Pokémon GO: The Data Behind America’s Latest Obsession
If you haven’t heard of it by now, you may be living under a rock, right alongside a Pokémon. Nintendo’s augmented reality game has taken the US by storm. By all metrics, Pokémon is the King of the mobile world, surpassing Tinder in downloads in just 2 days and with engagement rates (daily time spent) greater than the likes of Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp! (numbers courtesy of SimilarWeb)
Google rolling out Showcase Shopping Ads
This month, Google is rolling out a new ad placement called Showcase Shopping Ads, in association with their Shopping Ads PLA, for broader product queries. Google found that roughly 40% of all shopping purchases originate from broad search terms, like “summer dress” or “new phone”. When a user types in this term, 3 images will pop up in place of the typical listings. When the user clicks on the image, they are taken to a catalog style landing page hosted by Google that features the retailer’s promotional copy. This will soon be available for users in the US, UK and Australia.
Pokémon Go Maker Calls Full Access To Google Data A Mistake
The Pokémon Go sensation is not above a little controversy. It was discovered that during the account creation process, Pokémon Go requested full access permission to a user’s Google account. Niantic Lab, the creator of the game, is currently working on a fix. However, Niantic Lab released a statement saying “Pokémon Go can only access basic Google profile information (ID and email) and no other Google account information is or has been accessed or collected.”
Twitter to Live-Stream Bloomberg TV Shows, Share Ad Revenue
Twitter recently negotiated a deal to live-stream 3 Bloomberg shows in addition to their prior $10 million deal with the NFL to live-stream Thursday night games and the GOP and Democratic Conventions. Twitter is also in negotiations with the NBA and Major League Soccer to live-stream games. This will afford Twitter the opportunity to sell ads in pre-roll and in-stream on non-live clips.
Ethiopia Blocks Facebook and Other Social Media for Exams
Ethiopia has blocked social media sites following the leaking of exam questions, and will continue to be blocked until national school examinations are concluded. Ethiopia is one of the first African countries to censor the internet, which began in 2006.
Buffer for Instagram
Buffer just released an update to their popular social media posting service that brings Instagram into their offering. While it does not allow automatic Instagram posting, it does allow for planning Instagram posts and provides reminders to post at the set time.
Booze Brands Rush To Snapchat
Alcoholic beverage companies are now beginning to gain confidence in Snapchats ability to keep content away from users 21 and under. Companies like Malibu & Bacardi have sponsored glasses on the app as well as advertise within stories. This further proves how the older demographic is growing for Snapchat as well.
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