North News: March 8

• March 9, 2021
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TWITTER DISCOVERS EMOJIS

Introducing, TWEMOJIS! Twitter’s version of Stories called ‘Fleet’s’ (i.e., “Fleet”ing thoughts) may lack AR effects or editing tools, BUT you can now throw up all the 😍😍😍 stickers your heart desires. Essentially, Twemojis are stickers that can be added onto your Fleets to help add emphasis or emotion. Of course, you can kind of replicate these Twemoji reactions already by using the emoji buttons in the text tool. The stickers, however, add a more organic and layered variation, which you can also move around and place more freely. This may be interesting to clients who are active on Twitter and are looking for a new, fun, visual way to engage with their audience on the platform.

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TIKTOK ON THE CLOCK, BUT THE (BUSINESS) PARTY DON’T STOP

It’s official! This week, TikTok launched its new TikTok for Business profile in the app, where it shares platform marketing tips, usage insights and

 previews upcoming events to help advertisers make the most of the platform. The first couple of clips posted to the new account cover some key TikTok basics, including how to frame your promotions and how to maximize response. With TikTok on track to reach a billion (!) users in 2021, this handy new resource will be key in helping us advise our clients and in learning how to use the platform more effectively as an agency. More deets can be found here, or via @tiktokforbusiness in the app.

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TIKTOK ADDS “SEE FULL RECIPE” CTA SO YOU CAN LEARN HOW TO MAKE THAT FETA-TOMATO RECIPE

TikTok announced new recipe-integration capabilities in partnership with the recipe app, Whisk. This new feature allows creators to link and drive traffic to the relevant recipe located on the Whisk app platform. As direct link options expand, creators will be able to drive traffic to their own website (or branded websites) soon. The new feature could be a great opportunity for food-focused clients to break into the TikTok space, working with influencers and linking to client’s social profiles, websites or recipes. As clients consider future influencers for social channels, please ensure you’re considering/looking at their TikTok presence, content and reach for opportunities (and flags!).

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SNAPCHAT SHARES INSIGHT INTO THE MINDS OF GEN Z

Besides their strong distain for skinny jeans and side parts, what else do we really know about Gen Z? Well, thanks to Snapchat, you don’t need to dig any further to get the dirt on this generation as the brand has compiled extensive research reports from key global markets on how this audience communicates, relates, shops and entertains themselves.

Key findings include:

• Gen Z is 150% more likely than other generations to communicate with pictures over words and prefer to share pictures, emojis, memes and videos to stay connected.
• They see gaming as a new way to stay connected – with 70% saying they like to play with friends and family and 49% reporting they met new friends through playing video games.
• They hold $4.4 TRILLION in global spending power ($1.9 trillion in North America alone) and one in two say they like to learn the backstory of brands and products they buy and they are less likely to buy from a brand that chooses to promote the opposite side on social issues that matter to them.
• 53% believe they have the power to make social changes and contribute to activist movements using social platforms.

Those interested in learning more about findings from the Snapchat North America report can click here.

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OP ED: MARKETING & GAMING

Video games are cool. They can take you to worlds far beyond our reach, tell stories that will pull at your heart strings, and connect people who may have never crossed paths. But video games also offer a whole new demographic of users that your brand can engage with.

While you may not think your client fits with gaming culture, look at it this way. Do Netflix subscribers fit with your brand? If you said yes, then gaming is up your alley as there are 3.5x more gamers in Canada than there are Netflix subscribers.

The best part about interacting with gaming culture, you don’t have to do a brand overhaul or campaign. Just interact when the timing is right. For example, Dominos UK jumped at the opportunity to make fun of a game announcement, or Nascar getting in on the Among Us trend.

Whether your client sells food, alcohol, owns malls, or sends things to outer space, there’s always an opportunity to create connections with potential new customers.