Chronically Online #2

Welcome to the November edition of Chronically Online! Puffer jackets and scarves have officially entered the chat. The weather might be getting cooler but one thing’s for sure – social is heating up! ??

This month, we’ll be covering the latest updates across social platforms, diving into some of our favourite Christmas ads so far and of course, giving you our very own eight&four recommendations. Let’s get into it! ??

What's happening on social? Our monthly round-up ??

Platform Updates

• Meta extends political ad blackout. Not wanting to involve themselves in US politics, Meta has announced an extension of their political ad blackout. Originally set to be in place from October 29th – November 5th, Meta has now extended this for an undefined period of time. With many political commentators speaking about online vote tampering to cheat the system, Meta wants to be totally clear in their (lack of) contribution.?
• YouTube encourages Shorts creators to request brand partnerships. Aiming to provide Shorts creators with another way to monetise their content, YouTube will allow individuals to prompt brands for potential partnerships - essentially, asking them to sponsor their clips. This feels like a great way for smaller creators to get their name out there and start to build longer-term relationships with brands online.
• X launched online retail site. Ever wished X did merch? Us neither but either way, they’ve just launched an online retail site. Currently offering a unisex t-shirt and trucker hat, both at a reasonable price of $35, this feels like an interesting move into the fashion space for Elon Musk. As SocialMediaToday report, “Musk has certainly built a cult following of his own, and those fans will no doubt be keen to buy themselves a t-shirt to show their support”.
• Meta introduces ‘Flexible Media’. Meta is rolling out a brand-new ad update named ‘Flexible Media’, designed to boost the effectiveness of placements by allowing different media elements to be displayed across various user segments. In a bid to shift towards a more automated measurement solution, this update will likely help refine content presentation.
• Instagram downgrades video quality. Instagram boss, Adam Mosseri has yet again stirred up controversy in his weekly Q&A IG Stories. He’s confirmed that the quality of video for Stories and Reels is downgraded based on engagement received. Designed to provide users with the best possible viewing experience, many have commented that less viewed content will lose out, confirming a suspected bias towards creators who drive more views. ??
• Australia vows to ban social media for under-16s. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to ban social media for children under 16 years old. The “world-leading” legislation aims to reduce the harm that social media is supposedly inflicting on children. This would be a world-first - and something that we're going to be keeping an eye on.
• Netflix encourages social sharing. Finally, introducing Netflix Moments. A brand-new update rolled out by the streaming service which allows users to save, relive and share their favourite Netflix scenes across social networks. With so many of their shows inspiring edits, memes and social commentary, this move makes the perfect sense.

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Content News

It’s…. CHRISTMAS! ????????

Well, not really. But judging by the amount of Christmas adverts popping up on our feeds, it might as well be December already! Here’s a few that we’re loving:

Uber spotlights its presence in the North. A different type of Christmas ad, but one that we’re really enjoying, even if it does make us feel extremely cold. The campaign aims to build awareness of Uber in 14 towns and cities in Northern England, after research highlighted that local communities were unaware that Uber even operated in their area.

Whodunnit? Waitrose might have an idea.. The supermarket’s have released their first Christmas ad instalment, featuring an all-star cast including the likes of actor Matthew Macfayden and comedian Joe Wilkinson. The ad follows a family prepping for Christmas dinner – until they discover someone’s devoured the dessert. Cue a series of Poirot-style interrogations, leading to a rather awkward gathering around the dinner table.

We’re left on a cliffhanger when Macfayden (who takes on the role of detective) realises who’s responsible. A refreshing move away from the usual tear jerker.

Malibu x RLSS

Throwing it back to warmer days, Malibu and Royal Life Saving Society UK gave us a masterclass in celebrity partnerships with their “Don’t Drink and Dive” campaign, starring Olympic diver, Tom Daley. A reminder to us all that 1 in 4 UK drownings involve alcohol.

Not only did they create a snappy hero video, which shows Daley baring all in a pair of red knitted speedos, but they built a collection of knitted beachwear available to purchase, with all proceeds going to the RLSS UK. A perfect tie between Daley’s passion for knitting and diving. ?

eight&four Recommends

Each month, we’re bringing you a BTS glimpse into what our eight&fourian’s get up to once their laptop shuts.

What are you..

• ?? Watching? “Blink Twice – can’t recommend it enough. Surprisingly funny for how dark the plot is.” – Lauren Dawes , Social Content Manager
• ?? Reading? “Brian Sanderson’s ‘Mistborn’ series. A fantastic set of fantasy novels, really well written and the perfect escapism.” – Joseph Pattison , Senior Motion Creative
• ?? Doing? ?“Lots of cooking and lots of eating! Last week, I made dumplings from scratch but now I have about 50 dumplings in my freezer.” Isabella Dal Col , Motion Creative

Thank you for reading the second edition of Chronically Online. The end of Q4 is looking to be pretty busy – there’s platform drama, a whole host of new platform updates and some brilliant Christmas campaigns in the works.

We hope you’ve found this helpful and given you some social inspiration for the coming month. ?

See you next month! ??