media consumption and/or creation flows). In some examples, a navigational flow may include a combination of user interfaces described herein and additional user interfaces not described herein. Each user interface described herein may be surfaced from a variety of entry points. In some examples, the user interfaces described here may be interconnected (e.g., with one interface navigating to another).

[0076] Each of the computer-mediated actions described herein may be performed by a module (e.g., media module 212) that operates within an endpoint device (e.g., user device 204 and/or user device 226) and/or that operates within a backend server (e.g., server 202 as depicted in FIG. 2). In the examples in which an action involves presenting digital content to a user via an endpoint device and/or receiving user input and/or digital feedback from the user to the endpoint device, the module may perform the action directly, in examples in which the module operates within the endpoint device (e.g., by displaying content via a display element of the endpoint, receiving tapping input to a touchscreen of the endpoint device, and/or receiving input to an auxiliary device communicatively coupled to the endpoint device such a digital mouse and/or a keyboard), and/or indirectly (e.g., in examples in which the module operates within the server). In examples in which a module performs an action indirectly, the module may perform the action in a variety of ways. For example, the module may perform the action by instructing the endpoint device to perform the action, by transmitting content to the endpoint device to be presented by the endpoint device, by providing the endpoint with an application (e.g., social media application 210) that performs the action, by receiving an indication of user input to the endpoint device from the endpoint device, etc. Additionally, in some examples, the module may perform an action operating in a combination of an endpoint device and a backend server.

[0077] In some of the embodiments described above, the disclosed systems may enable a user to create content (e.g., a social media post for a social media feed and/or a digital message for a private digital messaging thread) via a content-creation interface (e.g., an interface for creating hidden content 218). In these embodiments, the content-creation interface may enable a content creation that includes a variety of types of content. Such content may include, without limitation, an image, a video, audio content, a graphic (e.g., a digital sticker), a special effect (e.g., an augmented reality effect), a filter, etc. The contentcreation interface may enable a user to provide content (e.g., for a digital composition such as a post and/or message) in a variety of ways. In some examples, the content-creation interface may enable a user to create (e.g., generate) content via the content-creation interface. For example, the content-creation interface may include a digital canvas that enables a userto digitally draw content and/or may include a capture screen that enables the user to capture visual content via a camera of the user's device and/or audio content via a microphone of the user's device. As another example, the content-creation interface may include a text-input box that enables the userto input text (e.g., via typing input). Additionally or alternatively, the content-creation interface may enable the user to upload content. For example, the content-creation interface may include a drag-and-drop functionality and/or may present content (e.g., images stored in a camera roll of the user's device where permission to access the images has been provided) that may be selected to be included in the user's content creation. In addition to enabling a user to provide (e.g., create and/or upload) content, the content-creation interface may enable a userto modify (e.g., customize) content. For example, the content-creation interface may include a text-customization feature that enables a user to customize the appearance of text (e.g., selecting a size, color, font, and/or position of text). As another example, the content-creation interface may enable a user to select a filter and/or special effect to be applied over content.

[0078] In some of the embodiments described above, a module (e.g., media module 212) may select content for user 206. For example, a module may select social media consumption content for user 206 (e.g., a social media composition for a social media feed and/ora social media feed relatingto a particulartopic ortheme) and/orsuggested additional users for user 206 (e.g., users with whom to co-view a social media feed, a digital group to join, etc.). In these embodiments, the module may select content for user 206 in a variety of ways. For example, social media consumption content may be selected based on a relationship between user 206 and a creator of the social media consumption content (e.g., in response to determining that the creator is a contact of user 206 and/or that user 206 is following the creator), a user history and/or demographic of user 206 (e.g., indicative of a user interest), user data relating to a contact of user 206 and/or users with a features in common with user 206, etc. As another example, an additional user may be selected for user 206 based on a relationship between user 206 and the additional user (e.g., a relationship claimed by user 206 within social media platform 208, a number of social connections between user 206 and the additional user such as a number of mutual contacts, and/or a metric relating to an amount of digital interaction between user 206 and the additional user within social media platform 208). In some examples, content may be selected for user 206 by a machine learning system (e.g., a neural network). In these examples, the machine learning system may select the content in response to receiving a variety of inputs. Such inputs may include inputs relating to user 206 (e.g., an input derived from a user history, an expressed user preference, etc.), inputs relating to users with a features in common with user 206, inputs relatingto a demographic and/or a region associated with user 206, inputs derived from a social graph, inputs relating to potential content that may be selected for user 206 (e.g., a topic of such content and/or a popularity of such content), etc.

[0079] Example Embodiments

[0080] Example 1: A computer-implemented method may include (1) presenting a social media interface including visible content, hidden content, and a hidden content entry element that corresponds to the hidden content, where the hidden content is configured to be made visible via the social media interface in response to a digital gesture being applied to the hidden content entry element, (2) receiving user input applying the digital gesture to the hidden content entry element, and (3) in response to receiving the user input, presenting the hidden content via the social media interface.

[0081] Example 2: The computer-implemented method of example 1, where (1) the hidden content includes user-generated content and (2) the method further includes, prior to presenting the social media interface, (i) receiving, from a user, the user-generated content, user input designating the user-generated content as hidden content, a user selection of the digital gesture, and user posting input selecting to post the user-generated content to the social media interface as hidden content and (ii) in response to receiving the user-generated content, the user input designating the user-generated content as hidden content, the user selection of the digital gesture, and the user posting input, adding the usergenerated content to the social media interface as hidden content.

[0082] Example 3: The computer-implemented method of example 2, where the method further includes (1) receiving, from the user, a user selection of the hidden content entry element designating the hidden content entry element as an entry point for accessing the hidden content and (2) in response to receiving the user selection of the hidden content entry element, configuring the hidden content entry element as an entry point for accessing the hidden content.

[0083] Example 4: The computer-implemented method of examples 1-3, where the hidden content entry element includes a profile element a word, an image, a graphic, a spatial area, and/or a comments box.

[0084] Example 5: The computer-implemented method of examples 1-4, where the hidden content includes an image, text, a graphic, an animation, and/or a video.

[0085] Example 6: The computer-implemented method of examples 1-5, where the hidden content includes group content.

[0086] Example 7: The computer-implemented method of example 6, where (1) the social media interface includes a first social media interface, including the hidden content entry element, and a second social media interface, corresponding to the group content and (2) presenting the hidden content via the social media interface includes surfacing the second social media interface from the first social media interface.

[0087] Example 8: The computer-implemented method of example 7, where the second social media interface includes a group page, a digital chat thread, a media conferencing room, and/or a group photo album.

[0088] Example 9: The computer-implemented method of examples 1-8, where (1) the hidden content is password protected and (2) presenting the hidden content includes (i) in response to receiving the user input, presenting a password-receiving element, (ii) receiving user input submitting a particular password, designated for the hidden content, to the password-receiving element, and (iii) presenting the hidden content in response to receiving the user input submitting the particular password to the password-receiving element

[0089] Example 10: The computer-implemented method of examples 1-9, where the digital gesture includes a digital pull applied to the hidden content entry element for at least a designated duration, a digital tap applied to the hidden content entry element for at least a designated duration, a designated number of taps applied to the hidden content entry element, a designated number of pulls applied to the hidden content entry element, and/or a designated word typed into the hidden content entry element.

[0090] Example 11: A system for implementing the above-described method may include at least one physical processor and physical memory that includes computerexecutable instructions that, when executed by the physical processor, cause the physical processor to (1) present a social media interface including visible content, hidden content, and a hidden content entry element that corresponds to the hidden content, where the hidden content is configured to be made visible via the social media interface in response to a digital gesture being applied to the hidden content entry element, (2) receive user input applying the digital gesture to the hidden content entry element, and (3) in response to receiving the user input, present the hidden content via the social media interface.

[0091] Example 12: The system of example 11, where the hidden content includes user-generated content and the computer-executable instructions further cause the physical processor to, prior to presenting the social media interface, (1) receive, from a user, the usergenerated content, user input designating the user-generated content as hidden content, a user selection of the digital gesture, and user posting input selecting to post the usergenerated content to the social media interface as hidden content and (2) in response to receiving the user-generated content, the user input designating the user-generated content as hidden content, the user selection of the digital gesture, and the user posting input, add the user-generated content to the social media interface as hidden content.

[0092] Example 13: The system of example 12, where the computer-executable instructions further cause the physical processor to (1) receive, from the user, a user selection of the hidden content entry element designating the hidden content entry element as an entry point for accessing the hidden content and (2) in response to receiving the user selection of the hidden content entry element, configure the hidden content entry element as an entry point for accessing the hidden content.

[0093] Example 14: The system of examples 11-13, where the hidden content entry element includes a profile element, a word, an image, a graphic, a spatial area, and/or a comments box.

[0094] Example 15: The system of examples 11-14, wher the hidden content includes an image, text, a graphic, an animation, and/or a video.

[0095] Example 16: The system of examples 11-15, where the hidden content includes group content.

[0096] Example 17: The system of claim 16, where (1) the social media interface includes a first social media interface, including the hidden content entry element and a second social media interface, corresponding to the group content and (2) presenting the hidden content via the social media interface includes surfacing the second social media interface from the first social media interface.

[0097] Example 18: The system of claim 17, where the second social media interface includes a group page, a digital chat thread, a media conferencing room, and/or a group photo album.

[0098] Example 19: The system of claims 11-18, where (1) the hidden content is password protected and (2) presenting the hidden content includes (i) in response to receiving the user input, presenting a password-receiving element, (ii) receiving user input submitting a particular password, designated for the hidden content, to the passwordreceiving element, and (iii) presenting the hidden content in response to receiving the user input submitting the particular password to the password-receiving element.

[0099] Example 20: A non-transitory computer-readable medium may include one or more computer-readable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a computing device, cause the computing device to (1) present a social media interface including visible content, hidden content, and a hidden content entry element that corresponds to the hidden content, where the hidden content is configured to be made visible via the social media interface in response to a digital gesture being applied to the hidden content entry element, (2) receive user input applying the digital gesture to the hidden content entry element, and (3) in response to receiving the user input, present the hidden content via the social media interface.

[0100] As detailed above, the computing devices and systems described and/or illustrated herein broadly represent any type or form of computing device or system capable of executing computer-readable instructions, such as those contained within the modules described herein. In their most basic configuration, these computing device(s) may each include at least one memory device (e.g., memory devices 233, 234, and 236 in FIG. 2) and at least one physical processor (e.g., physical processors 238, 240, and 242 in FIG. 2).

[0101] The term "memory device" generally represents any type or form of volatile or non-volatile storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or computer-readable instructions. In one example, a memory device may store, load, and/or maintain one or more of the modules described herein. Examples of memory devices include, without limitation, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid-State Drives (SSDs), optical disk drives, caches, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable storage memory.

[0102] In addition, the term "physical processor" generally refers to any type or form of hardware-implemented processing unit capable of interpreting and/or executing computer-readable instructions. In one example, a physical processor may access and/or modify one or more modules stored in the above-described memory device. Examples of physical processors include, without limitation, microprocessors, microcontrollers, Central Processing Units (CPUs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that implement softcore processors, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), portions of one or more of the same, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable physical processor.

[0103] Although illustrated as separate elements, the modules described and/or illustrated herein may represent portions of a single module or application. In addition, in certain embodiments one or more of these modules may represent one or more software applications or programs that, when executed by a computing device, may cause the computing device to perform one or more tasks. For example, one or more of the modules described and/or illustrated herein may represent modules stored and configured to run on one or more of the computing devices or systems described and/or illustrated herein. One or more of these modules may also represent all or portions of one or more special-purpose computers configured to perform one or more tasks.

[0104] In addition, one or more of the modules described herein may transform data, physical devices, and/or representations of physical devices from one form to another. For example, one or more of the modules recited herein may transform a processor, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and/or any other portion of a physical computing device from one form to another by executing on the computing device, storing data on the computing device, and/or otherwise interacting with the computing device.

[0105] The term "computer-readable medium" may refer to any form of device, carrier, or medium capable of storing or carrying computer-readable instructions. Examples of computer-readable media include, without limitation, transmission-type media, such as carrier waves, and non-transitory-type media, such as magnetic-storage media (e.g., hard disk drives, tape drives, and floppy disks), optical-storage media (e.g., Compact Disks (CDs), Digital Video Disks (DVDs), and BLU-RAY disks), electronic-storage media (e.g., solid-state drives and flash media), and other distribution systems.

[0106] The process parameters and sequence of the steps described and/or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired. For example, while the steps illustrated and/or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed. The various exemplary methods described and/or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

[0107] The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize various aspects of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. This exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Reference should be made to the appended claims and their equivalents in determining the scope of the instant disclosure.

[0108] Unless otherwise noted, the terms "connected to" and "coupled to" (and their derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as permitting both direct and indirect (i.e., via other elements or components) connection. In addition, the terms "a" or "an," as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning "at least one of." Finally, for ease of use, the terms "including" and "having" (and their derivatives), as 1 used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as

2 the word "comprising."

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method comprising: presenting a social media interface comprising visible content, hidden content, and a hidden content entry element that corresponds to the hidden content, wherein the hidden content is configured to be made visible via the social media interface in response to a digital gesture being applied to the hidden content entry element; receiving user input applying the digital gesture to the hidden content entry element; and in response to receiving the user input, presenting the hidden content via the social media interface.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein: the hidden content comprises user-generated content; and the method further comprises, prior to presenting the social media interface: receiving, from a user, the user-generated content, user input designating the user-generated content as hidden content, a user selection of the digital gesture, and user posting input selecting to post the user-generated content to the social media interface as hidden content; and in response to receiving the user-generated content, the user input designating the user-generated content as hidden content, the user selection of the digital gesture, and the user posting input, adding the user-generated content to the social media interface as hidden content.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, further comprising: receiving, from the user, a user selection of the hidden content entry element designating the hidden content entry element as an entry point for accessing the hidden content; and in response to receiving the user selection of the hidden content entry element, configuring the hidden content entry element as an entry point for accessing the hidden content.

4. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hidden content entry element comprises at least one of: a profile element; a word; an innage; a graphic; a spatial area; or a comments box.

5. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hidden content comprises at least one of: an image; text; a graphic; an animation; or a video.

6. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hidden content comprises group content.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein: the social media interface comprises: a first social media interface, comprising the hidden content entry element; and a second social media interface, corresponding to the group content; and presenting the hidden content via the social media interface comprises surfacing the second social media interface from the first social media interface; and optionally wherein: the second social media interface comprises at least one of: a group page; a digital chat thread; a media conferencing room; or a group photo album.

8. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: the hidden content is password protected; and presenting the hidden content comprises: in response to receiving the user input, presenting a password-receiving element; receiving user input submitting a particular password, designated for the hidden content, to the password-receiving element; and presenting the hidden content in response to receiving the user input submitting the particular password to the password-receiving element.

9. The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the digital gesture comprises at least one of: a digital pull applied to the hidden content entry element for at least a designated duration; a digital tap applied to the hidden content entry element for at least a designated duration; a designated number of taps applied to the hidden content entry element; a designated number of pulls applied to the hidden content entry element; or a designated word typed into the hidden content entry element.

10. A system comprising: at least one physical processor; and physical memory comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the physical processor, cause the physical processor to: present a social media interface comprising visible content, hidden content, and a hidden content entry element that corresponds to the hidden content, wherein the hidden content is configured to be made visible via the social media interface in response to a digital gesture being applied to the hidden content entry element; receive user input applying the digital gesture to the hidden content entry element; and in response to receiving the user input, present the hidden content via the social media interface.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein: the hidden content comprises user-generated content; and the computer-executable instructions further cause the physical processor to, prior to presenting the social media interface: receive, from a user, the user-generated content, user input designating the user-generated content as hidden content, a user selection of the digital gesture, and user posting input selecting to post the user-generated content to the social media interface as hidden content; and in response to receiving the user-generated content, the user input designating the user-generated content as hidden content, the user selection of the digital gesture, and the user posting input, add the user-generated content to the social media interface as hidden content.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the physical processor to: receive, from the user, a user selection of the hidden content entry element designating the hidden content entry element as an entry point for accessing the hidden content; and in response to receiving the user selection of the hidden content entry element, configure the hidden content entry element as an entry point for accessing the hidden content.

13. The system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising at least one of the following features:

(i) wherein the hidden content entry element comprises at least one of: a profile element; a word; an image; a graphic; a spatial area; or a comments box;

(ii) wherein the hidden content comprises at least one of: an image; text; a graphic; an animation; or a video; and/or

(iii) wherein: the hidden content is password protected; and presenting the hidden content comprises: in response to receiving the user input, presenting a password-receiving element; receiving user input submitting a particular password, designated for the hidden content, to the password-receiving element; and presenting the hidden content in response to receiving the user input submitting the particular password to the password-receiving element.

14. The system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the hidden content comprises group content; and optionally wherein: the social media interface comprises: a first social media interface, comprising the hidden content entry element; and a second social media interface, corresponding to the group content; and presenting the hidden content via the social media interface comprises surfacing the second social media interface from the first social media interface; and optionally wherein the second social media interface comprises at least one of: a group page; a digital chat thread; a media conferencing room; or a group photo album.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising one or more computer-readable instructions that, when executed by at least one processorof a computing device, cause the computing device to: present a social media interface comprising visible content, hidden content, and a hidden content entry element that corresponds to the hidden content, wherein the hidden content is configured to be made visible via the social media interface in response to a digital gesture being applied to the hidden content entry element; receive user input applying the digital gesture to the hidden content entry element; and in response to receiving the user input, present the hidden content via the social media interface.