Facebook adds new tools for public figures
Facebook has announced a new set of updates for public figures. These include the option for multiple users to contribute to the same Facebook Story during specific events and the addition of News Feed prompts. Public figures will also have access to a new fan reply sticker for Stories, enabling them to create calls to action and prompt followers to respond with photos or videos.
In a move to help celebrities and influencers further monetise the platform, Facebook is also introducing Swipe-Up links to its Stories feature and is testing the ability for selected users to tag products in regular photo and video posts. It’s not just about cash and engagement – these updates come complete with a suite of new safety and security measures, including updated comment rankings and a new tools to report imposter profiles.
Facebook tests two new shoppable ad formats
Facebook has announced it is testing two new features to help brands further monetise ads on its platform. The first is a new native checkout feature for dynamic ads, enabling users to purchase a product from an ad without ever leaving the Facebook app. This update is due to be released to a small number of advertisers over the coming weeks.
The platform is also testing a new ad feature on Instagram which will allow advertisers to turn organic shopping posts into ads through Facebook Ads Manager. It will be testing these ads over the next few months and has also said that it plans to add the Checkout feature to Instagram ads in the future.
Snapchat boosts ad reporting and measurement capabilities
Snapchat has added measurement and analytics platform DoubleVerify to its list of nearly 20 third-party measurement partners, in a move aimed at helping brands to maximise the effectiveness of campaigns on the platform. The new partnership will help Snapchat to better authenticate ad viewability and prevent digital ad fraud across its Filters, Lenses, Snap Ads (display and video) and Story Ads.
LinkedIn makes it easier to connect with service providers
LinkedIn is adding some shiny new tools to aid those members looking for service providers or freelancers to help with specific projects. The first improvement will allow users to filter their search results by service providers (such as ‘marketing’) to get a list of members who have indicated they are open to new opportunities. When clicked on, these users’ profiles will contain additional information and viewers will be able to message them, regardless of whether or not they are connected.
In addition to the search functionality updates, LinkedIn is also introducing a new ‘Find an Expert’ post type. The new format will enable members to ask either their connections or the larger LinkedIn community for recommendations and referrals to aid them in their search.
The NFL extends its content partnership with Facebook Watch
The National Football League has extended its multiyear agreement with Facebook to provide additional content to its Watch service. Under the extended agreement, Facebook Watch will now get video highlights from events such as the Pro Bowl, the NFL Scouting Combine and the NFL Draft; as well continuing to receive NFL Game Recaps from all 256 regular-season games and postseason matches. The move comes as more than 22 million people watched at least one minute of an instalment of NFL Game Recaps on Facebook Watch in 2017 and 2018.
