Social

Consumers want social ads to show return to normalcy, study says

Half of consumers worldwide said they had bought an item they saw in a social ad in the prior 30 days.

By Robert Williams • May 28, 2020

Instagram IGTV video ads arrive as part of monetization push for influencers

Several new features come as Instagram reports creators of videos on Instagram Live recently saw a 70% increase in views.

By Robert Williams • May 28, 2020

TikTok sees 10x surge in April with in-app revenue of $78M

The social video app was the highest-earning non-game app last month, overtaking YouTube, Sensor Tower found.

By Robert Williams • May 27, 2020

NYX plans virtual Pride march on Instagram

To join the L'Oréal-owned brand's effort, users can post photos of themselves decorated with a "Proud Allies" filter and using the #proudalliesforall hashtag.

By Robert Williams • May 27, 2020

Coke bets on new music streamer BeApp as virtual concerts take center stage

With gamified and social media elements, BeApp looks to innovate in a crowded virtual performance space commanded by platforms like Twitch and Facebook.

By Peter Adams • May 22, 2020

Target debuts virtual store on Instagram as e-commerce booms

The deal comes as Instagram's parent company Facebook dives deeper into social commerce and works to convert passive users into active, paying customers.

By Robert Williams • May 22, 2020

USAA unveils Snapchat AR lens for Memorial Day digital exhibit

A virtual version of USAA's Poppy Wall of Honor lets mobile users dedicate a poppy flower to a fallen loved one.

By Robert Williams • May 22, 2020

TikTok analytics tool aims to help marketers evaluate campaigns

​NASCAR will use Conviva's tools to evaluate the performance of its content on the viral video platform.

By Robert Williams • May 21, 2020

Michelob Ultra puts Peyton Manning in 'Caddyshack' to tee up live golf match

As a sponsor of Capital One's charity event, the AB InBev brand is supporting the first televised golf match since the pandemic hit with social content, a Twitter contest and more.

By Dianna Christie • May 21, 2020

Anne Klein streams video series on Facebook Live

The fashion brand's "Women Who Do" highlights inspiring stories by innovative women during the coronavirus pandemic.

By Robert Williams • May 21, 2020

Facebook debuts Shops e-commerce initiative to support small businesses

New digital storefronts for Facebook and Instagram, which feature livestreaming and messaging integrations, mark a significant bet to capitalize on the current e-commerce boom.

By Robert Williams • May 20, 2020

Schick mobile game, Twitch stream raise money for cancer research

The Edgewell brand enlisted livestreamers to play "Shave The Day," after which they will shave their heads when donation goals are met.

By Robert Williams • May 19, 2020

Report: Papa John's Giphy sticker pack highlights Shaq, new menu item

A gamified AR lens on Snapchat rounds out the pizza chain's effort to engage homebound consumers with entertaining content.

By Robert Williams • May 19, 2020

TikTok names Disney streaming executive new CEO

Kevin Mayer will lead the social video app that has surged in popularity among mobile users worldwide and serve as COO of parent company ByteDance.

By Robert Williams • May 19, 2020

Airbnb matches with Bumble on virtual date experiences

Shareable online activities include wine tastings, cooking lessons, virtual tours, escape rooms and music appreciation classes to help new couples bond during quarantine.

By Robert Williams • May 18, 2020

Report: Reddit gets new ad sales boss as its looks to broaden appeal

Harold Klaje, previously global head of growth at Pinterest, arrives as the platform looks to better court brand and direct response marketers.​

By Robert Williams • May 18, 2020

Deep Dive

Where does TikTok go from here?

Amid soaring downloads, and brands and influencers flocking to capitalize on the growth, TikTok's evolution is being shaped by changing media habits during the pandemic.

By Natalie Koltun • May 18, 2020

Facebook acquires Giphy image-sharing platform for reported $400M

The popular service for sharing GIFs will join the Instagram team and further integrate with the app, which was already a significant driver of traffic.

By Peter Adams • May 15, 2020

TikTok to present at IAB NewFronts for 1st time

Appearing at the NewFronts is a significant step in the social video app's efforts to make media buyers more aware of its power to engage audiences.

By Robert Williams • May 15, 2020

Budweiser kicks off nostalgic concert series on YouTube

Tapping the Black Eyed Peas for the first episode, the brand is urging fans to select songs they want to hear and ask questions of performers on social.

By Robert Williams • May 15, 2020

LA Rams reveal new uniforms with Snapchat AR lens

The integration could be a welcome source of content for sports-starved fans, but the team's new logo has become the focus of derision on social media.

By Robert Williams • May 14, 2020

Busch Light paints fan faces on NASCAR car

While fans will not be in the stands, the Twitter contest gives them a chance to be represented at the event.

By Robert Williams • May 14, 2020

EMarketer: Instagram, Snapchat outpace Facebook in engagement growth

The coronavirus pandemic will lead people to ramp up their social media usage for the first time since 2017.

By Robert Williams • May 13, 2020

Shake Shack debuts social cooking series to build brand community during quarantine

Hosted by Culinary Director Mark Rosati and Executive Chef John Karangis, "Shake Shack at Your Shack" provides tips on how to make the chain's menu items at home.

By Robert Williams • May 13, 2020

Twitter acquires mobile DSP to boost performance ads

CrossInstall focuses on user acquisition campaigns for mobile apps with ad formats that include playables.

By Robert Williams • May 13, 2020