Instagram monetises TikTok-style Reels with ads
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.
TikTok launches #CreativityForGood challenge ahead of Cannes Lions Awards
To coincide with the Cannes Lions awards festival, TikTok is launching a promotion called #CreativityForGood, which will invite people to create a TikTok-style campaign or advertisement for a cause they care about.
Pinterest campaign inspires post-pandemic lifestyles
Pinterest has unveiled a new brand campaign, just as people are re-evaluating their post-pandemic lives and how they will spend their time.
Twitter Spaces: the audio chat heats up
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:
Twitter planning ‘Blue’ £2.49 subscription service
Twitter is planning a new subscription service which has started being listed on app stores, in an indication that the social media giant is preparing to trial the offering soon.
Third of influencer marketers impacted by bot fraud
A third (33%) of influencers in the UK are impacted by fraud, with inauthentic follwers on comments that can skew their effectiveness, according new research.
‘Idea Pins’ take on TikTok
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.
TikTok in-app shopping is here
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.
Social media users could be asked for age check to protect children
Ofcom is planning to force people to verify their age before using social media platforms, under new government plans to protect children.
Reddit starts in-house creative agency
To get more attention from brands, and make the process easier, Reddit has launched “KarmaLab”. The agency provides social listening and trends reports, community management assistance, creative workshops and campaign development. This adds to the growing ad offering, which now includes a wider range of video options.
TikTok UK user numbers ‘will surpass 13 million this year’
Tiktok users to surpass 13 million people, overtaking Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Twitter in terms of share of social network users by 2022, according to new research.
Clubhouse audio chat launches on Android
The much-awaited rollout to Android boosted audience reach and helped turn this into a more viable platform for brands. Audience numbers and profile are key for reaching the critical mass needed in PR and advertising campaigns. Clubhouse is growing fast and looking set to become a powerful channel for brands that have creative ideas that fit the format.
78% of comms leaders say protecting their brand’s reputation is unmanageable
Brand protection is an impossible job for 78% of UK comms leaders, following significant increases in reputational threats such as employee activism and cancel culture, according to new research.
Twitter revenue beats expectations but user growth falters
Twitter increased quarterly revenue on the strength of ad sales, but its user numbers fell short of expectations.
TikTok lead generation launch
The lead generation tool is a first-party solution that encourages users to signal their interest in a product or service by filling out a form with their information. It spans everything from the latest beauty products, fashion and food, to services like booking a test drive in a new car. All packaged in a very TikTok way.
Inskin Media partners Right Thing Media for social impact advertising
High impact digital advertising firm InSkin Media has teamed up with with Right Thing Media to amplify campaigns with a positive social change message, all while utilising InSkin’s marketplace.
Snapchat takes on TikTok with ‘Spotlight’
Snapchat has seen strong increases in both usage and revenue as the social media pioneer pushed its product development. ‘Spotlight’ – the feed of short video clips – also provides cash incentives of up to $1m per day for the best, most engaging Spotlight shorts. Several creators have made big money, and it’s boosted creative competition. Find out how…
Global social media ad spend grows 60% year-over-year
Global ad spend grew 60% in Q1 this year versus the same period in 2020, signalling that brands are investing heavily despite the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
OK COOL launches TikTok Studio: Nike and JD Sports first to sign up
Global creative agency OK COOL has launched OK COOL TIKTOK Studio– a full-service creative suite with an innovative 360 TikTok offering that’s backed up by OK COOL’s market-leading knowledge and experience with GenZ culture.
Facebook takes on Clubhouse with live audio chat rooms and ‘Soundbites’
Facebook is adding podcasts and ‘live audio rooms’ as the ” social network looks to capitalise on the growing shift towards sound-based chat apps like Clubhouse.