Strike Social

"Lower ad costs = better results." That used to be the golden rule. Until last year flipped the script. Facebook CPMs dropped by 51% in Q4 2024—a huge win, right? Not so fast. While advertisers spent less per impression, CTR plummeted by 54%. More reach, but less engagement. Why? Meta’s AI-driven Advantage+ expanded targeting. ? More placements. ? Lower competition. ? Broader audience reach. ? But that reach came at a cost—diluted relevance and ad fatigue. Our data shows that Q4 saw the biggest CTR drop yet—an 88% YoY decline. So, here’s the real question: Are your Facebook ads actually driving action—or just filling impressions? Our full 2024 Facebook Benchmark Report breaks it all down: ? What’s behind the engagement drop? ? How to balance efficiency with real performance? ? What to expect in Q1 2025? ? Get the insights inside. Download the report now. Comment benchmark or click the link in the comment section. ?? Repost this to keep your team updated. #Facebook #FacebookAds #Meta #paidsocial

Your YouTube campaign length matters. But what works best? Find out how flight duration impacts performance in Part 2 of our video series. ?? Missed Part 1? Get insights on CTV optimization: https://lnkd.in/gvyDvESq YouTube Advertisers #YouTube #YouTubeAds #paidsocial

Instagram is making moves. But will they work? First, let’s talk about what’s happening: ?? Follow our page for more social media news. ?? A standalone Reels app? Instagram is reportedly considering breaking Reels out into its own app. ?Why? Maybe to go head-to-head with TikTok—especially as TikTok faces U.S. restrictions. ? Sounds familiar? Meta tried this before with Lasso (RIP 2018-2020). Will it work this time? That depends. If TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, this could be Instagram’s chance to lead short-form video. ?? New algorithm changes—what’s working now? Instagram’s latest update is shaking things up: ? Original content wins – Aggregator accounts? Less reach. ? Engagement > Followers – Reels that perform well get amplified. ? Reshares are booming – 4.5B+ Reels are shared daily. So, if you’re relying on recycled content, you might see a drop in visibility. The algorithm is favoring fresh, engaging videos. ?? AI-powered reminders in DMs? Instagram is testing an AI tool that lets users set reminders from chat conversations. A small update, but it hints at Meta’s bigger AI push—think beyond chatbots and into automation. So, what does all this mean for marketers? ? Reels isn’t going anywhere—short-form video remains a key engagement driver. ? The new algorithm rewards consistency and creativity. Are your Reels built to perform? ? AI is creeping into everyday features—Meta is betting big on automation. ?? What’s your take on these changes? Will a standalone Reels app work, or is it another Lasso in the making? Let’s discuss. Instagram for Business (via BBC, Instagram, Social Media Today, LLC) source link in the comment section ?? #Instagram #MetaAI #creatoreconomy #reels

Would you trust AI to run your ad campaigns? Meta is shifting more ad controls to automation. But does Advantage+ actually improve performance? What’s changing? ? Advantage+ On by Default ? Meta now applies AI-driven targeting and budget optimization automatically. ? New Campaign Types ? Expanded Sales and Leads campaigns, with AI finding high-quality leads ? Opportunity Score ? A 0-100 rating that measures campaign setup effectiveness ? Meta Andromeda Update ? 8% improvement in ad quality and personalization Some advertisers see lower costs. Others see a drop in engagement. Where do you stand? ?? Repost if this is relevant to you & read the full breakdown here: https://lnkd.in/gKp5VGBK #Meta #MetaAds #MetaAdvantage #PaidSocial

What's New In TikTok? ?? TikTok Updates: Key insights on in-app sales, ad performance, and eCommerce trends. 1?? TikTok Reports Strong In-App Sales Growth in 2024 New data from Sensor Tower’s Q4 2024 Digital Market Index highlights TikTok’s expanding eCommerce footprint, particularly in the U.S. - $1.47 billion growth in U.S. in-app purchases from Q4 2023 to Q4 2024—outpacing the next four largest markets combined - $6 billion global consumer spending (including Douyin), up from $4.4 billion in 2023 - TikTok’s in-app revenue more than doubled that of any other app or game Sensor Tower also reported record-breaking Q4 ad spend in the U.S., with LinkedIn and Pinterest seeing notable increases. 2?? TikTok Study Examines ROI for Short- and Long-Term Ad Campaigns A TikTok-commissioned study by Dentsu analyzed ad effectiveness across 15 brands, revealing strong short-term performance. - 11.8 average short-term ROI, with 75% of advertisers seeing their highest returns on TikTok. - Sales impact extended up to four weeks post-campaign - 7 out of 15 brands reported significant long-term ROI, but many may be underinvesting in sustained strategies The study suggests that expanding short-term campaigns into longer-term brand-building efforts could improve overall results. 3?? TikTok Highlights eCommerce Growth on Its Platform TikTok’s in-app shopping continues to expand, with a new Ipsos study offering insights into user behavior. - TikTok’s interest-based algorithm connects users with brands based on preferences, rather than relying on a social graph - Creator-led recommendations are a key factor, as users perceive them as more authentic than traditional ads - The platform’s seamless shopping experience makes purchases easier, according to users As TikTok strengthens its eCommerce ecosystem, the platform is positioning itself as a shopping destination, with brands exploring new ways to drive conversions. TikTok for Business (via Sensor Tower, Social Media Today, LLC, Ipsos US) ?? Repost this to keep your team updated ?? Save this for your next hashtag #TikTok #TikTokAds #SocialCommerce?#paidsocial Sources in the comment section ??

What does leadership look like? At Strike Social, women lead with purpose, vision, and drive. As March 8 approaches, we’re celebrating the incredible women at Strike Social who lead with passion, purpose, and strength. This year, we highlight 9 incredible female leaders whose stories remind us that leadership isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you are. Swipe through to see how they: ?? Define leadership in their own words ?? Balance career and personal growth ?? Share their advice for future leaders Today, we honor the women who lead with purpose and strength. Happy International Women’s Day! ?? ?? What’s your take on work-life balance? Drop your thoughts below! ?? Follow Strike Social for more stories from our team #LifeAtStrike #InternationalWomensDay #womenleadership

What's New On LinkedIn? ?? LinkedIn Updates: Key changes rolling out on the platform ?? Follow our page for more updates 1?? LinkedIn Highlights the Role of Human Connection in AI-Generated Content LinkedIn has released new insights on how brands can balance AI-generated content with human connection. - AI-driven content that emphasizes emotion sees 40% higher engagement rates - Posts that evoke joy and humor increase interactions by 65% and lead to more form completions - Nostalgia can make innovation feel more relatable, strengthening audience engagement The findings suggest that while AI expands creative possibilities, it should be used to enhance storytelling, not replace it. 2?? LinkedIn Adds Email Analytics for Newsletters LinkedIn has introduced Email Sends and Email Open Rates to its Newsletter analytics, giving creators new ways to track performance. - Email Sends: The number of subscribers who received an email notification - Email Open Rate: The percentage of recipients who opened the email These updates help marketers compare LinkedIn’s newsletter reach to traditional email platforms. However, subscriber email addresses remain inaccessible, limiting direct audience engagement. While the changes offer useful insights, LinkedIn Newsletters lacks advanced email marketing features. 3?? LinkedIn Publishes New Guide for Live Event Marketing Live video events are gaining traction on LinkedIn, with a 15.3% increase in live broadcasts last quarter. The platform's immersive video feed also saw a 36% spike in usage. To support this shift, LinkedIn has released a 43-page Live Event Guide covering: - Step-by-step instructions for event setup - Audience engagement strategies before, during, and after a live broadcast - Key metrics to measure live video performance As LinkedIn expands its focus on video, live streaming allows brands and professionals to connect with their audience in real-time. The full guide is available for download. LinkedIn for Marketing (via LinkedIn and Lindsey Gamble) source link in the comment section ?? #LinkedIn #AI #Marketing #LiveEvents #Newsletters

Simplify your TikTok campaigns with this update. TikTok is making changes- and these updates will help you manage your campaigns better ?? Starting March 19, 2025, TikTok will update Standard Event names for web, offline, and CRM. These changes aim to align with industry standards and improve your campaign setup. Here’s what’s changing: ? Deprecations – Some events will be removed. They will still work for your current campaigns. Here’s what to update:: - Place An Order ? Use Purchase instead. - Click Button ? Use ViewContent instead. ? Renamed Events – No action needed, but best to use new names: - Complete Payment ? Now called Purchase. - Submit Form ? Now called Lead. ? New Events for Better Optimization: - Start Trial – Tracks trial sign-ups. - Submit Application – Captures form submissions. - Application Approval – Marks approved applications. - Disqualified Lead – Identifies unqualified leads. What You Need to Know: No disruption to active campaigns – but update your setup for future efficiency. Standard events improve tracking, reporting, and audience building. Adopt these changes to enhance your TikTok campaigns and see better results. Will this make your setup easier? Let’s discuss. ?? TikTok for Business ?? Repost this to keep your team updated ?? Save this for your next #TikTokAds campaigns #TikTok #paidsocial #updates

What's New On YouTube? ?? YouTube Updates: Key changes rolling out on the platform. ?? Follow our page for more updates 1?? YouTube Introduces Voice Replies, Shorts Promotion, and SIMS Effects ?? Voice Replies for Creators Now in limited iOS testing, this feature lets creators respond to comments with 30-second audio clips—adding a new way to engage audiences ?? Shorts Promotion Made Easier A new Promote button in YouTube Studio allows for: - Simplified ad setup directly within the platform. - Automated audience targeting to expand reach. - Seamless integration with video-on-demand (VOD) promotions. ?? SIMS Immersive Effect Creators now have access to new visual effects, enhancing creativity in short-form content. These updates aim to refine engagement tools and expand promotional features for Shorts creators. 2?? YouTube Viewership in the U.S. Shifts from Mobile to TV More people in the U.S. now watch YouTube on TV screens than on mobile, consuming 1B+ hours daily. To support this shift, YouTube introduced: - QR Codes on TV – Viewers scan to take action on mobile - Pause Ads – Ads now appear when a video is paused - Second-Screen Experiences – Interactive features let viewers comment, shop, and share while watching on TV 3?? YouTube Tops Spotify and Apple for Podcast Listening YouTube now beats Spotify & Apple Podcasts: ? 31% of weekly listeners | 33% of monthly listeners prefer YouTube ? 42% of U.S. adults favor video podcasts over audio-only formats ? Podcast ad spend projected to hit $2.55B by 2025 What does this mean for marketers? - Short-form content & video podcasts are shaping the future of digital engagement. - YouTube’s ad features create new opportunities for brands targeting CTV audiences. (via YouTube, EMARKETER , Search Engine Land) source links in the comment section ?? #YouTube #YouTubeAds #Shorts #Podcast #CTV #Streaming

Meta’s Advantage+ promises lower ad costs, but are you sacrificing conversions for cheaper impressions? Our latest data shows: ?? 51% drop in CPM – Ads are cheaper, but… ?? 54% decline in CTR – Fewer users are engaging. This raises a key question: Is automation delivering real results, or just cutting costs at the expense of conversions? ?? What’s inside the full breakdown: - Why CTR is dropping despite lower CPM. - When to trust automation and when to take back control. - Insights from Strike Social’s Senior Digital Media Analyst, Shyr, on balancing automation with manual strategy. ?? BONUS: Download Meta’s latest update sheet to share with your team. ?? Get the Strike Social 2024 Facebook Benchmark Report by typing "???? ??????????????????" Have you noticed a dip in conversions with Advantage+? Drop your thoughts below. ?? #MetaAds #FacebookAds #PaidSocial #AdTech