Discover the latest updates, platform developments, Beta placements, and changes in the sector, all in one place.

Snapchat Grows Global Users

Snapchat has published its latest performance update, showing an increase of 10% in its global users, including +4% for Europe, and +19% for the rest of the world. As well as this, the onboarding of 1500 ‘snap stars’ in Q1 has seen engagement in the U.S rise by 55% year on year.

Takeaway:

Are you using Snapchat in your campaigns? And if not, have you discussed your options with you Net Natives team? It looks like this platform is going to continue growing.  

 2 May 2024

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Spotify's New Pixel Feature

The biggest update for Spotify this month is that it now has its own pixel. With the introduction of this, we can now analyse the actions that listeners took after hearing or seeing your ads. Currently, the Spotify Pixel is able to track visitors, leads and purchases.

Takeaway:

This could revolutionise the way you interact with Spotify and how you measure the return on your advertising investment. 

2 May 2024

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Youtube's New Placement

YouTube's new “Select Shorts” option, enables brands to place their ads alongside top Shorts content in various categories. According to YouTube, Shorts are now viewed by 2 billion logged-in users every month, while Shorts viewership on TVs has also increased rapidly.

Takeaway: 

YouTube continues to be a prominant platform to gain organic as well as paid impressions. Make sure you leverage this as a key social media platform.

2 May 2024

Read the full article here.

Lacking diversity in AI

Dove's latest OOH campaign ‘The Code’ challenges the bias in AI that tends to perpetuate stereotypical and narrow standards of beauty across the globe. As new research from Dove finds that one in three women and girls feel pressure to alter their appearance because of what they see online, even when they know AI-generated. 

Takeaway: 

With a predicted 90% of online content to be AI-generated by 2025, the campaign explores the potential for AI to foster greater diversity. Dove's campaign suggests that simply adding to AI-generated search terms can enhance inclusivity.

24 April 2024

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How Third-Party Cookies set the industry back

The demise of the cookie exposed its flaws, including misleading attribution, reliance on dubious data, and undermining of context. As we transition away from third-party cookies, considerations include embracing diverse data strategies like identity solutions and publisher first-party data segmentation. Collaboration with retailers, AI-powered targeting algorithms, and innovative technologies.

Takeaway: 

The end of third-party cookies signals a shift towards innovation and a more sustainable and effective advertising landscape, emphasizing quality, context, and consumer privacy. 

24 April 2024

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Boomers need to be protected from social media

In the digital age, scams are as old as the internet itself. A particular infamous scam text that circulated back in 2023, played on parents' emotions, urging them to send money to their children. A lot of 'boomers' fell for it, highlighting the vulnerability of older generations to online fraud. Contrary to stereotypes, Gen Z demonstrates a cautious approach to social media. They meticulously curate their online presence, wary of sharing too much personal information. 

Takeaway:

Ultimately, young or old, we’re all at risk when we go online. Plus, with the rise of AI, deepfakes and more, those risks are only set to grow in number and complexity.

24 April 2024

Read the full article here.

BBC to run adverts across UK 

The BBC is planning to begin introducing proposals around its podcasts and on-demand radio shows when they are streamed via third-party services such as Apple and Spotify. According to the Times, the ads are anticipated to begin around smaller factual and drama shows including The Archers, Desert Island Discs and In Our Time, although all shows will also be available without advertising via the corporation’s BBC Sounds service.

Takeaway: 

With access to popular BBC content advertisers can reach a larger audience. We expect to see increased competition among advertisers vying for space on BBC shows. 

 9 April 2024

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Marketers are facing an AI skills ‘crisis’

This article looks at a survey of over 1,900 senior marketers globally on issues around AI. The results showed that 92% are eagerly embracing AI, one of the most talked about new technologies in years.

Despite this openness, it revealed that 52% of marketers surveyed identified a lack of data skills among marketing talent as a top-three issue when using data for customer engagement, hindering the use of AI.

Takeaway: 

Addressing these obstacles will be crucial utilising the potential of AI and maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly digital landscape.

9 April 2024

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Challenging conventions in campaigns

This ad for World Down Syndrome Day challenges stereotypes about the limitations of life with Down syndrome. Inspired by a speech by Marta Sodano at the UN. The campaign aims to break down stereotypes and barriers faced by people with Down syndrome. It's a powerful message against prejudice and aims to expand opportunities for those with Down syndrome.

Takeaway: 

This is a great campaign message that can be adopted in Higher Education. Showcasing diversity creates a welcoming environment to encourage prospective students with disabilities and diverse needs to apply.

9 April 2024

View the full article here

The top 4 benefits of programmatic DOOH

This article looks at the benefits of digital out-of-home ads. How seamlessly integrating physical screens with moments of action and social connection. It combines the mass reach of OOH with precise targeting and holistic measurement, offering creative, measurable, and adaptable capabilities that are becoming essential in marketers' omnichannel strategies.

Takeaway: 

Highlights include; buying audiences, not just locations, capitalizing on the context of the trend reaching customers in public spaces at key moments and having the ability to act and adjust quickly.

15 March 2024

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The first US privacy act of 2024

The New Jersey Privacy Act sets a precedent for other states and the federal government to follow suit in prioritizing data privacy and protection. Scheduled to come into effect in January 2025, reshaping the landscape of data privacy.

Takeaway: 

Mandates requiring opt-outs and data disclosure challenge conventional targeted advertising strategies, placing consumer control at the forefront. As transparency and trust emerge as critical components of advertising success, marketers must swiftly adapt to regulatory changes to ensure long-term viability in an evolving landscape.

15 March 2024

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Content inspiration: User-generated content 

We loved the University of Southampton's latest campaign "The Last Tour". From visuals to music, it's a testament to student talent and collaboration. In one video, it encapsulates all aspects of campus life all in one video. It's a beautiful showcase of what makes Southampton special: its students.

Takeaway: 

User-generated content serves as a powerful marketing tool. It authentically showcases the university's vibrant culture and academic excellence through the achievements of its students.

15 March 2024

Watch the YouTube video here.