Top Highlights from September 03 - 09!
Catch the Weekly Buzz with BAL! Discover the top social media news, creative highlights, and exciting collaborations.
Instagram's new feature allows users to easily convert existing posts, especially carousel posts, into Reels, which typically achieve higher engagement. This user-friendly update helps content creators repurpose static content into dynamic videos, enhancing visibility and aligning with Instagram's focus on promoting video content.
TikTok has introduced a new feature, "Thought," allowing users to share short, text-based messages displayed in a speech bubble on their Stories bubble at the top of the inbox. This feature is quite similar to Instagram's Notes, appealing especially to younger users. While both TikTok and Instagram have been copying each other's features for some time, TikTok's "Thought" could potentially replicate the success Instagram has seen with its Notes. The feature is currently being tested with select users.
Snapchat is adding new ad options, including "Sponsored Snaps," which appear in users' chat inboxes without notifications, aiming to engage customers throughout the marketing funnel. While advertisers may welcome this, users might find it intrusive. Snapchat is also introducing "Promoted Places" for businesses on Snap Map and providing enhanced analytics for advertisers. The platform is now focusing more on small and medium-sized businesses to drive stable revenue growth.
X has launched the beta version of X TV, a new app for big-screen video content that resembles YouTube TV. It features AI-driven trending content and plans to offer new ad options. Current content includes shows from Khloe Kardashian, Tucker Carlson, and others. Despite past challenges with integrating video, X aims to enhance video engagement on larger screens.
YouTube now allows Shorts creators to customize their thumbnail frames by adding text and filters after upload. While custom thumbnails for Shorts aren’t available yet, this feature offers more ways to enhance Shorts presentation. YouTube believes that thumbnails are less crucial for Shorts since they’re primarily viewed in a full-screen feed. The platform is considering additional thumbnail features in the future.
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TikTok has introduced enhanced safety measures to better protect its teen users. These updates include tighter privacy settings, new time management tools, and customized content restrictions for users aged 13-17. The platform is also rolling out a new notification control feature, allowing teens to limit when they receive push notifications. By promoting healthier online habits and creating a safer space for younger users, TikTok aims to provide a more secure and balanced environment for teens on its platform.
CAMPAIGNS & COLLABS
Canva's "Love Your Work" campaign promotes creativity and engagement at work, inspired by a report showing only 23% of employees feel engaged. The campaign highlights how Canva's tools help streamline tasks and foster creativity. Featuring a hero film and shorter ads, it targets sports platforms, OOH ads, and social media, demonstrating Canva’s role in enhancing workplace efficiency and satisfaction.
Applebee’s new campaign, “Serving Up the NFL,” features NFL stars Brock Purdy, Saquon Barkley, and Dan Campbell promoting their 50-cent boneless wings. The spots, which air on TV and digital platforms, show the stars interacting with diners and adding a football twist to the experience. A six-part miniseries on Applebee’s social media follows the NFLers through a mock “training camp” to become servers. Fans can also enter to win a trip to Super Bowl LIX by making purchases of $10 or more.
The potential reunion of iconic British rock band Oasis offers valuable insights into successful branding. It highlights how nostalgia, authenticity, and emotional connection with audiences can create long-lasting brand loyalty. Just like a well-managed brand, the band's legacy thrives on its core identity, consistency, and the emotional resonance it built with fans. These elements serve as a reminder for brands to stay true to their roots while continuously engaging with their audience, showing that authenticity and emotional value are key to lasting success.
To celebrate the release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Google’s latest ‘New Ways to Search’ campaign, created by 72andSunny, brings back the iconic shrunken-headed Bob as an afterlife influencer. The humorous ad shows Bob navigating modern life with the help of Google’s AI tools like Gemini and Lens, using them for everything from skincare routines to shopping for a night out. This fun blend of pop culture and cutting-edge AI highlights Google’s innovative features while paying tribute to the quirky Beetlejuice universe.