Category Archives: Blog

Monday Morning Learning – 27 April 2020

Blog, , ,

Instagram is Testing a New ‘Challenge’ Sticker to Prompt User Engagement

Instagram is testing a new ‘Challenge’ sticker for Stories which would enable users to call on their connections to participate in visual competitions, prompting more engagement.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-is-testing-a-new-challenge-sticker-to-prompt-user-engagement/576134/

Facebook Outlines a Range of New Video Tools, Including Messenger Rooms for Group Video Hangouts

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced a range of new video tools across Facebook’s family of apps, in order to meet demand and evolving use-cases during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-outlines-a-range-of-new-video-tools-including-messenger-rooms-for/576758/

Instagram Provides Tips on How Brands Can Use Stories to Connect With Audiences Amid COVID-19

While research has shown that most consumers are still open to brand messaging during the crisis, situational awareness is key, and reaching people ‘in the right way’ is essential to effectiveness. To help with this, Instagram has this week shared some key tips on how brands can maintain audience connection via Instagram Stories.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-provides-tips-on-how-brands-can-use-stories-to-connect-with-audie/576680/

Data Shows How Coronavirus Has Influenced Employer Branding

Companies have had to scrap their old employer branding plans and focus on meeting the moment at hand.

Looking at LinkedIn data, you can see how quickly things have changed. The share of posts addressing COVID-19 and working from home have rapidly increased — as has engagement with those posts. The tone has also changed, with themes of support, community, and care on the rise.

Here’s a closer look at how employer branding messages have changed, which messages are resonating the most, and where to go from here.

Link: https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/blog/employer-brand/2020/data-shows-how-coronavirus-has-influenced-employer-branding?src=fb-fb&veh=fb-fb&utm_source=fb-fb&utm_medium=fb-fb&utm_campaign=fb-fb&linkId=100000011920897

New Twitter Data Underlines the Emergence of Gaming – and Marketers Need to Take Note

Gaming is set to become a $196 billion market by 2022, and five of the top 10 channels on YouTube in 2019 were directly connected to the gaming community.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/new-twitter-data-underlines-the-emergence-of-gaming-and-marketers-need-to/576766/

Monday Morning Learning – 20 April 2020

Blog,

Instagram is Testing Out New Features for DMs

There are two new features that Instagram is currently working on for its DMs.

The first of these two new features has to do with message forwarding. The second feature is also very reminiscent of WhatsApp. It allows you to quote certain messages and reply to them directly, adding a lot more streamlining into the conversations that you would actually end up having.

Link: https://www.digitalinformationworld.com/2020/04/instagram-is-test-new-forward-messages-and-reply-to-previous-messages-in-dms.html

Instagram Live Streams Can Now Be Viewed on the Web

After rolling out access to Direct messages via the web last week, Instagram is now also giving users the option to view Instagram Live broadcasts on desktop PCs, which comes with a new, less intrusive format, and URLs to cross-promote your streams.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-live-streams-can-now-be-viewed-on-the-web/575949/

Instagram Adds Gift Card, Ordering and Fundraising Tools to Help Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

Instagram has now officially announced the addition of its new gift card, food order, and fundraiser tools for Stories and profiles, which will provide businesses impacted by the COVID-19 shutdowns with another way to generate income during the ongoing crisis

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-adds-gift-card-ordering-and-fundraising-tools-to-help-businesses/576151/

Facebook Unveils New ‘Care’ Reactions to Help Express Responses to COVID-19

Facebook has now officially unveiled its new ‘Care’ Reactions for both Facebook and Messenger, which will provide another quick response option for COVID-19 related updates.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-unveils-new-care-reactions-to-help-express-responses-to-covid-19/576318/

Instagram is Testing a New ‘Challenge’ Sticker to Prompt User Engagement

Instagram is testing a new ‘Challenge’ sticker for Stories which would enable users to call on their connections to participate in visual competitions, prompting more engagement. When applied, you’d then be prompted to tag friends to participate, while down the bottom of the screen, there’s also an option to ‘search challenges’ within the hashtag field, based on trending content.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-is-testing-a-new-challenge-sticker-to-prompt-user-engagement/576134/

Facebook Launches an Experimental App for Messaging Close Friends via Apple Watch

The app allows you to send a variety of messages with just one tap, including voice recordings, emoji, location sharing, scribbles and even dictation input — similar to how using iMessage from your Apple Watch works today. However, these messages are being sent over Facebook’s own Messenger service, not SMS or iMessage.

Link: https://techcrunch.com/2020/04/14/facebook-launches-an-experimental-app-for-messaging-close-friends-over-apple-watch/?guccounter=1

Monday Morning Learning – 13 April 2020

Blog, , , ,

The Impact of COVID-19 on Search Trends and SEO

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every industry and business in some form, ranging from complete shutdowns to massive increases in buying in certain sectors.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-search-trends-and-seo-infographic/575576/

Dove Puts a New Face on ‘Real Beauty’ in Homage to Health Workers 

Dove has put a new face on Real Beauty advertising through a “Courage Is Beautiful” campaign, breaking in the U.S., showing faces of healthcare workers marked by the protective gear they’ve been wearing during the coronavirus crisis.

Link: https://adage.com/creativity/work/dove-courage-beautiful/2249271?utm_source=creativity-daily-friday&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20200410&utm_content=hero-headline

Facebook Publishes New Guide on How to Maintain Connection With Audiences Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Facebook has published a new, 64-page guide of key tips and notes to help brands and organizations maintain a connection with their Facebook and Instagram audiences amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-publishes-new-guide-on-how-to-maintain-connection-with-audiences-a/575861/

The Evolving Discussion Around COVID-19 and How Brands Have Responded

An overview of the evolution of the COVID-19 discussion across social media, which looks at what people are saying, where they’re saying it, and how some brands have responded.

Link: Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/the-evolving-discussion-around-covid-19-and-how-brands-have-responded-info/575769/

YouTube Moves to Restrict Videos About COVID-19/5G Conspiracy Theory

YouTube has confirmed that it will reduce the recommendation and distribution of videos that promote conspiracy theories that link the spread of COVID-19 to 5G technology.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/youtube-moves-to-restrict-videos-about-covid-195g-conspiracy-theory/575564

Instagram Launches ‘Thank You Hour’ Sticker and Story to Share Appreciation During COVID-19 Pandemic

Instagram has launched a new ‘Thank You Hour’ initiative, which will see Stories frames that include the new ‘Thank You Hour’ sticker added to a collective Story that showcases the various things that people are appreciative of amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-launches-thank-you-hour-sticker-and-story-to-share-appreciation/575860/

Monday Morning Learning – 6 April 2020

Blog, , , , ,

Google Donates $6.5 Million in Funding to Assist Fact-Checking Organizations in Battling COVID-19 Misinformation

It’s interesting to see how social media has evolved over the years as compared to how the world battled with the previous, almost similar, SARS outbreak. Social media platforms did not have the need to spend such a high amount of money during crises as they must today – all to combat misinformation.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/google-donates-65-million-in-funding-to-assist-fact-checking-organization/575400/

Linkedin Shares Tips on What to Post During nCov 

LinkedIn’s engagement has been increasing for some time, so it’s not surprising to see more people turning to the platform for professional advice. And this week, LinkedIn has provided some tips on how people can make the best use of its platform to better connect and engage with their networks.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/linkedin-shares-tips-on-what-to-post-during-covid-19-lockdowns/574905/

Facebook Adds New Tools for ‘Facebook Live’ Amid Rising Demand and Usage

First off, for regular Facebook users, The Social Network is adding automatic closed captions, while it’s also providing a new option for people to listen to the audio of Live broadcasts without viewing the video, enabling those with lower data capacity to tune in.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-adds-new-tools-for-facebook-live-amid-rising-demand-and-usage/575060/

Facebook Adds New Video Features, Including ‘Series’ and Updates to Bulk Uploader

With more people looking for more content to watch online, Facebook has launched a new set of video features which are designed to help creators build audiences for their video content and promote return viewership:

  • Playlists update
  • Series
  • New videos tab
  • Updates to the bulk uploader

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-adds-new-video-features-including-series-and-updates-to-bulk-up/575250/summary

Facebook Announces Full Launch of Messenger Desktop App for macOS and Windows

In light of COVID-19, FB Messenger has rolled out a Messenger on Desktop for both Windows and macOS. They are yet to test full functionalities on MacOS, but from the release, it’s a full Messenger version on desktop. It’s a move from them to help organisations and individuals stay connected with each other.

Link: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-announces-full-launch-of-messenger-desktop-app-for-macos-and-windo/575414/

Monday Morning Learning – 30 March 2020

Blog, , , ,

Facebook Introduces Community Hub for Messenger Users to Fight Against COVID-19 Pandemic

Facebook announces the Coronavirus Community Hub on Messenger that provides tips, authentic information, and other resources to the users to stay connected and informed about the coronavirus breakout.

https://www.digitalinformationworld.com/2020/03/facebook-community-hub-for-messenger-users-to-fight-against-covid-19-pandemic.html

Instagram’s Testing a New Set of Animated Selfie Stickers for Stories

The new, animated selfie sticker tool overlays graphics and effects related to different emoji characters on top of your image. The rounded selfie stickers can be applied as many times as you like within a Stories frame.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagrams-testing-a-new-set-of-animated-selfie-stickers-for-stories/575064/

12 Iconic Logos Redesigned Through the COVID-19 Lens

Marketing Mag covered an artist’s re-imagination of different logos that promote safe and healthy habits.

https://www.marketing-interactive.com/12-iconic-logos-redesigned-through-a-covid-19-lens?idU=1

Facebook is Rolling Out a New Set of Updates for Facebook Live 

Because of rising demand for live-stream content amid the COVID-19 lockdowns, including audio only and closed captions, Facebook is coming out with a new set of updates that can create a better user experience.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-adds-new-tools-for-facebook-live-amid-rising-demand-and-usage/575060/

Instagram Launches Co-Watching of Posts During Video Chat

Now you can scroll Instagram together with friends, turning a typically isolating, passive experience into something more social and active. Today, Instagram launched Co-Watching, which lets friends on a video chat or group video chat browse through feed posts one user has Liked or Saved, or that Instagram recommends.

Instagram launches Co-Watching of posts during video chat

Instagram’s Testing a New Option to Promote the Sale of Gift Cards via Your Business Profile

According to a new discovery by reverse engineering expert Jane Manchun Wong, Instagram is working on a new ‘Links’ option within its business profile settings that would enable brands to add a new quick link, via a profile button or sticker, to guide visitors to purchase gift cards or make donations.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagrams-testing-a-new-option-to-promote-the-sale-of-gift-cards-via-your/574982/

Monday Morning Learning – 23 March 2020

Blog

WhatsApp Launches World Health Organization Chatbot to Answer COVID-19 Queries

To use the service, WhatsApp users can save the number (+41 79 893 1892) in their phone contacts, then text the word ‘Hi’ in a WhatsApp message to begin. The bot will then respond via a series of prompts, covering key queries and information – and ideally, dispelling some of the rumors and misinformation around the outbreak which have been spreading via social and messaging apps.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/whatsapp-launches-world-health-organization-chatbot-to-answer-covid-19-quer/574617/

Facebook Is Testing a New Option Which Would Connect Brand Loyalty Programs to In-App Activity

The process enables brands to use Facebook ads to connect with their loyalty program members on the platform using Custom Audiences to target those who’ve previously created a profile with the business.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebooks-testing-a-new-option-which-would-connect-brand-loyalty-programs/574521/

AR Approvals Temporarily on Hold

With the company sending more staff home to reduce the potential spread of the virus, Facebook says that all of its Spark AR reviewers will soon be inoperable. As a result, no user-submitted AR effects, for either Facebook Stories or Instagram, will be approved until further notice.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-says-that-approvals-for-ar-effects-submitted-to-facebook-and-insta/574503/

Instagram Launches ‘Stay Home’ Sticker and Story to Encourage Social Distancing Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

This week, Instagram has launched a new ‘Stay Home’ sticker for Instagram Stories in order to encourage people to stay inside amid the evolving COVID-19 outbreak.

Instagram’s Working on a Disappearing Messages Option

The new option, at least at this stage, would see all of your messages disappear from the chat window after you’ve read them and navigated to another section of the app. Note that WhatsApp is also looking to add the same functionality, though with added control elements for your disappearing communications (i.e. disappear after 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week etc).

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagrams-working-on-a-disappearing-messages-option/574534/

Facebook now lets most users opt-in to dark mode & desktop redesign

Facebook has officially rolled out its sweeping desktop redesign that offers dark mode, tabbed home screen and a cleaner profile, though the interface is slightly different in terms of position of the elements. For example, the profile cover+photo is now in a different position (photo is in the center, not on the side anymore).

Facebook now lets most users opt-in to dark mode & desktop redesign

Instagram Launches First Stage of IGTV Monetization, With In-Stream Ads Coming to Selected Channels

After its coming, IGTV monetization tools were spotted in testing last month. Instagram has now confirmed that it’s reaching out to a group of selected creators in order to invite them to participate in the initial testing of in-stream ads on their IGTV videos.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-launches-first-stage-of-igtv-monetization-with-in-stream-ads-com/574167/

Monday Morning Learning – 16 March 2020

Blog, , , , , , , , ,

TikTok Tests New Options to Add External URLs to Clips & Comment Downvoting

Last October, TikTok began testing a new option which enabled selected users to add Wikipedia links to their clips in order to provide more context on certain elements. Now TikTok appears to be expanding that option – user Sam Schmir has provided these screenshots of a new set of options in the ‘Add Link’ prompt which would enable creators to attach a link to Wikipedia, Yelp or TripAdvisor in their video post.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/tiktok-tests-new-options-to-add-external-urls-to-clips-comment-downvoting/573758/

YouTube Switches ‘Trending’ Tab to ‘Explore’ Which Will Highlight More Content Categories

YouTube is replacing the ‘Trending’ tab in its app with a new ‘Explore’ listing, which will showcase more video categories, along with popular videos, in order to prompt broader discovery.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/youtube-switches-trending-tab-to-explore-which-will-highlight-more-cont/574143/

Instagram Bans Searches for COVID-19 AR Effects, Adds New Information Prompts in Home Feeds

After adding new information prompts and links to official resources in related search queries last week, Instagram is now expanding on its COVID-19 response tools, with additional information panels in the main feed and a ban on searches for coronavirus related AR masks.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-bans-searches-for-covid-19-ar-effects-adds-new-information-promp/574140/

TikTok Continues to Gain Momentum, But Challenges Remain in Maximizing the App’s Growth

TikTok was the most downloaded non-game app worldwide last month, outperforming both WhatsApp and Facebook. TikTok installs are up 96% year-over-year, with the COVID-19 outbreak seemingly fueling increased adoption as people look to keep themselves entertained while reducing their time spent in public.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/tiktok-continues-to-gain-momentum-but-challenges-remain-in-maximizing-the/574134/

Snapchat Launches ‘Lens Web Builder’ to Simplify the Creation of AR Lens Campaigns

With Snapchat’s AR Lens ads driving significant engagement and interaction in the app, the platform is now looking to open up the option to more brands, with a simplified AR Lens campaign option that enables businesses to build custom Lenses based on pre-made templates and/or Snap’s library of 3D objects.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/snapchat-launches-lens-web-builder-to-simplify-the-creation-of-ar-lens-ca/573982/

Facebook Stories Tests Cross-Posting to Instagram

Facebook is testing the option to cross-post Stories to Instagram, instead of just vice-versa. Hopefully, that means the two apps will finally sync up the “already viewed” status of cross-posted Stories so we don’t have to watch reruns any more.

Facebook Stories tests cross-posting to its pet, Instagram
mml-9-march-2020

Monday Morning Learning – 9 March 2020

Blog, , ,

Twitter Tests ‘Disappearing Messages’ Feature

Twitter appears to be following other social media platforms in offering disappearing messages where tweets are allowed to vanish after 24 hours.

https://www.campaignasia.com/article/twitter-tests-disappearing-messages-feature/458611

Facebook Finally Launches Dark Mode for WhatsApp

WhatsApp Dark Mode is rolling out this week. Users on Android 10 and iOS 13 can use dark mode by enabling it in system settings, while users on Android 9 and below can go into WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Theme and select Dark.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-finally-launches-dark-mode-for-whatsapp/573411/

Facebook Dark Mode is Getting Closer

Dark mode is already available on Messenger, having been rolled out last April, and it recently appeared in Facebook Lite too, though only for some users.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-dark-mode-is-getting-closer/573663/

TikTok Adds New Analytics Element to Creator Marketplace

This week, TikTok is rolling out some new analytics tools in its Creator Marketplace app, including real-time insights into influencer campaign views, engagement rates and engaged audience demographics.

Not everyone has access to the Creator Marketplace yet. TikTok says that it is currently using an “exclusively invitation-based experience system” for the tool, so you may not be able to use it. Brands can apply via the main website, or contact TikTok for a prioritized invitation via the Help Center.

Facebook Implements Bans on Ads Seeking to Capitalize on Coronavirus Fears

With concerns around the spread of the novel coronavirus, Facebook is now taking action against profiteering advertisers that seek to capitalize on such concerns.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-implements-bans-on-ads-seeking-to-capitalize-on-coronavirus-fears/573056/

Using Emojis in Social Media

Emojis have become a common element in modern communication, with research showing that 92% of people have used, and/or regularly use, emojis in their messaging. The URL below contains an infographic that outlines a range of reasons why you should consider emojis in your brand messaging, along with some key pointers to steer you clear of potential emoji misuse.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/using-emojis-in-social-media-marketing-infographic/573673/

LinkedIn Has Confirmed that LinkedIn Stories are Coming Soon

LinkedIn is currently testing LinkedIn Stories internally, though there’s no timeline for a full rollout.

They’ve learned so much already about the unique possibilities of ‘Stories’ in a professional context. For example, the sequencing of the ‘Stories’ format is great for sharing key moments from work events, and the full-screen narrative style makes it easy to share tips and tricks that help us work smarter.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/linkedin-has-confirmed-that-linkedin-stories-are-coming-soon/573149/

Montagut Invited Their Fans to Winter Wonderland with the Support of KRDS

Blog

With an ongoing retainer partnership, the Christmas Wonderland campaign was our fifth campaign collaboration with Montagut within the span of the past 18 months on the Chinese market. Don’t get fooled — Christmas is an increasingly significant event in the marketing calendars for most brands in the Mainland and it’s getting harder and harder to stand out among all the merry buzz.

But Christmas wasn’t the sole reason that Montagut wanted to celebrate with their fans in China. The second reason was the launch of Montagut’s new Winter 2020 collection with one of the goals for the end of 2019 being to communicate the arrival of the new garments and styles.

Our solution to gracefully feature both new collection and holiday spirit was a H5 WeChat game set in a French winter wonderland. Bespoke and dreamy graphics combined with hooking tapping game mechanism made this game an instant hit with Montagut’s existing followers as well as nearly 10,000 new fans.

According to Candice Meyer, Head of Brand Image & Communications Asia at Montagut, “This campaign was very fun and engaging. Beyond generating buzz and page views, KRDS was smart to find the right mechanism to attract a very high number of new fans”.

Miriam Dabrowa, Senior Communication Strategist at KRDS Greater China, said: “With the new opportunities coming in 2020, and especially Montagut’s 140th Anniversary, we truly can’t wait to create new exciting content together”.

Some of the KRDS’ clients include Vivo,  BNP Paribas, Hong Kong Disneyland, Meiji, BreadTalk, Toast Box, Volkswagen, AIA, Unilever, Sony, WWF, Grand Hyatt.

mml3

Monday Morning Learning – 24 February 2020

Blog, , , ,

Facebook Launches New Creator Studio Mobile App

This week, Facebook launched a new mobile version of its Creator Studio tool, with a separate Creator Studio app to help better manage your Facebook Pages OTG. You’ll be able to manage and edit Page posts, view performance analytics and respond to messages – with the added capacity to manage multiple Facebook Pages through the app.

Source: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-launches-new-creator-studio-mobile-app/572754/

Facebook Tests New Format for Separate Facebook Stories Discovery Page

Facebook has continued its onward march with Facebook Stories by testing out a new format for its separate Stories discovery page, which can be accessed by tapping on the ‘See All Stories’ prompt underneath the main Facebook Stories bar.

Source: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-tests-new-format-for-separate-facebook-stories-discovery-page/572598/

Twitter Suspends a ‘Large Network’ of Fake Accounts Used to Match Phone Numbers to Users

Security researcher Ibrahim Balic found that a bug in Twitter’s Android app let him submit millions of phone numbers through an official API, which returned any associated user account.

The feature is intended to let friends look up your Twitter handle through your number, but obviously submitting millions of numbers goes “beyond its intended use case”.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2020/02/03/twitter-suspends-large-network-of-fake-accounts-used-to-match-phone-numbers-to-users/

Facebook Tests Easier Access to Chronological News Feed and Other Feed 

The test provides three different variations of the News Feed in separate tabs, which would be accessible along the top of the feed list.

The three versions are:

  • Most Relevant – Which is the current, default algorithm-defined feed view.
  • Most Recent – Which would enable you to see the latest posts from the people and Pages you follow in reverse chronological order.
  • Already Seen – Which would enable you to go back over the posts you’re already viewed, which could be handy for finding that thing you saw a while back.

Source: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-tests-easier-access-to-chronological-news-feed-and-other-feed-sort/572476/

Facebook Testing New Color Highlighting for Links and Hashtags in Post Text

The tests show links, tags and hashtags to be in Facebook blue colour as opposed to the current black bold. This would help them stand out in the copy and grab the attention of the user.

Source: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebooks-testing-new-color-highlighting-for-links-and-hashtags-in-post-te/572479/

The Four Vs in Personalisation 

These can be a game-changer by helping create value to the customer by showing them only relevant information and also to the marketer by giving them the best returns on investment and value to the brand through increased brand loyalty.

  • Volume: The volume of customer data for analysis, which is used to develop a personalized experience is huge. 
  • Variety: The variety of data points that are unstructured and can be collected from many sources like social media posts, purchasing patterns, photos, and videos, etc helps create a persona for each customer.
  • Veracity: Thanks to AI algorithms, the data is becoming more reliable. It helps brands derive accurate insights and marketing plans from their strategy.
  • Velocity: The frequency with which brands can generate data and analyze it is critical for the success of personalization.

Source: https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/the-people-report/how-personalisation-tools-are-changing-digital-interactions/74263839