Amazon Anywhere: virtual world meets shopping

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May 10, 2023

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!

Looming TikTok ban: what are the alternatives?

By

Betonsky N.

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May 9, 2023

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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’s TikTok-like feed ‘Inspire’ is now available to all US customers

By

Betonsky N.

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May 8, 2023

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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

The rebirth of Alexa: Amazon’s ambitious plan to revolutionize its AI assistant

By

Betonsky N.

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May 5, 2023

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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?

Youtube unveils updates to personalize user experience

By

Betonsky N.

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May 5, 2023

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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

AI Tools for Amazon Influencers

By

Betonsky N.

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May 4, 2023

0

Amazon is all-in when it comes to AI.

They just introduced Amazon Bedrock which will allow companies to host their AI models on AWS.

That’s why Amazon creators must stay on top of what’s going on with generative AI.

Here are three websites that can help you as an Amazon Influencer:

https://logie.ai/ – monetize your content and earn top commissions of up to 50%.

https://mokker.ai/ – Create professional product background photos.

https://www.wisecut.video/ – Easily create and edit your shoppable videos.

Goholler.ai

https://goholler.ai/ – If you are part of a community, easily ask them what they want most with this AI-powered one question survey.

TikTok creativity program unveiled: A new era for creators

By

Betonsky N.

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May 4, 2023

0

TikTok has announced that the Creativity Program Beta which was previously launched with select creators, will now be available to eligible US creators by invite only before becoming accessible to all in the coming months.

To qualify, creators must be at least 18 years old, have a minimum of 10,000 followers, and have attained 100,000 authentic video views within the last 30 days also, their account must be in good standing.

Unveiling the Creativity Program Beta

TikTok has been a mecca for creative expression and collaboration, creators have acquired diverse opportunities to pursue their passions and make meaningful connections. In a bid to further support and reward US creators, the new initiative aims to amplify creator potential, boost revenue, and open up other opportunities.

The Creativity Program Beta is tailored to suit creators at all stages using valuable insights and feedback from the TikTok Creator Fund.

“The Creativity Program Beta is in its early stages, and we’re continuously exploring ways to improve the experience for our creator community and the way creators are rewarded. We’re looking forward to hearing feedback from our community” said TikTok on their announcement

To join the program, creators who are in the TikTok Creator Fund can choose to switch to the Creativity Program. Those not enrolled can apply once the program is available.

To begin earning, creators are required to produce and publish original, high-quality content that is longer than a minute after which an updated dashboard will allow creators to view video eligibility, estimated revenue, and performance metrics. To ensure safety, all videos must abide by the TikTok community guidelines.

Monetization opportunities

Before the announcement, the program was reportedly earning creators significant amounts of money while operating under wraps, this was by them creating user-generated content for major brands. Although not clear how much creators earn from the program, it is now time for other creators to have a taste.

“At TikTok, we are committed to fostering new ways for creators to feel valued and rewarded as they continue to inspire and engage our community,” said TikTok

If successful, eligible creators in the United States, France, and Brazil will be able to further nurture their creativity while making money through the program. TikTok plans to expand to more regions in the future which is a good sign for the platform’s creators worldwide.

For more information on how to participate in the program visit the TikTok Creator Portal.

Meta’s new updates to enhance the discoverability of Facebook reels

By

Betonsky N.

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May 3, 2023

0

Meta has rolled out new updates that they hope will improve the discoverability and personalization of Reels on Facebook. In response to the growing popularity of short-form content, the platform has introduced new features that will offer better user control and convenience while watching videos on the platform.

Overview

With the new updates, users will now have to use the main navigation at the top of their screen to access reels on Facebook. It will also allow them to discover new creators, trends, and content that align with their interests with a seamless experience when scrolling between reels and long-form videos, which will ensure an uninterrupted viewing experience.

New Ways to Personalize Reels

Meta is introducing new controls that will give users more control over the Reels they see across the app. These tools include:

Show more, Show less: This feature ensures that Reels reflect users’ interests while helping them explore and discover other creators and communities. Users can directly influence the types of Reels they see by tapping the three-dot menu at the bottom of the video player and selecting either Show More or Show Less. This action will temporarily increase or decrease the ranking score of the Reel, allowing Meta to fine-tune its recommendation algorithms based on user preferences.
Contextual labels: In addition to personalization controls, Meta is launching new labels on the Reels video player to explain why users are seeing specific Reels – for example, because a friend liked it. These labels provide more context about the content, enabling users to make informed decisions about what they want to watch.

Opportunities for Creators and Brands

The new updates by Meta will provide creators and brands with enhanced opportunities to reach a more relevant audience. With improved discoverability, creators can attract more viewers, increase their content visibility, and grow their online presence.

With the personalization controls, users will enjoy content more attuned to their preferences, which will in turn lead to higher engagement and satisfaction for both creators and brands. The contextual labels will also offer creators insights into audience behavior, enabling them to develop more targeted content that resonates better with their viewers.

Meta users are responding very well to Reels on both Instagram and Facebook and it makes sense that the platform is pushing for ways to drive more engagement. It will be interesting to see how these changes affect the platform in the long run and what else they will come up with.

Pinterest partners with Amazon on third-party Ads

By

Betonsky N.

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May 2, 2023

0

Pinterest has announced an exciting, new partnership with Amazon that is expected to roll out later this year and open up its platform to third-party ads.

Through this partnership, Pinterest aims to help users bring their dreams to life and offer creators more possibilities to connect with their audience and monetize.

The partnership that changes everything?

Similar to other social commerce platforms, Pinterest has struggled to find the right strategy for creators to maximize their content. But even with an increase in users by 13 million in Q1 this year, the visual discovery engine still registering losses.

Pinterest hopes to change the state of things and reinvent itself as a strong platform for social commerce success.

More than 463 million users visit Pinterest on a monthly basis – based on recent statistics. This shows massive demand for content on the platform and a fertile ground for new strategies in social commerce to succeed.

Now, thanks to the new partnerships it’s forming, creators will be able to share shoppable videos and monetize their content.

“This milestone partnership will add to the great brands already on the platform and provide more comprehensiveness, shoppability, and a best-in-class buying experience for users, along with greater performance for brands and advertisers,” said Bill Ready, CEO of Pinterest. “This aligns with our goal of making every Pin shoppable so that we can enable as many users as possible to bring their dreams to life.”

How does this affect you as a content creator?

In 2022, Pinterest shut down its creator rewards program that offered creators the chance to earn money by creating content based on monthly prompts and achieving specific engagement goals. However, they promised to find ways to work with creators in 2023, and it seems like the partnership with Amazon is geared toward that direction.

While details about the revived rewards program are not yet clear, it’s fair to assume that this partnership (once it’s live) will offer creators an effective way to generate income from their content.

The Amazon-Pinterest partnership introduces an on-Amazon buying experience integrated within Pinterest, making it even easier for customers to discover and purchase products.

With Pinterest user engagement, content creators can leverage the platform’s commercial intent to promote relevant products. This way, creators have a better opportunity to collaborate with various brands.

“Amazon Ads is delighted to partner with Pinterest and make it even easier for customers to discover and buy relevant products through shoppable content, while also providing differentiated value for brands,” said Paul Kotas, Senior Vice President Advertising, Music & IMDb at Amazon.

By embracing shoppable pins and understanding how to create commercial content that resonates with relevant audiences, the content creation game will be elevated. Creators will discover ways to expand their reach, and potentially earn more from their creative pursuits.

Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok initiatives to strengthen brand-creator collaborations

By

Betonsky N.

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May 1, 2023

0

Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are all working to ensure their platforms lure creators and match them with fitting brands. The three platforms have separately launched features that will in different ways foster creator-brand partnerships.

Facebook has launched a new series to demystify the misconception that the platform is hard to use for creators. By incorporating valuable feedback from creators, it has developed Professional Mode, which will allow users to kickstart their creator journey using their existing profile. This mode will also enable creators to build audiences, access professional tools, and unlock monetization opportunities within the app.

The series will feature successful creators like Shanice Brown who will share their success stories and experiences in the upcoming series and offer guidance as well as offer tips on how to make the most out of the app.

TikTok Creativity Program Beta

Just as Facebook has embarked on its path to support creators, TikTok’s Creativity Program Beta is silently making waves in the US. Select creators are reportedly earning significant amounts of money by producing user-generated content for major brands.

‘’The Creativity Program Beta will initially be available to creators by invite-only and then become available to all eligible US creators in the coming months. To start earning, creators must create and publish high-quality, original content longer than one minute. Creators will have access to an updated dashboard to view video eligibility, estimated revenue, and video performance metrics and analytics’’

As stated by TikTok earlier, for creators to earn money, they will be required to create high-quality content that is more than a minute which is contrary to what TikTok videos are popularly known for but if TikTok finds a breakthrough, this will be a big win for creators using the platform. Unfortunately, other creators will patiently have to wait their turn as this program is still under wraps.

UGC on Instagram

Expanding on the idea of brand-creator collaboration, Instagram is also testing a new option that will enable brands to discover relevant user-generated content within the app. This UGC initiative will offer brands and creators value by showcasing unique content and providing an authentic shopping experience for potential buyers.

‘’Sellers that use shops on Instagram can now request to use posts from public accounts in which their business has been tagged. When an account grants a brand permission to use their post, sellers can tag a product and the post will be shown on the product page for that product and the shop’s storefront. The permission requested through the user-generated content (UGC) feature explicitly grants use on shoppable content on Instagram. This does not grant permission to use this content on any surface outside of Instagram’’ Instagram

The move by the three social commerce platforms if successful will simplify the creator journey, and offer monetization opportunities. These could possibly shape the future of creator-brand interactions and ultimately benefit users and businesses alike.

Logie Buzz

Amazon Anywhere: virtual world meets shopping

Shopping Integration

Shoppable Entertainment

Creators on Amazon Anywhere

Amazon’s TikTok-like feed ‘Inspire’ is now available to all US customers

What is Amazon Inspire?

How to access it

How do I get my products on the Amazon Inspire feed?

Who can post content to Amazon Inspire?

What are the benefits?

The rebirth of Alexa: Amazon’s ambitious plan to revolutionize its AI assistant

Expanding Alexa’s Capabilities with Generative AI

Alexa’s Proactive Approach and Privacy Concerns

Envisioning New Revenue Streams

AI Tools for Amazon Influencers

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