Top Highlights from September 17 - 23!
Catch the Weekly Buzz with BAL! Discover the top social media news, creative highlights, and exciting collaborations.
Snapchat has launched a new AI-generated video tool, allowing creators to produce videos from text prompts, with image-based video creation coming soon. Currently in beta, the tool aims to attract creators and advertisers by offering innovative content creation options, setting Snap ahead of competitors like TikTok and Instagram. Experts see this as a significant opportunity for creators, but emphasize the need for clear labeling of AI-generated content. Snap has committed to transparency by adding disclosure icons and context cards to all AI-created videos, ensuring users are aware of the content’s origins.
At the Dmexco conference, Google introduced new AI-powered features aimed at improving campaign management, measurement, and optimization in Google Ads. These updates include AI-generated headlines, images, and enhanced image editing through Performance Max, alongside more detailed reporting and performance insights. Advertisers will also gain new tools for blocking keywords at the campaign level and buying demand-generation ads via Display & Video 360. While these features aim to increase ad efficiency and transparency, concerns around AI's impact on governance and brand safety remain a key focus for advertisers.
YouTube has launched a new feature called “Communities,” offering a Discord-like space for creators and fans to interact directly. The platform allows creators to set up dedicated spaces where they can engage with their audience through chats, posts, and other interactive content. Designed to enhance community building, “Communities” aims to deepen the connection between creators and their fanbases, offering a more personal and interactive experience. This new feature could help YouTube compete with other social platforms focused on community engagement.
Instagram has introduced new restrictions on teen accounts, giving parents more control over their children’s online activity. The update allows parents to manage who can interact with their teens, view their posts, and follow them. Teens will also receive prompts to review and adjust their privacy settings. This move is part of Instagram’s ongoing efforts to create a safer environment for younger users and address concerns about online safety, while empowering parents to play a more active role in monitoring their children's social media presence.
Meta has introduced new ad updates for the holiday season, aimed at boosting engagement and sales. These updates include easier-to-apply discount codes, personalized first purchase offers, and enhanced reminder ads to keep promotions top of mind. Meta is also allowing multiple landing pages in a single ad and adding options to target in-store shoppers and prospective tourists based on location and engagement. These features aim to help advertisers capture seasonal sales more effectively during the busy holiday period.
领英推荐
LinkedIn has updated its User Agreement and Privacy Policy, clarifying the use of publicly shared user data, including personal information, for AI model training to improve services. Unlike Meta, LinkedIn includes direct messages in this usage. Users now have an option to opt out of AI training, though most may not disable it. These changes, effective November 20, 2024, are aligned with regional regulations, particularly in the EU and Switzerland. Updates include enhanced content recommendation and moderation practices, provisions for generative AI, and expanded licensing to help creators grow their brands beyond LinkedIn.
CAMPAIGNS & COLLABS
Apple has launched a new ad campaign featuring Game of Thrones star Bella Ramsey, promoting the AI-powered features of the iPhone 16. Directed by Emmy-winner David Shane and Oscar-winning cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt, the three short ads highlight how Apple Intelligence can enhance daily life. The campaign will run across TV, YouTube, online platforms, select cinemas, and social media. This follows Apple's recent collaboration with The Weeknd for his “Shot on iPhone” music video, part of their ongoing creative partnerships.
Nike’s 2024 autumn collection, created in collaboration with the Serena Williams Design Crew, highlights the creative talents of design apprentices from Los Angeles. The collection features a lifestyle sneaker and five distinct apparel pieces that reflect Serena's unique style. Developed as part of her ongoing partnership with Nike, which began in 2019, the collection promotes diversity in design. The Victory Tech sneaker and other items draw inspiration from Los Angeles' iconic architecture, aiming to make an impact in both the sports and fashion worlds.
Ikea organized a creative campaign with Swedish agency ?kestam Holst NoA to give out free roller blinds to prospective "sleepfluencers" to darken their bedrooms. The blinds were used externally as advertisements promoting Ikea's sleep products. The campaign reflected Ikea's vision of democratic design and allowed users to share Ikea's message while sleeping. The campaign has received a lot of attention in Sweden and has the potential to be expanded globally.
Doritos is reviving its "Crash the Super Bowl" contest, inviting fans to create a 30-second ad for a chance to win $1 million and a trip to Super Bowl LIX. The contest, which ran from 2006 to 2016, produced some of Doritos' most memorable ads. This return offers fans an opportunity to outdo previous entries, with a strict rule against using AI in the creative process. The campaign includes digital ads and a submission deadline of November 11, with winners announced after a public vote in January.