1.Walmart's retail media business is getting into bed with two of the hottest social media platforms out there: Snap and TikTok. Specifically, the partnership will enable advertisers that use Walmart Connect to buy in-stream ads on TikTok and image, AR, and e-commerce ads on Snap. Read Full Story on ADOTAT
2. The FTC's new report on digital dark patterns is a must-read for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the curve on the latest marketing tricks. Advertisers are always looking for new ways to manipulate people into buying things they don't want or need, and the report lays out some
of the most common ways they do it. From "bait and switch" tactics that lure you in with a low price and then hit you with hidden fees to "mystery" pricing that makes it impossible to comparison shop, there are plenty of ways to get taken for a ride. And that's not even getting into the more sinister stuff like using fear or guilt to sell products. The good news is that the FTC is committed to protecting consumers from these scammers. (FTC)
3.In the battle of TV content, it looks like the underdogs are winning. According to Samsung, ad-supported video-on-demand (VOD) has surpassed subscription VOD in terms of viewing time for its U.S. smart TV users. This is a surprising turn of events, given that subscription VOD services like Netflix and Hulu have
been dominating the market for years. However, it seems that people are becoming more open to watching ads in exchange for free content. In addition, Samsung reports that 95% of its smart TV viewers stream content, 75% spend most of their viewing time with streaming, and three in four watch ad-supported streaming content. This indicates that streaming is becoming the preferred way to watch TV, and that people are increasingly willing to watch ads in order to access their favorite shows and
movies. So it looks like the tide is turning in favor of ad-supported VOD. Who knows? Maybe we'll all be watching commercials again someday soon.
4. GroupM's latest ecommerce report predicts some serious growth in retail media over the next five years. According to the GroupM assessment, global media retail revenue totaled $88 billion last year and is expected to reach $101 billion this year. That amounts to 18% of global digital
advertising and 11% of total advertising. So, what does that mean for the future of retail media? Well, it looks like we can expect some serious growth in this area. Retail media is predicted to be the fastest growing digital ad channel over the next five years, so now is the time to get on board if you're not already! Thanks for staying with me, and I'll see you next time!
5.Walmart's new virtual try-on tool is the latest addition to its
website, and it comes following the acquisition of Zeekit, a virtual fitting room startup. The tool allows shoppers to see how a piece of clothing would look on their own bodies by choosing a model that resembles their own body type. The first iteration of the tool was launched in March, and it allowed shoppers to select from a range of body types, including plus size and petite. The latest version of the tool, which was rolled out in May, includes a wider range of body types and more
clothes options. It also allows shoppers to mix and match tops and bottoms to create outfits. So far, the response to the tool has been positive, with many users finding it helpful in choosing clothes that fit their bodies. Walmart is also planning to roll out the tool to its mobile app in the future.
6.If you've been keeping up with the latest trends in TV advertising, you might be wondering if CTV ad buying is heading to open exchanges. The
short answer is: probably not. Here's why. First of all, CTV inventory is still largely owned by premium publishers, who are loath to give up control of their ad sales. Secondly, most CTV buyers are still concerned about fraud and view open exchanges as a potential source of bad actors. Finally, many CTV platforms have built-in programmatic capabilities that make open exchanges unnecessary. So while it's always possible that the CTV ad ecosystem could change in the future, for now, it
looks like open exchanges will remain a niche play. (AdExchanger)
7. ABD has launches 'ICONiQ White Whisky' in Metaverse. The company said that the move will help it to gain early adoption in the virtual world and also customers can personalize their avatars with the whisky. "The launch of
our ICONiQ White Whisky in the Metaverse is a natural evolution for our brand as we look to engage with consumers in new and innovative ways," said BrendanCatholic, Chief Marketing Officer, ABD. "As one of the first spirit brands to enter theMetaverse, we are excited to offer our fans a unique and interactive way to enjoy our products." The ICONiQ White Whisky will be available for purchase at the MetaBar, located in the central plaza of the Metaverse. It will be priced at $4.99 per
bottle.
8. This year, Hyundai is allocating 35% of its total marketing budget for promotions towards digital platforms, according to Virat Khullar, the company's head of marketing. This shift comes as Hyundai seeks to reach a younger, more tech-savvy audience. Digital promotions will include a mix of paid ads, social media campaigns, and influencer partnerships. Paid ads will appear on popular websites and apps, while social media
campaigns will be targeted at users of various age groups and interests. Influencers will be recruited to promote Hyundai products on their channels, providing an authentic endorsement that can reach a large number of potential customers.
9In a few short weeks, Saudi Arabia will celebrate its National Day for the first time in the metaverse! For those not familiar with the term, the metaverse is a virtual reality world that exists
online. This year's National Day celebration will be held in the popular online game, Fortnite. Anyone with an internet connection will be able to participate. Saudi Arabia is known for its oil reserves, but this year it wants to show the world that it is also a leading producer of digital entertainment. The Fortnite celebration will feature traditional Saudi music and dance, as well as some surprises. So log in to Fortnite on September 23rd and join in the fun!
10 If you thought the AT&T and Time Warner merger was a big deal, just wait – there could be another major media merger on the horizon. According to a recent report from The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is considering merging with Comcast. This would be a huge financial move for both companies, and it would have major implications for the media landscape. Of course, with WBD's current debt of approximately $53 billion, this merger would
be a way for the company to alleviate its financial burden. And with Comcast's strong financial position, the merger would give WBD a much needed influx of cash. There are also rumors that a merger would help Comcast compete more effectively against other major media conglomerates such as Walt Disney and AT&T. Only time will tell if this rumored merger will actually take place, but it's certainly something to keep an eye on.
11. Crown
Royal, a Canadian whisky owned by Diageo, has partnered with Uber Eats and retired NFL safety Ed Reed to match tips given to couriers on the delivery app one hour before Sunday kickoff for 1 p.m. games in select cities, per a press release. The partnership is aimed at giving NFL fans the opportunity to enjoy Crown Royal's famous "Man of the Match" program, which rewards fans for their tips with a chance to win signed memorabilia from Reed. However, it's unclear how exactly the program
will work, as it's not clear how many tips will be matched or how the signing bonus will be awarded. Nevertheless, this is an exciting opportunity for fans of both Crown Royal and the NFL to show their support for their favorite team while enjoying a delicious Canadian whisky.
12. Data is supposed to be the lifeblood of modern marketing, but it turns out that a lot of marketers are still flying blind. According to a new survey from Gartner,
only 53% of marketing decisions are influenced by data, and the consulting firm predicts that this number will actually decline in the next few years. The main reason for this? Analytics departments are failing to deliver on their promises, and as a result, CMOs are getting fed up. In fact, Gartner predicts that 60% of CMOs will cut the size of their analytics departments in half by 2023. So if you're one of those responsible for handling marketing data, it might be time to step up your
game - or start looking for a new job.