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Instagram Stories Create New Haven For Snapchat Stars
Instagram Stories has officially launched, giving the photo-sharing giant a “snappy” make-over. Yes, Instagram took Snapchat’s disposable post idea and ran with it; presenting the fear of missing out to its 500 million monthly active users. Like Snapchat Stories, Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours and allow users to draw directly onto the image. Unlike Snapchat, however, Instagram… Read more »
How Influencers Transcend Ever-Changing Ad Rules
The FTC has been stepping up enforcement on paid endorsements, SEO is Google’s special, ever-changing little mystery and Facebook is cracking down on ads that users deem annoying. Just when you figure out what works, someone announces an update and it’s back to deciphering the new rules like Indiana Jones in a tomb—or is it? As… Read more »
Pinterest Gets The Picture, Introduces Native Video Ads
Pinterest has finally introduced a native video player, creating massive opportunities for brands and influencers everywhere. The photo-centric social platform has already established itself as a source for inspiration and tutorials, but a native video player makes it even easier to share ideas (and sell products). “In the last year alone, we’ve seen a 60… Read more »
KontrolFreek Scores Big With Influencer Ali-A
Video game peripheral company, KontrolFreek utilizes influencer marketing to demonstrate and spread the word about new products. Working with an estimated 450 influencers, the company reports that nearly 35 percent of all website revenue originated from its affiliate program in the second quarter of 2016. Returning for a second year is the CQC Signature Ali-A Edition… Read more »
Turns Out YouTube And TV Have A Beautiful Relationship
Google commissioned a study by analytics firm, Nielsen to explore the relationship between YouTube engagement and TV program viewership, and whether or not there is a direct correlation in viewing habits. As it turns out, there is a direct connection between views on YouTube and TV content. According to Nielsen’s findings, TV reach seems to… Read more »
Where Do Influencers Fit Into Your Social Media Budget?
Influencers are a unique animal. While some are strategic partnerships and others appear by accident (Chewbacca Mom, for example) one thing is certain–they all transcend the ever-changing ad guidelines by the FTC, Google and social media sites like Facebook. In a world where selfies sell products, it’s no wonder that the percentage of marketing budgets devoted to social… Read more »
Twitter’s New Character Limits Favor Audiences Over Brands
You’ve probably heard by now that Twitter status updates no longer count photos, videos, GIFs, polls and quote tweets toward the 140 character limit. While the social media maven may have relaxed its limit to allow for more expressive posts, brands may be surprised to learn that these new rules don’t apply to promoted tweets. There is a workaround (posting… Read more »
Teens Use YouTube More Than Social Networks
We may never understand the mind of teenagers, but at least we have some idea of what they’re looking at online—mostly YouTube. The National Cyber Security Alliance and Microsoft polled 804 US teen internet users ages 13 to 17 about their digital activities and a whopping 9 out of 10 said they use YouTube. The video… Read more »
YouTube Beauty Video Views Up 65 Percent Year Over Year
Lifestyle brands and YouTube have a “beautiful” relationship, with a highly influential creator community that is constantly diversifying. According to a new study by Pixability, beauty video views have increased 65 percent year over year—with the top influencer, Zoella attracting over 10 million subscribers. Pixability found that of the 200 most-viewed beauty videos on YouTube, 86 percent… Read more »
How YouTube Is Catering To Influencers More Than Ever
YouTube has long been known for reviews and how-to videos but, in recent years, their creators have become full-blown celebrities, making the network a prime destination for branded content. In fact, a recent study found that teenagers use the video-sharing network more than regular social networks. With ever-changing advertising rules and FTC crack-downs, YouTube wants influencers to know… Read more »