WhatsApp tests verified business accounts
WhatsApp is testing verified business accounts, which can be identified by green check marks. The application’s test “is currently limited to a small number of businesses participating in a pilot program.” Users will be able to communicate with businesses via the messaging service in a bid to make a more seamless stream of conversation for customers. Users who already have a business’ phone number saved in their address books will see the names as they are saved, while the names chosen by the businesses will be displayed for users who don’t have their numbers saved.
Instagram makes trio of changes
Feeling like a sad rain cloud? Head over to Instagram, where you can now decide what ‘weather’ you are with their new face filters on Instagram Stories. Users can share emotions using a happy sun, a sad rain cloud, an angry thunderstorm or a laid-back sun. And that’s not all; Stories have had another update – they’re coming to web, allowing desktop and mobile web users to view Stories posted by people they follow. In the coming months, the web version will also allow users to post to Stories.
Extreme Makeover: YouTube edition
For the first time, YouTube has a new logo and it’s also refreshed its look with a spanking new brand aesthetic. The service debuted a new typeface, colour scheme, and other major changes to the look, feel, and functionality of its desktop and mobile app. Christopher Bettig, YouTube’s head of art, said “the new look is a ribbon that ties these moves together, highlighting the company’s broader shift from a singular website to a family of different apps that stretch across multiple platforms.”
Celebrities to host new Twitter series for Converse
Converse is appealing to the younger generation with some poppin’ content. Public Access, a new series, will debut on Twitter on 5th September. The first episode of the series will be hosted by Game of Thrones’ Maisie Williams, Miley Cyrus will host the second, and a third is in the works. All are between 15 and 20 minutes in length.
Toyota uses emoji targeting in social video campaign Toyota is getting in touch with consumers’ feelings by using emoji targeting in its latest campaign, which raises awareness and the ‘emotional appeal’ of its Camry midsize sedan. Toyota has created 83 unique videos – which feature some rather disturbing Camry drivers with emojis as heads – designed to match a person’s online mood based on which emoji they have shared. Toyota’s also using Twitter targeting based on interests and behaviours along with the emojis.
Brooklinen uses pet influencers to inspire new campaign In Brooklinen‘s latest out-of-home campaign, the bedding start-up used crowd-sourced photos from popular pet influencers to market its line of sheets – highlighting that humans aren’t the only fans of its products. The campaign launched on Labour Day (Monday 4th September) and will run at the 8th Ave/14th St. station, with future takeovers planned to pop up in October and November at West 4th and Broadway-Lafayette, respectively.
eBay turns to social media to aid rebrand campaign
To help overcome the problem of being seen as an e-commerce site for second hand goods, online retailer eBay recently launched a global rebrand campaign. Social media is set to play a crucial part in the project’s UK roll out, as the brand looks to dynamic video content, influencers, and key platforms such as Snapchat, Pinterest and Instagram to change public perception. The main challenge it faces is that unlike other retailers, eBay’s social efforts must build loyalty around a brand using products that are usually sold within a matter of days.
