Welcome back to another edition of The Weekly Download! Here’s what’s on our radar this week:
Facebook is no longer enforcing its text in ad image rule, Canada’s own Schitt’s Creek wins big at the Emmys, a New York clock urges a serious approach to climate change, a new report shows how Gen Z is handling the COVID-19 pandemic, Friday Fun, and more.
Facebook is No Longer Enforcing its Text in Ad Image Rule
Big news for Facebook advertisers – the social media platform is reportedly nixing its “less than 20% text in image” rule for ads:
BIG news for Facebook advertisers:
Facebook is killing its '<20% text in image' rule for ads
Source: Facebook pic.twitter.com/nP18BSLP7L
— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) September 22, 2020
This is exciting for Facebook advertisers and means more creative freedom and less time spent reformatting ads to meet the platform’s restrictions. While Facebook maintains that ad images with 20% or less text perform better, ads with more than 20% text in the main image will be shared with users as normal and will reach the same amount of people as any other Facebook ad.
Facebook hasn’t officially confirmed the news, but some advertisers have reportedly received a personal notification from the company verifying the internet chatter.
Schitt’s Creek Wins Big at the Emmys with Historic Sweep
Did you tune in to the Emmys last weekend?
Not only did the special format due to the COVID-19 pandemic make the event a memorable one, but Canada’s own Schitt’s Creek made history by setting a record for the most wins in a single season for a comedy.
Referred to as the “Schitts Sweep” by Jimmy Kimmel in this hilarious and heartwarming interview post-win, the cast discussed their experiences and showed off their very best Eugene Levy impressions:
All together now… Ew, David!
Facebook Tests New Hashtag Use Metrics Within Post Composer
Facebook always seems to be testing something new, and this time, it’s all about hashtags.
The social network appears to be trialling hashtag usage stats within its post composer when recommending relevant tags to accompany posts. The suggested tag listings show not only the top tags recommended, but a listing of how many other posts on Facebook are using that particular tag.
New! Facebook shows hashtag usage metrics in-line as you type when you create a new post pic.twitter.com/3bEonhXjBQ
— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) September 21, 2020
The feature is good news for businesses and social media marketers looking to gain insight into trending topics and popular hashtags for post reach and relevance.
New York Clock Counts Down the Minutes Until it’s Too Late to Act on Climate Change
For years, Metronome’s 62-foot-wide digital clock in Manhattan has told the time to passersby, but recently it has adopted a new purpose. Metronome will now use the clock to present a “critical window for action” to prevent the effects of global warming from becoming irreversible, as developed by artists Gan Golan and Andrew Boyd.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFagmK7nID8/
As Mr. Golan said just before the countdown began, “The world is literally counting on us.”
How is Gen Z Handling the Pandemic? Facebook Shares Some Insight
In a recent study, Facebook analyzed survey responses from over 15,000 people to get a better understanding of how Gen Z is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and what the implications are for advertising and outreach.
Here are some of the key takeaways for marketers:
- Gen Zers want to build meaningful connections. Although they value their individuality, they also value feeling understood and a sense of belonging
- Brands that authentically connect with Gen Zers and champion causes that align with their values are more likely to build campaigns that resonate successfully
- Partnerships matter – whether with organizations that Gen Zers value, or with Gen Zers themselves
Check out the report in full here.
Friday Fun
And in honour of this past week marking the 21st night of September, please enjoy this clip of Paul Rudd dancing to Earth Wind and Fire:
These moves are contagious!
