Top Highlights from November 05-11!
Catch the Weekly Buzz with BAL! Discover the top social media news, creative highlights, and exciting collaborations.
Instagram has broadened its Boost Post feature to include additional content types, giving businesses and creators more ways to amplify their reach. Now, posts like Reels and previously ineligible content can be boosted to target wider audiences. This expansion provides greater flexibility for promoting diverse content and engaging users more effectively. By enhancing the Boost feature, Instagram continues to empower brands to maximize their visibility and impact through streamlined advertising tools.
TikTok launches its ‘Share to TikTok’ feature, allowing creators and developers to seamlessly share content directly to the platform from third-party apps. This new integration simplifies the process of uploading videos, making it easier to engage with TikTok’s vast audience. By streamlining content sharing, TikTok aims to empower creativity and collaboration while strengthening its position as a hub for diverse and dynamic content.
Microsoft Outlook introduces its latest innovation: AI-powered Copilot and customizable themes. The Copilot feature leverages advanced AI to help users draft emails, summarize threads, and manage schedules more efficiently. Alongside, new themes offer a personalized touch to the Outlook experience. This update marks another step in Microsoft’s vision to integrate AI seamlessly into everyday tools, boosting productivity and creativity for users.
Meta is developing an advanced AI system to detect users misrepresenting their age, focusing on enhancing safety for teens across its platforms. By analyzing user behavior and account details, this technology aims to ensure age-appropriate content and experiences. This initiative reflects Meta’s commitment to creating a safer digital environment while addressing growing concerns about online age verification.
YouTube has introduced a game-changing feature for Shorts creators, allowing them to request brand partnerships directly through the platform. This new tool streamlines collaboration opportunities, making it easier for creators to monetize their content and for brands to connect with emerging talent. By enhancing its support for Shorts creators, YouTube continues to solidify its position as a key player in the short-form video space, driving innovation and community growth.
Meta unveils new brand suitability controls, giving advertisers greater precision in managing where their ads appear. Announced at Advertising Week 2024, these tools allow brands to align ad placements with their values and objectives more effectively. By enhancing transparency and control, Meta aims to create a safer and more personalized environment for advertisers, ensuring their campaigns resonate with the right audiences without compromising brand integrity.
Instagram has removed the “rug pull” application that annoyed users. This application caused content to disappear before users saw it. In other words, the content would disappear immediately and new content would be uploaded. Instagram discontinued this practice when it realised that although this tactic increased engagement, it negatively affected the user experience.
CAMPAIGNS & COLLABS
This holiday season, a bold and cheeky campaign titled “Steal the Naughty List” is shaking up Christmas traditions with a rebellious twist. Encouraging audiences to embrace their mischievous side, the campaign flips the script on festive norms, turning the so-called “naughty” behavior into a badge of honor. With a playful narrative and visually captivating design, it’s not just about breaking the rules — it’s about rewriting them in the most fun and festive way. Perfect for those who love a little chaos with their Christmas cheer, this campaign promises to deliver laughter, joy, and a fresh perspective on holiday storytelling.
Jacob Elordi headlines Bottega Veneta’s ‘Going Places’ FW24 collection, showcasing a seamless blend of timeless craftsmanship and modern elegance. Shot in striking outdoor settings, the campaign features standout pieces like oversized leather bags, sleek coats, and minimalist tailoring that reflect the brand’s innovative approach to travel-inspired fashion. Elordi’s commanding presence and the collection’s bold yet refined aesthetic make this a defining moment for Bottega Veneta’s vision of understated luxury.
LEGO introduces Cataclaws, its festive feline mascot for the holiday season, adding a playful twist to their iconic brand. This charming cat, donned in holiday attire, embodies the joy and creativity of LEGO’s builds. Designed to inspire festive cheer, Cataclaws is set to feature in upcoming holiday campaigns, limited-edition sets, and interactive online content. With its whimsical personality, this mascot brings a fresh, family-friendly approach to the season, blending tradition with LEGO’s signature fun.
To mark the 10th anniversary of adidas SPZL, the brand partners with C.P. Company for a unique collaborative collection. This special edition fuses adidas SPZL’s heritage with C.P. Company’s iconic sportswear innovation, featuring reimagined classics like outerwear, footwear, and apparel that highlight both brands’ commitment to craftsmanship and style. Drawing inspiration from archival pieces, this collection celebrates a decade of adidas SPZL with a modern twist, appealing to fans of timeless yet forward-thinking design.
Tiffany & Co. has unveiled its 2024 holiday campaign, “With Love, Since 1837,” starring Anya Taylor-Joy. Set in a snowy New York City, the campaign features Taylor-Joy exploring the city in Tiffany’s iconic collections, including HardWear, T by Tiffany, and Knot by Tiffany. Directed by Jonas Lindstroem, the campaign emphasizes love and Tiffany’s heritage, and will be launched globally across digital, print, and social channels.
M&S Food has brought back Dawn French to voice its iconic fairy and for the first time, star as herself in its 2024 Christmas ad. Building on last year’s successful campaign, which was praised for its creativity, the festive ad features French alongside her Fairy character. The campaign, which kicks off a series of six ads, also includes a performance by Katherine Jenkins, adding extra festive magic. The second ad will air on November 13. Media planning and buying were managed by Mindshare.
The “Mmmake Your Mark” campaign, launched by the UK food and drink industry, aims to address labor shortages and inspire the next generation to join the sector. Designed by BAGGI, it highlights purpose, possibilities, and career progression within the industry. Targeting STEM graduates, the campaign uses vibrant visuals and includes promotional materials like videos and social media content to attract new talent and challenge negative perceptions.
