We Are Social’s Tuesday Tune-Up #216
In the social world, Southeast Asia is now regarded as a hot commodity as it has some of the highest penetration of social network usage among internet users of anywhere in the world and “presents significant opportunities for social network usage growth in the next few years”. According to eMarketer’s forecast for the region, Indonesia has the highest social network penetration rate in Southeast Asia, with 77.4% of internet users visiting a social network at least once a month.
Facebook adoption is the main growth determinant, with at least two-thirds of users in the region regularly logging on to share their status updates. eMarketer’s VP of forecasting Haixia Wang commented on the region’s potential for growth: With internet penetration still relatively low and mobile continuing to drive internet adoption in the key markets there, it (Southeast Asia) will continue to be a hot spot for various digital activity growths in the next few years.
Snapchat introduces Audience bundles
Boasting over 100 million users, Snapchat is fast becoming an important platform for many brands. And it’s now making its ad offering even more appealing by introducing a new concept which packages audiences by themes for advertisers. But how does it work we hear you cry? The bundles aim to ensure your content is matched to the most appropriate audience using the Discover channel. For example, should you choose the ‘world news package’, you will featured in CNN and Vice’s content channels. Although, a much-welcomed improvement to targeting, it still lacks a click-through measurability which, when priced at $100,000 ($137,000+) a day (a reduction from $700,000/$1.1M+!) for an ad, perhaps seems a bit steep.
Snapchat launches holiday themed Discover channel
DIY publisher Brit & Co. has made its Snapchat debut with a Google-sponsored, holiday-themed Discover channel around baking, crafts and various DIY activities. It’s not a long-term campaign, instead running for two week-long periods to ensure Snapchat users don’t become fatigued with holiday content. With over 300 pieces of custom designs, the channel will feature videos, gifs and trivia questions, whilst topics will include decoration ideas, recipes and DIY gift suggestions. Everything you’ll need in the palm of your hand; a Christmas miracle.
Facebook faces scrutiny over uneven use of its safety check feature
Facebook’s safety check was widely hailed as being one of the platform’s most altruistic and useful features in the wake of the terror attacks. The applause has since turned to scrutiny as the platform failed to launch a comparable feature during the recent hotel attack in Mali. Over 150 guests and employees of a Radisson Blu Hotel were taken hostage with no response from Facebook. Similar criticisms have been voiced over the lack of response to the Beirut bombings, which happened within hours of the Paris attacks.
YouTube spotlights climate with #OurstoLose
The platform is spotlighting the need for global action to combat climate change in the days leading up to the UN Paris Climate Summit beginning on November 30. Utilising 5 influencers from all over the world, the campaign showcases videos around different climate change issues. Influencers featured come from 5 different nations and include New Zealand’s Jamie Curry and the UK’s Finn Harries.
Royal Caribbean killing it on Periscope
In a new campaign launched by agency MullenLowe, the cruiseliner is showcasing some of its most popular destinations with live feeds to Manhattan billboards via Periscope. Influencers such as High on Life and Dan Moore have been commissioned by the brand to broadcast live while doing things like riding ATVs in St. Maarten and playing with green monkeys at the wildlife reserve in Barbados – feeding directly into 76 key ad sites, including Times Square and Grand Central.
Update: ‘Phuc Dat Bich’ house of lies comes crumbling down
Last January, the internet went temporarily crazy over Phuc Dat Bich, a man that claimed Facebook was blocking him from using his real name. Critics cited that Facebook was heavily biased against non-anglo names; others criticised the platform for invading people’s privacy. An important piece of the argument was outed as a hoax this week when a former classmate outed Phuc as Thien Nguyen, a claim that has since been confirmed by several other sources
American 2016 presidential race called the ‘meme election’
All eyes are on the American election and as millennials come of age, they become increasingly interested in the political sphere, causing online political content to evolve. 2008 was called the Facebook election due to it being the first time voters could exchange opinions and share updates quickly online. 2012 continued that trend by offering up presidential content created specifically for the platform. 2016 is being hailed as the ‘Meme Election’ due to the overwhelming amount of presidential race images that feature text overlay. Interestingly, many are critical of presidential hopeful/toupee enthusiast Donald Trump
Instagram is making our lives easier once again
Social media managers rejoice: Instagram is now testing a multiple accounts feature that mirrors Twitter’s current functionality. Right now, the only way to swap between your client/personal/Taylor Swift fan club account is to log out and log back in manually. The new feature will allow you to move across accounts seamlessly in your phone. Don’t get too excited iPhone users– the beta version is only available to Android users for the time being.