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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Movies can certainly have dialogue that sings, and some great movies don't lean on beautiful images, but for the most part, film is an inherently visual medium. Heck, before audiences heard Al Jolson's voice in 1927's The Jazz Singer, movies were largely silent entertainment. While silent movies are mostly a thing of the past, some filmmakers still recognize the power of spare use of dialogue. The animated film Flow, one of this year's Oscar nominees for Best Animated Picture, stars a cast of animals who are truly animal—they don't speak at all—and that's not the only recent example. Here are 12 modern movies with no (or very little) spoken dialogue. Robot Dreams (2023) It's hard not to compare this animated Spanish-French co-production to the recently released Dog Man: While their animation styles and intended audiences differ, both feature furry protagonists who remain silent throughout. However, Dog Man compensates for its titular character’s silence with a constant barrage of jokes from other characters (and exaggerated screaming from Dog Man). Robot Dreams uses its lack of dialogue to focus on the small, human details. Or humanlike dog details, I suppose. You can watch Robot Dreams on Hulu or rent it on Prime Video. Robot Dreams at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Playtime (1967) Jacques Tati transports his signature character Monsieur Hulot, played by the French director himself, into a 1960s vision of a modern, detached Paris, an environment that simultaneously delights and confuses the good-natured man. Like in the Chaplin films Tati mines for inspiration, Hulot's humorous interactions with the enormous, stylish set do all the talking, depicting a then-futuristic society that now feels familiar. Playtime was misunderstood when it was initially released, and it bankrupted the filmmaker. Time has finally caught up with its innovative point of view about the dehumanizing effects of modernization. It is now regarded as a classic. Watch Playtime on The Criterion Channel and Kanopy, or rent it on Prime Video. Playtime at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Mad God (2021) You may not recognize the name Phil Tippett, but you are almost certainly familiar with his work as the designer of stunning stop-motion and computer-animated creatures for Star Wars and Jurassic Park. It took Tippett three decades to complete his masterpiece about a gas-mask-clad assassin venturing through a hell filled with monsters and beasts. The result is pure, silent nightmare fuel that words can't begin to describe. Watch Mad God on Shudder or rent it on Prime Video. Mad God at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Under the Skin (2013) It's difficult to understand what any of the victims are saying as alien Scarlett Johansson draws them to their deaths in this minimal sci-fi masterpiece: Their thick Scottish accents obscure any words they utter before meeting their untimely ends. This film by Jonathan Glazer isn't about what the characters say, but how it feels to be human, contrasted with a cruel, seemingly unfeeling alien nature. Sure, there is a story here, but the movie is more of a vibe. Rent Under the Skin on Prime Video. Under the Skin at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Quest for Fire (1981) The trio of cavemen at the center of this epic prehistoric fantasy—directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, the genius behind the largely silent nature film The Bear—talk to each other in grunts, groans, and a language developed by A Clockwork Orange author Anthony Burgess. Yet there is no misunderstanding about what they are searching for: fire. However, it is difficult to know what portions of the film should be humorous, such as when a sabre-toothed tiger chases our protagonists up a tree. Despite the occasional urge to chuckle, you can't help but swept up by this story of early man's desire to advance. You can stream Quest for Fire on Prime Video in a compromised pan and scan transfer, or rent the widescreen version. Quest for Fire at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Minuscule: Valley of the Lost Ants (2013) If you're still deciding between watching Antz and A Bug's Life, here's a third option that far surpasses them in both story and visual style. Minuscule is an Oscar-nominated film about a ladybug who helps an army of black ants in their battle with their red counterparts over a tin box of sugar cubes. Without the distraction of dialogue, you can focus on how well the filmmakers' computer-generated characters mesh with the filmed landscapes. Check it out on Plex and Tubi, or rent it on Prime Video. Minuscule: Valley of the Lost Ants at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Walkabout (1971) There’s some dialogue in this movie, but none of it fully explains why a father drives his two children to the Australian outback before he commits suicide. This harrowing event sets the stage for this story of two children struggling to survive in one of the harshest and most unpredictable regions on Earth. On their journey home, they encounter an Aboriginal teenager on his traditional walkabout. Despite the language barrier between, he helps the more sheltered children endure. Director Nicolas Roeg uses biblical imagery and clever editing to convey how humanity has encroached on the natural world. The result is a mesmerizing triumph. Stream Walkabout on Max and The Criterion Channel, or rent it on Prime Video. Walkabout at Max Learn More Learn More at Max Duel (1971) The world caught a glimpse of Steven Spielberg's capabilities behind the camera in his debut, a TV movie about a traveling salesman pursued by a semi-truck driver. According to a behind-the-scenes documentary, Spielberg was only given 75 minutes to tell the story, so he focused on the sound and visuals rather than dialogue to make the truck as menacing as possible. Over 50 years later, it still works. Rent Duel on Prime Video. Duel at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video A Quiet Place (2018) It’s easy to imagine a studio executive questioning if it was smart to bankroll a horror movie with almost no dialogue, but a few hundred million dollars in box office and two sequels later, the risky bet seems to have paid off. Though director and star John Krasinski has denied that the film's silence is a metaphor for a citizen's involvement in politics (inaction equals complacency), it's difficult to think about the plot in any other way. Watch A Quiet Place on Paramount+ or rent it on Prime Video. A Quiet Place at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ Silent Night (2023) Action director John Woo returned to Hollywood after two decades for this action thriller about a father (Joel Kinnaman), unable to speak because he took a bullet in the throat, avenging the death of his son during a gang shooting. It's a bold experiment that kinda works, despite the melodrama that slows down the first act. When the action intensifies, the sound design immerses you in the visceral impact of bullets, punches, and knife wounds, no talking necessary. Watch it on Starz or rent it on Prime Video. Silent Night at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video All Is Lost (2013) Somehow in 2014, the Academy Awards overlooked Robert Redford's near-silent performance as a man lost at sea when announcing acting nominations. It's hard to pinpoint why. Maybe voters felt he coasted on his charisma, or it felt like a retread of previous performances. Perhaps they felt the movie was more of a stunt than a study of a man consumed with overwhelming guilt. No matter what voters thought, this film is still a triumph by a legendary cinematic presence. Watch it on Pluto TV and Plex, or rent it on Prime Video. All Is Lost Learn More Learn More Koyaanisqatsi (1982) Godfrey Reggio assembled this unusual collage of footage of modern landscapes constrated with the natural world, set to a hypnotizing Phillip Glass score. In a documentary about it's making, the director said the lack of narration was necessary because, "our language is in a state of vast humiliation. It no longer describes the world in which we live." Given the film’s exploration of the destructive relationship between technology, civilization, and nature, that explanation seems particularly fitting—and even more accurate four decades later. Watch it on Kanopy or Pluto TV, or rent it on Prime Video. Koyaanisqatsi Learn More Learn More View the full article

If you’re in charge of selecting a leadership development solution for your organization, your budget might feel dwarfed by the goals and needs the program must address. And while the money you have to spend is limited, the options you have to choose from—coaching, learning platforms, content libraries and more—are not.  All of those factors can make it difficult to identify the option that will deliver the best ROI. An “affordable” subscription to a vast digital library of leadership videos and courses is no bargain if it doesn’t deliver the results you need. On the other hand, premium coaching for a few key executives might feel extravagant at first but ultimately create a huge ripple effect across the organization. It’s not that content libraries are “bad,” and coaching is “good.” The right solution for one company could be a waste of time and money in another. So how do you make the best choice based on your goals and your budget? Before you contact a single provider or even start reviewing the options available to you, consider the questions below. As a CEO focused on transforming leadership development through technology, I can tell you that the organizations that are clear on their answers get the best results from leadership development, no matter what their budget is or the specific programs they choose. What are your specific goals? Leadership development is too expensive (U.S. companies spend more than $81 billion on it per year) to be merely a feel-good purchase or a box to check for the year. Your investment in a program will pay off only when you know exactly what you want it to achieve. So think about your company’s priorities right now. A few examples: Does your CEO want to create a coaching culture? Has low performance by new managers surfaced as a problem? Is innovation one of your priorities this year? Is your organization worried about the state of your leadership pipeline? If your goals seem way out of alignment with your budget, you may have to determine which goals need immediate attention and which ones can be acted on later. For instance, if your mid-level managers are jumping ship to your competitors, developing your current leadership bench needs attention right away. On the other hand, a broader initiative to build leadership capabilities across all departments could wait. How many people do you need to target? Is a company-wide program necessary to achieve your goals? Or would it be more effective to focus on a particular department or type of employee, such as first-time managers or a new executive team? Your answer can help you start narrowing down options. For example, if your top priority is developing a new executive team, coaching could be the right choice. It’s highly customized and effective. But your focus is on a larger group—like new managers—coaching might be out of your budget, and a digital learning platform could be a better fit. Similarly, perhaps you can send all first-time managers to a conference or bring in a facilitator for a weeklong program, but you can’t afford these options for every employee who’s interested in leadership development. What’s going on right now with the employees you want to develop? The capacity of the participants is often overlooked as a key factor in whether a leadership development solution succeeds. So, once you’ve identified the employees who’ll be part of your program, think about what might be affecting their current bandwidth to learn, grow and change. Let’s say you’re considering a program that would bring in a facilitator for a week of daylong classes with your managers. That might sound like an amazing development opportunity, and for some organizations, it is. But if your managers are already overextended with their workloads, this “opportunity” could become just another source of stress. Instead of paying attention and learning from the facilitator, the managers might be covertly multitasking through sessions just to stay afloat. And what if program participants don’t work onsite full time? Will a fully remote employee get the same experience as in-person participants? Will hybrid employees resent an extra day in the office? In such cases, a program that empowers your managers to learn on their own schedule might be a better solution. You could provide them with a micro-learning app or access to a learning library. (With those options, just be sure to also give them customized learning paths. Busy, stressed managers don’t have time to sort through piles of content to figure out what they need, either.) Thinking through these questions will help you zero in on what your company really needs from leadership development and the type of program that best fulfills those needs. I know the vast array of options out there can seem dizzying, but this variety also means that you have a better chance of finding a program that truly aligns with what you need and can afford. The more clarity you can bring into the selection process, the more likely you are to avoid costly mistakes and choose a leadership development program that delivers the results you need. View the full article

Pinterest opens up a universe of visual discovery, serving as a digital canvas for millions to pin their dreams, inspirations, and ideas. It’s not just any social media platform; it’s a treasure trove for creatives seeking inspiration, a guide for DIY enthusiasts, and a marketplace for discovering unique finds. However, it is not the only platform doing this. There are apps like Pinterest that you can start exploring and using to reach a different audience. As we explore alternatives that fuel creativity just as much, if not more, Pinterest stands as the beacon that started it all, blending the lines between a social network and a visual wonderland. Join us as we uncover apps that offer similar magic, each with its unique flavor, ensuring your creative spark never dims. The Best Pinterest Alternatives Dive into our curated selection of the top 20 Pinterest alternatives, each offering unique features to spark your creativity and help you discover a world of inspiration beyond the familiar. General Interest and Sharing Web Pages Let’s start by exploring platforms that cater to a broad range of interests, perfect for browsing, sharing, and discovering diverse content. Instagram Instagram is a visual platform where users can share photos and videos, create stories, and go live to engage with their followers in real-time. Its features, like IGTV for longer videos and Instagram Shopping for e-commerce, make it a versatile tool for visual storytelling and brand promotion. There are tons of Instagram post ideas that can help you create effective content. And you can even learn how to make money on Instagram reels. Tumblr Tumblr offers a unique blend of blogging and social networking, allowing users to post a variety of content types, from text and photos to links and videos. Its customizable themes and the ability to reblog content foster a creative and interactive community atmosphere. We Heart It We Heart It is a photo-sharing app and website known for its positive and inspirational content. Users can explore collections of images, GIFs, and videos, “heart” their favorites, and curate their own collections on various themes, promoting a sense of discovery and personal expression. Flipboard Flipboard curates news, articles, and stories from around the web based on your interests, presenting them in a magazine-like format. It allows users to create their own “magazines” by saving articles they find interesting, offering a personalized way to stay informed and discover new content. Mix (formerly StumbleUpon) Mix is a platform designed for discovering and sharing content that aligns with users’ interests. By organizing collections of articles, videos, and web pages, Mix offers a customized browsing experience, enabling users to find unique and valuable content across the internet. Art and Design Focused Now, let’s delve into the realm of art and design, where these platforms shine by offering specialized spaces for creatives to showcase their work, find inspiration, and connect with fellow artists. Dribbble Dribbble is a community where designers share screenshots of their work, processes, and projects. It serves as a central hub for digital designers seeking inspiration, feedback, and job opportunities, making it a vital platform for showcasing creative endeavors and networking with other professionals. Behance Behance is a platform where creative professionals can display their portfolios and explore the latest projects from leading online portfolios in various industries. It’s an excellent resource for inspiration, promoting creative work, and connecting with potential clients and other creatives. Designspiration Designspiration is a platform for finding and sharing outstanding design. Users can curate their favorite images and designs, building personal collections that serve as inspiration for future projects. With its streamlined, Pinterest-like interface, exploring visuals is simple and free from distractions. Home and DIY Projects Next up, for those who love to transform their space or tackle DIY projects, here are platforms brimming with home improvement ideas, DIY guides, and interior design inspiration. Hometalk Hometalk is the largest home and garden how-to community, offering a platform for users to share their DIY projects, find inspiration, and get advice from fellow members. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to improve their home or garden. Houzz Houzz is a platform for home remodeling and design, bringing homeowners and home professionals together in a uniquely visual community. It’s the place to browse and save beautiful home photos, find the right design and construction professionals, and discover products to complete your projects. Fashion and Style Moving on, immerse yourself in the world of fashion and style with these platforms, ideal for discovering the latest trends, styling tips, and unique finds to elevate your wardrobe. Depop Depop is a fashion marketplace app where the next generation comes to discover unique items. With a strong emphasis on community and social interaction, it’s not just about buying and selling; it’s also a space for fashion enthusiasts to explore and get inspired by trends and styles. Poshmark Poshmark is a social marketplace for new and secondhand styles for women, men, kids, homes, and more. It combines the thrill of shopping with the excitement of a bustling community, making it easy for anyone to sell their clothing and find great deals. 21 Buttons 21 Buttons is a fashion-focused social shopping app where users can share and shop for looks. The platform allows influencers and everyday users to post their outfits, with direct links to purchase the clothing or accessories featured, making it a dynamic blend of fashion discovery and e-commerce. Food and Culinary Inspiration For the food enthusiasts out there, here’s endless culinary inspiration to spark your next kitchen adventure. Foodgawker Foodgawker is a photo gallery that allows you to visually search and discover new recipes, techniques, and ingredients to inspire your culinary adventures. It’s curated to display only the most beautiful and appetizing photos, providing endless inspiration for your next meal. Men’s Interests Diving into men’s interests, this selection caters specifically to gentlemen, featuring platforms that focus on lifestyle, fashion, gadgets, and more, tailor-made for the modern man’s diverse tastes. Grailed Grailed is a curated community marketplace for men’s clothing. It’s a go-to destination for finding rare, coveted, and highly sought-after pieces of menswear. Grailed combines the thrill of the hunt for hard-to-find items with the ease of online shopping. Gentlemint Gentlemint is a social website dedicated to sharing and discovering content of a manly nature. From DIY projects to classic cars and fine whiskey, it’s a curated source of content that celebrates aspects of masculine interests and hobbies, offering a unique platform for exploration and discovery. Creative and Craft Communities For those who cherish creativity and craftsmanship, these communities offer a sanctuary. Here, you’ll find spaces dedicated to sharing, learning, and celebrating all forms of creative and craft projects. Craftgawker Craftgawker is a photo gallery that allows you to discover, search, and share the best in handmade and DIY craft projects. It’s a feast for the eyes and a source of inspiration for crafters looking for their next project, with thousands of ideas at your fingertips. Pearltrees Pearltrees is a place to organize all your interests. It lets you collect, organize, and share everything you like on the web, from articles to videos, images to documents. Its unique visual interface makes navigating through your collections intuitive and engaging. E-commerce Integration Step into a world where inspiration meets shopping convenience with a platform that offers e-commerce integration, turning your creative discoveries into easily purchasable treasures. Etsy Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. It’s home to a universe of special, extraordinary items, from unique handcrafted pieces to vintage treasures. Etsy is a platform for artists, creators, and sellers to find a global audience for their unique products. Specialized Collections Explore a niche haven for enthusiasts with this platform, offering specialized collections that cater to unique interests and passions, perfect for those seeking something a little different. Connectible Connectible is a platform aimed at simplifying networking and enhancing the quality of professional connections. It emphasizes the creation of opportunities for people to connect around common interests, projects, and goals, thereby nurturing a community that promotes collaboration and professional development. PlatformTypePrimary AudienceKey FeaturesContent Focus InstagramSocial MediaGeneral PublicPhoto/Video Sharing, Stories, IGTV, Live, ShoppingVisual Content, Stories, Lifestyle TumblrBlogging/Social MediaGeneral Public, CreativesCustomizable Themes, RebloggingMixed Media, Blogs, Art, Fandoms We Heart ItImage SharingTeens, Young AdultsImage/Video Collections, "Heart" SystemInspirational, Lifestyle Imagery FlipboardNews AggregatorGeneral PublicPersonalized News, Magazine-like InterfaceNews, Articles, Stories MixContent DiscoveryGeneral PublicPersonalized Content Discovery, CollectionsWeb Pages, Articles, Videos DribbbleProfessional NetworkDesignersPortfolio Showcase, Job BoardDesign Work, Creative Projects BehanceProfessional NetworkCreativesPortfolio Showcase, DiscoverabilityCreative Portfolios, Design, Art DesignspirationDesign ResourceDesigners, CreativesImage Saving, Personal CollectionsDesign Inspiration, Visuals HometalkCommunityDIY Enthusiasts, HomeownersDIY Projects, ForumsHome Improvement, DIY, Gardening HouzzCommunity/MarketplaceHomeowners, Design ProfessionalsIdea Books, Professional DirectoryHome Design, Remodeling, Decoration DepopMarketplaceYoung Adults, Fashion EnthusiastsSocial Shopping, Unique FindsFashion, Vintage, Streetwear PoshmarkSocial MarketplaceShoppers, SellersBuying/Selling Clothes, Social FeaturesFashion, Accessories, Home Goods 21 ButtonsSocial ShoppingFashion EnthusiastsOutfit Sharing, Shopping LinksFashion, Trends, Style Inspiration FoodgawkerContent DiscoveryFood EnthusiastsRecipe Discovery, Photo GalleriesCulinary Arts, Recipes, Food Photography GrailedMarketplaceMen, Fashion EnthusiastsRare Finds, User ListingsMen's Fashion, Streetwear, Luxury Brands GentlemintSocial SiteMenContent Sharing, Manly InterestsLifestyle, Gadgets, Leisure CraftgawkerContent DiscoveryCrafters, DIY EnthusiastsCraft Project Sharing, Inspirational GalleriesHandmade, DIY Crafts, Art PearltreesContent OrganizationGeneral PublicCollecting, Organizing Web ContentMixed Media, Research, Collections EtsyMarketplaceShoppers, ArtisansUnique Handmade/Vintage Items, Seller ShopsHandmade Goods, Art, Vintage Items ConnectibleNetworkingProfessionals, EntrepreneursProfessional Networking, Shared InterestsProfessional Connections, Collaboration Pinterest Vs. Other Apps That Create Personal Galleries When you look at Pinterest and its alternatives, the differences in user experience really stand out. These other apps shine with their easy-to-use interfaces, making it straightforward for users to discover and organize content. They also offer various ways to save web pages and content, which adds to their appeal among the creative community. This variety means users can find an app that suits their specific needs, whether they’re into collecting design inspiration, planning projects, or just browsing for fun. Features to Look for in a Visual Discovery App A standout visual discovery app indeed transcends mere aesthetics, offering a blend of user-friendly design and a diverse array of content that caters to a wide range of interests and hobbies. Here are some key features to look for in such an app: Intuitive User Interface: The app should have a clean, easy-to-navigate interface that makes browsing, searching, and discovering content effortless and enjoyable. Smooth scrolling and quick loading of images and content Easy-to-use search functionality with smart suggestions Diverse Content Library: A rich repository of images, videos, articles, and more, covering a multitude of topics from art and design to travel and technology. Curated collections on varied themes to explore High-quality, visually appealing content Personalization Options: The capability to customize your browsing experience according to your personal interests, which guarantees that the content you encounter is both relevant and engaging. Customizable feeds based on user preferences and behavior Option to save favorite items or collections for easy access Community Engagement: Features that allow users to connect with others, share their discoveries, and discuss their interests. Platforms for users to share their own content and collections Commenting, liking, and sharing functionalities to foster interaction Collaborative Discovery: Tools that enable collaborative collection building or project planning, inviting more than one user to contribute to a shared vision. Shared boards or collections for group projects or planning Ability to tag and mention other users in contributions Cross-Platform Accessibility: Seamless integration across devices, ensuring a consistent and accessible experience whether on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. Syncing across devices to keep collections and preferences up-to-date Responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes Inspirational and Educational Content: Not just visually appealing, but also content that inspires creativity, offers DIY tips, how-to guides, and tutorials. Step-by-step guides and tutorials in various categories Inspirational stories and case studies from within the community Advanced Search and Discovery Tools: Sophisticated algorithms that help surface new and interesting content based on user interactions and trends. Visual search capabilities to find similar items or styles Recommendation engines that learn from your preferences to show more of what you like Together, these features create an immersive and dynamic environment that not only serves as a source of inspiration but also as a platform for creative expression and community building. By focusing on both the individual’s journey of discovery and the collective experience of sharing and collaboration, a visual discovery app can become a cherished tool for anyone looking to explore their interests and connect with like-minded individuals. Pinterest’s Role in Online Galleries and Visual Discovery Pinterest, as a visual discovery engine, has been a game-changer, setting the stage for how we curate and share personal galleries. It’s not just a platform; it’s a community builder, connecting people through shared interests in everything from home decor to fashion. By allowing users to create boards, Pinterest empowers everyone to become a curator of their own digital museum, sparking creativity and inspiration across the globe. This pioneering approach has influenced countless platforms, shaping the future of how we interact with visual content online. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rTERfOI8Wqo%3Fsi%3DK3MmsdNBDW7Aa5Jj Why Consider Pinterest Alternatives? Exploring Pinterest alternatives opens up a world of fresh possibilities for finding and saving new ideas. A Pinterest alternative often brings unique features to the table, catering to niche interests or providing a different user experience that might suit your style better. Whether you’re looking for more specialized content, a simpler interface, or just a new community to join, venturing into these alternatives can enrich your online discovery journey, offering new perspectives and inspiration beyond what you’re accustomed to. FAQs: Apps Like Pinterest Is There a Better App than Pinterest to Create Collections? While “better” is subjective, apps like Instagram and Tumblr offer unique features for creating collections. Instagram’s saved posts and story highlights and Tumblr’s blog format cater to different preferences, providing alternatives for those looking to organize and showcase their favorite finds in a personalized way. How Do Apps Like Pinterest Enhance Interaction with Other Users? Apps similar to Pinterest enhance user interaction by incorporating features like comments, shares, and likes. They also often include community forums or groups where users can connect over shared interests. This fosters a sense of community, making it easy for users to discover, share, and discuss ideas with others. Are There Any Apps Like Pinterest for Pixel Art? Yes, apps like DeviantArt and Dribbble are fantastic for pixel art enthusiasts. These platforms host a diverse community of artists and designers, including those specializing in pixel art. Users can explore, share, and discuss various creations, making these apps great resources for inspiration and connection. Which App Like Pinterest is Best for Web Designers? Behance stands out as a top choice for web designers looking for an app like Pinterest. It’s specifically tailored for creative professionals, showcasing portfolios that include web design, among various other creative fields. Behance allows designers to discover the latest trends, share their work, and connect with potential clients or collaborators. Which Photo-Sharing Platform has the Most User-Friendly Interface? Instagram is renowned for its user-friendly interface, making it a favorite photo-sharing platform for millions. Its intuitive design simplifies navigation, making it easy to upload, share, and discover photos. The platform’s focus on visual content and straightforward functionality offers a seamless user experience. Read More: Pinterest predictions Image: Envato Elements This article, "Apps Like Pinterest to Fuel Your Creativity" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Pinterest opens up a universe of visual discovery, serving as a digital canvas for millions to pin their dreams, inspirations, and ideas. It’s not just any social media platform; it’s a treasure trove for creatives seeking inspiration, a guide for DIY enthusiasts, and a marketplace for discovering unique finds. However, it is not the only platform doing this. There are apps like Pinterest that you can start exploring and using to reach a different audience. As we explore alternatives that fuel creativity just as much, if not more, Pinterest stands as the beacon that started it all, blending the lines between a social network and a visual wonderland. Join us as we uncover apps that offer similar magic, each with its unique flavor, ensuring your creative spark never dims. The Best Pinterest Alternatives Dive into our curated selection of the top 20 Pinterest alternatives, each offering unique features to spark your creativity and help you discover a world of inspiration beyond the familiar. General Interest and Sharing Web Pages Let’s start by exploring platforms that cater to a broad range of interests, perfect for browsing, sharing, and discovering diverse content. Instagram Instagram is a visual platform where users can share photos and videos, create stories, and go live to engage with their followers in real-time. Its features, like IGTV for longer videos and Instagram Shopping for e-commerce, make it a versatile tool for visual storytelling and brand promotion. There are tons of Instagram post ideas that can help you create effective content. And you can even learn how to make money on Instagram reels. Tumblr Tumblr offers a unique blend of blogging and social networking, allowing users to post a variety of content types, from text and photos to links and videos. Its customizable themes and the ability to reblog content foster a creative and interactive community atmosphere. We Heart It We Heart It is a photo-sharing app and website known for its positive and inspirational content. Users can explore collections of images, GIFs, and videos, “heart” their favorites, and curate their own collections on various themes, promoting a sense of discovery and personal expression. Flipboard Flipboard curates news, articles, and stories from around the web based on your interests, presenting them in a magazine-like format. It allows users to create their own “magazines” by saving articles they find interesting, offering a personalized way to stay informed and discover new content. Mix (formerly StumbleUpon) Mix is a platform designed for discovering and sharing content that aligns with users’ interests. By organizing collections of articles, videos, and web pages, Mix offers a customized browsing experience, enabling users to find unique and valuable content across the internet. Art and Design Focused Now, let’s delve into the realm of art and design, where these platforms shine by offering specialized spaces for creatives to showcase their work, find inspiration, and connect with fellow artists. Dribbble Dribbble is a community where designers share screenshots of their work, processes, and projects. It serves as a central hub for digital designers seeking inspiration, feedback, and job opportunities, making it a vital platform for showcasing creative endeavors and networking with other professionals. Behance Behance is a platform where creative professionals can display their portfolios and explore the latest projects from leading online portfolios in various industries. It’s an excellent resource for inspiration, promoting creative work, and connecting with potential clients and other creatives. Designspiration Designspiration is a platform for finding and sharing outstanding design. Users can curate their favorite images and designs, building personal collections that serve as inspiration for future projects. With its streamlined, Pinterest-like interface, exploring visuals is simple and free from distractions. Home and DIY Projects Next up, for those who love to transform their space or tackle DIY projects, here are platforms brimming with home improvement ideas, DIY guides, and interior design inspiration. Hometalk Hometalk is the largest home and garden how-to community, offering a platform for users to share their DIY projects, find inspiration, and get advice from fellow members. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to improve their home or garden. Houzz Houzz is a platform for home remodeling and design, bringing homeowners and home professionals together in a uniquely visual community. It’s the place to browse and save beautiful home photos, find the right design and construction professionals, and discover products to complete your projects. Fashion and Style Moving on, immerse yourself in the world of fashion and style with these platforms, ideal for discovering the latest trends, styling tips, and unique finds to elevate your wardrobe. Depop Depop is a fashion marketplace app where the next generation comes to discover unique items. With a strong emphasis on community and social interaction, it’s not just about buying and selling; it’s also a space for fashion enthusiasts to explore and get inspired by trends and styles. Poshmark Poshmark is a social marketplace for new and secondhand styles for women, men, kids, homes, and more. It combines the thrill of shopping with the excitement of a bustling community, making it easy for anyone to sell their clothing and find great deals. 21 Buttons 21 Buttons is a fashion-focused social shopping app where users can share and shop for looks. The platform allows influencers and everyday users to post their outfits, with direct links to purchase the clothing or accessories featured, making it a dynamic blend of fashion discovery and e-commerce. Food and Culinary Inspiration For the food enthusiasts out there, here’s endless culinary inspiration to spark your next kitchen adventure. Foodgawker Foodgawker is a photo gallery that allows you to visually search and discover new recipes, techniques, and ingredients to inspire your culinary adventures. It’s curated to display only the most beautiful and appetizing photos, providing endless inspiration for your next meal. Men’s Interests Diving into men’s interests, this selection caters specifically to gentlemen, featuring platforms that focus on lifestyle, fashion, gadgets, and more, tailor-made for the modern man’s diverse tastes. Grailed Grailed is a curated community marketplace for men’s clothing. It’s a go-to destination for finding rare, coveted, and highly sought-after pieces of menswear. Grailed combines the thrill of the hunt for hard-to-find items with the ease of online shopping. Gentlemint Gentlemint is a social website dedicated to sharing and discovering content of a manly nature. From DIY projects to classic cars and fine whiskey, it’s a curated source of content that celebrates aspects of masculine interests and hobbies, offering a unique platform for exploration and discovery. Creative and Craft Communities For those who cherish creativity and craftsmanship, these communities offer a sanctuary. Here, you’ll find spaces dedicated to sharing, learning, and celebrating all forms of creative and craft projects. Craftgawker Craftgawker is a photo gallery that allows you to discover, search, and share the best in handmade and DIY craft projects. It’s a feast for the eyes and a source of inspiration for crafters looking for their next project, with thousands of ideas at your fingertips. Pearltrees Pearltrees is a place to organize all your interests. It lets you collect, organize, and share everything you like on the web, from articles to videos, images to documents. Its unique visual interface makes navigating through your collections intuitive and engaging. E-commerce Integration Step into a world where inspiration meets shopping convenience with a platform that offers e-commerce integration, turning your creative discoveries into easily purchasable treasures. Etsy Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. It’s home to a universe of special, extraordinary items, from unique handcrafted pieces to vintage treasures. Etsy is a platform for artists, creators, and sellers to find a global audience for their unique products. Specialized Collections Explore a niche haven for enthusiasts with this platform, offering specialized collections that cater to unique interests and passions, perfect for those seeking something a little different. Connectible Connectible is a platform aimed at simplifying networking and enhancing the quality of professional connections. It emphasizes the creation of opportunities for people to connect around common interests, projects, and goals, thereby nurturing a community that promotes collaboration and professional development. PlatformTypePrimary AudienceKey FeaturesContent Focus InstagramSocial MediaGeneral PublicPhoto/Video Sharing, Stories, IGTV, Live, ShoppingVisual Content, Stories, Lifestyle TumblrBlogging/Social MediaGeneral Public, CreativesCustomizable Themes, RebloggingMixed Media, Blogs, Art, Fandoms We Heart ItImage SharingTeens, Young AdultsImage/Video Collections, "Heart" SystemInspirational, Lifestyle Imagery FlipboardNews AggregatorGeneral PublicPersonalized News, Magazine-like InterfaceNews, Articles, Stories MixContent DiscoveryGeneral PublicPersonalized Content Discovery, CollectionsWeb Pages, Articles, Videos DribbbleProfessional NetworkDesignersPortfolio Showcase, Job BoardDesign Work, Creative Projects BehanceProfessional NetworkCreativesPortfolio Showcase, DiscoverabilityCreative Portfolios, Design, Art DesignspirationDesign ResourceDesigners, CreativesImage Saving, Personal CollectionsDesign Inspiration, Visuals HometalkCommunityDIY Enthusiasts, HomeownersDIY Projects, ForumsHome Improvement, DIY, Gardening HouzzCommunity/MarketplaceHomeowners, Design ProfessionalsIdea Books, Professional DirectoryHome Design, Remodeling, Decoration DepopMarketplaceYoung Adults, Fashion EnthusiastsSocial Shopping, Unique FindsFashion, Vintage, Streetwear PoshmarkSocial MarketplaceShoppers, SellersBuying/Selling Clothes, Social FeaturesFashion, Accessories, Home Goods 21 ButtonsSocial ShoppingFashion EnthusiastsOutfit Sharing, Shopping LinksFashion, Trends, Style Inspiration FoodgawkerContent DiscoveryFood EnthusiastsRecipe Discovery, Photo GalleriesCulinary Arts, Recipes, Food Photography GrailedMarketplaceMen, Fashion EnthusiastsRare Finds, User ListingsMen's Fashion, Streetwear, Luxury Brands GentlemintSocial SiteMenContent Sharing, Manly InterestsLifestyle, Gadgets, Leisure CraftgawkerContent DiscoveryCrafters, DIY EnthusiastsCraft Project Sharing, Inspirational GalleriesHandmade, DIY Crafts, Art PearltreesContent OrganizationGeneral PublicCollecting, Organizing Web ContentMixed Media, Research, Collections EtsyMarketplaceShoppers, ArtisansUnique Handmade/Vintage Items, Seller ShopsHandmade Goods, Art, Vintage Items ConnectibleNetworkingProfessionals, EntrepreneursProfessional Networking, Shared InterestsProfessional Connections, Collaboration Pinterest Vs. Other Apps That Create Personal Galleries When you look at Pinterest and its alternatives, the differences in user experience really stand out. These other apps shine with their easy-to-use interfaces, making it straightforward for users to discover and organize content. They also offer various ways to save web pages and content, which adds to their appeal among the creative community. This variety means users can find an app that suits their specific needs, whether they’re into collecting design inspiration, planning projects, or just browsing for fun. Features to Look for in a Visual Discovery App A standout visual discovery app indeed transcends mere aesthetics, offering a blend of user-friendly design and a diverse array of content that caters to a wide range of interests and hobbies. Here are some key features to look for in such an app: Intuitive User Interface: The app should have a clean, easy-to-navigate interface that makes browsing, searching, and discovering content effortless and enjoyable. Smooth scrolling and quick loading of images and content Easy-to-use search functionality with smart suggestions Diverse Content Library: A rich repository of images, videos, articles, and more, covering a multitude of topics from art and design to travel and technology. Curated collections on varied themes to explore High-quality, visually appealing content Personalization Options: The capability to customize your browsing experience according to your personal interests, which guarantees that the content you encounter is both relevant and engaging. Customizable feeds based on user preferences and behavior Option to save favorite items or collections for easy access Community Engagement: Features that allow users to connect with others, share their discoveries, and discuss their interests. Platforms for users to share their own content and collections Commenting, liking, and sharing functionalities to foster interaction Collaborative Discovery: Tools that enable collaborative collection building or project planning, inviting more than one user to contribute to a shared vision. Shared boards or collections for group projects or planning Ability to tag and mention other users in contributions Cross-Platform Accessibility: Seamless integration across devices, ensuring a consistent and accessible experience whether on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. Syncing across devices to keep collections and preferences up-to-date Responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes Inspirational and Educational Content: Not just visually appealing, but also content that inspires creativity, offers DIY tips, how-to guides, and tutorials. Step-by-step guides and tutorials in various categories Inspirational stories and case studies from within the community Advanced Search and Discovery Tools: Sophisticated algorithms that help surface new and interesting content based on user interactions and trends. Visual search capabilities to find similar items or styles Recommendation engines that learn from your preferences to show more of what you like Together, these features create an immersive and dynamic environment that not only serves as a source of inspiration but also as a platform for creative expression and community building. By focusing on both the individual’s journey of discovery and the collective experience of sharing and collaboration, a visual discovery app can become a cherished tool for anyone looking to explore their interests and connect with like-minded individuals. Pinterest’s Role in Online Galleries and Visual Discovery Pinterest, as a visual discovery engine, has been a game-changer, setting the stage for how we curate and share personal galleries. It’s not just a platform; it’s a community builder, connecting people through shared interests in everything from home decor to fashion. By allowing users to create boards, Pinterest empowers everyone to become a curator of their own digital museum, sparking creativity and inspiration across the globe. This pioneering approach has influenced countless platforms, shaping the future of how we interact with visual content online. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rTERfOI8Wqo%3Fsi%3DK3MmsdNBDW7Aa5Jj Why Consider Pinterest Alternatives? Exploring Pinterest alternatives opens up a world of fresh possibilities for finding and saving new ideas. A Pinterest alternative often brings unique features to the table, catering to niche interests or providing a different user experience that might suit your style better. Whether you’re looking for more specialized content, a simpler interface, or just a new community to join, venturing into these alternatives can enrich your online discovery journey, offering new perspectives and inspiration beyond what you’re accustomed to. FAQs: Apps Like Pinterest Is There a Better App than Pinterest to Create Collections? While “better” is subjective, apps like Instagram and Tumblr offer unique features for creating collections. Instagram’s saved posts and story highlights and Tumblr’s blog format cater to different preferences, providing alternatives for those looking to organize and showcase their favorite finds in a personalized way. How Do Apps Like Pinterest Enhance Interaction with Other Users? Apps similar to Pinterest enhance user interaction by incorporating features like comments, shares, and likes. They also often include community forums or groups where users can connect over shared interests. This fosters a sense of community, making it easy for users to discover, share, and discuss ideas with others. Are There Any Apps Like Pinterest for Pixel Art? Yes, apps like DeviantArt and Dribbble are fantastic for pixel art enthusiasts. These platforms host a diverse community of artists and designers, including those specializing in pixel art. Users can explore, share, and discuss various creations, making these apps great resources for inspiration and connection. Which App Like Pinterest is Best for Web Designers? Behance stands out as a top choice for web designers looking for an app like Pinterest. It’s specifically tailored for creative professionals, showcasing portfolios that include web design, among various other creative fields. Behance allows designers to discover the latest trends, share their work, and connect with potential clients or collaborators. Which Photo-Sharing Platform has the Most User-Friendly Interface? Instagram is renowned for its user-friendly interface, making it a favorite photo-sharing platform for millions. Its intuitive design simplifies navigation, making it easy to upload, share, and discover photos. The platform’s focus on visual content and straightforward functionality offers a seamless user experience. Read More: Pinterest predictions Image: Envato Elements This article, "Apps Like Pinterest to Fuel Your Creativity" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Major world leaders are meeting for an AI summit in Paris, where challenging diplomatic talks are expected as tech titans fight for dominance in the fast-moving technology industry. Heads of state, top government officials, CEOs and scientists from around 100 countries are participating in the two-day international summit from Monday. High-profile attendees include U.S. Vice President JD Vance, on his first overseas trip since taking office, and Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing. “We’re living a technology and scientific revolution we’ve rarely seen,” French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday on national television France 2. France and Europe must seize the opportunity because AI “will enable us to live better, learn better, work better, care better, and it’s up to us to put this artificial intelligence at the service of human beings,” he said. Vance’s debut abroad The summit will give some European leaders a chance to meet Vance for the first time. The 40-year-old vice president was just 18 months into his time as Ohio’s junior senator when Donald Trump picked him as his running mate. Vance was joined by his wife Usha and their three children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel—for the trip to Europe. They were greeted in France on Monday morning by Manuel Valls, the minister for Overseas France, and the U.S. Embassy’s charge d’affaires, David McCawley. Before the trip, Vance made it clear that he intended to use the opportunity for frank discussions with European allies. “At the AI Summit, the main reason I’m going is actually to have some private conversations with the world leaders who are also going to be there,” Vance told Breitbart News. “I think there’s a lot that some of the leaders who are present at the AI summit could do to, frankly—bring the Russia-Ukraine conflict to a close, help us diplomatically there—and so we’re going to be focused on those meetings in France.” On Tuesday, Vance will have a working lunch with French President Emmanuel Macron, with discussions on Ukraine and the Middle East on the agenda. Vance, like the U.S. president, has questioned U.S. spending on Ukraine and the broader approach to isolating Russian President Vladimir Putin. Within six months of taking office, Trump promised to end the fighting. Vance also addressed what he views as a concerning trend in Europe regarding free speech, a topic he raised last year during his attendance at the Munich Security Conference. “Unfortunately, you’ve seen in Europe a really significant, and I think, frankly, an evil trend towards censorship,” he said. “And you hear a lot about America’s moral leadership. One of the things that America’s moral leadership is going to be about during President Trump’s term is free speech. We want people to be able to speak their minds, and we believe that free and open debate is actually a good thing. Unfortunately, a lot of our European friends have gone the wrong direction there.” Later this week, Vance will attend the Munich Security Conference again, where he may meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He plans to revisit themes he raised last year, including the need for NATO allies to take on a greater share of responsibility. Leaders in Europe have been carefully watching Trump’s recent statements on threats to impose tariffs on the European Union, take control of Greenland and his suggestion that Palestinians clear out of Gaza once the fighting in the Israel-Hamas conflict ends—an idea that’s been flatly rejected by Arab allies. Fostering AI advances The summit, which gathers major players such as Google, Microsoft and OpenAI, aims at fostering AI advances in sectors like health, education, environment, and culture. A global public-private partnership named “Current AI” will be launched to support large-scale initiatives that serve the general interest. The Paris summit “is the first time we’ll have had such a broad international discussion in one place on the future of AI,” said Linda Griffin, vice president of public policy at Mozilla. “I see it as a norm-setting moment.” Nick Reiners, senior geotechnology analyst at Eurasia Group, noted an opportunity to shape AI governance in a new direction by “moving away from this concentration of power amongst a handful of private actors and building this public interest AI instead.” However, it remains unclear if the United States will support such initiatives. “There’s a lot of complicated questions to resolve” around issues like the ability to control AI systems, Nobel Prize winner Demis Hassabis, founder of Google’s DeepMind research lab, said. “But also I think even more complicated are maybe the geopolitical questions about things like regulation.” French organizers are also looking for the summit to ignite major investment announcements in Europe, positioning the region as a viable contender in an industry increasingly shaped by a growing U.S.-China rivalry. France plans to announce AI private investments worth a total of 109 billion euros ($113 billion) over the coming years, Macron said, presenting it as “the equivalent” of Trump’s Stargate AI data centers project. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed opposition Monday to any moves to restrict access to AI tools. The release of DeepSeek has prompted calls in the U.S. Congress to limit its use for security reasons. “We oppose drawing ideological lines and oppose overstretching national security concepts and politicizing economic and trade issues,” Guo said. He said that China advocates for open-source AI technology and promotes the accessibility of AI services to share the benefits of artificial intelligence with all countries. India’s Modi is cohosting the summit Modi is cohosting the summit with Macron in an effort to involve more global actors in AI development and prevent the sector from becoming a U.S.-China battle. India’s foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, stressed the need for equitable access to AI to avoid “perpetuating a digital divide that is already existing across the world.” Macron will also travel on Wednesday with Modi to the southern French port city of Marseille to inaugurate an Indian Consulate there and visit the ITER nuclear research site. France has become a key defense partner for India, with talks underway on New Delhi purchasing 26 Rafale fighter jets and three Scorpene submarines. Officials in India said that discussions are at the final phase and the deal could be inked in a few weeks. Kelvin Chan in Paris, Ken Moritsugu in Beijing, and Aijaz Hussain in New Delhi, contributed to this report. —Sylvie Corbet and Aamer Madhani, Associated Press View the full article

Brendan Vaughn, editor-in-chief of ‘Fast Company,’ interviews Credo AI’s CEO on AI governance trends at the World Economic Forum 2025. View the full article

Revolutionize how businesses visualize and interpret data. Quick Tech Talk With Steve Yoss CPE Today Go PRO for members-only access to more Stephen Yoss. View the full article

Revolutionize how businesses visualize and interpret data. Quick Tech Talk With Steve Yoss CPE Today Go PRO for members-only access to more Stephen Yoss. View the full article

As a market leader, Rocket Companies rebranding comes in the foreground of several court battles and fluctuating earnings performance. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web. We are seeing some big chatter over the weekend...View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. If you’ve been thinking about getting a budget-friendly robot vacuum with mopping capabilities, you might want to check out the iRobot Roomba Combo Essential. This PCMag Editor's Choice-winning robot vacuum is currently $149 (down from $274.99), its lowest price ever, according to price trackers. iRobot Roomba Combo Essential $149.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $274.99 Save $125.99 Get Deal Get Deal $149.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $274.99 Save $125.99 It offers two cleaning modes: vacuum-only and vacuum-and-mop. Switching to the latter requires manually attaching the mop pad, which is then dragged along by the vacuum as it moves. If you’re hoping for some scrubbing power, this isn’t it—it won’t lift dried-on spills or heavy grime. That said, while it doesn’t have the suction power for a deep clean, it reportedly handles pet hair well, leaving no dust bunnies behind and avoiding major tangles in its brush roll. The Combo Essential comes with wifi support (specifically for 2.4GHz networks), so you can control it not just with the physical buttons on the vacuum but also through the iRobot Home app or with voice commands if you have Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. Setting it up is simple: Download the iRobot Home app, create an account, and follow the step-by-step instructions. Once connected, the app lets you adjust suction power and water usage, set up a cleaning schedule (though keep in mind it doesn’t create a customizable map), put a time limit on cleaning sessions, check its run history, and enable voice controls. Unlike many budget robot vacuums, the Combo Essential has a battery life of over 120 minutes and rarely gets stuck on common obstacles like chair legs or flooring thresholds (though it does bump into things as it tries to free itself from tight spots), notes this PCMag review. And since it costs a fraction of what high-end robot floor cleaners do, it lacks premium features like AI-powered obstacle avoidance or self-maintenance. Instead, it navigates using a combination of a gyroscope and infrared sensors. This allows it to clean in somewhat orderly rows, but it can occasionally get confused and re-cover the same area from a different angle. That said, it does a solid job of vacuuming and mopping small spaces. View the full article

The head of the U.N. AIDS agency said Monday the number of new HIV infections could jump more than six times by 2029 if American support of the biggest AIDS program is dropped, warning that millions of people could die and more resistant strains of the disease could emerge. In an interview with the Associated Press, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said HIV infections have been falling in recent years, with just 1.3 million new cases recorded in 2023, a 60% decline since the virus peaked in 1995. But since President Donald Trump’s announcement the U.S. would freeze all foreign assistance for 90 days, Byanyima said officials estimate that by 2029, there could be 8.7 million people newly infected with HIV, a tenfold jump in AIDS-related deaths—to 6.3 million—and an additional 3.4 million children made orphans. “We will see a surge in this disease,” Byanyima said, speaking from Uganda. “This will cost lives if the American government doesn’t change its mind and maintain its leadership,” she said, adding that it was not her place to criticize any government’s policy. Byanyima pleaded with the Trump administration not to abruptly cut off funding, which she said has resulted in “panic, fear, and confusion” in many of the African countries hardest hit by AIDS. In one Kenyan county, she said 550 HIV workers were immediately laid off, while thousands of others in Ethiopia were terminated, leaving health officials unable to track the epidemic. She noted that the loss of U.S. funding to HIV programs in some countries was catastrophic, with external funding, mostly from the U.S., accounting for about 90% of their programs. Nearly $400 million goes to countries like Uganda, Mozambique, and Tanzania, she said. “We can work with (the Americans) on how to decrease their contribution if they wish to decrease it,” she said. Byanyima described the American withdrawal from global HIV efforts as the second biggest crisis the field has ever faced—after the yearslong delay it took for poor countries to get the lifesaving antiretrovirals long available in rich countries. Byanyima also said the loss of American support in efforts to combat HIV was coming at another critical time, with the arrival of what she called “a magical prevention tool” known as lenacapavir, a twice-yearly shot that was shown to offer complete protection against HIV in women, and which worked nearly as well as for men. Widespread use of that shot, in addition to other interventions to stop HIV, could help end the disease as a public health problem in the next five years, Byanyima said. She also noted that lenacapavir, sold as Sunlenca, was developed by the American company Gilead. International aid, Byanyima said, “helped an American company to innovate, to come up with something that will pay them millions and millions, but at the same time prevent new infections in the rest of the world.” The freeze in American funding, she said, didn’t make economic sense. “We appeal to the U.S. government to review this, to understand that this is mutually beneficial,” she said, noting that foreign assistance makes up less than 1% of the overall U.S. budget. “Why would you need to be so disruptive for that 1%?” Byanyima said that so far, no other countries or donors have stepped up to fill the void that will be left by the loss of American aid, but that she plans to visit numerous European capitals to speak with global leaders. “People are going to die because lifesaving tools have been taken away from them,” she said. “I have not yet heard of any European country committing to step in, but I know they are listening and trying to see where they can come in because they care about rights, about humanity.” The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. —Maria Cheng, AP Medical Writer View the full article

Bond traders anticipate that yields will remain elevated — and range bound — until there's a lot more clarity on where the economy is heading. View the full article

Chess.com has a new subscription option for chess families and tight-knit players: a friends and family plan. The site, where players around the world can face off against live opponents, play bots, and solve chess puzzles, introduced its group tier in January, offering a players a discount on its top-tier offerings with the aim of winning the long-term loyalty game. For $199.99 a year, Chess.com’s “Friends and Family” Diamond Premium plan offers up to four people access to feature’s like an ad-free site experience, chess lessons, game reviews, and insights into how to improve their skills that would run an individual subscriber $120 a year. “It’s good for consumers, because it brings down the average cost of the membership,” says Erik Allebest, founder and CEO of Chess.com. “But then it’s also good for the business and for retention, because people tend to stick together and stay members together. Who wants to cancel a membership and then have all their friends lose their benefits?” Squaring the economics Chess.com’s subscriptions are more easily compared to music streamers that video platforms—with companies like Netflix and Max taking action to curb password sharing. Like an avid music fan who doesn’t want a friend or family member’s taste throwing off their recommendations, Chess.com users guard their rating—and passwords—fiercely. “Nobody wants to share their chess login—[someone could] play a game and mess up their rating,” Allebest says. “It becomes more important to have a friends and family plan, because you don’t just get to share your password and do it that way.” Music streamers also offer an example of how the group subscription economics could play out. In 2016, Spotify delighted customers by dropping their family plan’s price to just $14.99 per month. The move kept them competitive with Apple, but over time, the price has crept up—it now sits at $19.99 per month. That hasn’t had a negative affect on the number of people signing up for it, though. On its most recent quarterly earnings call, Spotify co-president and chief business officer Alex Nordstrom noted that its family plan is “making up a big proportion of [our] subscriber base.” Allebest estimates that with its current “all-time high” of approximately 1.5 million paying subscribers, Chess.com’s premium accounts make up about 80% of the site’s revenue. The new friends and family plan could eat into that bottom line in the short term, but sees long-term loyalty as something worth an early revenue hit. “If it’s $199 for up to four people, maybe six people in the future, you’re getting fewer dollars per person,” Allebest says. “The bet is that you’ll get lower dollars-per-user, but you’ll get a longer lifetime subscription.” Seeing what works Allebest says the site is no stranger to experimenting with different ways to attract and retain players. The company offers gift subscriptions—an effort he calls “moderately successful”—and micro-tests a variety of new features among Chess.com’s “Beta Club” of power users. “We’re not innovating dramatically here,” Allebest says. “But we are testing it. We tried a lower price. We’re going to try adding more seats to it.” Their metric of success will be subscriber turnover, or “churn” rates. Allebest says that he’s “constantly monitoring” the company’s churn, though he declined to share a specific churn rate. It’ll take a year, he estimates, until they know just how successful the program is. But Allebest is confident that the program will work out, as they continue to fine-tune it to be the best value. “I feel like paying a subscription for a service that provides utility in your life is fair,” he says. “[We’re] trying to find the right balance.” View the full article

ONS figures ‘in development’ highlight challenge facing government in improving health service performance View the full article

Saving money at the grocery store is easy on paper, but when I step into the aisles a new brain takes over. “Don’t you need chocolate?” and “Ooh, maybe chicken strips?”—the word “budget” has disappeared from my mind. For me, the best money-saving trick is to make a proper checklist of ingredients that are budget-friendly and that ideally can be used for multiple meals. Below, you'll find my budget-friendly grocery shopping list that keeps me afloat during crappy economic times—maybe it'll help you, too. I’ve broken down the list into main sections to clarify how I build my grocery list. However, everyone has their own way of cooking and eating so even if my list isn’t perfect for you (I'd be surprised if it was), you can still use these guidelines to save a few bucks. If you’re thinking, “just give me the list!” Then here you go. I keep mine as a checklist like this on my phone so I can easily check things off in the store. It keeps my eyes from roaming to the snack aisle. Feel free to make a copy and personalize it. Starches Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Starches are a big-time belly filler. They’re often one of the cheapest items in our grocery stores because they can be dried and sold in bulk. Cereal grains, etc. Rice, pastas, instant noodles, quinoa, oats—these dried items are affordable and can make multiple meals. For example, a 16-ounce box of pasta has eight servings. A 42-ounce canister of oats can serve 30. That’s a lot of breakfast for $7.50. Beans and legumes. Another bulk purchase, dry beans and legumes are shelf-stable, packed with fiber, and one bag can make many meals. I often buy hydrated beans in a can, but if you can get used to soaking your beans in advance then you’ll save money with dry beans. Potatoes. Potatoes are an old friend, but what I’m still surprised by is how full they make me. Two red potatoes is enough for a four-person serving of this lentil soup and one large russet potato can make enough mashed potatoes for two people. Bread. Bread can turn a humble egg into a whole sandwich or make a handful of tomatoes and onions into a filling panzanella salad. Divide a loaf of bread into bite-sized pieces and use them as a bulking agent in quiches, soups, and salads. Cheap mains Check the unit price on cuts of meat to see which gives you the cheapest option. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann The main event of a meal is often meat and that's jumping in price, too. Here are some ways to keep proteins in your diet without ruining your budget. Cheap meat. Instead of buying premium cuts of beef, opt for sausage (here's my sausage and beans recipe) or different cuts of pork. If you are buying beef, check for cheaper cuts by looking at the unit price on the packaging. You can see the difference in the picture above. Don't sleep on canned meat either, like tuna and SPAM. Seafood. Frozen shrimp is one of my favorite money-saving proteins. Look for medium-sized shrimp and toss them into rice dishes, soups, or pastas. Cheese. You might think of cheese as a topping, but an ounce or two of cheese can be a satisfying main component of a dish. Try pan frying a slab for your next salad or sandwich. Fats and flavoringIf there is any lesson that cauliflower steak has taught me, it’s that if you have enough seasoning and enough fat, anything can taste good. Stretching your budget might mean you buy less bougie food, but it doesn’t have to mean your food lacks flavor. Vegetable oil. Somewhere along the line we became bewitched with olive oil and forgot that there are other cooking oils. Olive oil and butter are at a premium at the moment, so grab a bottle of canola, corn, or vegetable oil for a much cheaper price. They’re actually better for higher cooking temperatures anyway. Save the extra virgin olive oil for finishing touches. Bullion flavoring. I’ve been relying on soups and stews this winter. Not only is it comforting but all that broth is filling. Instead of buying one container of chicken stock for each pot of soup, buy some concentrated bullion, or a jar of Better Than Bullion (they have a whole line with meatless options too), so you can make nine or 10 pots of soup for nearly the same price. Fruits and vegetables Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann There’s no doubt that getting in your fruits and veggies is key to a balanced diet, and fresh produce is often affordable. The problem in my house is waste. If I buy too much, then that’s money wasted. Try not to bulk buy fresh produce unless you have a plan for it, like an actual meal you know you’ll be making in the next few days. Fresh and seasonal. Fruits and vegetables that are in season or local often cost less than produce that’s out of season or was shipped a great distance. Buy asparagus and berries in the summer, and squashes in the winter. Stick to your year-round allies whenever you’re at a loss, like apples, cucumbers, potatoes, carrots, broccoli, and peppers. Canned and frozen. When it’s not berry season or the price of fresh spinach is getting you down, look to the frozen section. Not only will you be able to get a decent variety of fruit or veg but keep them frozen and you won’t have to worry about waste. Check out the canned section too. You can often find some cheaper gems there, like cans of sliced mushrooms for a dollar, canned beets, crushed tomatoes, and even potatoes. (By the way, canned mushrooms and potatoes are perfect for air frying.) Sticking to the store-brand options can help you save a few bucks, too. If you're looking for money-saving recipes to inspire your next grocery shop, try these. View the full article

If you’re starting a small business or developing a new product, you need to give it a name. That name will serve as your brand name and has the potential to become highly valuable. It is essential to choose something remarkable. However, picking an amazing brand name isn’t enough to position your business or product for success. Before you invest time and money into developing a brand reputation around that amazing name, there are some critical brand name legal questions you need to answer to avoid getting into big and expensive trouble later. Ask These Brand Name Legal Questions First Do You Want to Protect Your Brand Name? Do you want to ensure that no one else in your industry can use the same brand name? Consider the confusion that could arise for consumers if both you and a competitor share the same brand name. What happens if the competitor’s products are of lower quality than yours? You certainly wouldn’t want consumers to mistakenly believe that those inferior products originated from your company. The sole way to completely safeguard your brand name and prevent this issue is to register it as a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Is the Brand Name Also Your Business Name? If you’ve registered your business name in your state, you can start doing business. However, registering your business name (or “trade name”) is not the same as registering the brand name as a trademark. Yes, your business name and brand name could be the same, but a trade name identifies the commercial entity while a trademark identifies intellectual property that can be protected under U.S. trademark laws. Make sure you protect your business name as a brand name, too. Is the Brand Name Descriptive and Obvious? Does your brand name clearly describe the products or services it represents? Is it immediately apparent to consumers what your business, product, or service offers based on its brand name? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, protecting your brand name will be challenging, even if you are able to obtain a federal trademark. The less descriptive your brand name is, the stronger it becomes, leading to greater protection for it. For example, The Pool Store is extremely descriptive. If this store sells pool supplies and related goods and services, it would be nearly impossible to trademark this name. However, a pool supply business named Pulique, which doesn’t directly and obviously describe the products or services being offered, might be trademarkable and protectable. Does the Brand Name Include a Person’s Name or Surname, Geographic Location, or Generic Term? If your brand name features a person’s name or surname (including your own), a geographic location, or any generic term (such as “pool” or “store” from the previous example), obtaining trademark protection will be more challenging. In some cases, you may not be able to secure protection for the brand name at all. For example, The Pool Store couldn’t simply change the brand name to Johnson’s Pool Store or Newtown Pool Store and expect to be able to trademark it. The name would still be considered too descriptive and generic to trademark. Is the Brand Name Distinctive? Distinctiveness is the contrary of descriptiveness. A brand name that is descriptive lacks distinctiveness, and even if you manage to obtain a trademark registration, the protection for your mark will be limited. To secure the maximum protection for your brand name, select a name that does not in any way describe the goods or services offered. Here are three ways to choose a strong and distinctive mark: Use a suggestive name that takes some thought to figure out what it represents, like Greyhound or Chicken of the Sea. Use an arbitrary name that isn’t related to your industry at all, like Apple or Amazon. Use a fanciful or coined name that you make up, like Google or Exxon. Does the Brand Name Give You a Competitive Advantage in the Market (or Could It Do So in the Future)? One of the main reasons people trademark and protect their brand names is because those names give them competitive advantages in the marketplace. For example, there is no doubt that having the Apple name on a product gives it a competitive edge. Even if your brand name has not yet established a reputation in the marketplace, the goal of brand building is to create that reputation. Protecting your brand from the very beginning is crucial; otherwise, you risk wasting your hard work and losing your competitive advantage. Does the Brand Name have Commercial Value (or Potential Commercial Value)? Your brand name is like an energy source for your business. Digging back into science class, you might remember learning about potential energy (i.e., stored energy). Similar to that concept, your brand name is bursting with potential commercial value. If you don’t trademark and protect your brand, you’re not giving it a chance to store and later use that potential commercial value. Are You Willing to Protect the Brand Name? Here’s a hint: Your response to this question should be affirmative. Although trademark registration can be costly for small businesses, you will maintain your trademark rights indefinitely, provided you file the required renewal documents and continue to use your mark in commerce as it was originally registered. Federal trademark filing fees start at just $225. You should also conduct a comprehensive search before you file a trademark application (see #10), which can cost anywhere from $500 and up. Spread that cost over multiple years that you’re in business, and you’ll see that trademarks are actually very affordable. It’s hard to argue against getting trademark protection as soon as possible when you consider that protecting your brand could save you thousands or millions of dollars in the future if you’re accused of infringement. Are You Willing to Enforce Your Right to Protect Your Brand Name in the Future? If you’re not willing to enforce your trademark rights and protect your brand name in the future, then there is little reason to trademark it. The value of a trademark gives you the exclusive right to use your mark in specific lines of business. Trademark registration is intended to reduce consumer confusion so there is no question of who and where goods and services come from. If none of that matters to you, then trademark registration isn’t necessary. However, you can bet that it matters to other businesses. Unfortunately, your entire business is probably in trouble if none of that matters to you, so registering your trademarks is probably the least of your worries. Is Anyone Else Using the Brand Name? Being first is not always sufficient in branding. U.S. trademark law grants rights to the initial individual or entity that uses a mark (including a brand name) in commerce. Therefore, do not assume that you can use your brand name without facing potential trademark issues later on. In other words, clearing your business name as a trade name or doing a Google search or a search of the USPTO database to make sure no one else is using your brand name isn’t good enough. You need to conduct a comprehensive search of active and inactive trademarks, business names in all 50 states, social media profiles, domain names, common law, and more. This is a crucial area where you should invest both time and money, as someone else may already be using your brand name. If they have used it before you, they will hold the trademark rights to it. The lesson to learn is simple. Don’t fall in love with a brand name until you answer the critical brand name legal questions above. You just might have to change that amazing name. Phone Call Image via Shutterstock This article, "Essential Brand Name Legal Questions to Ask Before Picking One" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re starting a small business or developing a new product, you need to give it a name. That name will serve as your brand name and has the potential to become highly valuable. It is essential to choose something remarkable. However, picking an amazing brand name isn’t enough to position your business or product for success. Before you invest time and money into developing a brand reputation around that amazing name, there are some critical brand name legal questions you need to answer to avoid getting into big and expensive trouble later. Ask These Brand Name Legal Questions First Do You Want to Protect Your Brand Name? Do you want to ensure that no one else in your industry can use the same brand name? Consider the confusion that could arise for consumers if both you and a competitor share the same brand name. What happens if the competitor’s products are of lower quality than yours? You certainly wouldn’t want consumers to mistakenly believe that those inferior products originated from your company. The sole way to completely safeguard your brand name and prevent this issue is to register it as a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Is the Brand Name Also Your Business Name? If you’ve registered your business name in your state, you can start doing business. However, registering your business name (or “trade name”) is not the same as registering the brand name as a trademark. Yes, your business name and brand name could be the same, but a trade name identifies the commercial entity while a trademark identifies intellectual property that can be protected under U.S. trademark laws. Make sure you protect your business name as a brand name, too. Is the Brand Name Descriptive and Obvious? Does your brand name clearly describe the products or services it represents? Is it immediately apparent to consumers what your business, product, or service offers based on its brand name? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, protecting your brand name will be challenging, even if you are able to obtain a federal trademark. The less descriptive your brand name is, the stronger it becomes, leading to greater protection for it. For example, The Pool Store is extremely descriptive. If this store sells pool supplies and related goods and services, it would be nearly impossible to trademark this name. However, a pool supply business named Pulique, which doesn’t directly and obviously describe the products or services being offered, might be trademarkable and protectable. Does the Brand Name Include a Person’s Name or Surname, Geographic Location, or Generic Term? If your brand name features a person’s name or surname (including your own), a geographic location, or any generic term (such as “pool” or “store” from the previous example), obtaining trademark protection will be more challenging. In some cases, you may not be able to secure protection for the brand name at all. For example, The Pool Store couldn’t simply change the brand name to Johnson’s Pool Store or Newtown Pool Store and expect to be able to trademark it. The name would still be considered too descriptive and generic to trademark. Is the Brand Name Distinctive? Distinctiveness is the contrary of descriptiveness. A brand name that is descriptive lacks distinctiveness, and even if you manage to obtain a trademark registration, the protection for your mark will be limited. To secure the maximum protection for your brand name, select a name that does not in any way describe the goods or services offered. Here are three ways to choose a strong and distinctive mark: Use a suggestive name that takes some thought to figure out what it represents, like Greyhound or Chicken of the Sea. Use an arbitrary name that isn’t related to your industry at all, like Apple or Amazon. Use a fanciful or coined name that you make up, like Google or Exxon. Does the Brand Name Give You a Competitive Advantage in the Market (or Could It Do So in the Future)? One of the main reasons people trademark and protect their brand names is because those names give them competitive advantages in the marketplace. For example, there is no doubt that having the Apple name on a product gives it a competitive edge. Even if your brand name has not yet established a reputation in the marketplace, the goal of brand building is to create that reputation. Protecting your brand from the very beginning is crucial; otherwise, you risk wasting your hard work and losing your competitive advantage. Does the Brand Name have Commercial Value (or Potential Commercial Value)? Your brand name is like an energy source for your business. Digging back into science class, you might remember learning about potential energy (i.e., stored energy). Similar to that concept, your brand name is bursting with potential commercial value. If you don’t trademark and protect your brand, you’re not giving it a chance to store and later use that potential commercial value. Are You Willing to Protect the Brand Name? Here’s a hint: Your response to this question should be affirmative. Although trademark registration can be costly for small businesses, you will maintain your trademark rights indefinitely, provided you file the required renewal documents and continue to use your mark in commerce as it was originally registered. Federal trademark filing fees start at just $225. You should also conduct a comprehensive search before you file a trademark application (see #10), which can cost anywhere from $500 and up. Spread that cost over multiple years that you’re in business, and you’ll see that trademarks are actually very affordable. It’s hard to argue against getting trademark protection as soon as possible when you consider that protecting your brand could save you thousands or millions of dollars in the future if you’re accused of infringement. Are You Willing to Enforce Your Right to Protect Your Brand Name in the Future? If you’re not willing to enforce your trademark rights and protect your brand name in the future, then there is little reason to trademark it. The value of a trademark gives you the exclusive right to use your mark in specific lines of business. Trademark registration is intended to reduce consumer confusion so there is no question of who and where goods and services come from. If none of that matters to you, then trademark registration isn’t necessary. However, you can bet that it matters to other businesses. Unfortunately, your entire business is probably in trouble if none of that matters to you, so registering your trademarks is probably the least of your worries. Is Anyone Else Using the Brand Name? Being first is not always sufficient in branding. U.S. trademark law grants rights to the initial individual or entity that uses a mark (including a brand name) in commerce. Therefore, do not assume that you can use your brand name without facing potential trademark issues later on. In other words, clearing your business name as a trade name or doing a Google search or a search of the USPTO database to make sure no one else is using your brand name isn’t good enough. You need to conduct a comprehensive search of active and inactive trademarks, business names in all 50 states, social media profiles, domain names, common law, and more. This is a crucial area where you should invest both time and money, as someone else may already be using your brand name. If they have used it before you, they will hold the trademark rights to it. The lesson to learn is simple. Don’t fall in love with a brand name until you answer the critical brand name legal questions above. You just might have to change that amazing name. Phone Call Image via Shutterstock This article, "Essential Brand Name Legal Questions to Ask Before Picking One" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

TD has been adjusting its balance sheet to comply with a cap on its U.S. retail banking assets, imposed last year as part of its money-laundering plea. View the full article

Website migrations are one of the most challenging aspects of SEO. No matter how much experience you have in technical SEO, how detailed your plan is, or how thorough your checklist may be, unexpected issues can still arise. That’s why post-migration monitoring is just as crucial as the migration itself – especially in the first month when hidden problems are most likely to surface. This article tackles some of the most surprising post-launch errors I’ve encountered, along with practical tips on how to identify and resolve them before they cause serious damage. Random 404 pages This issue drove me crazy. It’s a nightmare for SEO testing because it skews every tool and report we rely on. When you can’t trust the data, it’s impossible to know what’s actually broken or how it impacts performance. During the post-migration phase of updating our JavaScript library, we noticed random 404 errors in our SEO tools and Google Search Console. The strange part? The affected pages weren’t consistent, and every time we checked manually, they loaded fine with a 200 status. As a result, all other reports became unreliable, making proper analysis nearly impossible. These random 404s often stem from server-side issues such as rate limiting, where the server denies access to bots after too many requests. Other potential causes include: Misconfigured caching. Inconsistent DNS resolution. Load balancer errors that occasionally route requests to an unavailable server. Identifying the root cause requires detailed server log analysis to track bot request and response patterns. And here’s the biggest lesson I learned: Without access to server logs, you’re fighting this battle blind. Ensure your SEO team has access to the necessary server log tools and, at the very least, understands the basics of how they work. Monitoring bot activity logs can help you demonstrate the issue to developers. Without them, you risk getting stuck in endless debates over the accuracy of SEO tools. Dig deeper: Website migration checklist: 11 steps for success Random 500 pages At first glance, this error looks similar to random 404s, but the cause is usually entirely different and just as difficult to diagnose. Even SEO tools like Lumar and Screaming Frog can inadvertently trigger these 500 errors while crawling. Years ago, one of the websites I worked on had a strict rule: no crawling on weekends and no exceeding three URLs per second. Every time we increased our crawling limits, the database server struggled, slowing down the entire site – or worse, crashing it. These errors often result from complex database queries overloading the server or improperly configured caching. Without proper caching, each request is processed individually, compounding the strain and leading to slow load times or intermittent crashes. And once again, the solution starts with server log access. Without it, you’re just guessing. Incorrect resource loading This was one of those moments where I felt like a digital Sherlock Holmes. The migration had been completed before I joined the company, and I first noticed the issue during an initial technical audit. The first clue? A mysterious drop in rankings and traffic shortly after the migration. There had been a Google update around the same time, so I couldn’t immediately link the decline to the migration. To complicate things further, this wasn’t a full migration, just a design revamp. On the surface, everything seemed fine. Pages loaded correctly, and styles and JavaScript worked perfectly for users. Yet, in Google Search Console’s inspection tool, the same pages often appeared broken and unstyled. The issue was inconsistent, making it nearly impossible to replicate in front of the dev team. As a new team member still building trust, convincing them there was a deeper problem wasn’t easy. In hindsight, my mistake was not checking the browser console earlier. Three months later, a single browser console message finally revealed the root cause: a script was loading out of order. Due to caching, Googlebot sometimes saw the website correctly and other times didn’t, explaining the erratic behavior. It was a tough reminder that small technical details – like the sequence of resource loading – and overlooking an obvious diagnostic step can significantly impact SEO performance. My key tip: Check your website in different browsers and carefully review the error and warning messages in the console. If you’re unfamiliar with developer terminology, consult an independent expert or even multiple AI tools for explanations. Non-existent URLs While investigating those frustrating random 404 errors, I stumbled upon another issue almost by accident. While reviewing Google Search Console’s report on pages discovered but not indexed, I noticed an unusual pattern – several non-existent URLs appearing under certain sections, marked as duplicate content. Instead of returning 404 errors as expected, these URLs resolved as normal pages with a 200 status code. This type of error presents two major risks: From an SEO perspective, search engines treat these URLs as legitimate, potentially indexing irrelevant or duplicate pages, wasting crawl budget, and harming rankings. From a security standpoint, it creates a vulnerability – malicious actors could generate thousands of random URLs, overloading the server. Unfortunately, this issue is difficult to detect before it becomes a real problem. In my case, I was just lucky. Don’t wait to stumble upon it. Make sure to: Regularly check whether sections of your site allow non-existent URLs to resolve with a 200 status. Build a list of key sections and test them monthly with your crawler. Even minor backend changes – not just full migrations – can trigger this issue. Prioritize pages generated programmatically or dynamically, as they are the most common culprits. Hreflang tags or canonical tags to non-existing URLs Managing hreflang tags on a multilingual website is challenging, and even small mistakes can cause big issues. On one website I worked on, we typically created pages in English first and then localized them. However, in some cases, only a local version existed, and the hreflang x-default was mistakenly set to an English page that didn’t exist. Incorrect hreflang tags confuse search engines, which rely on them to identify the correct language or regional version of a page. When these tags are wrong, search engines may struggle to understand the site’s structure or ignore the hreflang implementation entirely. Normally, we would have caught this in our migration checks. But at the time, we were buried in troubleshooting random 404 errors. We also made the mistake of not manually testing localized pages across different templates. To prevent this in future migrations: Make a detailed list of site-specific checks. Generic migration checklists are a good starting point, but they need to be customized for the website and CMS. Manually test localized pages across different templates to ensure correct hreflang and canonical tag implementation. Dig deeper: How to run a successful site migration from start to finish Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. JavaScript rendering failures JavaScript-driven content that users can see but search bots can’t is a common and often overlooked issue. This typically happens when widgets or content sections rely on JavaScript to render, but the scripts aren’t fully crawlable or properly executed by search engine bots. (Google offers a great resource to help you understand JavaScript basics.) If you’re unsure how a widget works, use this simple test: Does it display the full content immediately, or does it require user interaction? If it’s the latter, it likely relies on JavaScript, meaning search and AI bots might not see everything. To catch this issue, run both a JavaScript-enabled crawl and a pure HTML crawl, then compare the results. A quick manual test can also help. Search for a specific sentence or element from the widget in your rendered HTML source. If it’s missing, search bots are probably missing it too. Resolving this often requires improving server-side rendering or ensuring that scripts load properly for both users and crawlers. Since website migrations often leave little time for testing, make it a priority to run these two crawls post-migration to identify and fix any rendering issues. Dig deeper: A guide to diagnosing common JavaScript SEO issues Loss of tracking data Tracking data loss can be a subtle yet costly post-migration issue. In one real-world case, everything initially appeared fine. Analytics data was flowing and visits were being logged. However, after a few days, it became clear that users arriving via paid ads were losing their tracking parameters as they navigated the site. This meant subsequent pageviews within the same session were no longer attributed to the original paid campaign, disrupting remarketing efforts. The cause? Improper handling of URL parameters during the migration. Website migrations require cross-team monitoring, not just from the SEO team. While this issue didn’t directly impact SEO rankings, it still had major consequences. Before migration begins, triple-check your plan to ensure all relevant teams are involved. Migration testing should go beyond SEO, incorporating analytics, development, and marketing teams to safeguard tracking parameters and user attribution. Each team should have pre-migration reports for comparison after launch. While planning may not fall under SEO’s direct responsibility, identifying gaps in the project plan and raising concerns is essential. Dig deeper: 12 SEO pitfalls to avoid during a website platform migration Disappeared pages This case is a perfect example of why having pre-migration data is crucial. Everything appeared flawless during testing. The site functioned as expected on staging and even in production with internal DNS switched. But as soon as external DNS was activated, a third of the blog posts disappeared. The rest of the site remained intact, making the issue easy to overlook. With all teams focused on testing tracking, forms, redirects, hreflang tags, and canonicals, no one initially noticed the missing pages. Ironically, it wasn’t an SEO tool or a developer check that caught the problem, but a regional manager. A few days before migration, she updated a blog image and wanted to verify that the change had transferred. Not only was the image missing, but the entire blog post was gone. I’ll admit, I can’t explain exactly what caused this from a technical perspective. But the takeaway is clear: always conduct a full audit before migration begins. Using a crawler’s comparison mode can quickly highlight discrepancies like this before they become major problems. Impact on admin settings Not every issue affects SEO, but that doesn’t mean it won’t cause problems. During a backend update, we encountered an unexpected challenge: Lumar and Screaming Frog were overwhelming the CMS admin panel. Each time a crawl was initiated, the surge in requests made it nearly impossible for editors to update content or make changes. It’s important to remember that you’re not the only one using these tools. Crawlers are frequently employed for competitor analysis, meaning your website and CMS must function properly even under heavy crawling pressure. In some organizations, SEO teams don’t have direct access to the CMS or manage content updates. If that’s the case, ensure content teams go through their usual workflows with test pieces after migration. Coordinating this with SEO crawls helps assess how resilient your system truly is. The biggest mistake: Underestimating post-migration monitoring Website migrations, revamps, redesigns, updates. Whatever you call them, they’re always complex. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is underestimating the challenges involved. Any change carries the risk of something going wrong. Some errors, like broken redirects or missing pages, are immediately noticeable. Others, such as tracking failures or JavaScript rendering issues, may take time to detect. That’s why post-migration monitoring is just as critical as the migration itself. The best way to mitigate these risks is to: Create a detailed project plan covering all potential issues. Document everything. Run audits before and after migration. Collaborate across teams. A successful migration isn’t just about making the switch; it’s an ongoing process of monitoring, testing, and improving. Dig deeper: How to speed up site migrations with AI-powered redirect mapping View the full article

I love gimmicky social media trends as much as the next person, but that doesn't mean I understand what they are right away. For a few months, I've seen people on TikTok and Reels engaging in a "Sunday reset," but each reset seemed to be a little different—In one video, I'd see someone cleaning their apartment, and in another, someone would be doing pilates. Over time, though, the idea of a "Sunday reset" finally started to make sense to me, and I actually think it's a great way to incorporate a bit of structure and mindfulness into a routine before the work week begins. What is a "Sunday reset," anyway?There are over 500,000 videos tagged #SundayReset on TikTok right now, but since relatively few people use hashtags consistently compared to those who don't, we can go ahead and assume the number of Sunday reset videos overall is much higher. Search that term and you'll find all kinds of examples of people filming themselves doing something—usually a lot of somethings—on Sunday to prepare for the upcoming week. The problem is, the videos are all really disparate. One creator's Sunday reset might be a Costco run and a kitchen restock, another's might be meal prepping, another's might be cleaning the bathroom, and yet another's might include all the steps they take in their weekly self-care and relaxing routine. Examples of Sunday resets I've seen lately: Grocery shopping, fridge cleaning, and restocking Cleaning a kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom top to bottom Washing and switching out sheets, pillow cases, and comforters Doing the whole household's laundry Doing homework or professional work in a home office Bathing the dog Making a complicated, delicious drink and sitting down somewhere cozy to read So, what's going on? The idea here isn't that the Sunday reset is a predetermined thing that everyone has agreed to do ahead of a new week. Rather, it's more about shaking off any baggage from the prior week and getting the new week started with a fresh start, both mentally and physically. Imagine that your Sunday reset is really your way of beating back your Sunday scaries (remember when everyone said that?). Whatever you need to look ahead to for the week is your reset goal. Obviously, some forms of reset are oversampled on TikTok, as they lend themselves more to visually appealing videos. Restocking a fridge is a classic example of something that is both easy to film and satisfying to watch, whereas sitting down with a planner and scheduling out the upcoming week is less enticing for a viewer, so you'll see that much less when you're scrolling. How to make your own Sunday resetThe reason this works well as a concept is that it gives you some structure on a day of the week that might otherwise slip into laziness or freefall, so you get a little routine going and can feel more prepared going into the week. No matter whether you choose to clean up, prepare for work, or engage in self-care as your personal reset, make a goal to stick to doing this every Sunday, at least for a few weeks, to really feel its impact on your overall readiness and mood as Monday arrives. For me, a Sunday reset involves spending the morning and afternoon fixing up my apartment and the evening fixing up myself. I take out the trash, do my laundry, declutter, mop, and do whatever little home-based project I need to do. Last Sunday, for instance, I framed all the photo strips I've taken with my friends over the years and started creating a massive gallery wall, which was the perfect, sentimental way to bridge the gap between my "home improvement" and "self-care" reset sections. In the evening, I launch into a giant self-care adventure, focusing on haircare, skincare, a classic "everything shower," and finding the most fragrant lotion, softest pajamas, and tastiest tea in my newly clean home. Together, these resets prepare my space and my body for whatever the week may bring, but I prioritize these reset categories over, say, working out or grocery shopping, because they're the things I have less time for during the week and get stressed trying to schedule otherwise. To find your perfect reset, consider what you usually feel least prepared for during a given week and what you dread most as Monday approaches—then, get it all done on Sunday. For a few ideas, I threw together some checklists for resets in Google Sheets that you can use—just make a copy of the doc that you can edit. These are just suggestions based on general weekly cleaning guidelines and things you can do to get a head start for the work week, so feel free to customize it however you like. While you should follow a similar routine each week, this shouldn't be stressful or overly complicated. The idea is to get you prepared for what you need to do over the next five days and ease you back into work and non-weekend life easily, so be sure to approach this the way the TikTok creators are: Light some candles, prepare a favorite drink, listen to music, and wear your comfiest lounge attire. View the full article

A U.S. judge will consider on Monday the fate of President Donald Trump’s buyout offer to two million federal workers as Trump presses ahead with an unprecedented effort to dismantle government agencies and downsize the federal workforce. U.S. District Judge George O’Toole in Boston will hear arguments in a lawsuit brought by federal workers’ unions which claim the Trump administration’s “deferred resignation” offer to government civilian employees is illegal because the U.S. Congress has not approved funding for the scheme. Trump has tasked Tesla CEO and SpaceX founder Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, with overseeing the purge of employees through the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The actions of DOGE, which is not a government department, have sown panic in Washington and triggered public protests and a flood of calls from angry voters to Congress worried about the access Musk’s team has been given to sensitive information in government computer systems that contain data on government payments to Americans and personal details of federal workers. Musk aides have taken senior positions at key government agencies while the billionaire has pushed for the dismantling of others, including USAID, America’s humanitarian and development aid agency, and the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, the consumer watchdog set up in 2010 after the global financial crisis. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, PENTAGON NEXT Opposition Democrats and federal employee unions have decried the power Trump has bestowed on South African-born Musk, who appears largely unaccountable except to Trump himself. Trump says Musk does not operate unilaterally but only with his blessing. Musk and his team of young staff appear to be far exceeding the mandate given to them by an executive order Trump signed when he took office on January 20, in which DOGE was asked to provide recommendations on how to modernize technology used by the federal government. Last week Judge O’Toole temporarily paused the Thursday deadline for workers to accept Trump’s buyout plan, which offers employees pay through September if they resign now. While unions have urged members not to accept the offer, saying the Trump administration cannot be trusted to honor it, more than 65,000 government employees have so far opted to take it as of Friday. Reuters has been unable to independently verify that number, which does not include a breakdown of workers from each agency. O’Toole could decide on another temporary pause to the program, bar it outright, or allow it to proceed. A CFPB employee sounded downbeat on Sunday, saying even if the judge blocks the buyout program, he and fellow staff believe they will likely lose their jobs anyway. Russell Vought, Trump’s new acting director of the CFPB, sent an email to workers on Saturday night ordering them to cease virtually all work. On Sunday, workers received another email telling them the agency would be closed for a week starting on Monday. A labor union that represents CFPB workers filed a lawsuit late on Sunday to block Vought’s actions, arguing that he was violating Congress’s authority to set and fund the agency’s mission. The agency regulates consumer financial products and has long incurred the ire of conservatives, who view its existence as government overreach. On Friday, the same day his staff were reported to have entered the agency, Musk posted “CFPB RIP” on X, his social media platform. Trump said on Sunday he expected Musk to find billions of dollars of waste in military spending once he instructs the billionaire to turn his sights on the Pentagon. The aggressive moves by Trump and Musk are bringing new lawsuits on an almost daily basis. An effort to hollow out USAID is partially on hold after a judge’s ruling, and Trump’s effort to freeze trillions of dollars in federal loans, grants and other financial assistance has also been paused in a separate case. On Saturday a judge temporarily blocked DOGE from accessing government systems used to process trillions of dollars in payments at the Treasury Department. —Tim Reid and Nate Raymond, Reuters View the full article

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President Donald Tump’s recent declaration that he has ordered the Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies has raised legal and constitutional questions. “Let’s rip the waste out of our great nation’s budget, even if it’s a penny at a time,” he said in a post on Truth Social, adding that pennies “literally cost us more than 2 cents.” While Trump has touted the move as a necessary cost-saving measure, his authority to unilaterally eliminate a form of U.S. currency is far from clear. Elon Musk, who is somehow infiltrating American policy now, has targeted the penny through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). According to a post on X, DOGE claims the penny costs over 3 cents to make, with taxpayers shouldering a $179 million bill in 2023 alone. The U.S. Mint produced over 4.5 billion pennies in fiscal year 2023, accounting for nearly 40% of the 11.4 billion coins minted for circulation. The role of Congress in currency decisions The power to regulate coinage and currency specifications is explicitly granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. Historically, decisions about the size, composition, and discontinuation of U.S. coins have required congressional approval. For example, the elimination of the half-cent coin in 1857 was enacted through legislation, not an executive order. The Coinage Act of 1792, along with subsequent amendments, sets clear parameters for the issuance of currency, including the penny. The Act grants Congress—not the president—the power to establish and modify coinage. Any fundamental changes to the penny’s production, including discontinuation, would likely require an act of Congress rather than a directive from the White House. Executive authority over the U.S. mint The U.S. Mint operates under the Department of the Treasury, which falls within the executive branch. The president has the ability to direct executive agencies, but those directives must align with existing laws passed by Congress. While Trump may have the power to temporarily pause the production of pennies through administrative discretion, outright elimination of the coin would require legislative action. If Trump attempts to proceed without congressional approval, the move could be contested by lawmakers who view it as an overreach of executive power. Broader implications of discontinuing the penny Beyond the legal debate, Trump’s announcement raises larger questions about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. If a president can unilaterally end production of a coin, what other aspects of federal monetary policy could be subject to executive whims? While many economists have long argued that eliminating the penny makes sense from a financial perspective (given that its production cost exceeds its face value), the process for doing so has proven has proven elusive for decades. If Trump wishes to end penny production permanently, he will likely need to convince Congress to pass the necessary legislation. View the full article

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