POV

Background YouTube has announced the launch of a new software tool called Director Mix, which allows users to create multiple versions of a video based on different targeting parameters. Details and Implications In theory, Director Mix enables advertisers to seamlessly produce an…

Next week, the brightest minds in the industry will congregate in the picturesque South of France for the Academy Awards of media: The Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. I’m a Cannes first-timer, so needless to say, I’m giddy to…

Background:  The battle between competing Stories continues as Snapchat and Instagram have both built out their product offerings this week.  Implications:  Instagram officially announced that GIF’s are now available as part of its Stories product. After limited rollouts and testing, users can now utilise a variety of animations over their…

Background: Following the initial announcement in April, Snapchat has now officially rolled out unskippable six-second adverts called ‘Commercials’ on its platform to users watching content on the Discover and Shows channel. Details and Implications: This week, Snapchat users saw unskippable ads for…

Background: The European adtech industry descended on Cologne, Germany this week for the tenth annual DMEXCO (Digital Marketing Exposition and Conference). It has become one of the leading digital marketing events in Europe. Below are the key themes from 2018. Details and Implications: Responsibility & Trust: The motto this year was ‘Take C.A.R.E.’ standing for Curiosity, Action, Responsibility and Experience….

Rachel Lowenstein, Associate Director Invention+, gives us a tour of the best highlights from the show floor at CES.

Background: Snap Inc.’s first Partner Summit took place on April 4th in California, where the Snapchat parent company released a variety of features, products and updates to its platform. Details and Implications: Snap Games: A new gaming platform coming to Snapchat, which…

Background: Instagram recently introduced Stories, which allows users to share multiple photos and videos together in a slideshow format with their followers. Clearly taking inspiration from others, Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom said that Snapchat “deserve all the credit” for this…

At about 90 degrees, Thursday’s weather in Cannes was a hot one, but innovation in entertainment proved to be even ‘hotter’! In one panel titled ‘What Happens When Hollywood Meets Silicon Valley’, Alibaba showcased how they utilized augmented reality to…

Background: Google has launched ‘Shopping Actions’ as part of its growing battle with Amazon. It will feature Google Express, a universal cart that allows users to add and purchase products from a variety of retailers, with a single checkout. In…

Every year, Mindshare sends a selection of our best and brightest across the global as Young Lions delegates to Cannes. See why Patrick is focused on social good for brands at this year’s festival. This year, I’m expecting a Cannes…

Background: Alphabet, Amazon, Snap Inc and Twitter all announced Q3 earnings this week. Here are the headlines. Details and Implications: Alphabet: Shares of Google-parent company Alphabet were down roughly 5% at close of trading as it missed analysts’ quarterly revenue estimates for the…