Social

Instagram adds FAQ feature in chats for businesses, creators

The feature might help brands better facilitate customer service, which could grow in importance as Instagram prioritizes channels like e-commerce.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 25, 2020

Snapchat distributes $1M a day to video creators of new TikTok clone

The photo-messaging app now has a feature called Spotlight that shows a customized feed of user-made content.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 24, 2020

Paint-mixing TikTok star fired by Sherwin-Williams heads to smaller rival

Tony Piloseno, who has over 1.4 million TikTok followers, has been hired full-time by Florida Paints, which will let him develop his own line of products.

By Robert Williams • UPDATED: Nov. 25, 2020 at 9:17 a.m.

TJX retailers bring carols to Instagram Reels for holiday campaign

In an effort to raise money for Feeding America, the brands have tapped artists including Meghan Trainor and Brandy to encourage consumers to participate.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 23, 2020

Jersey Mike's tests Twitch's interactive multiplayer ads

The Amazon-owned platform will reward digital currency to video streamers who host polls after interactive video ads.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 23, 2020

Babe Wine teams with 'Real Housewives' star for Instagram contest

The AB InBev brand is working with "Real Housewives of New York" alumna Dorinda Medley to give consumers a chance to redecorate for the holidays.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 20, 2020

Study: Most retailers will boost ad spend on Facebook next year

Ninety-three percent of retail brands currently buy ads on the social network, Smarly.io found, despite a media boycott against it over the summer.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 20, 2020

Snapchat expands ad toolkit for app marketers

An upgraded ad suite includes new products to boost retention, lifetime value and return on ad spend, while more directly integrating Snapchat experiences in brands' apps.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 20, 2020

Dunkin' pushes for TikTok followers with return of branded onesies

After its recent holiday merch drop mostly sold out, the brand is promising to bring back last year's onesie if it reaches two million TikTok followers.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 20, 2020

Pepsi challenges home cooks to share 'baking fails'

As many Americans try their hand at preparing a Thanksgiving meal for the first time, contest entrants can win a bottle of Pepsi's new apple pie-flavored cola.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 19, 2020

Verizon touts 5G with geotargeted AR concert on Snapchat

The wireless carrier is giving people a chance to see a virtual performance by Black Pumas singer Eric Burton outside the New York Public Library.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 19, 2020

Chipotle turns fans into 'royalty' with TikTok challenge

With its latest campaign on the embattled video app, the QSR gives users a chance to win $10,000 and turn their go-to orders into a temporary menu item.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 18, 2020

Facebook debuts shoppable livestreams with Anne Klein

The social network kicked off a four-part "Celebrate the Holidays" series of live shopping events with the fashion company.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 17, 2020

Home improvement retailer Wickes taps TikTok influencers in UK

Spurring 613,000 views so far, the campaign has seven creators demonstrate Wickes' range of products in social videos offering DIY tips.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 16, 2020

TikTok gets reprieve as US puts app's shutdown on hold

With new assurances of stability, marketers and users are even less likely to jump ship, though TikTok's future isn't fully sorted yet.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 13, 2020

Instagram, Messenger copy Snapchat with new vanish mode

In a rare home screen redesign, Instagram is also highlighting its shopping capabilities and Reels, the app's TikTok clone.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 13, 2020

Leesa Sleep's social challenge asks people to go bedless for charity

The DTC mattress brand is urging people to share their experience of sleeping without a bed for a night to raise awareness and funds for kids.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 12, 2020

TikTok's day of reckoning arrives, but marketers appear to hold fast on the platform

Even TikTok is perplexed about whether a ban will take place, filing a petition in the U.S. Court of Appeals that claims the Trump administration has gone silent.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 12, 2020

App Annie: Mobile ad spending will rise 20% as at-home becomes new normal

Much of the growth will come from mobile commerce as consumers continue to adjust to life during the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 12, 2020

Michelob Ultra offers runners a chance to star in commercial

The beer brand is offering social media followers several ways to win the grand prize by participating in a series of running challenges.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 12, 2020

Twitter launches carousel ads to drive web traffic, app installs

App carousel ads boost installs per impression an average of 24%, while web carousel ads lift clickthrough rates by 15% in Twitter's tests of the new format.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 11, 2020

HBO releases AR wellness app for 'His Dark Materials' season premiere

As wellness app downloads surge, fans of the fantasy show can create a personal "daemon" who helps inspire them to engage in self-care activities.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 11, 2020

USAA unveils #HonorThroughAction social challenge for Veterans Day

A digital approach could carry special significance as the pandemic prevents many people from attending in-person events this week.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 10, 2020

Kashi taps Olympian Tessa Virtue for Instagram livestream on wellness

The food brand's #FullOfLife campaign running in Canada also includes shoppable content, videos and other social media activations.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 10, 2020

Arby's flips viral TikTok videos into special menu item

Inspiration for the campaign stems from a video of a user saying his new flat-screen TV only displayed a message from Arby's.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 09, 2020