Social media Story of the Week
Facebook and Instagram have announced that they will be joining Twitter in offering a paid verification program. This new feature will allow users to protect their accounts from malicious users by paying a small fee. The subscription service, called "Meta Verified," will cost $11.99 per month on web or $14.99 per month on iOS and include a verified badge and access to account support. Users must provide government ID for screening before being approved for the service. This move is expected to help creators establish their presence online and give them more control over their accounts.
Gaming Story of the Week
The gaming industry is growing rapidly, with 84% of gamers now playing on mobile devices, according to Activision Blizzard. This is part of a wider transformation in entertainment consumption, with 97% of esports viewers watching television with another device in their hand. The company's CEO has also commented on the importance of cloud gaming for the industry. These developments show how gaming has become an increasingly popular form of entertainment, and how it continues to evolve.
TV Story of the Week
As the cost of living continues to rise, more and more people are turning to ad-supported TV as an affordable way to watch their favourite shows. Research from Bitmovin reveals that value for money is a major factor in this decision, with 65% of viewers saying they like ad-supported tiers because it saves them money. Connected TV viewership has also increased due to the cost-of-living crisis, as well as free ad-supported streaming services becoming more popular. Advertisers have a great opportunity to reach audiences through these platforms, while consumers can enjoy their favourite content without breaking the bank.
Cinema Story of the Week
The UK cinema and advertisement industry has seen a strong recovery in 2022, with box office figures released by Comscore Movies showing almost a 62% increase compared to the previous year. Cinema advertising spending also increased by 123%, reaching 229.3 million British pounds. The forecast for 2023's ad market has been downgraded to +0.5%, but cinema is expected to remain an important part of the industry. Everyman Cinemas have recently launched a review of their advertising account, indicating that cinema advertising is still a popular choice for many brands.
