Advertise Next to the Future of Entertainment: Updates From YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok
Some new updates this week are reminding us just how much entertainment has changed. As we scroll through our phones and stream on our Smart TVs, we’re seeing a new mix of advertising. This is especially true on YouTube, a platform that’s capitalizing on live events and sports with its new 4K Plus add-on. TikTok is also joining in on the trend with long-form video content. Are mid-roll ads in their future? And finally, even Instagram is making marketing more accessible for smaller accounts with link stickers that anyone can use in stories!
Photo by YouTube
YouTube In High Definition: 4K Comes To The Platform
YouTube has been celebrating its increasing popularity and use on Smart TVs. In their bid to keep their edge as the go-to video platform, they’re featuring a new option for users: 4K Plus. This add-on package will give users access to 4K live streamed events, including network sports content. 4K Plus will also allow for downloads, similar to the DVR experience, and unlimited streaming on the users’ home WiFi.
So why is this a big deal? YouTube has already been taking over the living room as more and more households purchase Smart TVs. With 4K Plus available for about $20/month, sports fans and more are even more likely to cut cable. YouTube ads are a lot more accessible to small and mid-size businesses than network advertising. Businesses also get the benefit of choosing their audiences specifically, rather than aligning with a certain channel or type of content. We predict YouTube will continue amping up content offerings to get new subscribers. This is definitely a platform to watch!
What does this mean for Gainesville Businesses?
Do you have a video that represents your business? If so, get started with a test run of YouTube ads! You’ll have control over which audiences you want to reach and how much you’re looking to spend. Target your local audience to start and dive into the analytics! Build brand awareness in your community with these engaging ads!
Photo by Jenny Ueberberg on Unsplash
Follow For Part 2… Just Kidding, Long Form TikToks Are Here
TikTok has decided that 60 seconds is just not enough for their creators. As users on the platform have resorted to Part 2s and Part 3s, TikTok is upping their maximum video length to 3 minutes. It looks like this comes to help creators share tutorials and creative content, which is often difficult to wrap up in a minute. Will users still leave us with cliffhangers that have us tapping their profile? Probably, but at least we know the trick now.
So what does this mean for the future of TikTok? Expanding into long form content is an interesting move. With other platforms trying to copy the app’s wild success, TikTok is able to stay focused on its own product. They’re responding to the trend of series on the platform, with an eye towards what content people are posting. This move might steal some viewers from Facebook Watch and YouTube as well, since it’ll attract more content for tutorials, reviews, and more.
What does this mean for Gainesville Businesses?
TikTok is holding their own against the older social media giants. This continues to make the space great for advertising, but it also gives small businesses a little more room to talk about themselves. If you’re able to give a quick talk about your products or even indulge in a video meme, TikTok users will appreciate the authenticity and opportunity to connect with your brand!
Image by Georgia de Lotz on Unsplash
Instagram Admits It Has A Linking Problem
Linking on Instagram has long been a conundrum for all account holders. With 10,000 followers, the swipe-up story link becomes unlocked, making things a little easier. Otherwise, links are limited to your bio and ads. But not for long! According to the Verge’s interview with Instagram’s head of product, a new link sticker should soon be coming to all users.
This feature is currently in the test phase, with some verified users with large followings being able to post links on their stories. These work similar to other story stickers that we’ve seen – it displays the URL and opens on a tap. When this is rolled out to all users, it’ll be one more way to incorporate links on the platforms. Here’s hoping that they let us link captions sometime in the future.
What does this mean for Gainesville Businesses?
Be on the lookout for these stickers! With Instagram’s already existing story analytics, we’re so excited to see whether we’ll be able to track our link clicks through this feature. Even if not, this lets you share content like blogs, deals, or specific website pages without updating your Instagram bio.
Ok, now what?
Now that you’re up to date with the latest industry news, it’s time to invest in a team that specializes in all things social media and digital marketing. We can help! Liquid Creative is a full-service marketing agency ready to help your business operate to its fullest potential without missing a beat.
