StudioNow Introduces Bad Moon Media to Expand Influencer Marketing Offerings
NASHVILLE, October 10, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – StudioNow has announced the launch of Bad Moon Media, a new subsidiary designed to offer influencer marketing and media campaign solutions. The new division aims to serve brands across a range of industries, with a particular focus on the gaming sector.
Bad Moon Media builds on an 18-month collaboration between StudioNow and Bad Moon Talent, during which the two worked together to deliver campaigns for brands including Amika, Jack Link’s, and Sony PlayStation.
David Mason, Founder and CEO of StudioNow, said, “The creation of Bad Moon Media marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering premium content solutions for brands across various industries. By combining our production capabilities alongside Bad Moon Talent’s influencer marketing expertise, we’re positioned to deliver scalable campaigns that not only engage audiences but also elevate brand storytelling to new heights.”
Reed Trimble, Vice President of Bad Moon Media, emphasized the subsidiary’s focus on the gaming industry, stating, “Bad Moon Media was created to provide a proper solution for brands that want to invest in marketing to the 3.3 billion worldwide gaming audience.”
With this expansion, StudioNow offers clients a broader range of services, from content production to influencer-driven campaigns, aimed at helping brands effectively reach their target audiences across multiple platforms.
For more information, visit www.studionow.com.
Source: StudioNow, Inc.
Instagram Introduces New Features for Direct Messaging
Photo Credit: Instagram
October 9, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Instagram has announced the release of new features aimed at improving the functionality of its Direct Messaging (DM) platform. These updates include options for sharing disappearing content, customizing chat themes, and using new tools to enhance communication efficiency.
The new "View once" feature allows users to send photos and videos that can only be viewed once before disappearing, providing more control over shared content. Additionally, Instagram has expanded its customization options by offering various themes for chat backgrounds, which can be selected based on user preferences.
Instagram has also introduced new AI-powered stickers and a "Cutouts" feature, allowing users to create personalized stickers from their own photos or videos. These updates are designed to offer more creative ways to engage in conversations.
Users can now pin up to three chats at the top of their inbox for easy access. Other updates include the ability to edit or unsend messages within 15 minutes of sending them, allowing users to make corrections or retract messages as needed.
Additional features include the option to send messages silently using the "/silent" command, and the ability to conduct polls within group chats to gather input from participants.
For more information on the new Instagram Direct Message features, click here.
Source: Instagram
Coldplay Launches Interactive TikTok Experience to Celebrate New Album 'MOON MUSiC'
Photo Credit: TikTok
LAS VEGAS, October 8, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Coldplay has launched an exclusive interactive experience on TikTok to coincide with the release of their highly anticipated album, MOON MUSiC. The in-app experience offers fans unique opportunities to engage with Coldplay’s content, unlock exclusive features, and earn rewards while interacting with the band’s new music.
Photo Credit: TikTok
Available globally, the MOON MUSiC experience allows TikTok users to explore exclusive Coldplay content, purchase limited merchandise on TikTok Shop (U.S. only), and earn a Coldplay-themed profile frame. Fans can participate by searching for "Coldplay" or "MOON MUSiC" within the app, or by interacting with content on Coldplay’s TikTok account (@coldplay). To unlock the profile frame, users must complete tasks such as adding Coldplay’s latest single, "ALL MY LOVE," to a streaming platform, liking and commenting on exclusive videos, and creating a video using the song.
Fans can further engage by using the hashtag #MoonMusic on their videos, offering a chance to be featured in the official Fan Spotlight carousel on TikTok.
TikTok Music Partnerships Manager, Alice Razack, commented on the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to partner with Coldplay to celebrate the launch of their highly anticipated album MOON MUSiC. As one of the most influential and iconic bands to emerge from the UK, Coldplay has continually pushed creative boundaries with enormous support from the global TikTok community. They continue to inspire fans worldwide, and we are proud to support them with this interactive experience."
The MOON MUSiC experience builds on Coldplay’s longstanding popularity on TikTok, where tracks like "Yellow," "Viva La Vida," and "A Sky Full of Stars" have inspired millions of video creations. The band recently performed a surprise show in Dublin, Ireland, ahead of their sold-out performances at Croke Park, further energizing their fanbase both on and off the platform.
Fans can join the MOON MUSiC experience by searching for #MoonMusic on TikTok to access exclusive content and participate in the interactive initiative.
For more information, visit TikTok’s newsroom at TikTok Newsroom.
Source: TikTok
Snapchat Expands Safety Measures to Protect Users from Online Exploitation
October 4, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Snapchat has introduced new measures aimed at improving user safety, with a focus on preventing online exploitation such as sextortion and child sexual abuse. The platform has implemented advanced technology, including tools like PhotoDNA and CSAI Match, to detect and block harmful content. New in-app warnings for suspicious contacts and improved friending protections have been added to enhance safety for teenage users.
In addition to its technical updates, Snapchat has expanded its Family Center tools, which allow parents to monitor their teens' interactions on the platform. The company has also increased its global Trust and Safety teams, as well as its Law Enforcement Operations team, to support investigations and address potential threats. Snapchat collaborates with law enforcement agencies both in the U.S. and internationally, particularly in regions where online exploitation is prevalent.
The platform remains involved in industry-wide efforts to address online harm, participating in programs such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Take It Down initiative. Snapchat also works with global coalitions like WeProtect and the Tech Coalition to share information and develop strategies to prevent child exploitation.
Snapchat continues to raise awareness about online safety through public education efforts, including research initiatives like the Digital Well-Being Index. These efforts aim to provide insights into online behaviors and risks, helping users, parents, and industry partners stay informed.
Read the official release from snapchat here.
Source: Snapchat
Snapchat Launches Season 2 of "Phantom House" for Halloween 2024
Photo Credit: Snapchat
Oct. 3, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Snapchat has announced the return of its popular horror-themed content series Phantom House for Halloween 2024. Season 2 of the series features four new episodes, each filled with chilling stories that blur the line between reality and the supernatural. The episodes will be available as Snap Story compilations and star popular Snapchat creators Tue Nguyen, Jake Koehler, Rachel Levin, and Caryn Marjorie, each bringing their unique approach to their own episode.
In collaboration with Atomic Digital Design, Snapchat is also introducing four AR Lenses that correspond with each Phantom House episode. These Lenses allow users to immerse themselves in the eerie environments of the series, from zombie-infested freezers to demon transformations, creating a more interactive and shareable experience for Snapchatters.
The series has partnered with brands including Maybelline New York, State Farm®, and Hulu, which are sponsoring various aspects of the content. Maybelline is integrating branded content into one episode and launching custom creator content, an AR Lens, Commercials, and Snap Ads. State Farm will release an immersive AR Lens, alongside other digital content, while Hulu is promoting its Huluween campaign and the Hulu Originals film Carved through AR Lenses, Commercials, and Snap Video Ads.
Episode 1 of Phantom House is currently available on the series' Public Profile on Snapchat, with new episodes releasing every Tuesday.
To watch, visit Snapchat’s Phantom House profile.
Source: Snapchat
Reddit Expands Machine Translation Feature to 35 New Countries
Photo Credit: Reddit
September 30, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Reddit has announced the expansion of its machine translation feature to more than 35 new countries, allowing users to translate their Reddit feeds, including posts and comments, into additional languages. This feature, which was initially rolled out to users in France earlier this year, is now available to Redditors in countries such as Brazil and Spain, with plans to extend to Germany, Italy, the Philippines, and several nations across Latin America in the coming weeks.
According to Reddit, users can now access the translate icon in the overflow menu of the app to translate content into their preferred language. This function enables users to participate in discussions and contribute to communities in their own language, while posts and comments will be automatically translated into the native language of the community.
The new feature will be available across mobile web, apps, and desktop platforms, providing a seamless experience for users regardless of the device they use to access Reddit. For example, a user in Spain who typically uses Reddit in Spanish can now follow and engage in French-language discussions by translating the content into Spanish.
As part of this rollout, Reddit will also make it easier for people to discover content in their own languages through search engines. Translated Reddit content will begin to appear in search engine results, further broadening the platform's accessibility.
This machine translation feature is expected to enhance user interaction and community engagement on Reddit by breaking down language barriers and encouraging diverse conversations.
View the official announcement here.
Source: Reddit
Meta Unveils Orion: Advanced Augmented Reality Glasses for the Future
Source: Meta
September 25, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) – Meta has introduced Orion, its first augmented reality (AR) glasses, described as the company’s most advanced AR glasses to date. The product, previously codenamed Project Nazare, combines the appearance of regular glasses with immersive augmented reality capabilities.
Orion is designed to offer a blend of physical and digital interaction through features such as holographic displays and integrated artificial intelligence (AI). According to Meta, select employees and external audiences will have access to the Orion prototype, allowing the development team to gather feedback and continue refining the product.
The glasses are intended to allow users to engage with digital experiences without the constraints of a smartphone screen. According to Meta, the AR glasses are equipped with advanced technology, including four cameras for hand tracking and Snap Spatial Engine, which enables interaction with virtual content. The glasses also include transparent lenses, allowing wearers to maintain eye contact and facial expressions while using the device.
In a press release, Meta stated that Orion provides the largest field of view in AR glasses to date, enabling users to view multitasking windows, life-size holograms, and more. The company also explained that the prototype represents significant progress in reducing the size of AR hardware while maintaining performance.
While Orion is not set to be released to consumers, the company notes that it is an important milestone in the development of future AR products. Meta plans to continue optimizing the AR glasses by improving the display quality, reducing the device's size, and scaling production to make it more affordable.
For more information, visit www.meta.com.
Source: Meta
Snap Inc. Unveils Fifth Generation of Spectacles and Introduces Snap OS
Photo Credit: Snap Inc.
LOS ANGELES, September 23, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) – Snap Inc. has unveiled the fifth generation of its Spectacles, standalone AR glasses that run on the company’s newly developed Snap OS. This latest version of Spectacles is designed to enable users to experience augmented reality (AR) through lightweight, wearable technology, with a focus on integrating digital content into real-world environments.
The new Spectacles feature a lightweight design, weighing 226 grams, and are equipped with four cameras that support hand-tracking through Snap’s Spatial Engine. The glasses use proprietary technology, including Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) micro-projectors and advanced waveguide optics, to provide users with a 46-degree diagonal field of view and a 37 pixel-per-degree resolution. The glasses also automatically adjust their tint based on the lighting environment to ensure clarity in various conditions.
Snap’s new operating system, Snap OS, powers the Spectacles and enables users to interact with the device through hand gestures and voice commands. The system allows Lenses to be integrated into real-world environments with a motion-to-photon latency of just 13 milliseconds, making for more accurate AR experiences.
In a press release, Snap emphasized that the new Spectacles and Snap OS are designed for developers as much as for users. Through the Lens Studio 5.0 software and the new Spectacles Interaction Kit, developers can build AR Lenses without needing to create custom interaction systems. Additionally, Snap has partnered with OpenAI to bring AI models to the platform, allowing for more context-aware AR applications.
Snap has also announced partnerships with AR developers, including the LEGO Group, which is launching an interactive AR game called BRICKTACULAR. Other partners include Lucasfilm’s ILM Immersive, Niantic, and Wabisabi Games, who are developing new AR experiences for the platform.
Spectacles are available through Snap's Spectacles Developer Program, which costs $99 per month with a one-year commitment. The subscription includes access to the AR glasses and Snap’s support for developers looking to create projects on the platform.
For more information on the Spectacles Developer Program, visit www.spectacles.com/lens-studio.
Source: Snap inc.
TwitchCon San Diego 2024 Kicks Off with Packed Schedule of Events and Exhibitors
Photo Credit: Twitch
SAN DIEGO, September 20, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – TwitchCon San Diego returns to the San Diego Convention Center from September 20–22, featuring a wide array of activities, exhibitor booths, and interactive spaces. Presenting sponsors, including AT&T, Capcom, Chevron, and Samsung, are leading the weekend with unique experiences for attendees.
Attendees can expect head-to-head gaming matchups at the AT&T booth, hands-on activities at Capcom’s gaming station, and opportunities to meet streamers and grab swag at Chevron’s booth. Samsung will also offer mobile gaming challenges for players of all levels.
The Expo Hall will host numerous exhibitors, including game developers and service providers for streamers. Highlights include the Indie Game Zone, where developers such as The Behemoth, ChatBattlers, and Pahdo Labs will showcase their work. Attendees can also purchase exclusive merchandise at the Loot Cave.
TwitchCon San Diego offers a range of competitions, including Games Done Quick Express 2024, where attendees can watch speedrunners compete. The Peloton LaneBreak Challenge will give participants a chance to win prizes while raising funds for charity. The TwitchCon Arcade, presented by Differin, will feature arcade classics and giveaways.
LAN Party enthusiasts can also take part in challenges presented by Embark, featuring the game THE FINALS, and Battlestate Games’ Escape from Tarkov: Arena. These events are spread across the weekend, with full details available on the schedule.
TwitchCon provides a platform for community members to connect, with events such as Community MeetUps, live podcasts, and game shows. The Creator Camp offers workshops and best practices for growing a streaming audience. Streamers can also try out the latest tech at the Streamer Station, powered by Streamlabs.
For those looking to unwind, Artist Alley will feature artists showcasing their work, while lounges like the Partner Lounge and Lo-Fi Lounge will offer spaces to recharge. Cosplayers and drag performers can utilize the PowerUp Lounge for outfit repairs and makeup touch-ups.
The Twitch Rivals Arena, presented by State Farm, will host competitive gaming events throughout the weekend, including the return of The Twitch Rivals Ultimate Challenge. Official marketing partners, such as AT&T, Dunkin’, Honda, Intel, and MythWalker, will be present with various activities and giveaways, including the chance to win a customized Honda Civic Sedan Hybrid.
For those unable to attend in person, TwitchCon San Diego will be streamed live on TwitchRivals.
Learn more at www.twitchcon.com/san-diego-2024.
Source: Twitch
Instagram Launches Teen Accounts with Enhanced Safety Features
Photo Credit: Meta
September 17, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Instagram has introduced a new feature called "Teen Accounts" to enhance safety and privacy for teens using the platform. The update aims to provide built-in protections for users under the age of 16, addressing concerns about who teens interact with and the content they see online. The new feature also includes parental oversight, ensuring a safer and more age-appropriate experience for young users.
Instagram Teen Accounts automatically apply privacy settings that limit interactions and content exposure for teens. These protections include private accounts by default, restricted messaging options, and sensitive content controls. Teens will also be able to choose topics of interest for a more personalized and positive experience on the platform. To ensure responsible use, notifications will remind teens to log off after 60 minutes of daily use, and a sleep mode will mute notifications between 10 PM and 7 AM.
Parental involvement is a key aspect of the update. Teens under 16 will need parental permission to modify any of the built-in protections, and parents will have access to additional supervision tools, including setting time limits for daily Instagram use and blocking access during specific times.
Instagram’s Teen Accounts will be implemented within 60 days in regions such as the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, with plans to expand to the European Union and other Meta platforms in the future.
For more information on Instagram’s Teen Accounts click here.
Soure: Meta
Tenorshare Introduces Solutions for Transferring WhatsApp from Android to iPhone Without Factory Reset
Photo Credit: Tenorshare
September 16, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – Tenorshare has announced new methods for transferring WhatsApp data from Android devices to iPhones without the need for a factory reset. The company has highlighted three popular approaches, including the use of its iCareFone Transfer software, Google Drive backups, and manual export options.
According to Tenorshare, transferring WhatsApp data between Android and iPhone has traditionally been challenging due to Apple's restrictions. However, the company now offers a way to securely transfer data without factory reset, allowing users to keep their information intact.
Tenorshare’s iCareFone Transfer tool offers a high-speed solution for those looking for an efficient transfer. It can handle WhatsApp Business transfers and allows users to merge WhatsApp data from both devices. The tool also supports comprehensive backup, restore, and management options for various messaging apps, including Kik and Viber. “iCareFone Transfer is compatible with the latest iOS 18 and iPhone models, including iPhone 16,” the company stated.
For those looking for a free alternative, Tenorshare suggests using Google Drive backups and manual exports. Although this method does not fully integrate the chats into WhatsApp on an iPhone, it allows users to view a readable backup. Another option for those without access to a computer is the "Email Chat" feature, which enables users to send chat histories via email for viewing on an iPhone.
Tenorshare iCareFone Transfer offers users a solution to migrate WhatsApp from Android to iPhone without the risks of losing data through factory resets. The company is also holding a giveaway event to celebrate the release of iOS 18, where participants can win an iPhone 16.
For more information, visit Tenorshare's official website.
Source: Tenorshare Co. Ltd. via PR Newswire
TikTok Partners with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Becoming Official Partner of the Washington Capitals
Photo Credit: TikTok
September 11, 2024 (V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) – TikTok has announced a multiyear partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), making the platform the official partner of the NHL's Washington Capitals. The collaboration includes TikTok's debut on the Capitals' white road jerseys for the 2024-25 season and extends across other MSE teams, including the NBA’s Washington Wizards, WNBA’s Washington Mystics, NBA G-League’s Capital City Go-Go, and NBA2K’s Wizards District Gaming.
As part of the agreement, TikTok will be the title sponsor of the Capitals' 50th Anniversary Celebration, which will feature a variety of events commemorating five decades of Capitals hockey. TikTok branding will also be prominently featured in-arena and during Capitals' road games, beginning with the September 24th game against the Boston Bruins.
Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer at MSE, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “As a sports enterprise with a large and diverse fan base, we are excited to utilize TikTok to uniquely connect, entertain, and interact with fans across all of our Monumental Sports teams, starting with the Capitals' 50th Anniversary Celebration this fall. TikTok empowers our fans to share their passion for the Caps and all our teams in their own unique ways.”
TikTok’s involvement will also include the Capitals’ road game broadcasts on Monumental Sports Network and the Capitals Road to Success radio feature. The Capitals, the eighth most-followed NHL team on TikTok with over 387,000 followers, will continue to use the platform to share content highlighting players and behind-the-scenes moments.
“Monumental Sports & Entertainment is home to some of the country’s most iconic and beloved sports franchises on TikTok," said Kate Jhaveri, Global Head of Marketing at TikTok. "We couldn’t be more excited to partner with MSE as they celebrate 50 years of the Washington Capitals, and we're thrilled to be a part of their journey in bringing the joy of sports to a new generation of fans on TikTok."
The partnership is set to run through the 2026-27 season and will encompass various branding and content creation initiatives across MSE properties. TikTok becomes the Capitals’ first-ever road jersey partner, following the team’s home jersey partnership with Caesars Sportsbook announced in 2021.
For more information, visit newsroom.tiktok.com.
Source: TikTok
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