Find out about key developments in digital platforms. This special report explores how the toolkits marketers and brands use are leaping forwards in what they offer. get in touch for independent training and advice on how to make the most of them.
Indian social commerce firm Simsim helps small businesses ecommerce by introducing them to video and content creators. Simsim is only two years old and has 450m monthly active users. The deal is rumoured to be worth over $70m. Consolidation makes media planning and ecom easier.
Facebook and Instagram take on TikTok with this massive fund of bonuses and incentives to encourage content creators. They’re battling with the likes of TikTok and YouTube for eyeballs and duration
Clubhouse has moved beyond audio chat and launched its first text-based messaging feature. ‘Backchannel’ lets people send text messages to each other, create chat groups, and send links of images. Speakers can use it to chat with hosts, while listeners can chat with friends.
Following Reddit’s successful market entries in Canada and the UK, account teams and a dedicated office launched in Australia as the social network expands. There’s locally-based Community and Engineering staff, too, as part of the push for local brand partnerships. Reddit communities are loyal and passionate – yet mostly overlooked by brands.
The long-promised decision of blocking third-party tracking cookies from Google Chrome moves back to 2023. Hear the collective sigh of relief from brands and agencies? That’s because much more time is needed for most businesses to adjust. Don’t have a plan yet? Look out for Google’s own upcoming Privacy Sandbox system, that will allow sites to show targeted ads (while reducing the amount of data users share).
Instagram Reels became a key tool for brands, as Insta defended its market from TikTok. Reels let creators upload short-form videos which are selected by algorithms based on tailored preferences.
Pinterest rolled-out its shopping list feature to more countries, turning pins and boards into shoppable media, in addition to giving real-world inspiration through the integrated Lens camera feature. Shoppable pins come from product catalogues uploaded by verified merchants. Users who save the pins get alerts for price drops and product reviews, bringing people back to the platform. Look out for expanded merchant tools too.
Spaces launched on the web edition. This Clubhouse-style audio chatroom gives new opportunities for brands: hold online events, sponsor content, get thought leadership exposure, – there are many routes for nurturing their network, creating leads, and sharing information. Don’t forget the vox pops and market research too. Find out how:
This video-first feature is for creators who want to tell their stories using video, music and creative editing tools. It’s similar to the TikTok short video formats, letting influencers record and edit creative videos – with up to 20 pages of content. Tools include voice-over recording, background music, transitions and other interactive elements. The tools make agency-quality content more readily achievable and will particularly help small brands.
When they started testing in-app shopping in Europe with clothing brands, the excitement was palpable. The energy of the TikTok content can flow into shoppable media, and on into sales. ByteDance ran early tests with streetwear brand Hype. What’s next? Watch every social platform accelerate its shoppable media.
How brands stepped-up or adapted to the Covid world, with new products, services, campaigns and approaches. A collection of 30 examples from the toughest moments in lockdown.
