Marketers too focused on transactions, Snapchat's strong Q3 results, Amazon's new News app, Twitter's poor Q3 results, New adaptive Google banner ads, Instagram testing new feature

Almost half of marketers have admitted to being too focused on getting money in the bank at the expense of building customer relationships. Snapchat reports strong Q3 results and announces a new focus on advertising buyability. Amazon is launching a new News app to compete with Google News and Apple News +. Twitter sees stocks plummet as it posts disappointing Q3 results, with targeting bugs partly to blame. Google announces new adaptive banner ads designed to improve mobile viewability. Instagram is testing a new feature that sees the accounts your following split into different categories. [si_blog_banner_cta]

43% of marketers focused on transactions rather than relationships

Almost half (43%) of marketers are focused more on ‘transactional’ relationships rather than encouraging a deeper level of engagement from their audience, according to new research. The…

Twitter admits ad targeting data bug, digital media provides best ROI, TikTok under fire or using Creators' videos, Facebook testing new multi-image layouts.

Twitter has admitted that a 'bug' has allowed data submitted for safety purposes to be used for ad targeting, prompting many in the industry to blast the platform. A new survey of chief marketing officers has revealed that premium digital media provides the best ROI for companies. TikTok has come under fire as it is revealed that it is using Creators' videos for advertising purposes without informing them. Facebook seems to be testing new layouts for those uploading multiple images to one post. We've got more info on all of these stories below.

Twitter announces ad targeting ‘data bug’

Twitter has admitted that it has been using data submitted for security reasons to target ads. In a statement released by…

Google's new data control features, Instagram launches 'Restrict', fewer women in executive marketing roles, Burger King under fire for tweet and Twitter testing 'Stream Tweets'

This week has seen Google announce a slew of new features designed for helping users better manage their privacy and data, all of which are now being rolled out. Instagram has launched its Restrict feature to help reduce the impact of negative comments and bullying on the platform as it continues to focus on user wellbeing. New research reveals that fewer women are now in executive roles in marketing and advertising companies. Burger King has come under fire by the ASA for a tweet that was deemed to be irresponsible and condoning anti-social behaviour. Twitter is reportedly testing a new feature to show tweets in real-time in users' feeds. We've got more info on all of these news stories below in this week's roundup.

Google launches new data control features

Google has…

Facebook rolling out 'Clear History' tool, Twitter blocks Chinese state-backed accounts, YouTube removing chat function, New LinkedIn Live guide, Twitter's new video ad bid and Facebook's new movie ad tools

This week has seen Facebook finally announce the rollout of its 'Clear History' tool, which will enable users to have more control over their off-site data. While it is only available in select locations, for now, the tool will soon be available to all Facebook users - but what impact will this have on advertisers? Twitter has announced that it has blocked a number of accounts that were found to be backed by the Chinese state in the wake of growing tensions between protestors and police in Hong Kong, with Facebook following suit. YouTube has announced that its chat function will no longer be available from next month, with more focus being put on public comments and YouTube stories. LinkedIn has released a new…

Pinterest's new shopping features, Twitter's drag and drop function, GDPR issues for Facebook's Like button, Twitter's Q2 growth and Facebook's streaming aspirations.

There have been a few social media updates as platforms release new features and update functionality. Pinterest has launched two new features that put more focus on online shopping rather than social media and making it easier for e-commerce brands to drive sales through the platform. Twitter looks to be testing a new drag and drop feature that will make ordering images within a tweet much easier. The platform has also reported strong Q2 growth. A new ruling could mean that website owners are responsible for the data collected by the Facebook Like button under GDPR rules. Facebook has also reportedly contacted streaming services about making their services available through a new device. Find out more about these stories with our news round up.

Pinterest…

Twitter's new design, Amazon anti-competition investigation, UK digital tax plans, Facebook's scam ad tool, Instagram removes like count

This week has seen Twitter launch it's new design for desktop users, with the jury still being out on how it is being received. Amazon is set to face a probe to see if it is using third-party seller data unfairly. The UK government has announced that it will push ahead with a plan to tax tech giants more going forward. Facebook has responded to a lawsuit by introducing a new tool for reporting scam ads in the UK. Finally, Instagram is testing out the removal of it's like count in six new areas. Get more detail on all of these news stories below in our latest news roundup.

Twitter updates desktop site

Twitter has updated the look of its primary desktop website in a bid to improve personalization…

Facebook changing business Page info, the CMA investigating impact of digital advertisers on consumers, Twitter's updated search results and MPs call for digital political campaigning electoral law changes

Following the excitement of Google's updates last month and several changes to social media platforms, the start of July seems to have been fairly quiet. It seems the marketing world is taking the beginning of this month at a slower pace, which is reflected in the big news stories of the week. This week comes the news that Facebook is scrapping some of the Pages info sections on August 1st, so you need to get these updated. A UK government agency is launching an investigation into the possible harm that digital advertisers could be doing to consumers, which could have huge implications for platforms like Facebook and Google. Twitter has added some more context to search results in a bid to make…

Facebook's Community Standards update, New brand loyalty research, new playable Facebook ads, consumer views on Netflix advertising and Twitter's new live stream with guests feature

This week, Facebook has updated us on how it is enforcing its Community Standards with its third report. The report includes new data in a bid to make sure its enforcement is more transparent. New research has revealed that brands who form emotional relationships with customers are likely to see better brand loyalty, showing that the human element and storytelling really do benefit companies. Facebook has launched its new playable ads, aimed at providing users with a trial of advertised mobile games. As Coca-Cola announces working with Netflix on Stranger Things season three, a study has found that most subscribers are totally against ads being added to the video streaming service. Finally, Twitter has announced a new feature. Those who live stream will now have the opportunity to add audio-only…

Google's new auction model for ads, Facebook tightening up Live rules, YouTube introduces new ad format, LinkedIn adding and updating job search tools and Twitter's anti-vax warning

There are a number of platform changes that you need to know about this week, including Google's update on what its first-price auction model will look like for Google Ads Manager and its publisher exchange. Facebook has changed its rules around Live following the issues it experienced during and after the Christchurch terrorist attacks. Aiming to be stricter and reduce the spread of harmful content, the platform has tightened up its regulations. YouTube is making it easier for brands to advertise via its home feed by introducing ads that use images rather than videos. LinkedIn has also made some great changes to help make it easier for those using the platform to job search or recruit. Finally, Twitter has introduced a new result for anyone searching for anti-vax-related…

Twitter's new reporting tool ahead of elections, LinkedIn's new 'services' feature, Facebook suing a company for selling fake 'likes', Instagram replacing travel brochures, Sri Lankan blocks social media following terrorist attacks, Snapchat seeing user recovery and Google adds fun Avengers-themed feature

This week has seen another update to Twitter, this time to help stop the spread of misinformation ahead of elections. A new reporting feature will allow users to flag incorrect information that could influence people's election decisions. LinkedIn is helping freelancers and business-owners showcase their services on their profile with a new trial feature. Facebook has launched a lawsuit against a company and individuals who have been selling fake engagement on Instagram. New research has found that more people turn to Instagram to find holiday locations than travel agents, with many people choosing destinations based on how photogenic they are. The Sri Lankan government has blocked social media while investigations into the terrorist attacks…