McCann Worldgroup teamed with Fred & Farid's Aimagination production studio to use generative AI to create visual assets -- images for now; video later -- for clients, but only those that don't portray humans or aspects, such as hair color or skin tone, says Daryl Lee, global CEO of McCann Worldgroup. Lee says generative AI's capabilities for use in client work are "rapidly ramping up."
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TikTok has been sending users notifications about its new photo-sharing app, TikTok Notes, and recently confirmed that it's developing the software. Language and code had previously raised speculation about an app for photos.
Google Ads Intelligence uses an AI conversational chatbot to guide marketers through ad creation and provide features like smart bidding, contextual keywords and ad strength analysis. Eurisko Marketing Manager Mike Bullen, joining other experts to provide tips about the platform, advises brands to limit ad variations to make tests meaningful.
Consumers between 40 and 49 years old became the targets of influencer marketing from half the communications specialists in a global Influencer Intelligence survey, up from 10% two years ago. The percentage of those seeking audiences aged 50 to 59 rose from 2% to 29%.
Reels, YouTube Shorts and Snap have gained popularity with music labels seeking to diversify platforms in the wake of TikTok's dispute with Universal Music Group. Experts point out the different strengths each social media site has, the varying approaches they need and TikTok's continued relevance to the music industry.
Inclusive marketing doesn't have to start from the ground up but should be an evolution from a brand's current values, writes Julie Kratz, founder of Next Pivot Point and Little Allies. "Speaking up about DEI issues doesn't have to mean taking a political stance," writes Kratz. "Statements or actions can show support for historically marginalized communities without alienating people from different political perspectives."
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Coca-Cola and Disney teamed on a Marvel-themed campaign, led by Gut with support from Coca-Cola's dedicated Open X agency, including BCW, Ogilvy and VML, plus Momentum and Forpeople. "The Heroes" features Marvel characters on limited-edition packs of Coca-Cola, including QR codes that unlock AR versions, and a spot shows the animated characters come to life in a comic store to deliver a bottle of Coke to the clerk.
An Owl Labs report found 11% of employees feel excluded because of unequal flexible work policies, while 13% resent their employers for allowing others to have more flexibility. "To help foster positive feelings instead of confusion about flexibility, leaders should communicate why it's important that everyone can schedule their own task-based hybrid work so they can be most productive -- such as conducting meetings and brainstorms in-office and focusing on solo projects at home or in a 'third space' like a cafe," the report said.
