Instagram is Working on a New Ad Unit for Sponsored Posts

Search Engine Journal | March 06, 2019

Instagram is set to roll out a new ad format for sponsored posts published by influencers. AdAge reports the new format is called a “branded content ad,” and is part of a larger strategy to build formal partnerships between brands and creators.Currently, the solution that Instagram offers is largely informal.Brands can sponsor popular Instagram users and sponsored posts appear with the tag “Paid partnership with [brand name].”The limitation of those posts is that they only reach the followers of the influences.

Spotlight

It seems like just yesterday we published our annual Digital Trends report, diving into the opportunities of the new year. But now, as we continue moving into 2023, it’s time to stop reading about trends and start putting them to the test. This short guide is the first in our new series, designed to help you take a closer look a

Spotlight

It seems like just yesterday we published our annual Digital Trends report, diving into the opportunities of the new year. But now, as we continue moving into 2023, it’s time to stop reading about trends and start putting them to the test. This short guide is the first in our new series, designed to help you take a closer look a

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New Research Reaffirms Billboards as Highly Effective Venue in Programmatic DOOH Advertising

GlobeNewswire | May 12, 2023

Vistar Media, a cutting-edge global provider of programmatic technology for digital out-of-home (DOOH), announced today new data showing billboard advertising delivered full funnel lifts and results against key industry performance metrics. Vistar conducted an analysis of campaigns that utilized billboards* to determine the venue type’s effectiveness in delivering positive contributions toward awareness, consideration, intent and foot traffic, with the results demonstrating why billboards have remained a timeless staple in DOOH. As one of the oldest advertising mediums, billboards have continued to cement their reputation for driving meaningful outcomes for advertisers for decades, with this new data showcasing just how effective the venue can be across programmatic activations. In the US market, billboard advertising within Vistar’s campaign activations in 2022 drove a: Lift in awareness on 72% of campaigns Lift in consideration on 82% of campaigns Lift in intent on 79% of campaigns Lift in foot traffic on 67% of campaigns Advertisers from the retail industry ran the most billboard campaigns that included measurement in 2022, followed by consumer packaged goods (CPG), financial services and telecommunications. The research explored how campaigns within each industry performed against the core metrics list below. The findings demonstrated: Billboards drove lift in awareness on 92% of CPG campaigns, 67% of financial services campaigns, 57% of retail campaigns and 83% of telco campaigns Billboards drove lift in consideration on 80% of CPG campaigns, 73% of financial services campaigns, 86% of retail campaigns and 75% of telco campaigns Billboards drove lift in intent on 82% of CPG campaigns, 58% of financial services campaigns, 69% of retail campaigns and 91% of telecommunications campaigns Vistar’s advanced suite of technology capabilities enable measurement for DOOH across both upper and lower funnel KPIs, such as awareness, consideration, intent and foot traffic. By partnering with the industry’s leading measurement providers such as MFour, Foursquare and others, Vistar conducts brand studies and foot traffic studies based on verified DOOH exposure. “Billboards have always been a cornerstone of OOH advertising, and this data from our 2022 campaigns solidify the channel as an effective driver of key performance metrics for brands, regardless of industry,” said Eric Lamb, SVP of Supply at Vistar Media. “While OOH has evolved significantly over the past few decades, these results reaffirm our confidence in the power of roadside advertising in OOH, and how the format can maximize the impact of a campaign. We’re honored to partner with some of the largest billboard owners across the US, including Clear Channel Outdoor, Lamar Advertising Company and OUTFRONT Media, as well as hundreds of screens from independent operators, to connect their high-impact DOOH billboards with leading advertisers from around the world.” With lower hardware costs and the rise of programmatic DOOH, media owner networks are able to monetize digital signage in new environments that weren’t previously possible, such as retail, healthcare, entertainment and more. However, this data shows digital billboards are still an extremely effective way to influence consumer behavior for a wide variety of verticals – making it more important than ever to consider billboards for future activations. “This latest research affirms the power of billboards to drive awareness, connect brands with target audiences, and influence critical purchasing decisions when used within a data-driven DOOH campaign,” said Ian Dallimore, VP of Digital Growth for Lamar Advertising Company. “Roadside billboards have become an integral part of our daily lives. Lamar’s extensive nationwide digital network reaches and connects consumers on premium displays at key moments using impactful creative, reminding them what they want and need and piquing curiosity. As the use of first and third-party data continues to evolve, brands can further enhance their strategies to target based on behaviors, extend their reach, and amplify brand messaging.” “Marketers are focused on quality, scale and impact when it comes to DOOH formats and screens,” said Wade Rifkin, EVP and GM, Programmatic, Clear Channel Outdoor (CCO). “We’re encouraged Vistar’s latest research underscores how billboards consistently deliver a data-rich programmatic buying experience that is measurable and optimizable, and that Clear Channel’s large format, premium digital billboard displays in top markets across the country have been proven highly effective at driving outcomes.” “Billboard advertising is an incredibly effective medium for reaching a wide and diverse audience,” adds Neil Shapiro, VP of Programmatic at OUTFRONT Media. “Not only do billboards drive lifts in awareness, consideration and foot traffic, but they also optimize other media channels such as social, search and video, improving performance metrics across the board. When combined with the flexibility, targeting and speed to market offered by programmatic, billboard advertising becomes a powerful and measurable tool for brands looking to increase awareness and drive sales.” *This analysis reflects US DOOH campaigns Vistar measured in 2022 that included billboards. About Vistar Media Vistar Media is the leading global provider of programmatic technology for digital out-of-home (DOOH). With a mission of enhancing every OOH transaction with automation, data and measurement, Vistar has established the most comprehensive marketplace for programmatic out-of-home transactions via a demand-side platform (DSP), supply-side platform (SSP), and data management platform (DMP). Vistar also offers core infrastructure software for media owner networks, via the Vistar Ad Server and device and content management platform (Cortex). For more information, visit www.vistarmedia.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

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ADVERTISER CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT

Hello Sunshine Launches In-House Social Agency - Helping Brands Connect With Women Through Story-Driven Advertising

Hello Sunshine | March 21, 2023

Hello Sunshine, a part of Candle Media, announced today the launch of Solar, an in-house social agency helping brands connect with women through story-driven advertising. Overseen by Maureen Polo (Hello Sunshine’s Head of Direct to Consumer), Solar is being led by agency veteran Jennifer Wiener (SVP, Solar) in close collaboration with new creative leadership, Teneille Craig (VP, Creative, Solar). Hello Sunshine has a rich history of partnering with advertisers to shape female-focused commercial messaging that truly resonates. With Solar, brands will now have the opportunity to partner more deeply with Hello Sunshine and to drive story-led marketing that shapes culture, drives impact, and ultimately makes the world a better place for women and diverse audiences. Solar empowers brands to tell more inclusive and representative storytelling that ultimately brings more underrepresented voices into modern media offerings. The agency also serves as the internal marketing engine that fuels Hello Sunshine’s content, commerce, and community model. “Hello Sunshine has proven time and time again that we know women – what inspires them, connects them, and drives them to action. We're thrilled to formally launch Solar, an innovative in-house social agency that leverages Hello Sunshine's creative expertise to help brands authentically communicate with women,” said Maureen Polo, Head of Direct to Consumer at Hello Sunshine. “Our incredible team of marketers, creatives, strategists, and producers will work seamlessly with partners to drive story-led marketing that moves the needle.” “Solar presents a more formal offering that operationalizes Hello Sunshine’s trust, influence, and deep expertise with female consumers,” added Sarah Harden, CEO of Hello Sunshine. “Leveraging our heritage in premium storytelling that centers women, we’re partnering with brands with full-service capabilities across the modern media landscape.” More than a traditional agency, Solar teams up with mission-aligned brands to go beyond their standard strategy and creative needs. The agency’s collaborative model provides deep insight, intelligence, and credibility among women consumers. Solar’s work with brand partners includes extensive brand partnerships through Hello Sunshine IP and DTC brands, social marketing services, influencer marketing, licensing, product development, co-marketing, and women-centered consumer insights. The agency has already been working with a range of renowned brands, including Oui by Yoplait, P&G, Diageo, Pure Leaf, Stacy’s Pita Chips, Buick, Biossance, Lavazza, Anheuser Busch, Epson, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Fidelity. “We approached Hello Sunshine because of their like-minded audience with Oui yogurt,” said Susan Pitt, Brand Experience Director for Cereal and Yogurt brands at General Mills. “We really wanted to reach women who are passionate about saying yes to making time for themselves. Hello Sunshine built out a strategic multi-channel program that has helped catapult our shared creative purpose messaging and ultimately help drive double digit increase in sales velocity.” Along with Maureen Polo, Hello Sunshine’s Head of Direct to Consumer, Solar is led by SVP Jennifer Wiener. Wiener previously worked at Fullscreen, where she led sales and integrated marketing teams and re-positioned Fullscreen with Fortune 500 clients as trusted, insight-led marketing solutions and social services experts. Prior to Fullscreen, she worked at Dentsu Aegis, where she and her team led award winning branded content efforts for Microsoft and focused on business development for the agency. Before joining Hello Sunshine, Wiener ran the Entertainment Marketing Solutions team at WarnerMedia, leading all brand marketing, brand positioning, creative, brand partnerships and go to market storytelling for HBO Max, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, DC Comics and Theatrical. Along with a cross-disciplinary agency team, Polo and Wiener are joined by VP, Creative, Teneille Craig, an award-winning creative with over 15 years of experience in publishing, advertising, digital media, and fashion. Prior to joining Hello Sunshine, Teneille has made an impact in senior creative roles at ESSENCE Magazine, Dentsu McGarrybowen for American Express, and TikTok. Hello Sunshine will continue to focus on long-form branded entertainment with Zoe Fairborn, Head of Brand Business Development and Branded Entertainment, continuing to lead those efforts. About Hello Sunshine Founded by Reese Witherspoon, Hello Sunshine puts women at the center of every story it creates, celebrates and discovers. Hello Sunshine tells stories across all platforms – from scripted and unscripted television, feature films, podcasts, audio storytelling, and digital series – all shining a light on where women are now and helping them chart a new path forward. Hello Sunshine is also home to Reese’s Book Club. Fast growing in reach and influence, this community is propelled by meaningful connections with stories, authors and fellow members. Hello Sunshine is part of Candle Media, an independent, creator-friendly home for cutting-edge, high-quality, category-defining brands and franchises. By bringing together elite talent operating at the intersection of content, community, and commerce, it helps to position leading entertainment businesses for accelerated, sustainable growth in the current market and beyond. Candle is run by its Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs, leading entertainment executives Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, and backed by investment capital from funds managed by Blackstone’s flagship private equity business.

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Seedtag Launches Industry First Generative AI Capability for Contextual Dynamic Creatives

PR Newswire | May 22, 2023

Seedtag, the leading global contextual advertising company, has launched a powerful new generative AI capability that gives brands and agencies the capacity to build tailored creative based on the context of the surrounding page-level content. Advertisers can now benefit from iterations of ads that better fit "where they live" online. One creative now has infinite opportunities - saving time and resources. Generative AI has been fully integrated into Liz, Seedtag's contextual AI platform that provides Deep Learning, Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing capabilities. Liz fully understands the desired contexts for the client's ad campaign and creates prompts to modify the original creative based on the best possible outcome. The AI generative platform builds new creatives using the insight driven prompts that target specific audiences and meet campaign objectives, according to the brand's creative brief. While Seedtag already employs AI in its advertising offering to categorize the content of articles and contextualize creatives, generative AI provides advertisers more sophisticated creatives that perfectly match the content of the articles. This increases the effectiveness of contextual creatives even further, as studies from Lumen and Xandr have already shown that aligning context and creative generates a 20% uplift in attention and increases CTR by 1.6x. To ensure a brand's creative integrity is always upheld, Seedtag's leading global design team oversees every AI-generated creative before presenting to advertisers - fusing the best of both worlds: state-of-the art tech with a human touch. Fernando Pascual, VP of Design at Seedtag, states: "Outstanding creatives are vital to the success of any ad campaign, but it's equally important that these creatives are relevant to the context in which they're served. By integrating Liz with generative AI technology, we can offer our clients contextual creatives that integrate seamlessly with the context in which they will be displayed, helping them win the attention battle and drive better results, while also saving time and resources." AboutSeedtag Seedtag is the leading global contextual advertising company that creates highly impactful and engaging solutions for relevant premium visual content, powering targeting and returns for top publishers and the finest brands. The company’s contextual AI allows brands to engage with consumers within their universe of interest on a cookie-free basis. Seedtag was founded in 2014 by two former Googlers with a clear mission: to change how online advertising is done. Today Seedtag has a large international presence with over 450 employees across the United States, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Dubai, India, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile.

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