HEADLINES YOU CAN'T MISS 🗞️
👻 Snapchat rolls out first wave of 'Sponsored Snaps'
Snapchat has launched Sponsored Snaps as its first ad type sent directly to users' DMs, starting with a campaign rolling out across the US to promote the new Wicked movie. Rolling out across the US this week, the test aims to evaluate its effectiveness and help brands engage Snapchat’s 443 million daily active users.
📸 Instagram is testing "algorithm resets" for users on the platform
Instagram is set to roll out a new feature allowing users to reset their algorithm in-stream, offering a refresh to the recommended content that users see on their feed. The new rollout also feeds in with Meta's broader aim of allowing users to receive "less personalized" ads, in keeping up with the regulatory demands of the EU and discussions around social media age limits.
📊 Why marketing mix modeling will be crucial in 2025 (and beyond)
Marketing mix modeling (MMM) is essential for marketers in 2025, offering data-driven insights to optimize strategies, allocate budgets effectively, and achieve measurable results. MMM provides a holistic view of marketing performance, enabling businesses to move beyond siloed, channel-driven approaches and focus on overall business objectives.
🛍️ Consumers to spend $125B over Thanksgiving weekend
A recent survey from ICSC finds that Thanksgiving weekend spending is projected to hit $125 billion, driven by Millennials and Gen X, with 57% of those surveyed saying their primary reason for shopping during the period is to find deals and discounts. Despite early promotions, Black Friday and Cyber Monday remain pivotal, as two-thirds plan to shop during this period.
👓 Google Lens shopping assistance for in-store and local shopping
Google Lens can now check prices and inventory through point-and-shoot photo when shopping in-store, providing product details, reviews, stock availability, and price comparisons. This AI-driven feature supports beauty products, toys, and electronics at major US-based retailers, and aims to assist the 72% of Americans who use smartphones while shopping.