Volume 9 Issue 18

If it can accurately detect and recommend original posts, that could be a major win for both creators and users.

The DL: Instagram has announced a significant algorithm update aimed at prioritizing original content creators and providing smaller accounts with more opportunities, aligning with Meta's broader strategy. The update comprises four key elements: the removal of aggregator accounts from recommendations, the addition of labels to reposted content to redirect users to original creators, the replacement of reposts with original content in recommendations, and increased distribution for smaller creators. These changes mark a potential shift in the dynamics of Instagram, encouraging the production and promotion of original content. While the update may impact engagement dynamics, particularly by favoring smaller creators, its successful implementation could lead to a more equitable platform experience for both creators and users. However, achieving this balance poses a complex challenge for Instagram, with the potential to significantly influence user experience and content visibility. 

This chart demonstrates teens’ relationship with smartphones and social media.

The DL: According to Pew Research Center's October 2023 data, 51% of US teens and parents believe teens spend the right amount of time on smartphones, while 64% feel the same about social media. Not surprisingly, US adults aged 18 to 24 spend the most time on TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram compared to other generations. Although YouTube remains teens' top favorite platform. Gallup and the Institute for Family Studies found that teens primarily use social media for entertainment and connection, reflecting their online behavior. 

Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, has published its latest performance update.

The DL: Snap Inc.'s latest performance update highlights substantial progress in both user expansion and revenue growth, positioning the company for future success. With an 8 million increase in daily active users, totaling 422 million, Snapchat solidifies its presence in the social media market. Snapchat's strategic focus on enhancing revenue streams in key markets like the U.S. and EU, coupled with innovations such as Spotlight and the Snap Stars program, drives increased user engagement and advertiser interest. A 21% year-over-year revenue increase, fueled by improved machine learning models benefiting advertisers, reflects Snap's effectiveness in attracting small and medium-sized businesses. Looking forward, Snap anticipates continued growth, projecting 431 million daily active users in Q2 and promising revenue guidance, affirming its trajectory towards sustained success in the dynamic social media landscape. This is one platform advertisers may want to keep an eye on. 

The DL: Google has decided to extend the deadline for phasing out third-party cookies on its Chrome browser, giving advertisers and ad tech companies more time to adapt. The delay comes in response to concerns raised by advertisers, publishers, and regulators who needed additional time to adjust to the changes and find effective alternatives for personalized advertising. This extension provides temporary relief for the industry, allowing for further development and implementation of privacy-focused technologies like Google's Privacy Sandbox. Advertisers and publishers now have an extended period to test and evaluate these alternative solutions, ensuring they can still deliver personalized and relevant ads in a privacy-conscious manner. The delay also offers an opportunity to address concerns related to competition and market dominance that arose with Google's initial cookie phase-out plans. However, despite the extension, there remains a sense of urgency for the industry to adapt and find alternative methods for targeting and measuring ad effectiveness, as privacy regulations tighten worldwide. Let Hoffmann Murtaugh know how we can help your brand navigate the post-cookie era and reach your desired audience.