Top Highlights from August 20 - 26!
Catch the Weekly Buzz with BAL! Discover the top social media news, creative highlights, and exciting collaborations.
Instagram has begun testing a vertical profile grid, with plans to replace the iconic square profile grid format. This innovation was developed in response to the growing popularity of vertical content such as Reels and Stories, and is currently only being tested by a limited number of users. While there have been mixed reactions among users, Instagram will evaluate the change for implementation across the platform based on user feedback and engagement data.
Meta now allows crossposting from Instagram and Facebook to Threads, enabling simultaneous updates across all three platforms. This feature supports auto-sharing Instagram posts (excluding Reels) and Facebook text and link posts (excluding videos). While crossposting saves time, tailoring posts to each platform's unique audience is still recommended for optimal engagement.
Instagram has introduced the ability to add music to profiles; users can now add 30-second music clips to their profiles. Instagram also introduced the ability to share up to 20 photos or videos in a post, allowing users to share larger collections of content in a single post.
Snapchat updated Ads Manager, reducing campaign goals from eleven to five: Awareness and Engagement, Traffic, Leads, App Promotion, and Sales. This change aims to make campaign creation easier and attract small businesses. The new goals will be rolled out to all users in the coming months and existing campaigns will automatically switch to the new format.
Instagram has updated its recommendation algorithm to prioritize original Reels over reposts. This change, confirmed by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, aims to give more visibility to original creators by promoting their content rather than aggregated posts. Users will now receive notifications when their original content is featured, reflecting Instagram's focus on reducing the reach of reposted material and enhancing transparency.
Meta is testing new features on Threads, including saving up to 100 drafts, customizable pinned columns, and an Insights page for follower analytics. Post scheduling is also on the way. These updates, starting on the web, aim to improve usability for users and brands. While Threads grows rapidly, Meta focuses on differentiating it from X by steering away from news and political content, with plans to introduce ads next year to attract more brands and celebrities.
Instagram is testing a new Full-Screen mode for Reels, allowing users to view videos without any distractions. By long-pressing on a Reel, users can activate this mode, which removes elements like user handles, captions, and engagement counts for a more immersive experience. Currently available to a limited number of users, Instagram has not yet confirmed a broader rollout. This update aims to enhance user engagement with Reels by providing a focused viewing experience.
TikTok has released its 2024 Holiday Marketing Guide, offering valuable insights and strategies for brands to maximize their holiday campaigns. The guide includes trend forecasts, creative tips, and case studies to help marketers connect with TikTok's vast and engaged audience during the festive season. From leveraging popular hashtags to crafting compelling narratives, the guide is a must-read for businesses aiming to boost their holiday presence on the platform.
Recommended by LinkedIn
COLLABORATIONS
For the final season of "Emily in Paris," Netflix has partnered with Google to offer an integration where viewers can use Google Lens technology to scan and shop for outfits from the show, supported by custom ad formats on its ad-supported plans. This innovation, introduced at an event in Los Angeles, aims to provide viewers with a more interactive and shopping-focused experience.
Snap and Meta are set to unveil their next-generation AR glasses soon, with Snap showcasing its fifth-generation Spectacles on September 17th and Meta revealing its first AR glasses, code-named Orion, on September 25th. Despite previous setbacks and competition from Apple, both companies are pushing forward with their AR developments. Snap's new Spectacles aim to enhance AR capabilities, while Meta’s glasses, produced in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, are anticipated to build on the success of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. These upcoming releases could mark a significant step in mainstreaming AR technology.
Bien's latest Paralympic campaign spotlights wheelchair basketball, breaking down stereotypes and showcasing the athletes' incredible skill and determination. The ad challenges preconceived notions by highlighting the intense physicality and teamwork involved in the sport, offering a fresh and empowering perspective on disability in athletics. This compelling narrative aims to inspire and change the conversation around Paralympic sports.
To celebrate McDonald's 50th birthday in the UK, Leo Burnett created a whimsical campaign featuring the iconic character Grimace. The ad humorously portrays Grimace as a surprise guest, adding a playful twist to the celebration. The campaign cleverly taps into nostalgia while highlighting McDonald’s enduring brand appeal, making it a fun and memorable way to mark the milestone anniversary.
KFC and Kraft have joined forces to create a mouthwatering comfort food experience, blending KFC's iconic fried chicken with Kraft's creamy mac and cheese. This collaboration aims to deliver the ultimate indulgence, combining two beloved favorites into one irresistible dish. The partnership showcases the brands' commitment to satisfying comfort food cravings with a creative and delicious twist.
CarMax has teamed up with the Beetlejuice franchise to create a Halloween-themed campaign, rebranding as 'BeetleMax.' This clever partnership celebrates the iconic film with eerie yet entertaining ads, connecting the car-buying experience with the spooky fun of Beetlejuice. The campaign is designed to capture the Halloween spirit while engaging both horror fans and potential customers.