Branded Threads Content to Barbie-Mania, and Everything in Between

??? Roadmap

• ??Threads to Introduce Branded Content Tools
• ?? Barbie-Mania Sweeps Retail
• ?? Walmart Drives Innovative Shopping Experiences
• ??Threads App Receives First Update
• ?? TikTok Taps Into Growing Gaming Community

?? Top Stories

Threads by Instagram to Introduce Branded Content Tools

Threads has quickly gained popularity and is emerging as a viable alternative to Twitter. Instagram is now focusing on enhancing Threads for marketers by introducing branded content tools. According to Axios, these tools will allow marketers to engage in paid promotion on the app, presenting a potential challenge to Twitter, which has faced difficulties in retaining and attracting advertisers. With the introduction of these features on Threads, marketers will have a new avenue for advertising, as direct advertising is not currently supported. Meta has stated that paid promotions will not be available on Threads until it reaches a significant level of adoption. However, branded content tools, including in-stream partner tags, can serve as an alternative method to promote products within the app.

Meta is also working to add government-affiliated media labels to relevant Threads accounts to help users identify when a media outlet is associated with a government entity. The purpose of these labels is to offer users more context and transparency regarding the source of news and information they come across on Meta platforms.

?? Fast Track

• Threads continues to gain popularity and emerge as an alternative to Twitter.
• Meta’s looking to expand its Branded Content tools to also cover Threads.
• Paid Promotions will not be available until significant adoption.?

Barbie-Mania Sweeps Retail: Brands Unite for Movie-Related Collaborations

Multiple brands have recently launched limited-edition Barbie merchandise, with over 100 companies collaborating in anticipation of the upcoming Barbie movie release. This trend has seen participation from a variety of businesses, including fast fashion retailers, food and beverage companies, and department stores. Notable brands such as Gap, Aldo, Forever 21, Primark, Hot Topic, Spirit Halloween, Béis, MeUndies, and Swoon have all joined in, offering Barbie-themed collections and products. These collaborations reflect the growing popularity of brand partnerships as a means to expand customer reach.?

By aligning their products with the iconic Barbie brand, companies are leveraging Barbie's longstanding cultural significance and widespread recognition to attract new customers and engage with existing ones. The limited-edition nature of these collaborations also creates a sense of exclusivity and urgency, encouraging fans and collectors to quickly grab their favorite Barbie-inspired merchandise.

?? Fast Track

• 100+ brands have collaborated for limited-edition Barbie merchandise ahead of movie release.
• Leveraging Barbie's cultural significance, brands attract and engage customers while creating exclusivity and urgency.

? Revved-up Campaigns

Patrick Mahomes, Becky G, and Barbie Drive Innovative Shopping Experiences at Walmart

Walmart is introducing an exciting digital-first shopping experience today, allowing customers to connect with their favorite celebrities and shop personalized carts filled with their preferred products. In collaboration with Patrick Mahomes, Becky G, and Barbie, Walmart has curated shoppable carts featuring their top picks from the store, catering to their unique preferences. This innovative initiative aims to make it effortless for customers to explore, share, and purchase these renowned favorites from Walmart.

?? Platform Directions?

Instagram's Threads App for iOS Receives First Update

Instagram's Threads app for iOS, which reached over 100 million users shortly after its public release, has received its first update. The update includes several minor changes, feature additions, bug fixes, and support for the recently launched iOS 17 public beta. Instagram software engineer, Cameron Roth, shared the news of the update on Threads, highlighting the ability to use the app on iOS 17 without crashes as a critical improvement.

TikTok Publishes New Report on Key Gaming Content Trends

TikTok has witnessed a significant rise in its gaming community over the past year, with over 3 trillion views on gaming content in 2022. Recognizing this trend, TikTok has released "What's Next: Gaming Trend Report" to provide valuable insights and help brands effectively engage with the gaming community on the platform. The report offers actionable takeaways and trend analysis supported by data, empowering businesses with the necessary tools to thrive and expand their presence on TikTok.

?? Quick Tips

• ?? TikTok has added an option where you’re able to download a video without the watermark?
• ??Instagram is working on social channels! This is going to be a great way to build community natively on the app.?
• ?? Important to note that Threads is still unavailable in the EU due to data privacy concerns

??Influencer Spotlight

• Influencers took the red carpet before the celebrities at the long awaited Barbie premiere:

• Alix Earle stole the show with her glam by Patrick Ta

?? Benchmark Report

Stay in the know?As the summer season approaches and students prepare to head back to school, Captiv8 performed a social listening analysis to uncover the trending brands among popular back-to-school snacks.

Download this report to find:

• The brands people are posting and talking about.
• Which popular snacks brands have been the most engaging on Instagram.
• Insights into why the top-performing brands generated so much buzz early in the year!

DOWNLOAD NOW