Instagram announce new features to help protect younger users
Instagram is implementing a range of new features with the intention of offering their younger users better in-app protections. These features include a ‘take-a-break’ prompt, parental control options for time spent on the app, better age verification methods for new sign-ups, and finally, a feature that will allow parents to be notified when their teen reports another user.
Why is this important?
In September, several reports were released highlighting the negative impact that Instagram can have on the mental health of its users, especially amongst their younger demographics. These new features are designed with this in mind, offering reality checks to users at regular intervals and suggesting they take a break, or even prompting them to check-out other topics if they’ve been focused on one for too long. These changes are positive first steps in combatting the negative effects Instagram may have on young users and their mental health.
Google Ads brings image extensions to desktop devices
Google Ads will be rolling out image extensions to desktop devices in the coming weeks, the company announced on Tuesday. Prior to this update, image extensions only showed on mobile devices, however, when the update rolls out, advertisers that are already using image extensions for mobile devices will automatically show those extensions on desktop as well.
Why is this important?
Image extensions may help make your ads more visually appealing, which might encourage visitors to click on them. In a few weeks, they will also be available on desktop, enabling you to show relevant images to users whether they’re at home or on the go.
UK Cinema Admissions Score Landmark October
The Cinema Advertising Association revealed this week that UK cinema industry admissions for October 2021 totalled 16.4 million. This is up 151% from September and up 649% on October 2020. This marks the biggest October for admissions since 2012.
Why is this important?
Cinema enables advertisers to hit consumers in a relaxed environment. We’re starting to see the most anticipated films hit the big screens from Q4 2021 and as a result an increase in admissions. We expect cinema admissions to continue to rise with films such as The Secrets of Dumbledore, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Jurassic World: Dominion launch.
John Lewis lands a spaceship in 4D OOH
John Lewis will expand its Christmas campaign to encompass out-of-home, in-show and gaming advertising with ITV. John Lewis has launched an immersive “4D experience” using an ultra HD OOH screen in Central London. It is powered by Epic Games' Unreal Engine and will play for a week showing the spaceship from the Unexpected Guest campaign landing in the I'm A Celebrity Castle Trial experience in Fortnite Creative. This adds an OOH experience to an already integrated campaign across TV and gaming.
