Snap Inc. CEO Evan Spiegel Reflects on 13-Year Milestone in New Letter to Staff
September 3, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – In a message to employees, Snap Inc. CEO Evan Spiegel commemorated the company’s 13-year milestone by reflecting on its significant achievements and outlining future goals. The note highlighted Snap's recent progress, including reversing two years of declining revenue and reaching over 850 million global users, as the company continues to evolve in the competitive digital landscape.
“Thank you so much for your extraordinary efforts and dedication to our business," Spiegel wrote to the Snap team. He emphasized the company's success in building a sustainable cost structure, improving earnings and cash flow, and growing content engagement by 25% globally in the second quarter of 2024. The message came as the company works to further strengthen its advertising business and diversify revenue streams, including through its subscription service, Snapchat+.
Spiegel acknowledged the slower growth in Snap’s advertising business compared to competitors, noting that this has been a factor in the company's share price performance. However, he outlined the company's strategy to focus more on its lower funnel business, which generates more predictable revenue through smaller advertisers and direct response objectives. “Lower funnel revenue is ‘stickier’ because it is more closely tied to key business objectives and positive returns on ad spend," Spiegel explained.
Looking ahead to 2025, Spiegel said Snap will focus on accelerating growth in both upper and lower funnel businesses by introducing new ad placements like Sponsored Snaps and Promoted Places, as well as leveraging machine learning to improve ad performance and offer better insights for advertisers. “We’re going to start surfacing more unique and actionable insights to advertisers based on the diversity of engagement on Snapchat,” Spiegel noted, referencing the potential of Snap’s features like the Snap Map.
Spiegel also mentioned Snap's continued investment in augmented reality (AR) and generative AI, which have become central to the company's product strategy. These technologies are expected to further enhance user engagement and offer new opportunities for innovation on the platform.
Reflecting on the company's journey, Spiegel praised the team for navigating challenging market conditions and driving Snap’s growth over the past 13 years. "The reason that I’ve dedicated so much of my life to building Snap is because I believe deeply in the power of technology to make a positive impact in people’s lives,” he stated.
To read the full letter, click here.
Source: Snap Inc.
Pinterest Introduces New Board Sharing Feature Across Social Media Platforms
Photo Credit:
June 25, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Pinterest, with over half a billion monthly users and 10 billion boards globally, has launched a new feature that allows users to share videos of their Pinterest boards on social media platforms. The update enables users to share their curated inspirations while including links for others to explore the full boards on Pinterest.
"Gen Z makes up over 40% of our global monthly users on Pinterest. We are enhancing the board features based on user feedback, and board sharing is one of our critical investments", said Rachel Hardy, Director of Consumer Product Marketing at Pinterest.
The new feature is being promoted through partnerships with artists Avril Lavigne and Tierra Whack, who are sharing their personal Pinterest boards with fans, offering insights into their creative processes.
"I have been a long-time user of Pinterest," said Lavigne. "I am excited about this new way of sharing boards because the possibilities to let people into my creative process are now even easier."
Whack shared similar enthusiasm, stating, "Pinterest is a creative haven where I capture all the fascinating interests constantly swirling through my mind. My boards are a random mosaic of my creative thoughts ready to spark my imagination."
The board sharing feature simplifies the process of sharing Pinned content across various platforms and is set to increase user engagement and visibility for curated boards.
For more information, visit www.Pinterest.com.
Source: Pinterest
Meta Partners with Sage Geosystems for Pioneering Geothermal Energy Project
Photo Credit: Meta
August 26, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - Meta has announced a new partnership with Sage Geosystems to expand the use of geothermal energy in the United States. The collaboration will leverage Sage’s proprietary Geopressured Geothermal System (GGS) to provide carbon-free power for Meta’s data centers, marking a significant advancement in the deployment of clean energy technologies.
The announcement was made at the U.S. Department of Energy’s geothermal workshop, where Meta emphasized its commitment to reliable, affordable, and carbon-free power. "We’re excited to partner with Sage on a first-of-its-kind project exploring the use of new, advanced geothermal energy in parts of the country where it has not been possible before," Meta stated in its announcement.
Geothermal energy, traditionally concentrated in regions like Nevada, Utah, and California, will now be explored more widely across the U.S. through Sage’s GGS technology. This system promises to harness geothermal energy from hot dry rock formations, which are more abundant compared to traditional hydrothermal sources. According to Meta, this technology "marks a significant advancement for the clean energy sector, showcasing the ability to harness geothermal energy virtually anywhere."
The first phase of the project is expected to be operational by 2027, with plans to deliver up to 150 MW of new geothermal baseload power to support Meta’s data centers. This initiative is part of Meta’s broader commitment to achieving a zero-carbon economy and advancing renewable energy solutions. To date, the company has contracted more than 12,000 MW in renewable energy projects, making it one of the largest corporate buyers of renewable energy globally.
For more information about Meta, visit Meta’s website.
Source: Meta
FaZe Media and G FUEL Renew Partnership with Multi-Year Sponsorship and Equity Deal
Photo Credit: G FUEL
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 2, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - FaZe Media, the media arm of FaZe Clan, and energy drink brand G FUEL, have announced a renewed multi-year sponsorship and licensing agreement. As part of the agreement, FaZe Media will receive an equity stake in G FUEL.
The partnership will launch with G FUEL as the presenting sponsor for FaZe Clan's month-long Subathon event in September. The event will include a temporary renaming of the FaZe House to the "FaZe G FUEL House," reflecting the companies' previous collaboration in 2014.
"Reuniting with G FUEL is a full circle moment for us," said FaZe Media CEO FaZe Banks. "As we focus on reconnecting with our roots, this partnership represents more than just a business deal—it’s a revival of the legendary history from the OG FaZe days."
G FUEL CEO Bryan Crowley also commented on the partnership, stating, "This comes at a perfect time; with FaZe pushing boundaries and nurturing the next generation of content creators, we are continuing to innovate with new products and categories."
The renewed partnership will include co-branded products and collaborations aimed at furthering engagement within the gaming and creator communities.
For more information, visit the official websites of FaZe Clan and G FUEL.
Source: G FUEL via PR Newswire
TikTok Shop Launches Back-to-School Campaign, Partners with National PTA
Photo Credit: TikTok
V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD, August 28, 2024, (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - TikTok Shop has launched its Back-to-School campaign, offering exclusive deals and engaging content to help students, parents, and teachers prepare for the upcoming school year. The campaign, which featured products from top brands such as Doritos, Liquid IV, and Too Faced, as well as new launches from Bic Store and Uni Brands, ran for five days earlier this month.
The campaign resulted in significant user engagement, with 482,000 videos published and 76,000 livestreams hosted, leading to 6.3 million orders placed. The campaign also saw 2.1 million users make purchases, with 293,000 of these coming from livestream events.
In addition to its commercial success, TikTok Shop has expanded its community impact by partnering with the National PTA for their Back-to-School Week, scheduled for September 9-13. TikTok Shop is contributing a $100,000 donation to support classroom supply purchases for schools in Maryland and Washington State. Furthermore, TikTok Shop plans to provide back-to-school kits filled with items from top sellers to teachers and faculty in the Seattle region.
For more information, visit www.TikTok.com.
Source: TikTok
Mark Zuckerberg and Daniel Ek Advocate for Open-Source AI in Europe Amid Regulatory Challenges
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta Founder and CEO and Daniel Ek, Spotify Founder and CEO ● Source: Meta
August 27, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, and Daniel Ek, CEO of Spotify, have expressed concerns about the impact of Europe’s regulatory environment on the development and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The two tech leaders argue that Europe’s complex and inconsistent regulations could hinder its ability to compete globally in AI, particularly in the realm of open-source AI.
In a joint statement, Zuckerberg and Ek highlighted the transformative potential of AI, stating that it could significantly enhance human productivity, accelerate scientific progress, and contribute trillions of dollars to the global economy. However, they caution that the current regulatory landscape in Europe may prevent the continent from fully capitalizing on these opportunities.
"Europe needs a new approach with clearer policies and more consistent enforcement," they stated. They emphasized that open-source AI—where models are publicly released with permissive licenses—could democratize access to AI technologies, preventing power from being concentrated among a few large players and fostering innovation across diverse sectors.
Zuckerberg noted that Meta has open-sourced several AI technologies, including the Llama large language models, which are already being utilized by public institutions and researchers to advance medical research and language preservation. Despite these advancements, he pointed out that the fragmented regulatory environment in Europe is creating significant challenges. "Without urgent changes, European businesses, academics, and others risk missing out on the next wave of technology investment and economic-growth opportunities," he said.
Ek echoed these sentiments, reflecting on Spotify’s experience as one of the few European tech success stories. He stressed the importance of AI in driving Spotify’s growth and expressed concern that Europe’s regulatory approach could stifle the potential of open-source AI to benefit industries such as music and beyond. "A simplified regulatory structure would not only accelerate the growth of open-source AI but also provide crucial support to European developers and the broader creator ecosystem," Ek remarked.
The CEOs also criticized the uneven application of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), arguing that it has led to delays and uncertainty, particularly in how it impacts AI development. Zuckerberg highlighted that Meta has been advised to delay training its AI models on publicly shared content in Europe due to regulatory disagreements, which he argues could leave European AI models lagging behind those from other regions.
In their closing remarks, Zuckerberg and Ek called for Europe to streamline and harmonize its regulations to foster innovation and retain its top AI talent. They warned that without swift action, Europe risks falling behind in the global race for AI leadership. "The one thing Europe doesn’t have, unless it wants to risk falling further behind, is time," they concluded.
Source: Meta
TikTok Launches 'Short 'N Sweet' In-App Experience to Celebrate Sabrina Carpenter's New Album
Photo Credit: Tik Tok
August 23, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - TikTok has introduced a new in-app experience called "Short 'N Sweet" to celebrate the release of Sabrina Carpenter's sixth studio album. This global initiative invites fans to engage with exclusive content and participate in interactive tasks related to the album.
The "Short 'N Sweet" experience offers fans the opportunity to be featured in TikTok’s official Fan Spotlight carousel. By completing five interactive tasks, users can unlock an exclusive profile frame, further immersing themselves in the album's theme. Additionally, fans can use a special Short 'N Sweet TikTok effect designed for this event. For inspiration, users are encouraged to visit Carpenter’s TikTok page to see her latest content.
To join the experience, users can search for "Short 'N Sweet" or "Sabrina Carpenter" on TikTok, or interact with the video anchor featured alongside Carpenter’s content. Fans who comment on videos using the hashtags #SabrinaCarpenter or #ShortNSweet will see a pop-up animation guiding them to the experience.
Sabrina Carpenter, who has been active on TikTok since 2019, currently has 19.1 million followers and 274.4 million likes on her content. Earlier this year, her hit song "Espresso" inspired over 1.2 million creator videos. More recently, her track "Please, Please, Please" generated over 6.3 million creator videos, 25 billion views, and landed at #6 on TikTok’s Songs of the Summer 2024 list.
New to TikTok and want to explore all things #ShortNSweet? Getting involved couldn’t be easier, simply download the app for free via the Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon. - Tik Tok
Source: TikTok
New Research Highlights Positive Impact of Snapchat on Australians' Happiness
August 22, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - Recent research commissioned by Snapchat reveals that online communication, particularly through messaging apps, is playing a significant role in boosting happiness and emotional well-being among Australians. The study, conducted by YouGov, focused on the experiences of both teens and adults in Australia, exploring how different online communication platforms influence their relationships and overall mental health.
The findings show that Australians generally feel happier when using messaging apps compared to traditional social media platforms. Specifically, 4-in-5 teens and 3-in-4 adults reported feeling happy when direct messaging with family and close friends. The research highlights that messaging apps are viewed as better than social media platforms for fostering authentic connections and supporting emotional health.
Snapchat, which is used by over 8 million Australians each month, was found to be particularly effective in supporting and deepening friendships. Users who engage with Snapchat on a weekly basis are more likely to express satisfaction with the quality of their relationships compared to the general Australian population.
According to the study, Australians are roughly 2-3 times more likely to see messaging apps as beneficial for being their authentic selves, developing relationships, and avoiding misunderstandings, compared to social media platforms. Additionally, social media platforms were more often associated with feelings of being overwhelmed or pressured to present a certain image.
This research underscores the importance of online communication tools like Snapchat in enhancing well-being and strengthening relationships, with direct messaging emerging as a key factor in fostering happiness.
To view the full research and findings, click here.
Source: Snapchat
The DONUT Acquires Press Sports to Expand Media Reach Among Younger Audiences
AUSTIN, Texas, August 19, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - The DONUT, a newsletter-based news organization, has announced its acquisition of Press Sports, a social media platform that connects young athletes and sports fans. This acquisition aims to strengthen the company’s presence among Gen Z and millennial audiences, bringing together a combined user base of over 2.3 million.
Press Sports has built a following of over 2 billion media views and 450,000 email and text-message subscribers. The platform also has a notable presence on social media, particularly on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat, where it has gathered 1.7 million followers.
Peter Nowak, Founder and CEO of The DONUT, commented on the acquisition, stating, "Integrating Press Sports into The DONUT portfolio is a game-changing move that amplifies our presence in the sports media landscape and sets us apart as a leader in delivering content that resonates deeply with Gen Z and millennial audiences."
Branndon Stewart, co-founder and COO of Press Sports, will join the DONUT Press Media team to oversee daily operations.
The company aims to leverage the strengths of both brands to innovate within the media industry and engage with today’s sports fans.
Learn more at www.theDONUT.co
Source: DONUT News via PR Web
Threads Introduces New Web Features for Creators and Businesses
Photo Credit: Meta
Calif., August 16, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Meta has announced the launch of several new features for its Threads platform, aimed at enhancing the experience for creators and businesses. These updates, initially available on the web, include insights, multiple drafts, and scheduling functions, designed to help users better manage and optimize their content.
The newly introduced insights feature allows users to analyze the performance of their Threads posts through various metrics. These include the number of views, replies, reposts, and quotes on posts. Additionally, users can track the growth of their follower count over time and gain demographic insights such as age, gender, and location of their followers. According to Meta, these metrics are intended to help creators and businesses tailor their content to better resonate with their audience.
In response to the need for more flexible content creation, Threads now offers the ability to write and save multiple drafts. Users can store up to 100 drafts, which can be refined and posted when ready. This feature aims to ensure that users can develop their ideas fully before sharing them with their followers.
Meta is also rolling out a scheduling feature, currently in the testing phase, which will allow users to plan and schedule their Threads posts for future publication. This tool is designed to help creators and businesses maintain a consistent online presence by enabling them to schedule posts days in advance.
These updates are part of Meta's ongoing efforts to evolve the Threads platform. Since launching the web version less than a year ago, Meta has introduced various enhancements, including the Threads API and a real-time updating web experience. According to Meta, these new tools are designed to address user needs and improve the overall functionality of the platform.
Source: Meta
Snapchat Introduces New Personalization Features for Snapchat+ Subscribers
Photo Credit: Snapchat
(V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - Snapchat has announced new features to enhance user personalization, available through its Snapchat+ subscription service. With over 9 million subscribers, Snapchat+ offers exclusive and pre-release features aimed at improving user connectivity and customization.
The latest updates for Snapchat+ subscribers include the ability to design a personalized house on Snap Map, visible to themselves and friends with whom they share their location. Users can choose from various customization options, ranging from realistic designs to imaginative creations like candy castles. Additionally, subscribers can now have their custom pet appear beside their Bitmoji in chats, adding a personalized touch to their conversations. Another new feature allows users to send Snaps with expiration options lasting 0.10, 0.25, and 0.50 seconds, enabling quicker and more flexible communication.
In addition to these exclusive features, Snapchat has introduced new options for all users. The Bitmoji Builder now includes a live mirror feature, allowing users to select features that closely resemble their appearance. Additionally, new AI-powered lenses, such as the "My 5-Year Old Self" lens, offer users a nostalgic transformation experience.
Source: Snapchat
TikTok to Host Creative Performance Webinar for SMBs
Photo Credit: Tik Tok
July 1, 2024 (BUSINESS WATCH GLOBAL) - TikTok has announced a new webinar titled "Mastering Creative Performance on TikTok" designed specifically for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The webinar aims to provide valuable insights and strategies for creating captivating content that converts on the popular social media platform.
Webinar Details:
Topic: Mastering Creative Performance on TikTok
Date: Thursday, July 11, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM BST (12:00 PM CEST)
Platform: Live Zoom Webinar
The event will cover essential aspects of creative performance, focusing on the following themes:
Common elements of successful TikTok ads
Creative tips and insights to enhance performance
Winning strategies for peak creative performance
Industry experts will lead the session, sharing their knowledge and experience to help businesses improve their content on TikTok. Attendees will gain practical advice and actionable strategies to boost their creative efforts.
To reserve your spot and learn more about the webinar, visit TikTok Webinar Registration.
Source: TikTok
Snapchat Drives Audiences to Watch TV Shows and Movies, Reports Samba TV
Photo Credit: Snapchat
July 1, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - New research from Samba TV indicates that advertising on Snapchat can significantly increase viewership for TV shows, movies, and sporting events. The study reveals that Snapchat campaigns produced an 84% lift in tune-in on average.
Samba TV's tune-in reporting shows that Snapchat not only drives existing audiences to engage with content but also attracts new viewers. The study found that 79% of Snapchat impressions were served to households that had not been reached by traditional TV ads. Additionally, one in three tune-ins driven by Snapchat came from new viewers, encompassing heavy, medium, and light TV viewers.
The effectiveness of Snapchat's ad formats was further demonstrated by campaigns utilizing multiple ad products. Samba TV found that campaigns using three to four ad products saw more than twice the lift compared to those using only one to two ad products.
With over 800 million monthly active users and reaching more than 75% of 13- to 34-year-olds, Snapchat offers substantial opportunities for advertisers to enhance viewer discovery and retention.
Source: Snapchat
YouTube Announces Lineup for VidCon 2024: Keynotes, Celebrations, and Creator Resources
Photo Credit: YouTube
ANAHEIM, Calif., June 25, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - YouTube is set to be the presenting title sponsor at VidCon 2024, where creators come together to celebrate digital culture. The event, which returns to Anaheim, will feature a range of sessions aimed at helping creators enhance their content, build communities, and explore new monetization strategies.
Attendees, both in-person and online, can look forward to various activities and insights. Key highlights include the keynote session "Creators + Fans: How Passion Pays Off On YouTube" with Amjad Hanif, VP of Product Management, and Kevin Allocca, Global Director of Culture & Trends. This session will be live-streamed on June 27 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm.
YouTube will also celebrate 15 years of Minecraft with an interactive exhibit featuring photo opportunities, exclusive merchandise, and appearances from popular Minecraft creators such as Aphmau and TommyInnit. This celebration will take place from June 27 to June 29 on the ACC Expo Floor.
Additional sessions include "Algorithm Unlocked: Mastering YouTube from Shorts to Screen," "Living Room Takeover: YouTube's CTV Revolution," and "Supercharge Your YouTube Workflow: Essential AI-Powered Tools for Efficiency and Growth." These sessions aim to provide creators with valuable tips and tools to enhance their content and efficiency.
For those interested in monetization, the session "Build a Thriving Business with YouTube: From Shopping to Fan Funding" will be held on June 28 from 2:45 to 3:30 pm. Meanwhile, community-focused sessions like "What Women Watch – Finding Success as a Woman on YouTube" and "Chew on This: The Mukbang Movement on YouTube" will offer insights into niche content creation.
YouTube will also host intimate gatherings called Creator Collectives, allowing creators to meet, share their passions, and find inspiration. These collectives will cover various communities, including #YouTubeLatino, Shorts, Pride, Women, #YouTubeBlack, Cosplay, AAPI, and gaming.
For those needing a break, YouTube will provide dedicated lounges. The Featured Creator Lounge at the Hyatt Hotel will be open to featured creators, while the Creator Track Lounge at the ACC will cater to VidCon Creator Track pass holders, offering networking opportunities, educational resources, and brand activations.
To learn more about the sessions and RSVP, visit the event page.
Source: YouTube
TikTok Expands Taylor Swift In-App Experience for 2024 Eras Tour
June 21, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - TikTok has announced an expansion of its in-app experience celebrating Taylor Swift and her ongoing Eras Tour. The new feature, known as #TSTheErasTour, introduces interactive elements for Swift's fans, or "Swifties," allowing them to engage with each other and complete tasks to unlock exclusive digital content.
The #TSTheErasTour experience offers fans the chance to win album-branded profile frames and collect digital friendship beads to create virtual friendship bracelets. Over the course of 11 weeks, Swifties can complete various album-themed tasks, each tied to different albums from Swift’s career. Those who complete all tasks will receive a special Swiftie profile frame.
In addition to the weekly challenges, the in-app experience will showcase video highlights from each stop on the Eras Tour and feature a playlist related to the week’s album theme. TikTok has emphasized its role in supporting artists and connecting them with fans through platforms like this, enhancing the bond between artists and their followers.
To access the #TSTheErasTour experience, fans can click the anchor appearing next to Taylor Swift content on TikTok or interact with search banners for related terms. Participants can view their collected digital friendship beads and profile frames on the in-app experience’s homepage, with achievements for completed tasks appearing as pop-up messages.
Since the start of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in March 2023, related hashtags have been prominently featured on TikTok, amassing over 5 million creator videos. The platform has been a hub for fans to express their creativity and connect with others, enhancing their overall experience of the tour.
TikTok continues to roll out unique experiences for fans and artists alike, having previously launched the "Tortured Poets Department" in-app feature, which generated over 3.2 million creator videos. Hashtags related to Taylor Swift, such as #SwiftTok and #TaylorsVersion, remain highly popular, with millions of video creations contributing to the community’s engagement.
Source: TikTok
Khloé Kardashian Partners with X for New 26-Episode Video Podcast
LOS ANGELES, June 21, 2024, (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - Khloé Kardashian and X have announced a new partnership for a 26-episode video podcast series, set to launch exclusively on the platform this fall. The series, which will be produced by PAVE Studios under their OpenMind brand, will explore a range of topics through Kardashian’s perspective, blending humor and relatability.
Kardashian, known for her entrepreneurial ventures and media presence, will star in and produce the podcast. The show is part of X’s initiative to expand its original content offerings, focusing on talent-driven concepts while allowing creators to retain ownership of their content. Each episode will have a 24-hour exclusive window on X before being available on other platforms.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the project, Kardashian stated, “I have a genuine curiosity about so many topics and I try to see the positive in everything. I can’t wait to explore, listen, and learn through this exciting journey. Thank you X for taking this ride with me.”
Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, commented on the partnership: “When thinking about the bold voices with global reach that X wants to stand behind, Khloé Kardashian is our perfect partner. This series demonstrates X’s commitment to empower creators to use video content as a means to enterprise every aspect of their business. I can’t wait for the world to tune in to her compelling conversations, and to provide her with a platform that will showcase her vision to a worldwide audience.”
The series will be produced by PAVE Studios, with Max Cutler as the executive producer. Cutler, founder of PAVE Studios, emphasized the studio’s mission: “PAVE Studios is all about empowering creators, offering them a suite of top-tier resources, including the highest quality production, so they can unleash their creativity. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Khloé Kardashian on her new series. Khloé's natural curiosity and genuine passion for having thought-provoking and meaningful conversations align perfectly with OpenMind's mission to create a space where people can ignite their minds and broaden their perspectives with curiosity-inspired content."
This partnership with Kardashian is part of a series of recent announcements by X, including exclusive deals with Swizz Beatz and Timbaland for their multimedia platform VERZUZ, and with women’s soccer star Midge Purce for a new reality series, Offseason FC.
For more information on Khloé Kardashian’s new series and to sign up for updates, follow X News.
Source: X News
Reddit CEO Steve Huffman Highlights Importance of Real Conversations at Cannes Lions 2024
Photo Credit: Reddit
CANNES, June 20, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA HOLLYWOOD) - At the Cannes Lions 2024, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman delivered a compelling address focusing on the critical importance of authenticity and community engagement in the modern digital landscape. Speaking to an audience of marketers and industry professionals, Huffman underscored how genuine human interactions are essential amidst the rise of AI and synthetic content.
Huffman began by reflecting on Reddit’s extensive history of fostering real human conversations. "Nineteen years of human conversation at Reddit has led to 16 billion-plus posts and comments - and counting," he said, highlighting the platform's role as a hub for authentic discussion among people with shared interests.
He elaborated on the importance of community-driven content, especially in an era where trust in traditional information sources is declining. Huffman noted, "Sports communities are some of the largest on Reddit and they are foundational to the platform." He explained that these communities not only fuel fandom but also provide a trusted space for users to discuss and engage deeply with their interests.
In his remarks, Huffman also addressed the shifting expectations around search and information consumption, driven by the growing influence of social media and community-based platforms. He pointed out that the sense of community on Reddit helps foster trust and authenticity, which are increasingly sought after in the digital age. Huffman stated, "You don't age out of community (or of Reddit)," emphasizing that Reddit's platform is designed to evolve with users, accommodating their changing interests and needs over time.
Huffman’s comments at Cannes Lions illustrate Reddit's commitment to maintaining a platform where genuine conversations can thrive, in contrast to the growing trend of algorithmically generated content. His insights underline the value of community and real human interaction in building trust and fostering engagement in today’s digital world.
For more insights on Steve Huffman’s presentation and Reddit’s community-focused approach, visit Reddit’s website.
Source: Reddit
YouTube Introduces Contextual Notes Feature for Video Content
Mock Display: For Illustrative Purposes Only ● Photo Credit: Youtube
SAN BRUNO, Calif., June 17, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - YouTube has announced the launch of a new feature aimed at enhancing the viewer experience by adding contextual notes to videos. This feature, which is currently in the testing phase, allows users to provide relevant and timely information directly under video content to help clarify and contextualize what viewers are seeing.
The initiative builds on YouTube's previous efforts to add context to videos, such as information panels and requirements for disclosing altered or synthetic content. The new notes feature is designed to address various scenarios, such as indicating when a song in a video is a parody, alerting viewers to the availability of new versions of a product, or clarifying when older footage is being shown as a current event.
Initially, the feature will be available on mobile devices in the United States and will be presented in English. YouTube plans to learn from the pilot phase and refine the system based on user feedback. The company anticipates that there may be some mistakes during the test, such as notes that may not be fully relevant or contain inaccuracies. However, these issues will be addressed as part of the learning process to improve the feature over time.
During the initial rollout, a limited number of eligible contributors, chosen based on their adherence to YouTube's Community Guidelines and their active participation on the platform, will be invited to write notes. These contributors will help test the feature and provide feedback for further development. Viewers in the U.S. will start seeing these notes appear on videos in the coming weeks.
In this test phase, third-party evaluators will rate the usefulness of the notes. These evaluators are the same individuals who provide feedback on YouTube’s search results and recommendations. The evaluation will help train YouTube's systems to better identify and display helpful notes. Over time, YouTube plans to expand the feature and allow more users to contribute and rate notes.
The notes will be publicly visible under videos if they are deemed broadly helpful. Users will have the opportunity to rate the notes as “helpful,” “somewhat helpful,” or “unhelpful,” and provide reasons for their ratings. The feedback will be used to improve the feature and ensure that the most valuable information is displayed.
YouTube's new contextual notes feature aims to provide viewers with more relevant information and help them better understand video content. The company is looking forward to receiving feedback from users, contributors, and creators to enhance the feature and support overall information quality on the platform.
Source: YouTube
TikTok Launches Symphony Digital Avatars and AI Tools for Enhanced Creative Content
NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 17, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - TikTok has introduced Symphony Digital Avatars, a new feature in its Symphony suite of ad solutions powered by generative AI. This launch aims to help brands and creators produce TikTok-first content that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Symphony Digital Avatars are part of a broader initiative by TikTok to provide businesses and creators with tools that blend human creativity with AI-powered efficiency. The new feature offers two types of avatars: Stock Avatars, which are pre-built using paid actors, and Custom Avatars, which can represent a specific creator or brand spokesperson in multiple languages. These avatars are designed to help brands add a human touch to their content and scale their creative strategies globally.
"At TikTok, we aim to empower creators and propel their creativity to a global audience with the power of generative AI," said Andy Yang, Head of Creative Product at TikTok. "Symphony Digital Avatars unlock a new avenue for creators to scale their opportunities with brands globally. We aim to fuel the creator economy by investing in creative solutions that spark joy, imagination, and action."
The Symphony AI creative suite also includes AI Dubbing, a global translation tool that enables creators and brands to translate their content into more than ten languages, facilitating communication with a broader audience. This tool detects the original language in a video, transcribes, translates, and produces a dubbed version in the selected languages, making it easier for creators to reach diverse audiences.
TikTok has also launched the Symphony Collective: Industry Advisory Board, which includes a range of content creators and industry leaders. The collective aims to provide feedback on TikTok’s AI marketing solutions and foster discussions on the responsible use of AI in creative marketing.
David Ma, a filmmaker and TikTok creator, expressed his enthusiasm about joining the collective: "TikTok has been a pioneer in providing creative tools that allow me to effectively collaborate with brands and create lasting, long-term brand relationships. I'm honored to be a part of The Symphony Collective to help test and build their new creative AI solutions."
Anthony Hamelle, Executive Director of Digital, Social & Innovation at TBWA/Chiat/Day US, also commented on the initiative: "TikTok has been a remarkable force for more open, diverse, and bold forms of creativity. With GenAI as a creative catalyst, this stage that welcomes thousands of creators and communities will become even more dynamic."
For more information on TikTok's Symphony tools and how they can help enhance your content, visit TikTok for Business.
Source: TikTok
Pinterest Introduces New AI Tools and Brand Safety Features for Advertisers
NEW YORK, June 14, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Pinterest has announced the introduction of new artificial intelligence (AI) tools designed to enhance creative content and campaign performance for advertisers. Additionally, the company is expanding its brand safety measures to provide a more secure advertising environment. These updates were revealed ahead of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
Pinterest is launching Pinterest Ad Labs, an innovation program for select brands to test new creative and advertising tools. The program includes features such as personalized background generation and interactive shopping capabilities through collages. Pinterest Ad Labs aims to encourage experimentation and gather feedback to quickly bring new tools to market.
The personalized background generation feature, currently being tested in the U.S., utilizes Pinterest’s generative AI to create customized lifestyle backgrounds for Product Pins based on users’ aesthetic preferences. This feature allows products to be displayed in settings that reflect popular styles such as "Japandi," “Organic Modern,” or “Minimalism.”
In addition to personalized backgrounds, Pinterest is introducing collages as a new way for users to curate, share ideas, and shop on the platform. This feature allows users to create collages by cutting out and reassembling visual elements. Selected advertisers can tag products in their collages and promote them as Showcase or Collection ads. Early testers of this feature include brands like Nike, Wayfair, and NYX Professional Makeup. Wayfair reported a 28% increase in cost-per-click efficiency and 5.4 times higher engagement compared to benchmarks for their retail vertical.
Pinterest is also introducing Pinterest Performance+, a suite of AI-powered tools aimed at improving campaign performance and simplifying the campaign creation process. Early testing of Performance+ showed that most advertisers experienced a more than 10% improvement in cost per acquisition for Conversion and Catalog sales campaigns, as well as a more than 10% improvement in cost-per-click for Consideration campaigns.
In the area of brand safety, Pinterest has partnered with Integral Ad Science (IAS) to provide brand safety measurement across all monetized markets. This initiative is aligned with the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) framework and ensures that 99% of measured ad impressions on Pinterest are classified as brand safe. Additionally, Pinterest is integrating with DoubleVerify (DV) to offer advertisers global brand safety and suitability measurement for their campaigns. Initial testing with DV indicated that over 99% of measured impressions were considered safe.
For more information about Pinterest's new tools and brand safety measures, visit Pinterest.
Source: Pinterest