MM Tech, Media & Publishing Roundup #7

Social Media:

1. Ticketmaster and TikTok partner to give users a new way to discover and purchase event tickets

With this new partnership, TikTok users can buy tickets for events directly through TikTok via an in-app feature. Eligible creators can now select the “Add Link” option after tapping and selecting the new Ticketmaster option before posting a video. 

Ticketmaster is venturing into popular social media platforms such as Snapchat and TikTok to reach more fans. Many artists and personalities have already signed on to begin using the mini ticketing app, including Demi Lovato, OneRepublic, Usher, Backstreet Boys, WWE, and more, Ticketmaster says.
Via TechCrunch

2. Twitter continues testing the edit button, allowing multimedia tweets

A new Twitter feature is being tested, enabling images, videos, and GIFs in one tweet. This feature is only available to certain profiles until further rollout. 

“We’re testing a new feature with select accounts for a limited time that will allow people to mix up to four media assets into a single tweet, regardless of format. We’re seeing people have more visual conversations on Twitter and are using images, GIFS, and videos to make these conversations more exciting,” Twitter reports. 
Via Search Engine Land

3. Pinterest debuts a new app, Shuffles, for collage-making and mood boards

Pinterest has quietly launched a new iOS app called Shuffles, inspiring users to tap into their creativity. The new app is designed to create collages using photos, image cutouts, and other animated effects. 'Shuffles' is currently only available via an invite with the ability to join a waitlist. 

The app has been created by TwoTwenty, Pinterest’s innovative incubator team. “With more people coming to our platform for creative inspiration, we’re continuously experimenting with new ways to help Pinners and Creators bring their ideas to life,” a Pinterest spokesperson states. 
Via TechCrunch

4. The Facebook live shopping feature is going away on October 1st

Meta has announced they will remove their live shopping feature and shift their focus to Reels due to the high attraction rates short-form videos have gained across all platforms. 

After October 1st, users will still be able to use Facebook Live to broadcast events; however, they will no longer be able to host new or scheduled live shopping events. 
Via Search Engine Land

5. Instagram will shut down its affiliate commerce program on August 31st

Following Meta’s decision to cancel its live shopping feature, Instagram has notified creators that it will be eliminating its affiliate commerce program on Aug. 31, according to creator industry executives. 

This decision is due to several factors, including creators' statements that it is unnecessary. Furthermore, Instagram has been shifting its focus to its new Creator Marketplace, which serves as a sort of Tinder for brands and creators to connect. 
Via Digiday

6. YouTube Adopts Feature From TikTok – Reply To Comments With A Video

A new feature is being trialed by YouTube that allows users to reply to comments with a Shorts video, similar to TikTok's. Currently, this feature is only available on iOS apps. 

However, unlike TikTok, YouTube’s “comment sticker” does not link back to the original author. The author’s channel name, avatar, and links to the actual comment will not be available to viewers. The company commented that this feature could potentially be added in the future. 
Via Search Engine Journal

Technology:

7. As Google’s demise of third-party cookies drags, debate over seller-defined audiences hardens

Google has delayed removing third-party cookies in Chrome until 2024, the second delay in the past year. Extending the removal from 2023 to 2024 could potentially provide enough time to get SDAs (seller-define audience) in workable shape. 
Via Digiday

8. Axios to sell itself to Cox Enterprises for $525 million

Axios and Cox announced their new deal, valued at $525 million last week, with plans to expand the digital news site’s local coverage to include more cities. Axios co-founders Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz will remain on the company’s board and continue to manage its day-to-day operations, the companies said in a release. 
Via CNBC

9. Apple is building a demand-side platform

Apple looks to be building a demand-side platform. Following the discontinuation of iAd (Apple's first step into the programmatic landscape) in 2016, it remains unclear if the intended DSP is geared toward serving Apple’s O&O properties, such as the App Store, the millions of independent iOS apps, or even third-party properties like the mobile web.
Via Digiday

10. Pac-12 Athletes Will Be Able To Monetize Game Day Highlights

For the first time, college athletes can earn name, image, and likeness compensation by sharing personalized game highlights as part of a new partnership between NIL marketplace Opendorse, Twitter, sports technology startup Tempus Ex Machina, and the Pac-12 Conference. 

Pre-roll advertising will be secured through Twitter Amplify, running on the video and allowing the athlete to be compensated.
Via Forbes

Streaming:

11. NFL launches exclusive streaming subscription service NFL+

The National Football League has released NFL+, an OTT solution offering access to live out-of-market preseason games across all devices, live local and primetime regular season and postseason games on mobile devices, live local and national audio for every game, NFL Network shows on-demand, NFL Films archives and more.
Via NFL

12. Get ready for an HBO Max – Discovery+ mashup app in 2023

Set to roll out in 2023, Warner Bros Discovery is merging versions of two SVoD services, HBO Max and Discovery+, anticipating that the combined service will hit 130 million subscribers globally in 2025. 

The company also reported that apart from the merger of existing services, it’s also exploring an ad-supported free offering for people who don’t want to pay the subscription fee. 
Via Tech Crunch