Tim Peterson says, “If an ad can run on Facebook, eventually it’s going to run anywhere Facebook can run it. At least that seems to be the trend. A week after Facebook brought its retargeting ads to Instagram, it’s bringing its brand-tailored video ads to its ad network of third-party sites and apps, Audience Network. And it’s bringing that ad network to the desktop web for the first time. Facebook’s Audience Network already ran video ads across publishers’ properties, but those ads introduced last year were aimed at direct-response advertisers. They were less about getting people... [...]

Ian Jacobs says, “As Francis Bacon wrote in 1625, “If the mountain will not come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain.” Although he did not write this with Facebook Messenger or customer service in mind, the meaning still applies. If customers will not come to your business, your business must go to the customers. In 2016, customer service application professionals struggle to find common ground where businesses can fulfill as many customers’ needs as possible in a seamless and timely manner. With one out of every nine people on the planet already using Facebook Messenger,... [...]

Ayaz Nanji says, “What elements help video ads stand out in the Facebook News Feed on mobile devices? Which tactics can help brands keep users engaged with ads? To find out, Facebook showed 965 video ads that were in market in the United States and Europe to a panel of consumers. Study participants were shown the ads in a way that mimicked the Facebook News Feed on mobile and were asked to evaluate the pieces based on four dimensions: first impressions, branding, messaging, and video features. Below, key findings and recommendations from the report. Capture Attention Quickly and Without Sound Only... [...]

Tim Peterson says, “Ads on Facebook are about to get even more reflective of what you did on a brand’s site or app. Two and a half years after Facebook started letting brands retarget people who visited their sites and mobile apps, the company is going to let them retarget people based on specific things they did on a brand’s site or app, such as how much time or money they spent. The expansion of Facebook’s website custom audiences ad targeting option is supposed to make it easier for brands to get in front of the most valuable members of their sites’ and apps’ audiences. “One... [...]

Lindsay Kolowich says, “In their continued effort to promote video content in the News Feed, Facebook recently launched Facebook Live, a live video streaming service that lets anyone broadcast live videos from their mobile device straight to their Facebook News Feed. Why are marketers getting so excited about Facebook Live? Because it’s an awesome way for them to use the power of live video to communicate their brand stories and build authentic, intimate relationships with fans and followers. However, for such a simple concept, Facebook Live has a lot of little nuances that marketers... [...]

Ayaz Nanji says, “What elements help video ads stand out in the Facebook News Feed on mobile devices? Which tactics can help brands keep users engaged with ads? To find out, Facebook showed 965 video ads that were in market in the United States and Europe to a panel of consumers. Study participants were shown the ads in a way that mimicked the Facebook News Feed on mobile and were asked to evaluate the pieces based on four dimensions: first impressions, branding, messaging, and video features. Below, key findings and recommendations from the report. Capture Attention Quickly and Without Sound Only... [...]

Samantha Murphy Kelly says, “Facebook Live is quickly becoming the hottest new live-streaming platform for both publishers and regular people. From Buzzfeed’s exploding watermelon to Dallas-based tattoo artist Liz Cook who streams ink sessions in real time and that snake expert who extracts venom from animals (note: omg), broadcasters — both professional and amateur — have flocked the platform. While Facebook Live users are still trying to figure out what resonates most with their viewers (and how to get those view numbers up), some best practices are emerging. There are also some essential... [...]

Ben Davis says, “Live streaming via Facebook Live was opened to all verified brands at the end of 2015. Since then, many brands have got involved, not just broadcasters (such as the BBC, who trialled the tool as early as October of last year). Facebook’s F8 conference revealed that APIs will be made available, allowing the integration of Live into third-party apps. With lots to look forward to, let’s look at the baby steps brands have taken so far. Airbnb and Disney Airbnb’s big campaign, Live There, has seen it partner with Disney on The Jungle Book. As part of this partnership... [...]

Kenia says, “The rise and rise of online video content over recent years is showing no signs of slowing. According to Cisco Forecast, video will represent 69% of all consumer-based Internet traffic by 2017; this is expected to rise to 80% by 2019. Meanwhile, another study from Business Insider estimates that video advertising will account for 41% of total desktop display-related spending in 2020 in the US. Looking at these stats, it’s clear that video will continue to be a critical element of successful digital marketing strategies for the foreseeable future. As YouTube and Facebook jostle... [...]

Mari Smith says, “Content is king! This well-worn marketing adage still reflects this fact about online marketing: content remains important and valuable for brands. But now, we can replace that adage with “FAST loading content is king.” On April 12, Facebook will officially roll out a new feature, Instant Articles, for all users. Instant Articles must first be published on your own website or mobile app and then be converted into an Instant Article. Instant Articles’ most obvious benefit is to increase speed of access to content. This lightening fast mobile-only feature loads... [...]