Reading up on the most compelling social media, tech, and brand stories is one of the joys of being the editor of Marketing Dive.
Happy Halloween! From Netflix's GIF ads to spooky social media campaigns, here are the need-to-know stories of the week.
Here come the Instagram video ads
It was only a matter of time. After having sponsored image posts on the photo-sharing social network for almost a year, Instagram rolled out video ads on Thursday. Disney, Banana Republic, Activision, Lancome, and the CW network have all signed on, with more likely to come. But unlike the sponsored image posts, which try to look like photos that would fit into a user's feed, these video ads are just that—15 second commercials.
Live más—order Taco Bell on your phone
This wekk, Taco Bell pulled off a publicity stunt that kept the Internet talking for days. To promote its new order-ahead app, the Mexican fast food chain blacked out all of its social media accounts with one simple message—that it is #OnlyInTheApp. Not only did the stunt get people talking, but they actually downloaded the app—it's already in the top 25 list on the Apple Store.
Netflix's GIF ads react to the real life
To drum up excitement for Netflix in France, Ogilvy & Mather created GIF ads that react to real time events. It's Friday, so the GIF ad would be that of a relieved actor with the subtitle: “Finally, the weekend. Relax with some Netflix.” At a shopping center in Paris during sales, the GIF would be that of screaming zombies. No one knows yet if these innovative ads will make the French less Netflix-adverse, but it is a fun idea.
The logo for the 2018 World Cup confuses the Internet
The logo for the 2018 World Cup in Russia was released Tuesday, and people were confused, to say the least. What was supposed to draw inspiration from Russian Fabergé eggs didn't really translate to the people of Twitter.
Russia unveils its logo for that soccer thing happening in 2018. pic.twitter.com/JYSKPDK76m
— Kevin Rothrock (@KevinRothrock) October 29, 2014
Last but not least, happy Halloween from Marketing Dive!
Don't have a costume yet? Don't worry, we've got ideas on how to dress up as your favorite brand. Just want to get into the spirit of the holiday? Check out these spooky social media campaigns.