Meta has announced new advancements in using its artificial intelligence (AI) to improve ad performance. The improvements will give advertisers access to new tools and features tested in the company’s AI Sandbox. The company has also introduced an improved Meta Advantage ad automation tool that will provide more flexibility for creative content and help advertisers measure successful campaigns.
AI Sandbox for Advertisers
This feature introduced by Meta will serve as a testing ground for early versions of new tools and features. The goal according to Meta is to develop tools that are easy to use and effective in improving ad performance.
‘’Our goal is to learn what works for advertisers and make these features easy to use in our ads tools. To start, we are building tools like text variation, background generation, and image outcropping to do things like to make an ad’s text more engaging or improve parts of its creative,” announced Meta in a blog post.
Meta has come up with AI features including; Text Variation which users will use to generate multiple versions of ad text to allow advertisers to test different messages for specific audiences, Background Generation to create a variety of background images from text inputs, and Image Outcropping to adjust creative assets to fit different aspect ratios across various platforms.
Improvements to Meta Advantage
Some of the features that Meta has improved include; One-click conversion of manual campaigns to Advantage+ shopping, Support for video creative in catalog ads, Performance Comparisons, and Improved performance with Advantage+ audience which uses audience suggestions and offers updated audience targeting methods to drive conversions.
“Meta Advantage is our portfolio of automation products that use AI and machine learning to help optimize campaign results, personalize ads by matching them to the right people at the right time, and ultimately help advertisers save time and money. Last year we consolidated our automated products under this new portfolio in order to help businesses more easily identify and benefit from them. Since then, we have seen adoption grow. For example, there are 3x as many advertisers using Advantage+ shopping campaigns weekly as there were 6 months ago,” said Meta in the blog post.
To finetune these products, a select group of advertisers are working with Meta to provide feedback. More advertisers will gradually be included starting July, with plans to integrate some features into Meta’s product offerings later in the year.
Meta continues to invest heavily in AI infrastructure in ways that they hope will be benefiting to both advertisers and users. By using more prominent, and complex models in their ads system, the platform aims to improve ad experiences and optimize results for businesses using the platform.
For instance, advanced AI modeling now enables optimization across multiple objectives simultaneously on Instagram, such as clicks on Story ads and conversions or sales on Reels.
Several companies have adopted the use of AI to ease the load of content creation. Logie.ai is a good example, for a platform designed with creators in mind, most of its processes are automated to allow creators to click and generate content seamlessly, all they have to do is share and get returns. It is very impressive, and if it means more money for creators, then we need to keep going.
Influencers have become an essential part of social commerce and even in the AI generation, there is still a need to integrate them. Also, users, consume a lot of information online and to get the search engine to where it once was google has added “Google Perspectives,” to its engine to help users verify information
‘With Google perspectives’, users will be shown videos from Youtube and other social platforms for topics like travel, shopping, and tutorials.
Understanding the source
The tech giant has introduced a feature called ‘about this author’ that Google users can use to get a quick background check of the creators behind the content they are reading.
With this feature, users can easily access information on websites or content sources by simply typing the URL to gain more context and credibility of the page they are viewing.
This feature eliminates the need to include platform names within search queries, streamlining the process of finding relevant content. Moreover, when using the Perspectives filter, users will be presented with detailed information about content creators, including their names, profile pictures, and popularity. This creates a richer, and more engaging search experience for users.
User-Generated Content
Google recognizes the power social media holds in this era, therefore the new feature will highlight personal stories, discussions, and creator content from various platforms such as Reddit, YouTube, and TikTok. By doing so it will provide users with a more diverse range of results, showcasing the experiences and expertise of individuals alongside established websites.
The tech giant aims to differentiate between expert opinions and personal perspectives, therefore, each piece of content will be ranked appropriately. This innovation holds immense potential for delivering relevant results in an era where individuals publish information on social platforms rather than traditional websites.
Also, more weight will be given to higher-quality sites that offer original information when ranking review content on Search to ensure that creators maintain originality.
Most users had started wondering how Google would react to social media platforms overtaking it. Seems like the search engine has found a way to adapt to the environment by introducing search algorithms that will change the landscape of online content consumption. It will be fascinating to witness the influence this new feature has on the way we find and share information online.
Previously, some features were exclusive to specific pin formats or users with business accounts. Now, all content creators will have access to these tools across image and video Pins.
“Pinterest users will now be able to access features that were previously only available to certain Pin formats or users with a business account, including links, post-publish editing, and flexible aspect ratios. All content creators will also be able to include expressive features like music, text overlay, and stickers to their Pins, “ explained Pinterest in its news post
Creators will have access to features including; links, post-publish editing, flexible aspect ratios, and expressive elements like music, text overlay, and stickers.
Tools for Creation and Monetization
Using Pinterest, you will be able to add links to images, videos, and even Pinterest TV live streams, unlocking another potential revenue stream. Every creator in the US and UK now has access to paid partnership and product tagging using affiliate links.
Pinterest has made editing of pins after publishing possible and made aspect ratio more flexible, with the new updates creators will be able to modify Pin components- details, titles and links after publishing.
Advertisers still have access to the formats and features that will allow them to create idea ads, video ads, collection ads and carousel ads.
Improved Performance Metrics
To help you track and optimise the performance of your content, Pinterest has updated the metrics available for video Pins. You will be able to access crucial data such as views and watch time, giving you consistent analytics across all Pin types.
This information will be invaluable when determining which content resonates most with your audience and it will come in handy for guiding future creative endeavors.
Fostering a Positive and Supportive Community
Content creators thrive in engaging communities, and to foster this environment, Users will be allowed to set filters to auto-hide comments containing specific keywords, ensuring a safer space for everyone. Also, the platform is expanding reactions like hearts and other emojis to all pins, to offer more ways for audiences to connect with and respond to your content.
These additions will for sure improve Pinterest functionality and increase more potential for creators to monetise, with 460 million users a month visiting the platform why wait?
To empower creators and help them earn more income, Meta on Tuesday announced an expansion of its Facebook Reels program started in February 2022.
With the approach Meta is taking, creators will no longer have to rely on Ads performance for payment, instead they will be able to get paid based on how well their reel content is performing.
Reels were initially launched in select countries, now, they are available in over 150 nations across the globe. Millions of iOS and Android users can access this video platform.
New Payout Models
Instead of basing payouts on ad earnings from individual reels, Meta is introducing a performance-based payout model. This will allow creators to focus on producing quality content that resonates with their audience, while Meta optimizes the ad experience for both advertisers and users.
In the new model, Payouts will initially depend on the number of plays, which means that if reels perform better creators will potentially earn more.
“We’re learning through our tests that payouts tied to performance are better at balancing the needs of everyone. Many variables outside of creators’ control have traditionally influenced their ad earnings, such as how many ads have already been shown to the person viewing their content or whether there’s a relevant ad to deliver to that viewer. With a performance-based model, creators can focus on the content that’s resonating with their audiences and helping them grow; advertisers get access to more ad inventory to reach more people; and people get a more consistent viewing experience with more relevant ads,” announced Meta through a blog post
Meta has also revealed its plans to accelerate the expansion of its Facebook Reels program by inviting thousands of creators to join its updated tests. Creators who participated in the reels play bonus program will be included. The social platform is also working on a similar program for Instagram reels.
As creators onboard the new payout model, they will automatically be transitioned into the performance-based system. Instagram Reels will also undergo testing with the same model among a small group of creators and advertisers in select markets.
There ia also a plan to test this model for in-stream ads on Facebook with a small group of content creators.
Eligibility and Onboarding
To qualify for an invite to the updated Facebook Reels program, creators must be residents in one of the 52 eligible countries and meet specific minimum requirements. Those who participated in the Reels Play bonus program may receive an invite within the coming weeks.
Upon joining the test, creators must complete the onboarding process, accept the terms of use, and provide payout details. They will then focus on creating engaging reels to earn revenue.
To see if you’re eligible to participate, you can visit the Facebook Professional Dashboard and go to the Monetization Tools section. If invited, you will see “Ads on Reels” and can click on “Set up” to begin the process.
Other Monetization Options on Meta
Facebook and Instagram have other opportunities Creators can explore some of the monetization tools offered include; subscriptions, stars, gifting, brand partnerships through the creator marketplace, in-stream ads, and performance bonus programs. To access this, you can visit FB for Creators and Instagram for Creators to learn more.
The approach by Meta is good news for creators, if the different ways of monetization can really kick off, creators will have multiple ways to ensure that their content is paying off.
It’s time for the platform to find the best solution for creators, advertisers, and its apps in general. As it keeps evolving, creators can look forward to innovative tools, scalable earnings, and a more seamless experience for everyone involved.
If not, then you may be missing out on the best management system for e-commerce influencers. So, what does Logie do that makes it such a valuable tool for content creators?
Here’s a quick recap of what Logie is and what it does for you:
Allows influencers to easily create content for products and share that content on social media
Equips influencers with the tools they need to promote, add products, remove products, as well as design thumbnails, titles, descriptions, and more. Logie currently works with Amazon influencers but is already exploring partnerships with other leading eCommerce companies.
Provides influencers with this amazing storefront called the go shopping platform (https://www.go.shopping/). Everyone gets their own shopping domain URL that they can use to promote their products (similar to a bio or your social media).
What problems does Logie solve?
Logie is automating deal creation between brands and influencers. By using technology to seamlessly connect and manage the two parties, Logie takes off the time spent on discussions and negotiations. Many content creators find that these back-and-forth deliberations can be pretty exhausting, not to forget time-consuming.
How does Logie support creators?
Logie supports creators by giving them an easy-to-use platform that simplifies content production while also linking you to brand deals. More so, the company protects the creator’s work by ensuring that they get paid for the work they provide. Some brands will say I’m not going to pay you to shoot the video. Logie takes care of such micromanagement that doesn’t make sense.
How does Logie support brands?
Logie supports brands as well by matching the products with the influencer who will most likely do a good job at promoting such products. If the brand wants to grow, which is the case for anyone in business, when working with 10 creators and following the work network with 100 with 200 influencers and matching those influences that are perfectly tailored for the brand product. Logie comes into the picture. It’s what Logie does that no one else does.
How does Logie use AI and big data to redefine influencer marketing?
Logies uses influencers/creators’ own history of sales, which when added to an AI model automatically predicts the products that influencers can sell better than others. What are the products that influencers are most likely to generate buzz for and generate sales for? Logies allows the data to speak and make selections. Outside of all the amazing dashboards and tools that Logie is offering, the amazing chat GPT integrations are another level.
This amazing platform is effectively using AI to predict where you’re going to make some more money. So you don’t have to try to go through hundreds of sales that you made (some people have 1000s or even 10s of 1000s of product sales) and try to analyze what works and what doesn’t. What are the products that are selling better for my audiences? What shoppable videos I created actually resonate with people? When you see that you’re able to sell a lot of products from one spectrum of the Amazon platform, for example, the AI can actually predict other products you’ll be able to generate good selling content for. This way, you don’t have to waste your time when trying to promote products that are not a good fit for you.
Why creators love Logie
There is no question that Logie is the most robust platform, especially for Amazon influencers. While it may be a sidekick for some for now, it might actually become the primary go-to for e-commerce influencers across borders. Below are some common reasons why influencers love Logie:
The interface is content-creator-friendly and it’s easy to use to generate thumbnails, titles, descriptions, and the other content you need to go about your job.
More and more functionality that creators need is being integrated as Logie takes on feedback feature requests.
The process of brand and influencer negotiations is handled by Logie, which saves time and money for those influencers who just want to create content and market products and hence make money.
Many of the brands on Logie offer really impressive commission levels, sometimes up to 52%, which means you get to make more for each unit sold.
Is Logie available to everyone?
Logie is currently working with a group of influencers who are testing and providing feedback to help perfect the technology. Sign-ups are only available for creators who have an invitation code from the company.
My take on Logie
This is a game changer in this industry to help bridge the gap between influencers and brands and streamline the negotiations, and use AI to generate better matches between influences and products to create more content and generate more money. It is a win-win situation for both parties and Logie’s mission is to shorten the gap and make it easy on everyone to create Revenue.
Amazon has announced that it is introducing a new service, Amazon Anywhere which it claims will seamlessly integrate immersive shopping experiences within popular video games, augmented reality (AR) adventures, and mobile apps.
The introduction by the e-commerce giant will open the door to a new era of entertainment-driven commerce.
Shopping Integration
With Amazon anywhere you will be able to discover and buy physical products from Amazon without leaving your gaming or app environment. The first implementation of this feature is in Peridot, an AR pet adventure game created by Niantic.
“After seamlessly linking your Amazon account to Peridot, you can find Peridot-branded products such as T-shirts, hoodies, phone accessories, and throw pillows featuring artwork of magical creatures from the game. You’ll see the familiar product details, images, availability, Prime eligibility, price, and estimated delivery date as you would in Amazon stores. It’s easy to then tap the “buy” button and check out using your linked Amazon account without leaving the game. Products will ship to you like any other purchase from Amazon, and you can track and manage orders via the Amazon app’’ said Amazon in a blog post
Shoppable Entertainment
Games traditionally focus on virtual currencies and digital items but Amazon is taking it a step further. With Amazon Anywhere gamers will have access to physical products, bringing the excitement of discovery and the convenience of online shopping directly to gamers and app users.
Combining commerce and entertainment will give users access to exclusive products tied to their favorite digital experiences, this will create a more immersive and connected world across both the virtual and physical domains.
Creators on Amazon Anywhere
Apart from users, Amazon Anywhere also comes with benefits for creators. The variety of selections within the Amazon ecosystem will offer influencers an opportunity to customize their advertisements to fit audience interests in virtual worlds, video games, and mobile apps.
Integrating shopping into gaming and virtual processes enables creators to create incredible experiences for customers while Amazon handles the logistics of selection, shipping, and fulfillment. With this creators will gain access to a new revenue stream where they will generate income by offering relevant products from Amazon to their engaged user base.
Amazon Anywhere marks a significant milestone in entertainment and digital experiences, by bridging the gap between virtual worlds and real-life shopping the features will open a new wave of social commerce.
This is a new way to tap customers, a very interesting one for that matter, it gives other marketers a chance to think of what more is possible. We can’t wait to see!
TikTok has been the most popular App since the pandemic hit, with 20% of consumers starting their product searches there in Q1 2023 and 68% of Gen-Zs and 50% of millennials agreeing to make direct purchases from the App.
However, there have been uncertainties surrounding its future due to the potential actions by the U.S. government to disrupt the social apps’ social scene.
What creators should know
In the US, Congress is considering legislation that will deem TikTok and other foreign-owned apps risky if passed. The government issued a no TikTok order on government devices with over 20 states enacting the ban.
The Restrict Act, which is currently being studied by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, would authorize the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to monitor e-commerce technology and services, potentially leading to future regulation.
In light of these developments, e-commerce retailers and content creators must remain vigilant and adapt to the ongoing situations in order to navigate the uncertain landscape
How would a ban affect influencers?
TikTok has a variety of influencers who have built an audience and rely on exposure from the platform, most of their revenue is earned from their content going viral and hence luring brands to work with them.
For Amazon sellers who have harnessed the power of TikTok to boost sales, losing access to the platform could result in declining brand visibility and revenues. The sellers have enjoyed organic growth for their businesses due to the link between TikTok and Amazon, which have seen hashtags like #amazonfinds generating billions of views
Besides, it is an attractive choice for content creators looking to expand their reach and establish their personal brand. The platform’s huge user base, unique algorithm, and creative tools would force influencers to redirect their efforts towards other platforms.
What are the alternatives?
There are various social commerce platforms that creators can explore for monetization they include; Instagram reels, youtube shorts which have recently introduced ad placements, Triller, Snapchat Spotlight, Pinterest, Facebook, Lemon 8 which is still quite new but popular in the US market, as well as Temu although it has sparked different reactions among users.
However, creators should be cautious about investing too much time and resources on social commerce platforms that may face similar risks as TikTok. Keep up-to-date with changes in government policies and potential legislation that could impact these platforms, and always be prepared to adjust your strategy accordingly.
More apps are always coming up and the diverse social commerce ecosystem is only just starting, with the hype of artificial intelligence and how it is being integrated into the platforms is sign enough. But as creators, the focus is on consistency and high returns, so which train are we hoping on?
Amazon recently launched its shopping feed called Inspire to all its US customers. The feature allows customers to discover and shop for new products through shoppable photos and videos that spark their interest.
The TikTok-like feed was released last year with a select number of influencers paid to create short shoppable videos.
What is Amazon Inspire?
It is an in-app shoppable feed designed to make potential consumers’ product discovery and social shopping not only seamless but also fun. Its interface resembles that of TikTok with popular vertical video formats.
“We invent every day to make shopping easy and fun, Inspire is our new shopping experience that connects Amazon customers with shoppable content created by other customers, the latest influencers, and a wide range of brands. In just a few taps, customers can discover new products or get inspiration on what to buy, all tailored to their interests, and then shop for those items on Amazon,” said Amazon Shopping Director Oliver Messenger in an emailed statement.
The Tiktok like shopping feed allows users to select from over 20 interests such as gaming, hiking, pets, interior design, travel, and running, and customize their feed to feature content that is most relevant to them. The feed also features individuals’ favorite influencers, brands, and fellow shoppers.
How to access it
To access it, users should open the Amazon Shopping app, sign in to their account and click on the “light bulb icon” at the bottom navigation bar. As users explore the content, they will be able to engage with it by double-tapping anywhere on the screen.
To navigate, users can scroll vertically through the Inspire feed or use the engagement buttons located on the right side of the screen.
The feature is only accessible via the app on iOS and Android. It is not available for desktop users yet but it is a good option for the e-commerce retail giant to explore.
How do I get my products on the Amazon Inspire feed?
Unfortunately, there is no direct way to get your products to show on Amazon Inspire, you need to utilize Amazon Posts, as Amazon Inspire generates content based on these posts.
Be selective with what you share on your Posts, and make sure that you include high-quality images and videos that look professional.
It is also likely that products with higher sales, views, and reviews will be featured more prominently on Amazon Inspire but the platform has not made it clear yet what the criteria is.
Therefore, optimizing all aspects of a product can increase your chances of getting featured on Inspire.
Who can post content to Amazon Inspire?
There is no procedure for how posts appear on Inspire but, Amazon customers who leave product reviews accompanied by a video or an image may have their content featured in Inspire.
The selection process for these reviews is random, and there’s currently no method to influence which reviews appear in the shoppable feed.
Participants in the Amazon Influencer Program can contribute content to Inspire. Any photo content or videos posted to an influencer’s Amazon Storefront are eligible for inclusion in Inspire.
Brands enrolled in the Amazon Brand Registry with an active Amazon Store can also have their content featured in Inspire. The qualifying photos posted to Amazon Posts by these brands are eligible for inclusion.
As a brand owner, actively posting content on Amazon Posts can increase the likelihood of your products appearing in customers’ shoppable feeds on Inspire.
What are the benefits?
As Amazon Inspire gains traction, creators especially those participating in the Amazon Influencer Program may benefit from the feature by earning commissions when users shop for products featured in their Inspire content.
The more users interact and make purchases based on a creator’s recommendations, the higher their potential to earn revenue.
Amazon recently announced a partnership with Pinterest that will come to fruition later in the year, and now Inspire is open to all US customers! Amazon truly means business
Different platforms mimicking the TikTok idea are also coming up; Lemon 8 is a good example. It is now up to creators to decide which one better serves them. Is Inspire a valid option to make retail therapy more delightful? we will have to wait and see
Alexa was once being used by many manufacturers as a voice technology for their products but it has since been overshadowed by the newer and more advanced AI technologies like ChatGPT. The AI assistant has faced several challenges with the most recent seeing massive layoffs from the Alexa division, but Amazon CEO Andy Jassy insists that the company is committed to reinventing Alexa to be better than before.
Expanding Alexa’s Capabilities with Generative AI
Reports claim that Amazon is looking to transform Alexa into the world’s best personal assistant by leveraging the power of its proprietary LLM, known as the “Alexa Teacher Model.” The company hopes to apply generative AI technology and enhance Alexa’s competencies in a variety of areas.
Amazon aims to improve Alexa’s conversational video searches, and storytelling abilities, enable it to provide personal recommendations, as well as refine its news reading capabilities. This groundbreaking approach is expected to make the AI assistant more engaging, interactive, and intelligent.
Alexa’s Proactive Approach and Privacy Concerns
One of the most intriguing aspects of Amazon’s plan is to make Alexa more proactive and conversational. Humans have been watching the evolution of AI but creating one that could not only think but almost invade privacy without being prompted, is a different case. For example, the Echo Show Smart display camera integrated into the AI could potentially recognise the toy a child is holding and infuse it into a story.
While this capability sounds fascinating, it raises the important question of user privacy. As Amazon moves forward, it will have to come up with a balanced measure between innovation and privacy because if not consumers may fail to trust and accept the revamped Alexa.
Envisioning New Revenue Streams
Alexa’s development has encountered numerous obstacles, including layoffs affecting nearly 2,000 employees within its division. However, the surge in interest surrounding AI presents an opportunity for Amazon to reinvigorate the assistant and explore new ways to bring in revenue.
To do so, the company must push beyond traditional applications, like generating stories, and envision innovative ways for Alexa to generate value for users and businesses alike. Alexa has been used by individuals to run several errands but there is a whole world of opportunities with AI.
‘’we’ve had a large language model underneath it, but we’re building one that’s much larger and much more generalized and capable. And I think that’s going to really rapidly accelerate our vision of becoming the world’s best personal assistant. I think there’s a significant business model underneath it’’ said Andy Jassy when talking about Alexa
Amazon is committed to showcasing its determination to reclaim its position as a leader in AI-driven personal assistance but there needs to be more than just that. For now, we will just have to take their word for it, but how smart will Alexa be exactly?
Using user feedback, Youtube is Formulating ways to improve creator experiences and increase viewer engagement. In a recent announcement, YouTube provided a sneak peek of updates that will be introduced to the platform by the end of 2023.
The platform aims to reshape the display options, optimize creators’ channels, and provide viewers with a more personalized experience. Some of the updates will include:
1. Enhanced Sorting and Filtering Options
The new updates will see the re-introduction of, an improved version of ‘sort by oldest’ on videos, and live tabs. The feature was previously available but the platform removed it because it could only be supported in the mixed mode where videos, shorts, and lives would appear in the same feed.
The platform is also working to introduce ‘chips and separated tabs’ by format to improve sorting and filtering options.
2. Personalized Channel Home Pages for Viewers
YouTube creators have been struggling to find a one size fits all configuration for their home channel, with the current features, first-time viewers and super fans have the same view. To address this issue, YouTube plans to launch a new section that will recommend content from a creator’s channel to each unique viewer.
The recommendations will be based on factors such as the viewer’s watch history and will offer tailored suggestions that will include videos, shorts, and live streams. According to Youtube, the personalization features will be more effective for channels producing content in multiple languages or formats. Content creators will be able to decide which content to display and which content to guide users to.
“We’re building a section that will recommend content from your channel for each individual viewer. It will be personalized based on the videos they’ve already watched, their topic affinity, and so on. Personalization will be especially effective if your channel has multiple topics languages or content formats.” said YouTube’s Product Manager Ann Katrin when explaining the upcoming updates.
3. Streamlined Channel Interface and New Content Tabs
Most creators have found creating channels a bit hectic n the past, to simplify this process, YouTube will hide empty tabs which could previously appear even without content. With the coming updates, only tabs with content will appear.
There will be an update to see the removal of the About tab and relevant information in the section relocated to the channel description.
The updates will create a cleaner interface once released and pave the way for new content tabs, such as Release (for music artists), Podcast (for podcasters), and Courses (currently available in the US, South Korea, and India). Channel editors will have access to new features like header link editing on desktop and mobile devices by the end of the year.
It is refreshing to know that Youtube takes users’ feedback seriously, with most social media platforms focusing on ways to drive users to its sites despite the feedback. Will the new updates improve viewer engagement? We will have to wait and see
Logie streamlines influencer discovery, product distribution, and content performance to drive measurable sales for eCommerce brands. We also equip content creators with the smart tools, brand partnerships, and commission opportunities they need to turn content into income.
