In the ever-evolving landscape of digital platforms and marketing strategies, staying informed is key to success whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting out. From exciting feature launches and updates by leading platforms like TikTok and Google, to significant shifts in advertising revenue and user engagement, our monthly news roundup delivers comprehensive coverage and valuable insights to empower your decision-making and help you stay ahead of the competition.
1. Threads Has Been Launched
- Meta finally released its own version of Twitter, officially named Threads.
- The new app is being promoted within Instagram, leveraging its vast distribution network. Users have the option to auto-fill the app with their Instagram account information for a seamless transition.
- As of 7th July, Threads has amassed over 55 million users!
2. Twitter Threatens To File Lawsuit Against Meta Over Newly-Launched Threads App
- A Twitter lawyer has threatened to file a lawsuit against Meta in a letter addressed to CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
- The letter alleges that Meta has hired former Twitter employees who still have access to Twitter’s trade secrets and confidential information, and use them to accelerate the development of the Threads App.
- While the companies have not officially issued a statement on this issue, Twitter owner Elon Musk reacted to a news report on the bird app, saying, “Competition is fine, cheating is not.”
3. YouTube Launches Thumbnail Split Testing
- YouTube has introduced split-testing for video thumbnails. This tool is a great way to optimize viewer attention and engagement.
- With this feature, creators can select different thumbnails, and YouTube will display one or the other to users.
- Using YouTube Studio analytics, creators can then determine which thumbnail yields the best conversion rate.
4. Twitter’s Ad Revenue Share Program Nearing Launch
- Twitter’s long-awaited ad revenue share program, promised by Elon Musk, appears to be approaching its launch.
- A reverse engineer discovered a back-end code snippet featuring a button labeled “Ad revenue share.”
- This program will enable users to earn revenue from ads displayed in their tweet replies. It is anticipated that only Twitter Blue users will have access to this revenue-sharing option.
5. TikTok Introduces AI Script Generator
- To assist brands in creating engaging and effective scripts for advertising on TikTok, the platform has launched its Script Generator feature.
- By answering a few questions about their product, brands can quickly generate a script tailored to their needs.
- The TikTok Script Generator is now available to all users with a TikTok for Business account.
6. Google Bard Enhances Local Results
- Bard, Google’s AI-based chatbot, now supports providing precise location information.
- By granting Bard access to device location, users will receive more relevant responses.
- While sharing location is optional, it proves beneficial when seeking information about nearby restaurants or stores.
7. Bing Chat to Support All Browsers Soon
- Bing Chat, currently available only to Microsoft Edge users, will soon be compatible with other browsers.
- Bing’s CEO, Mikhail Parakhin, confirmed that Bing Chat will be available on other browsers in the near future.
- However, Microsoft Edge will still offer additional features and sidebar support that won’t be available on other browsers.
8. Report: Twitter Advertising Revenue Drops 59%
- Internal data obtained by The New York Times reveals a 59% year-over-year decline in Twitter’s ad revenue.
- During the five-week period from April 1 to the first week of May, Twitter earned $88 million from ads. Ad revenue accounts for approximately 90% of the company’s gross revenue.
- Some companies have suspended advertising on Twitter, while others, like Apple, Amazon, and Disney, have scaled back their campaigns.
9. Instagram Tests AI Chatbot in DMs
- Instagram is testing a new AI chat option within direct messages (DMs).
- Similar to Snapchat’s My AI tool, users can interact with an AI chatbot by asking questions in a DM thread.
- This feature aims to enhance messaging on the platform as users increasingly shift conversations to DMs and publish fewer feed posts and Stories.
10. TikTok Expands Premium Content Feature
- TikTok has expanded access to its premium content feature, “Series”, to more users.
- With Series, creators can post up to 80 videos, each lasting 20 minutes. Other users will have to pay before they can access and watch such content.
- To be eligible, interested content creators must be at least 18 years old, have an account that’s 30 days old, have published four or more public videos in the last 30 days, and have garnered at least 1,000 authentic views and 10,000 or more followers.
11. Microsoft to Display Ads from Verified Advertisers Only
- Starting from August 1, Microsoft will only show ads from verified advertisers.
- Advertisers must complete the verification process to continue advertising on Microsoft properties. Verified ads will display the advertiser’s name and location, the identity of the individual or business funding the ad, and the reason why the user is seeing the ad.
- Existing advertisers have until August 1 to complete verification.
12. Google to End Support for Sitemaps Ping in 6 Months
- Sitemap pings were initially introduced by Google in 2007. It provides a way for website owners to notify Google to understand and crawl their site more effectively through a XML sitemap file.
- In approximately six months, Google will discontinue support for Sitemaps ping endpoints.
- The company deems them “not very useful” and states that most submissions lead to spam.
Want to Learn More?
Our roundup aims to equip you with useful insights and fresh ideas to effectively manoeuvre the dynamic digital realm. Keep an eye out for upcoming updates and continue to explore and experiment with your digital marketing endeavors.
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P.S. Don’t forget to be productive and stay positive!
