Top Highlights from October 15-21!
Catch the Weekly Buzz with BAL! Discover the top social media news, creative highlights, and exciting collaborations.
Instagram is introducing new safety features to protect teens from sextortion and inappropriate content. The platform is enhancing privacy settings, sending alerts about suspicious behavior, and offering resources to help teens recognize and report harmful situations. These updates are part of Instagram’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding young users in an increasingly challenging online environment.
Adobe is introducing cutting-edge AI-driven tools designed to revolutionize video editing, animation, and 3D design. At its annual Sneaks event, the company revealed features like instant AI-powered animations, simplified 3D modeling, and enhanced video editing options. These innovations aim to streamline creative workflows, enabling creators to bring their ideas to life more efficiently, and setting a new standard for digital creativity.
Instagram introduces Profile Cards, allowing users to share their profiles more easily through customizable digital cards with QR codes or direct links. This feature simplifies profile sharing and networking, offering a streamlined way for users to connect both online and offline. It enhances the user experience, making it more convenient to share profiles in various settings.
Google Flights has added a new “Cheapest Time” tab to help users find the best times to book flights at the lowest prices. This feature highlights the most affordable travel dates, making it easier for budget-conscious travelers to plan trips without breaking the bank. By providing insights into fare trends, Google Flights is making air travel more accessible and affordable for users looking to save on their next adventure.
TikTok is notifying users about its upcoming Notes feature, even though it’s not yet available in many regions, including the U.S. Users are encouraged to opt in, allowing their content, such as profiles and public posts, to be shown on Notes to increase discoverability. TikTok emphasizes that this decision is permanent. The platform is likely building a content base for a broader launch, raising potential concerns about data sharing and privacy within its growing ecosystem of features.
You can use carousels for more interaction and visibility on Instagram. Carousels, where you can add up to 20 frames of photos and support them with music, offer more chances to interact with your followers. If users do not go past the first frame, Instagram automatically shows the next frame. Carousels can also appear in the Reels tab if music is added, and you can make your content more attractive by using different image formats and text overlays.
CAMPAIGNS & COLLABS
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McDonald’s latest McRib campaign takes a playful approach, casting the beloved sandwich as a “celebrity” making a grand return. The ad taps into its cult-like following, showing over-the-top reactions from fans who treat the McRib’s comeback like the return of a rock star. The humorous yet nostalgic tone underscores the emotional connection people have with the McRib, making the campaign a fun celebration of one of McDonald’s most iconic offerings.
To celebrate 10 years of creative partnership, Farm Rio and Adidas unveil a striking campaign featuring skydiving athletes in vibrant, nature-inspired apparel. As the athletes perform synchronized stunts mid-air, the campaign symbolizes the spirit of unity and collaboration, while showcasing the colorful, bold designs that define the two brands’ iconic partnership. It’s a daring fusion of fashion and athleticism, celebrating a decade of innovation.
TikTok Shop has partnered with the British Beauty Council to help British beauty brands harness the power of social commerce through LIVE shopping. During British Beauty Week, TikTok Shop will highlight success stories like L’Oréal Paris and Mitchell Halliday, who made $1M in a day, showcasing how brands can use interactive features to drive growth. The partnership includes a LIVE session with Halliday and a panel offering insights on unlocking the potential of TikTok’s social shopping platform.
Ray-Ban and Meta introduce their new smart glasses in a campaign starring Anderson .Paak, Tinashe, and James Blake. The campaign showcases how these stylish glasses allow users to capture and share life’s most authentic moments without missing a beat. Each artist brings their unique perspective, showing how technology can blend seamlessly with creativity, fashion, and spontaneity, making it easier to live in the moment and share real-life experiences.
Google Maps partners with the upcoming feature film Here to launch an immersive experience that allows users to explore personal memories and locations. Inspired by the film’s themes of time and place, the campaign lets users pinpoint their own meaningful spots on the map, offering an interactive journey through their life’s most significant moments. Through this creative collaboration, Google Maps turns the everyday act of navigation into a personal storytelling experience, connecting users to places that matter most to them.
Speaqua Sound has launched a limited-edition speaker collection in partnership with the Rolling Stones, featuring their iconic lips and tongue logo. Directed by Gabriel Novis, the campaign follows a skateboarder through New York, set to “Angry” from the Stones’ latest album Hackney Diamonds. Shot on 16mm film, the ad aims to capture the timeless feel of the band. Speaqua describes the collection as a blend of rock and roll spirit with their adventure-ready design.
Spotify has partnered with FC Barcelona to feature Coldplay’s Moon Music logo on the Bar?a jersey for El Clásico on October 26 and the Femení match on November 2. Coldplay, the most-streamed British band on Spotify, has a long-standing connection with the club, dating back to their song “Viva la Vida” becoming an unofficial anthem. This limited-edition jersey will be available from October 18, with proceeds going to the UN Refugee Agency. Additionally, Coldplay will curate a special Bar?a Matchday playlist, and a lifestyle merchandise collection will also launch.