Tag: snapchat news

Weekend Digital Media Round-up: Google Chrome’s Ad Blocking Impact, Twitter’s Manipulated Media Policy, Facebook’s New Tools in Messenger Kids & more…

1. Chrome’s coming changes to video ad blocking could impact YouTube

Google Chrome’s ad blocking efforts will soon extend to “intrusive” video ads in short-form videos. The browser will adopt the latest standards for video ads from the Coalition for Better Ads. The changes will apply to certain pre-roll, mid-roll and non-linear display ads — and could affect advertising formats on Google’s own YouTube. [Source: MarTech Today]

2. Twitter Unveils New ‘Manipulated Media’ Policy to Limit the Impact of Deepfakes

Twitter unveiled its official rule against the posting of deceptive manipulated content, while it’s also launching a new tag for detected edited material. It’ll likely be impossible to stop deepfakes from having any impact, but prompt labeling like this could act as a significant deterrent. [Source: Social Media Today]

3. Facebook Adds New Controls and Data Transparency Tools in Messenger Kids

Facebook is rolling out a new series of updates for Messenger Kids which will give parents more oversight into their child’s activity in the app, and more ways to control their data, as logged by Facebook’s system. [Source: Social Media Today]

4. Byte – the Revamp of Vine – Was Downloaded 1.3 Million Times in Its First Week

Byte reached 1.3 million downloads in its first week, surpassing Vine’s performance in the same time period after launch and it’ll definitely pique the interest of many marketers considering the potential of ‘the next big thing’. [Source: Social Media Today]

5. Now, get your Google Shopping ads on Gmail, Discover, YouTube

Google is opening up more inventory to standard Shopping campaigns. Product Shopping and Showcase Shopping ads will be eligible to show on Gmail — as well as YouTube and Discover feed — starting the week of March 4 when those campaigns are opted into the Display Network. [Source: Search Engine Land]

6. Facebook Cautions Against the Pitfalls of Too Much Personalization in New Report

Facebook notes in its latest report, it’s not always applicable, and in some cases, increased personalization can actually have negative impacts on campaign performance. Facebook advises that businesses should analyze the extent to which personalization is relevant to their offerings [Source: Social Media Today]

7. Quora adds features to help advertisers measure and attribute conversions more accurately

Quora announced two new features in its ad platform designed to help advertisers measure and attribute conversions: Advanced Match and Conversions Windows. The ‘Advanced Match’ tool will enable advertisers to leverage their customer data more accurately and the ‘Conversion Window’ feature will allow advertisers to better customize attribution for their conversion cycles. [Source: Marketing Land]

8. Facebook Adds ‘One-Time Notification’ API to Messenger for Business

Facebook has launched a new ‘one-time notification’ API for businesses on Messenger, which will enable brands to get in back contact with potential customers with updates relevant to their interests. The option adds to business’ capacity to stay in touch with users via direct message. [Source: Social Media Today]

9. Filter, sort, bulk manage product groups in Microsoft Shopping soon

A new list view and scripts support are coming to product groups in Microsoft Shopping that will give advertisers much more flexibility in managing their campaigns. A new list view and scripts support are coming to product groups in Microsoft Shopping that will give advertisers much more flexibility in managing their campaigns. [Source: Search Engine Land]

10. Facebook Provides New Resources to Help Gaming Creators Manage their Communities

Facebook has worked with the Fair Play Alliance, a coalition of game companies which are working to encourage healthy communities in online gaming, to establish a new set of rules that creators and moderators can apply to set clearer guidelines around such within their gaming streams and discussions. [Source: Social Media Today]

February 7, 2020
Weekend Digital Media Round-up: Google Search Console’s New Removal Tool, Facebook’s Evolving Privacy Tools, Pinterest’s New AR Feature & more…

1. Google Search Console launches new removals tool

Google has launched a new removals tool within Google Search Console. This tool does three things (1) lets you temporarily hide URLs from showing in Google search, (2) show you which content is not in Google because it is “outdated content” and (3) shows you which of your URLs were filtered by Google’s SafeSearch adult filter. [Source: Search Engine Land]

2. Facebook Outlines Evolving Privacy Tools on Data Privacy Day

Marking Data Privacy Day, Facebook has this week outlined its evolving efforts to provide users with more control over how their personal data is accessed, and how they can maintain awareness and control over such to avoid potential misuse. [Source: Social Media Today]

3. Pinterest debuts AR feature that lets users try on lipstick before buying

Pinterest has launched ‘Try On” – a new augmented reality (AR) feature that enables users to virtually try on various lipstick shades suited their complexion. Users can then save the Pin for later shopping or buy through the retailer’s site. [Source: Marketing Land]

4. All Google Ads Campaigns to Utilize Standard Delivery As of May 2020

Google Ads is making standard delivery the only ad delivery method for all campaigns, including Display, Video, App, and Hotel campaigns. Advertisers can have even greater control over how their ads are delivered throughout the day by using ad scheduling. With ad scheduling, advertisers can set their bids higher or lower during specific times of the day. [Source: Search Engine Journal]

5. TikTok Signs New Music Licensing Deals to Enable Increased Music Usage and Partnerships

TikTok has signed an agreement with Merlin, an agency which represents a range of independent music labels and artists. Now that it has the attention of brands they are working sharing its revenue streams with top creators, while also generating optimal results for brand partners. [Source: Social Media Today]

6. Google is Working on Chatbots Which Can Engage in a More Genuine, Human Conversation

Google has shown a glimpse of the potential way forward, via a new bot system that it’s developing, which can recognize significantly more patterns of conversation, and hold a discussion with you to an almost human degree. [Source: Social Media Today]

7. Byte, a 6-Second Looping Video App, Launches on iOS and Android

A new social media app called Byte, created by a co-founder of Vine, is now available on iOS and Android. It aims to be a direct successor to Vine by letting users create and share 6-second looping videos, as well as browse through content on a decidedly minimalist user interface. [Source: Social Media Today]

8. Snapchat Publishes New Data on Brand Expectations Among Gen Z Consumers

Snapchat recently partnered with the team from CASSANDRA in order to seek opinions from Gen Z consumers around what they expect, in terms of innovation, from the brands. The responses underlined that the core brand fundamentals, like price and quality, are still critical in the Gen Z decision-making process. [Source: Social Media Today]

9. Google Will Re-Assess its New-Look Desktop Search Display After Criticism of the Latest Update

Google rolled out a new display format for its desktop search result listings. But these changes have seen significant criticism as this format makes it harder for users to distinguish between paid ads and actual, earned results. Hence, Google has taken note, announcing on Twitter that it will review its updated format. [Source: Social Media Today]

10. Facebook Outlines Content Review Board Process, Which Will Provide Independent Case Assessments

Facebook has mapped the next stages for the implementation of its independent Content Oversight Board, which will help the platform make more informed decisions on what should and should not be allowed to be shared across its network under its rules. [Source: Social Media Today]

January 31, 2020
Weekend Digital Media Round-up: Google Ad’s Sunsetting Message Extensions, Snapchat’s New ‘Bitmoji TV’, Quora’s Lead Gen Form Ads and more…

1. Google to sunset Message Extensions in Google Ads

Google announced that message extensions will be sunset in AdWords and Google Ads APIs and Google Ads scripts. The sunset date is January 27, 2020. Message extensions will no longer serve, users will not be able to create new message extensions or update existing extensions but will still be able to retrieve data for existing message extensions. [Source: PPC Land]

2. Snapchat will launch Bitmoji TV, a personalized cartoon show

Snapchat’s most popular yet under-exploited feature is finally getting the spotlight in 2020. Starting in February with a global release, your customizable Bitmoji avatar will become the star of a full-motion cartoon series called Bitmoji TV. [Source: TechCrunch]

3. Quora launches Lead Gen Forms Ads

Quora launched a new beta with Lead Gen Forms Ads, enabling advertisers to gain leads directly on Quora’s platform. Quora Lead Gen Forms information is delivered via a downloadable CSV in Ads Manager within 180 days, or it automatically adds each new lead into advertiser’s CRM. [Source: PPC Land]

4. Twitter Previews Potential Enhancements for Lists and Topics, Including Activity Details and Location Sorting

Twitter is working to give lists and topics even more focus, with a range of updates designed to help improve content discovery and connect more people – particularly new users – to increasingly relevant, engaging tweet content. [Source: Social Media Today]

5. Facebook Removes Option to Create a Messenger Account Without a Facebook Profile

Facebook quietly removed the option for people to sign up for a Messenger account without an active Facebook profile. The removal of this option is a small step, but it works to further solidify and merge Facebook’s various tools. [Source: Social Media Today]

6. Google Ads Ends Support via Twitter and Facebook

Google Ads stop providing support on Twitter and on Facebook, starting on January 1, this year. Google says users can get support via a form for all Google Ads account-related questions. [Source: PPC Land]

7. New Bingbot User Agents Will Streamline SEO

Bing announced brand new user agents for crawling web pages. The new user agents will be continually updated and as a consequence, the user agent strings will also change to reflect the latest rendering engine used. [Source: Search Engine Journal]

8. Global Email Benchmark Report Indicates Government Organizations Increased Open Rates by 11% in 2019

Email service provider Campaign Monitor has released its annual global email benchmarks report, offering marketers a glimpse into email marketing performance across industries. Government organizations topped the list as having the highest open rates of over 30% — an increase of nearly 11% over the course of 2019. [Source: MarTech Today]

9. Instagram’s US User Growth Rate Dips in Latest eMarketer Report

Instagram’s US user growth rate sharply decelerated last year, from 10.1% in 2018 to 6.7% in 2019, according to eMarketer’s latest social benchmark report. EMarketer is also lowering its Instagram growth forecast, revised down from 5.4% to 4.5% in 2020, and 3.2% instead of 4.1% in 2021. [Source: AdExchanger]

10. TikTok Leaves Ad Money on the Table for Facebook

Many of Facebook’s major competitors decided to stop selling political ads or restrict their participation in that space. And with that, they leave money on the table for Facebook. [Source: Market Realist]

January 3, 2020
Weekend Digital Media Round-up: Google Assistant’s Market Share, Snapchat’s New ‘Snapchat Scan’ Ad Option, YouTube’s ‘Assisted Trim’ and more…

1. Google Assistant Only Holds 9% of the Virtual Assistant Market

Google finds itself in a rare position, coming in third place in the virtual assistant market after Microsoft and Apple. Google will have to bolster those numbers somehow if it wants to remain competitive in this market. [Source: Search Engine Journal]

2. Snapchat Tests New Image Recognition-Triggered Ads with Popular Brand Logos

It’s taken a while, but Snapchat is now moving forward with its new ‘Snapchat Scan’ ad option, which will enable users to ‘scan’ a brand logo in order to unlock a unique, branded AR experience. [Source: Social Media Today]

3. YouTube gives creators more control over copyright claim disputes with new update

YouTube’s recent Studio update is finally giving people an easier way to deal with copyright claim disputes. The new update now lets creators address copyright disputes directly from their digital back-end workspace and gives them the option to trim out the claimed content in question. [Source: The Verge]

4. Facebook Acquires Video Commerce Startup ‘Packagd’ to Help Boost In-Stream Buying Options

Facebook acquired video commerce startup Packagd, which, prior to the acquisition, had been focused on enabling users to make direct purchases of products via live-stream, unboxing-type videos. As reported by Bloomberg, Facebook quietly purchased Packagd to help build a new live shopping feature inside its Marketplace product. [Source: Social Media Today]

5. Amazon makes it easier for agencies to advertise on their clients’ behalf

Amazon has changed the registration process for agencies and marketers running sponsored ads campaigns for Amazon vendors. This change helps reduce friction for agencies to get managed vendor campaigns up and running — and spending. [Source: Search Engine Land]

6. LinkedIn Publishes New Data on Ad Engagement for B2B Brands Over the Holidays

LinkedIn has identified some key trends in B2B content engagement during the holiday period, which may help to inform your strategic approach. According to LinkedIn’s data, people are actually still engaged with professional content on the platform over the period. [Source: Social Media Today]

7. Top WhatsApp features to expect in 2020: Dark mode, WhatsApp for iPad, blocked contact notice and more

The chat app is working on several new features and some of these features are already live in the beta version of the app. Some of the top WhatsApp features which you should look forward to in the year 2020 include Dark Mode, WhatsApp for iPad, Blocked contact notice, etc. [Source: India Today]

8. YouTube updates mobile app for improved TV experience

YouTube wants to make it easier for people to watch, control, and have the full YouTube experience on any device of their choosing. The platform outlined changes its product team made to its mobile apps this year, including a new feature that allows people to voice search on either the iOS or Android app, even when their phone is casting to a TV. [Source: The Verge]

9. Snapchat Outlines Rising Trends for 2020 in New Report [Infographic]

Snapchat has provided an overview of the key trends of note as we head into 2020, based on on-platform discussion and chatter leading into the latter part of the year. [Source: Social Media Today]

10. Gaana introduces ‘Stories’ – short-format video content

After the vertical video format Gaana Videos, Gaana has launched its own form of video stories – a version of short-form video content to showcase engaging mini videos and influencer clips on the app. [Source: Afaqs]

December 27, 2019
Weekend Digital Media Round-up: Google’s cut off on less secure apps, Facebook’s holiday theme for messenger, Instagram’s new content rules and more…

1. Google to choke off ‘less secure apps’ starting June 2020

Google is making a move towards further securing G Suite accounts by cutting off “less secure apps” or LSAs starting June 2020 and will completely switch off access in February 2021. [Source: ET CIO]

2. Facebook Adds Holiday-Themed Features for Messenger, Along with Messenger Stories Archive

Facebook has announced a new set of holiday-themed features for Messenger, providing additional ways to engage in the spirit of the season via the app. [Source: Social Media Today]

3. Instagram Has New Rules for Publishing Branded Content

Instagram is introducing a new policy that will prohibit influencers from publishing certain types of content. Under this new policy, branded content that promotes goods such as vaping, tobacco products, and weapons will not be allowed. [Source: Search Engine Journal]

4. Snapchat Launches New, Interactive Ad Format, New Competitive Game Features

Snapchat has this week launched a new movie preview ad format called a “trailer reaction lens” as part of a campaign for the upcoming Paramount Pictures film “Top Gun: Maverick”. The format will add another level of interaction to Snap’s growing slate of games, which could make them more engaging. [Source: Social Media Today]

5. Bing Expands Visual Search to More Places in Microsoft Windows

Bing is expanding its visual search features, allowing the features to be accessed in more places throughout Microsoft Windows. Visual search lets users conduct a search using an image to find other, visually similar images. This feature was previously only accessible from Bing’s image search results. [Source: Search Engine Journal]

6. Facebook Expands Brand Collabs Manager to Include Instagram Creators

Influencer marketing set to remain a significant consideration in 2020, particularly on Instagram. Facebook is now looking to provide an easier, more direct way for brands and Instagram creators to collaborate on campaigns and partnerships. [Source: Social Media Today]

7. Instagram Officially Launches New Layout Mode for Stories

Instagram has this week officially launched its new Layout mode for Stories, which provides a range of grid display styles for still images within a single frame. There are six different grid styles to consider, providing new options for your Stories images. [Source: Social Media Today]

8. Yandex Announces Major Algorithm Update

Yandex announced an update to their search engine. The update is named Vega. The update offers many details about how modern search engines work. This update features 1,500 improvements. [Source: Search Engine Journal]

9. Instagram Provides New Age Restriction Options for Business and Creator Accounts

Instagram is now rolling out an option, which will enable brand and creator accounts to set age restrictions for followers of their profiles. Businesses can also set variable age limits for different countries, which could be particularly helpful for brands that are looking to adhere to regional restrictions. [Source: Social Media Today]

10. Facebook Adds Additional Fact-Checking Resources via ‘Community Reviewers’

Facebook continues its approach to fact checking with a new program that will see the appointment of a team of ‘community reviewers,’ a diverse group of non-Facebook employees who will be called upon to check potentially false reports. [Source: Social Media Today]

December 20, 2019
Weekend Digital Media Round-up: Google’s product availability markup, Facebook’s new Ad reporting tools, Instagram’s new story layouts and more…

1. Google showing product availability markup in image search results

Google is displaying the availability of products on image search results page. The feature was spotted by Hamburg-based digital marketing consultant Frank Sandtmann, who noticed the feature in English, German and Polish image search results. [Source: Search Engine Land]

2. Facebook Introduces 3 New Ad Reporting Tools

Facebook is rolling out new tools to assist advertisers with analyzing campaign performance to make it easier for advertisers to measure ad performance across accounts, channels, and publishers. [Source: Search Engine Journal]

3. Instagram Now Testing New Layout Options for Instagram Stories Frames

Instagram has begun limited testing of a new ‘Layout’ option in Instagram Stories which enables users to select from a range of presentation styles for their visuals within a Stories frame. [Source: Social Media Today]

4. Yahoo Shopping aims to stand out in commerce discovery with Rakuten cashback reward

Verizon Media is offering Yahoo Shopping and Yahoo Mail users access to exclusive cashback rewards from more than 50 online retailers through Rakuten, including Nordstrom Rack, Nike, Disney and Bed Bath & Beyond. [Source: Search Engine Land]

5. Snapchat Cameos edit your face into videos

Snapchat is preparing to launch a big new feature that uses your selfies to replace the faces of people in videos you can then share. It’s essentially a simplified way to deep-fake you into GIFs. [Source: TechCrunch]

6.Google Brings New Features to ‘App + Web’ Properties in Google Analytics

Google is upgrading the new App + Web property in Google Analytics, which allows users to measure multiple websites and apps. It will allow people to measure data across their app and website all in one place. It’s designed to help site owners better understand users’ journeys across the two platforms. [Source: Search Engine Journal]

7. Pinterest Trends gives marketers a view of the top U.S. searches on the platform

Pinterest Trends will offer set of keyword trend data, specifically around the categories it caters to such as food, home and fashion. More insight into search queries and trends can give brands a better understanding of the content and campaigns that may perform well on (and off) Pinterest. [Source: Search Engine Land]

8. Google Launches ‘Google Shopping 100’ to Highlight Trending Products Based on Search Data

Google Shopping 100, the data collection has its own mini-site and provides some interesting, and potentially valuable insight into what the key product and consumer trends were over the course of 2019. [Source: Social Media Today]

9. BERT is rolling out to Google search in over 70 languages

BERT, the natural language processing algorithm that launched on English language queries in October, is now coming to over 70 languages globally. It is designed to better understand the intent behind a user’s query, and Google has said that 10% of all searches are impacted by the BERT update. [Source: Search Engine Land]

10. Google Ads Now Includes Location Extensions Automatically

Location Extensions will be activated in Google Ads. Google will now link your Google Ads account to Google My Business location and then show location extensions in your ads. [Source: Practical Ecommerce]

December 13, 2019
Weekend Digital Media Round-up: Google’s optimization score for display campaigns, Facebook’s photo transfer tool, Twitter’s survey tool & more…

1. Google extends optimization score to Display campaigns

The campaign optimization score that Google Ads shows for Search and Shopping campaigns is now available for Display campaigns. Scores will be available at the campaign level, and a combined account-level score now encompasses Search, Shopping and Display. [Source: Search Engine Land]

2. Facebook tests tool that lets users transfer photos to Google and other platforms

Facebook is testing a new tool that gives users the ability to move photos and videos between Facebook and other platforms, the company announced in a blog post on Monday. The test is initially rolling out with support for Google Photos, with other platforms to follow in the coming months. [Source: MarTech Today]

3. Twitter Expands Access to Brand Survey Tools to Help Brands Understand Ad Effectiveness

Twitter’s looking to help brands better understand their tweet campaign performance by giving more advertisers access to its ad response survey tools, in order to glean more insight around their promotions. [Source: Social Media Today]

4. Snapchat Publishes New Guide for Auto Marketers on the Platform

Snapchat recently published a new ‘Auto Playbook’, which is full of stats and tips on how to utilize Snapchat’s various ad and outreach options to connect with potential auto shoppers through the app. [Source: Social Media Today]

5. Google My Business phone support has ended, but help from the experts has not

Google has officially shut down its phone support for Google My Business, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get quality support. The best way to get GMB support is through the Google social media channels. [Source: Search Engine Land]

6. Facebook Adds New Measures to Enforce Targeting Restrictions on Potentially Discriminatory Ad Types

Following on from its efforts to limit discriminatory audience targeting in ads related to housing, employment or credit opportunities, Facebook has this week announced two new measures to further enforce its additional rules and provide more transparency into its process. [Source: Social Media Today]

7. Quora testing lead gen forms for advertisers

Quora, the question-and-answer knowledge sharing platform, is rolling out lead generation forms for advertisers in a beta test, the company announced on Wednesday. A new Zapier integration is designed to bring leads into marketers’ CRM systems. Users can share contact information with businesses right from the ads without leaving Quora. [Source: MarTech Today]

8. Twitter Launches New Privacy Center to Better Communicate Platform Rules and Processes

The new Privacy Center facilitates direct connection to the platform’s rules and policy documents, as well as your personal data settings and privacy tools. It also includes links to related regulatory documentation, including the GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act, and an overview of updates to Twitter’s terms and processes. [Source: Social Media Today]

9. Podcorn launches self-serve podcast advertising platform

Podcorn, a marketplace where brands can connect with podcasters, has launched a self-service platform that allows advertisers to create podcast ad campaigns based on budget, ad creative and podcasts that best align with their brand. [Source: MarTech Today]

10. Facebook updates crisis response tools, adds WhatsApp integration

Facebook is expanding Crisis Response, its disaster-reporting and communications feature that’s been used in 300 crises in more than 80 countries. The company is announcing several new features, including WhatsApp integration, support for first-hand information sharing and an expansion of its “Data for Good” tools for things like better disaster and displacement maps. [Source: TechCrunch]

December 6, 2019
Weekend Digital Media Round-up: Google’s custom service list in GMB, Twitter’s testing new features, Pinterest’s support for small businesses & more…

1. Google Lets Businesses Add a Custom List of Services to GMB Listings

An update to Google My Business will allow service-based businesses to specify the types of services they offer to customers. Google My Business will provide a selection of suggested types of services. [Source: Search Engine Journal]

2. Twitter tests new conversation features from twttr prototype, rollout planned for 2020

Twttr, the prototype app Twitter launched earlier this year, has been testing new ways to display conversations, including through the use of threaded replies and other visual cues. Now, those features have been spotted on Twitter.com, giving the service a message board-like feel where replies are connected to original tweeter and others in a thread by way of thin, gray lines. [Source: Tech Crunch]

3. ‘Pinterest Shop’ Supports Small Businesses This Holiday Season

This year, it’s good to be a small business; especially if you are one that gets to be featured on Pinterest Shop, Pinterest’s new online marketplace for small merchants. According to Marketing Dive, “the rollout of the feature is timed ahead of Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30, an annual occasion that urges people to support local businesses during the holiday rush.” [Source: Social Media Today]

4. Snapchat Usage Projected to Grow Over 14% This Year

Snapchat is projected to grow more than anticipated by the end of this year as the company is making a comeback following several years of disappointing user growth. The fastest growing demographic for Snapchat is users aged 12 to 17. The number of users aged 35 to 64 is also growing in double digit percentages. [Source: Search Engine Journal]

5. AWS makes it easier to add machine learning prediction models to your martech tools, dashboards

Amazon is bringing its machine learning capabilities to more business analysts and developers. The company announced that Amazon Aurora, Amazon Athena and Amazon QuickSight users will now have access to machine learning prediction models that can easily be integrated into various applications and business intelligence dashboards. [Source: Martech Today]

6. Twitter halts plan to remove inactive accounts until it can memorialize dead users

Twitter has followed up with more details surrounding its plan to remove inactive accounts over the coming months. First, the company says the process “impacts accounts in the EU only, for now.” That important tidbit wasn’t made clear when the news broke on November 26th. But far more important is that Twitter has recognized that it can’t go around deleting accounts until it finds a way to preserve the accounts of people who’ve died. [Source: The Verge]

7. Truecaller to foray into credit business in early 2020: Co-founder Nami Zarringhalam

Truecaller plans to use its payments platform to foray into credit business early 2020, turning it into a complete fin-tech company, co-founder Nami Zarringhalam said. [Source: Mint]

8. DAA introduces CCPA opt-out mechanism similar to ‘ad choices’

As the CCPA deadline approaches, there are multiple companies offering tools for compliance. The latest comes from trade group Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA). Conceptually similar to ad choices, The DAA will enable online users to opt out of the sale or transfer of their personal data “across all of the DAA participating companies integrated into the new tools, from a single website or app.” [Source: Martech Today]

9. Google Maps the dominant local search tool, followed by Facebook and Yelp

It’s not a secret that Google Maps has solidified its place as the dominant entry point for local search. In fact, a new consumer survey from Brandify found that 77% of respondents use Google Maps to find “near me” business information well ahead of other sites. [Source: Search Engine Land]

10. WhatsApp Spotted Working On Snapchat Cloned Feature

A month ago, WABetaInfo revealed that it had spotted a new WhatsApp feature called disappearing messages in the beta build 2.19.275 of the Android app. The feature is reportedly in the works, and it has now been named as Delete Messages in the latest beta build 2.19.348 update. This upcoming feature enables users to set chat messages to be detached after a particular period of time. [Source: IBT Times]

November 29, 2019
Weekend Digital Media Round-up:Google’s Limitation On Political Ads, Facebook’s New Dynamic Formats, Snapchat’s Extended Play Commercials and more…

1.Google to start limiting political advertisers’ targeting reach

Google will start placing more restrictions on the targeting ability of political advertisers trying to reach voters. The move means political advertisers will no longer be able to target voters based on their political affiliation or public voter records. However, they will still be able to target voters based on age, gender and zip code. [Source: The Drum]

2.Facebook Can Now Deliver Ads That Are Dynamically Tailored to Each User

Facebook is rolling out new advertising features that use machine learning to dynamically customize ads for individual users. This gives advertisers the ability to serve personalized ads when they may otherwise lack the time and resources required to deliver personally relevant ad experiences. [Source: Search Engine Journal]

3.Snapchat’s new ad format lets advertisers extend 6-second non-skippable ads

Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, has announced the launch of a new video ad format: Extended Play Commercials. The new, mid-roll ad type maintains the 6-second non-skippable format – but offers advertisers the ability to extend the runtime beyond the 6-second mark for up to three minutes. [Source: Marketing Land]

4.Twitter is now testing the ability to schedule tweets using its web app

Twitter has announced that it is now rolling out an ‘experimental’ feature, which will allow users to schedule tweets. Twitter revealed this via TweetDeck’s account. The tweet revealed that the feature is currently being tested only on Twitter’s web app. [Source: First Post]

5.Facebook’s latest experiment is a meme-creation app, Whale

Facebook’s NPE Team, a division inside the social networking giant that will build experimental consumer-facing social apps, has now added a third app to its lineup with the launch of meme creation app Whale. Currently, the app allows users to decorate photos with text and stickers in order to create memes that can be shared to social media or texted to friends. [Source: Tech Crunch]

6.Facebook to pull location from ad set when creating new Lookalike audiences

Facebook is testing the removal of the location field that advertisers use to create Lookalike audiences – Facebook’s tool for reaching new audiences based on how they compare to existing customers. In the test, Lookalike audiences use locations from ad sets – eliminating one extra step in the targeting setup process. [Source: Marketing Land]

7.Google Ads intros ‘restricted data processing’ capability for CCPA compliance

Google will offer restricted data processing to enable businesses to comply with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). With restricted data processing enabled, Google will act as an affected business’ (advertiser, publisher or partner) data processing service provider. [Source: Martech Today]

8.Twitter Adds New ‘Conversation Insights’ to Media Studio

Twitter has added a new ‘Conversation Insights’ element to its Media Studio tool, which provides more specific data on your tweet mentions, who’s mentioning you, and filters to provide additional information on the types of accounts engaging with your profile. [Source: Social Media Today]

9.Google Search Console adds Product results filters to performance report

Google announced it has added new filters to the performance report within Google Search Console to show you how well your product results are doing in search. Google now captures and displays click and impression data when rich results display based on your use of product rich results markup. [Source: Search Engine Land]

10.Facebook Adds New Options for Brands to Control Ad Placements

Facebook has announced a new set of brand safety tools which will enable businesses to better control where their ads appear across Facebook’s various ad delivery networks. [Source: Social Media Today]

November 22, 2019
Weekend Digital Media Round-up: Google Chrome’s Warning For Slow Pages, Facebook’s New Fundraising Tool, Instagram’s New ‘Reels’ Mode and more…

1. Chrome May Warn Users of Slow Pages Before They Click

Google Chrome announced a plan to introduce badging as a way to encourage publishers to improve site speed. Google proposed a contextual menu on links that will tell users, before they click, that a site is slow. The goal is to reward fast sites. [Source: Search Engine Journal]

2.Facebook Rolls Out New Fundraising Tools and Options Ahead of Giving Tuesday

Facebook has announced a new set of fundraising and cause awareness tools to assist non-profits in boosting their activity. Facebook is adding its fundraising stickers to Facebook Stories. Facebook is also expanding its charity donation tools within gaming live-streams. [Source: Social Media Today]

3.Instagram Goes After TikTok with New ‘Reels’ Mode

Instagram has launched a new feature which aims to replicate the key functionality of rising app TikTok. But rather than taking on parent-company Facebook’s usual tactic of launching a separate app, Instagram is adding its new ‘Reels’ feature as an element within Instagram Stories, using the app’s scale to try and beat TikTok at its own game – and blunt its potential to take away younger users. [Source: Social Media Today]

4.Facebook Releases New Overview of Content Removals, Fake Profiles and Enforcements

The Social Network has released its latest Community Standards Enforcement Report, which outlines all the content removals and actions it’s taken as a result of posted material that breaks its established rules. [Source: Social Media Today]

5.Google expands Local campaigns inventory, BOPIS offers for Shopping campaigns

The new features, including new Maps inventory for Local campaigns, are rolling out over the coming weeks. Shopping campaigns are also getting updates for brick-and-mortar promotions and optimization. [Source: Search Engine Land]

6.Instagram’s test to hide like counts expands to the US and across the globe

Instagram, which has been running a test to hide like counts on posts in seven different countries, announced today that it is expanding the test globally. This follows an announcement last week that the test would be expanding to the US as soon as this week. [Source: The Verge]

7.LinkedIn adds Data Validation to Sales Navigator

LinkedIn launched Data Validation, a feature designed to help users manage their contacts and ensure they have the most up-to-date contact data. Data Validation will automatically flag contacts who are no longer with the company listed in users’ CRM. [Source: MarTech Today]

8.Microsoft Advertising talks intelligence, UI updates, audience solutions in SMX keynote

The growing complexity of the consumer’s digital footprint means advertisers need to understand the advanced technologies and innovations that drive meaningful brand engagement. Microsoft is setting out to help reimagine how advertisers serve customers and grow your business, deliver more engaging customer experiences that unlock new revenue and fuel future growth. [Source: Search Engine Land]

9.Snapchat Publishes New Insights into Snapchat User Buying Behavior [Infographic]

Snapchat has published a new research report which looks at how Snap users research and purchase, and how brands can connect with them via the app and if you’re looking to reach younger audiences, it’s worth taking note. [Source: Social Media Today]

10.TikTok Tests Social Commerce Links in Videos

TikTok continues to race towards full monetization with a new test of options to add links into user bios and eCommerce URLs directly into uploaded videos. [Source: Social Media Today]

November 15, 2019

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