OMD FWD w/c Aug 22nd
Snapchat could soon be planning your nights out with the recent purchase of mobile search app Vurb for $110m+. Vurb is doing what traditional search engines cannot yet manage, which is bundle leisure activities together from reviewing movies, booking tickets and making restaurant reservations. Not only this, but you can do this collaboratively with friends and even pass the invitations on. Vurb is collaborating with partners such as Yelp and Rotten Tomatoes to pull information into its card-based interface. The app even deep-links you into Uber and Google Maps, providing all you need to make that night happen. Whilst Vurb’s plans are unclear, we can be sure the commercial and marketing opportunity is exciting. Especially as Snapchat becomes a source of an ‘information digest’ throughout the day. Whether that be your own friends, current news or sponsored content. As always please do share anything interesting you spot with #OMDFWD
HEADLINES
- Google launches 1-1 chat app Duo and ditches Google Hangouts to make way for YouTube Live
- Pinterest launches promoted video in a way that matches the intent and social discovery focus of the platform
- With Snapchat’s acquisition of Vurb, is social ‘Snapsearch’ the next big thing?
- Gawker.com to shut down after being bought by Univison
- Facebook is experimenting with Lifestage, a new youth focussed app (US only)
INSIGHTS
- How publishers are using Instagram Stories and how 3 publishers are using the channel for storytelling
- Why Snapchat is pushing for more TV-like content
- Five ways AI can help marketing with customer experience
COOL
- #Nofilter? This web app warns you if you might be a Twitter troll
- A way down the road from Farmville, partnering with Unity, Facebook moves into gaming
- Twitter launches Promoted Stickers with Pepsi
DEEP READS
- How LADbible became the voice of a generation
- For social success, think like an anthropologist
- The US prepares to hand over the keys to the global domain naming system