1. Google Outlines Latest COVID-19 Tools on Google and YouTube, Including Changes to Content Reviews
Google has provided an update on the measures that it’s implementing in order to help users in a range of ways amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Google is seeking to promote critical information to users via Google Search, Maps and on YouTube. [Source: Social Media Today]
2. Facebook Warns of Ad Approval Delays Amid Staff Changes Due to COVID-19 Impacts
With Facebook shutting down its offices, and asking staff to work from home amid the COVID-19 outbreak, that’s meant that many contract workers who are not able to work out of the office are simply not working, which has reduced Facebook’s capacity in several areas. [Source: Social Media Today]
3. LinkedIn Introduces Conversation Ads: A New Message-Based Ad Format
LinkedIn is launching a new type of message-based ad that uses conversation to deliver a customized experience for each user. Its build off of its current Message Ads and are designed to be more personal and engaging. [Source: Search Engine Journal]
4. Instagram to Roll Out IGTV Advertising in Challenge to YouTube
Instagram plans to sell advertisements in IGTV, its home for longer videos, a bid to compete with YouTube for a larger share of the booming market for online video. The company will start testing the ads this spring. [Source: Bloomberg]
5. Facebook’s Testing a New Option Which Would Connect Brand Loyalty Programs to In-App Activity
Facebook ads to connect with their loyalty program members on the platform, using Custom Audiences to target those who’ve previously created a profile with the business. These ads will have a new ‘Link Account’ CTA in the bottom of the post which will allow the user to link their brand and Facebook accounts. [Source: Social Media Today]
6. Instagram’s Testing the Capability to Add Hashtags and Location to Stories Highlights
Instagram is testing out the capability to add up to four hashtags and a location to your Instagram Stories highlights. That could prompt more business, in particular, to use Stories highlights, while it could also change approach towards Instagram highlights. [Source: Social Media Today]
7. Facebook Commits to Helping Small Businesses During COVID-19 Pandemic
Facebook is making efforts to help small businesses get through the COVID-19 pandemic with several initiatives launched this week. In addition to creating a dedicated hub for businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak, Facebook is planning to roll out a $100 million grant program. [Source: Search Engine Journal]
8. Twitter Now Enables Users to Invite Guests to Live-Streams Ahead of Time
Twitter has updated its real-time video connection feature, adding a new option to add audio guests into your Twitter live-streams before you actually begin your broadcast. [Source: Social Media Today]
9. Google Ads Makes it Easier to Appeal Disapproved or Limited Ads
Google Ads is launching a feature that makes it easier for advertisers to appeal policy decisions and get ads approved. This new feature allows advertisers to resubmit an ad immediately after fixing the policy issue. [Source: Search Engine Journal]
10. Facebook Says That Approvals for AR Effects Submitted to Facebook and Instagram Will Be Put on Hold
Facebook says that all of its Spark AR reviewers will soon not be operating. As a result, no user-submitted AR effects, for either Facebook Stories or Instagram, will be approved until further notice because of the staffing changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. [Source: Social Media Today]
