THIS WEEK’S DIGITAL NEWS ROUND-UP FROM CLARION

It may only be the middle of January but 2015 is already heating up to be one of the most competitive years on social media, with leading platforms all looking to take ownership of video. 

Twitter to increase video functionality    

2014 had seen massive growth for videos on Facebook and now Twitter is set to get in on the act by improving its video packages. As part of the drive, Twitter will offer its one-click play video unit to all advertisers in a bid to encourage more content on the site. In addition, Snappy TV, the live clipping platform that Twitter acquired in June 2014, will also be available for free to advertisers.  

Twitter Drives 18% of UK Cinema Ticket Sales

A study commission by Twitter this week highlights the impact the social media channel has on cinema ticket sales. Twitter claims to have directly contributed to 18 percent of UK cinema ticket sales over a three-year period - that is a pretty impressive statistic! 

Additionally 46 percent of respondents to the survey said that they had watched a trailer for a movie on Twitter. 

Google Translate gets smarter with language detection

They say Star Trek inspired the mobile phone with is communicator device. Perhaps the sci-fi series also inspired Google’s updated language detection tool, Google Translate, which through new ‘Word Lens’, instantaneously translates written text.

Facebook ‘likes’ prove to be more accurate gauge of personality than friends

Researche by Cambridge University’s Psychometrics Centre has found that Facebook ‘likes’ can determine a person’s personality more accurately than their own friends.

A specially coded algorithm created by the researchers trawled the social media interactions of volunteers and used this information to form a picture of the person’s character. Surprisingly this method was found to more accurately gauge personality than a work colleague.

And finally...

How soccer star Francesco Totti's famous selfie came to be

Granted it is only January but this may prove to be one of the most famous selfies of 2015. AS Roma soccer star Francesco Totti gained worldwide media headlines this week for celebrating a goal by taking the first on-pitch selfie.

The idea though, wasn’t as spontaneous as many may have thought. Totti had come up with the idea for a special celebration should he score a goal, according to Sean Foley, who runs the club's digital and social initiatives. The plan was simple: plant an iPhone 6 with goalkeepers coach Guido Nanni, who would be easy for Totti to find should he score. The rest as they say is history.

10 SURPRISING MEDIA MOMENTS OF 2014

Every year there are surprising news moments that really grab the media’s attention, providing them with great copy for news stories and comment pieces. Clarion Communications spoke to a few journalists to get their views on the ones that particularly stood out in 2014, from the selfie to the referendum, and the ice bucket to the ‘consciously uncoupling’.

Kim Kardashian's "break the internet" photos

Her nude photoshoot for Paper magazine seemed to take over the web, causing meltdown on social media and leading to newspapers running a selection of the shots. The champagne shot has been repeated numerous times.

Ice Bucket challenge

The viral videos were the gift that kept on giving to social media and charity. Apparently coming from nowhere it dominated social media became a source of stories and discussion in mainstream media.

An almost never-ending list of A-List celebrities jumped on the bandwagon. It prompted coverage on ALS disease.

Scottish Referendum

The "Yes" campaign turned out to be considerably stronger than commentators had anticipated. With days to go polls showed the two camps were level-pegging, leading the 'no' campaign to roll out the big guns.

Renee Zellweger's face

Appearing in front of the cameras for the ElleWomen in Hollywood Awards, she looked unrecognisable as the star of Bridget Jones, prompting intense speculation over her apparent transformation.

  

U2 album giveaway

The band gave their album away to absolutely everyone on iTunes for free - The giveaway of 'Songs of Innocence' entered history books as it was the largest album-release ever, with 500 million people receiving it. However it wasn’t to everyone’s taste, with some people complaining they’d received an album on iTunes they didn’t want  

David Moyes sacking 

Manchester United sacked David Moyes after less than a season in charge. Moyes, 51, was given the tough task of taking on the most famous club in the world but was given the boot before even finishing his first season. His record at the club was not actually dissimilar to Sir Alex Ferguson's first season in charge - and his start was not as bad as Louis Van Gaal's.

Chris & Gwyneth break up

Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow decided to "consciously uncouple" - The Coldplay singer, 37, and the 41 year old actress shocked everyone with their split and the way they went about it. They even coined a bizarre new term for it - "consciously uncoupling." Chris went on to stun people further not long after by dating star Jennifer Lawrence, 13 years his junior.  

BBC Three axed from TV

Many were shocked and infuriated at the announcement in March as the channel is widely loved and renowned as a platform for comedy. The controller of the channel, Zai Bennett, quit after it was announced and slammed the decision. A host of big name comedians rallied together, starting a petition to save the show.

Germany wipe the floor with Brazil

Germany smashing hosts Brazil 7-1 in the World Cup semi-final - The German thrashing of Brazil left viewers shocked and the host nation heartbroken. The game, which was the most tweeted about thing in 2014, was especially stunning as no major football nation had ever been destroyed at this stage of competition in such fashion.

The "Oscar selfie"

TV host Ellen DeGeneres' star-studded selfie at the Oscars took social media by storm and became the most retweeted photo on Twitter ever, creating great publicity for Samsung. The photo has racked up more than 3.3 million retweets.

If you would like to discuss your PR requirements for 2015 please contact Debbie Jackson on 0207 343 3110 or email djackson@clarioncomms.co.uk

THIS WEEK’S DIGITAL NEWS ROUND-UP FROM CLARION

You know the year has almost come to an end when the review lists start. From what was most discussed on Facebook to YouTube’s most viral adverts, this week has seen the year in review lists come out in force. 

Let the reviews commence…

What we talked about on Facebook in 2014
The Scottish Referendum was this year’s most discussed topic on Facebook in the UK. Other key subjects included the Ice Bucket Challenge and the FIFA World Cup. 

The top ten UK topics 2014:
1. Scottish Referendum
2. Ice Bucket Challenge
3. World Cup
4. Premier League title race
5. Conflict in Gaza
6. Robin Williams
7. Louis van Gaal takes over at Manchester United
8. Ebola virus outbreak
9. Champions League Final
10. First World War Centenary

The UK's top YouTube clips of 2014
Whilst Facebook may have been where we discussed politics, YouTube was clearly the channel for us to be big kids. A sing-a-long version of Disney’s Frozen was the most watched video in 2014 according to Mashable. For those with musical talents, take it away…

YouTube reveals their top viewed ads
This week YouTube also revealed the most viewed ads globally on their platform in 2014. With the FIFA World Cup taking place this year, it comes as no surprise that football was rated highly in the top ten. 

Here are the top five ads in 2014:
1. Nike Football: Winner Stays. ft. Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., Rooney, Ibrahimović, Iniesta & more
2. Nike Football: The Last Game ft. Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., Rooney, Zlatan, Iniesta & more
3. Budweiser Super Bowl XLVIII Commercial -- "Puppy Love"
4. Always #LikeAGirl
5. Devil Baby Attack

Twitter reveals annual round-up
Twitter also revealed their most discussed topics of 2014. Mirroring YouTube, the World Cup was clearly on everyone’s mind. Of the top ten tweeted moments this year, six were focused on the World Cup. 

The social platform also looked at the most used hashtags across various genres:

In other news...

Instagram snaps up 300 million users worldwide, overtaking Twitter
This week the social platform hit a milestone by overtaking Twitter with 300 million users, compared to Twitter’s 270 million. The growth highlights the hunger amongst consumers to share images and videos and will no doubt increase opportunities for brands, especially when the channel widens its advertising options in 2015. 


Facebook launch new tools for publishers
Great news for publishers! Facebook has released a series of new tools that will allow greater targeting with content. Among them, this includes Interest Targeting, which will only target a subset of followers relevant to that content. For example, a publisher can use Interest Targeting to post a story about a sports game that will only be shown to people that like the teams playing.

YouTube details copyright restrictions based on audio usage
YouTube has published a breakdown of the copyright restrictions imposed on video creators by their use of specific tracks, enabling creators to preview any restrictions before publication. 
    

KENWOOD DISASTER CHEF 2014

After six weeks of training, on Saturday 6^th December, 15 of the nation’s most terrible cooks went head to head in the Kenwood Disaster Chef live final at the AVEQIA cookery school in London.

Armed with a Kenwood CHEF Sense, the contestants were tasked with the challenge of creating a two course meal of Porcini and Rosemary Creamed Tagliatelle and Chocolate Fondant.  These dishes were then put to the test by a panel of judges including television actress Hermione Norris, renowned YouTube Chef, Ben Ebbrell from SortedFood and Martin Johns, Kenwood Development Chef.  

From Tony – nominated by his wife for not draining the water from his pasta before adding the sauce – to Laura, who once sellotaped still runny boiled eggs back together before putting them back in the pan – all of the finalists impressed the judges with how far they have come since the start of the competition.

However, the winner, who was crowned Kenwood Disaster Chef 2014, was Jo Wells, from Cardiff, who impressed the judges the most, both with the quality and presentation of the two dishes created and the culinary journey she had undertaken over the past six weeks.

On top of her new found confidence, Jo also walks away with a £3,000 kitchen makeover from Symphony kitchens, a £500 cookery course and £500 worth of Kenwood products to keep up her new found culinary skills.

Great fun was had by all – a massive congratulations to Jo and all 15 contestants who have proven that with the right tools and attitude you really can make the inedible edible.

THE WEEKS DIGITAL NEWS ROUND-UP FROM CLARION

So Black Friday gave way to Cyber Monday last week, followed by Giving Tuesday – anymore for anymore? Luckily by mid-week the additional titles seemed to drop off the days of the week. That said, the combination of the two key pre-Christmas sales days, drove mass social media chatter.

#BlackFriday

It wasn’t just major retailers who got involved in #BlackFriday. For those facing the tiring prospects of lugging those 48inch TV’s home, had no need to fear as Tennent’s Lager launched #BlackTFriday, a taxi fleet to treat tired shoppers to a free ride and premium lager

Two major hacks took place this week

Well actually it was one; the other was orchestrated by the company.  How better to promote Honda’s car deals than through a social takeover ‘by the power of grey skull’, well He-Man’s nemesis Skeletor!

What was first thought to be a hack was quickly revealed to be a fun and ingenious idea by the car brand to engage with its audience. We’d love to have been in the boardroom when that idea was sold in!

On a more worrying note, Sony Pictures had a major security breach last week, resulting in several leaks. This week, two films were leaked online, Brad Pitt’s Fury and the upcoming remake of Annie. A group called Guardians of the Peace claimed responsibility for the leaks

Future of storytelling

Ahead of Mashable’s Media Summit taking place today, the online channel invited users to submit their tips for the future of storytelling via the hashtag #MediaSummitContest. The website provides their top 20 whilst the full list can be viewed via Twitter.

56% of online display ads are not seen by consumers

In Google’s first ad-viewability study, the world No.1 search engine has stated that over half of display ads are not seen by consumers. The report, which centres on impressions taken from a wide range of global publishers, from small sites such as blogs to national newspapers, across Google’s Display Network (GDN), DoubleClick for Publishers and DoubleClick ad Exchange, currently focuses on display ads but will later be expanded to cater for video and more granular mobile metrics. 

Twitter upgrade for iOS and Android

The social media platform has updated its photo filters, allowing users to amend an image once added to a Tweet. The move highlights the competitiveness against Instagram, with many tools resembling the image based platforms. 

Microsoft and Yahoo respond to European 'right to be forgotten' requests

Privacy was hot on the news agenda this week as Microsoft and Yahoo joined Google by responding to the May ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union requiring search engines to delete “inadequate, irrelevant or no longer relevant” data when requested to by a member of the public.

69% are worried about the privacy of their photos on social networking sites

According to research conducted by UK start-up KatchUp, over half of the public prefer to use email as main method of sharing photos with family online as they are worried about online safety. According to the report published on The Drum, current barriers for sharing with families online include the time it takes to filter the photos (49 per cent), a fear of data collection on existing social media (33 per cent) and a dislike of ads (17 per cent).

Lindt EXCELLENCE Chocolate & Wine Pairings Masterclass

This week Clarion organised an exclusive press review of the Lindt EXCELLENCE Chocolate & Wine Pairings Masterclass that will be held at Vinopolis throughout 2015. The preview went off without a hitch with 15 broadcast and consumer media and bloggers attending. Everyone was given the chance to learn the art of tasting and sample different varieties of Lindt EXCELLENCE chocolate and superior wines and ports, all handpicked by Lindt Master Chocolatier Stefan Bruderer and wine expert Tom Forrest.

The Lindt EXCELLENCE Chocolate & Wine Pairings Masterclass will take place at Vinopolis at 7pm on the last Thursday of every month throughout 2015.  

By Emma Pointing, Account Executive, Clarion Communications

Digital News Round-Up

Da-da-dum, da-da-dum… rejoice Star Wars fans, this week it was announced by J.J Abrams that a short trailer for the much anticipated new Star Wars film will be released. Of course, this sent social media into overdrive with the title trending on Twitter. The trailer will be premiered in selected cinemas in the USA and online over Thanks Giving weekend.

THANKSGIVING pic.twitter.com/46811BgWiF

— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) November 24, 2014

In other (perhaps less exciting) news…

Tumblr and Pinterest now fastest-growing social platforms

Whilst Facebook may still be the largest social media platform, in terms of subscriptions, others are hot on its heels including Tumblr and Pinterest. A report by Global Web Index this week highlighted by Tech Crunch shows the two social platforms are now the fastest-growing. Snapchat too is rapidly growing, becoming the fastest growing app.

Apple may replace Google as its default search engine

Last week we reported how Firefox was replace Google as its default search engine with Yahoo. It appears this week, Apple, whose contract is coming to an end with Google, is also looking to replace the search engine, with Yahoo and Microsoft are already vying for the tech giant's attention. 

http://mashable.com/2014/11/26/apple-ditching-google/

News UK sees digital subscribers for The Sun soar 120%

Whilst subscriptions to print press may be dwindling, online views are far from over, with News UK seeing its subscription to The Sun grow by 120%. Highlighted this week in The Drum, the news came as its chief marketing officer Chris Duncan branded Facebook's mobile publishing proposal "terrifying". 2015 will no doubt become a hotly contested year for ownership of news publishing amongst social platforms and news outlets alike.  

#BlackFriday

Today many will take to their laptops, mobiles or perhaps even venture to the high-street for the big pre-Christmas discount shop day. According to research from Nielsen, more men are expected to shop in store today while most consumers are expected to hold off and shop on Cyber Monday this year.

The research highlights the growth in popularity of shopping via our smartphones. Whilst laptops were expected to be the most popular device for online shopping (89 per cent), a third of consumers were expected to shop with their smartphone or tablet.

By James Mulrennan, Digital Account Director

THE WEEKS DIGITAL NEWS ROUND-UP FROM CLARION

THE WEEKS DIGITAL NEWS ROUND-UP FROM CLARION

From partnerships to app launches, this week’s hottest digital news stories can be found here.

Uber partners with Spotify

This week the taxi service has been in the news for several reason but one most notable was its partnership with Spotify. No longer will we need to ask drivers dreaded questions like ‘busy night?’, instead we will be able to select our own personalised music from the streaming service.

http://www.thedrum.com/news/2014/11/17/uber-chases-emotional-connection-and-teams-spotify-offer-personalised-music

Facebook is cracking down on 'overly promotional' posts from brands

This week Facebook announced it was cracking down on so called promotional posts, in others words, posts that:

1.       Solely push people to buy a product or install an app.

2.       Push people to enter promotions and sweepstakes with no real context.

3.       Use the exact same content from ads.

At Clarion Communications we see this as good news. For too long have many agencies and brands alike been regurgitating content and ‘Like bating’ fans. It is time comms teams create truly engaging content that resonates with the audience.

http://mashable.com/2014/11/14/facebook-is-cracking-down-on-overly-promotional-posts-from-brands/

Facebook Groups: Now there's an app for that

Facebook continue their offering in the app arena, this time with a dedicated Facebook Groups app. According to Zuckerberg some 700 million Facebook users are using groups on a monthly basis.

http://allfacebook.com/facebook-groups_b136279

Ello to ‘topple’ Facebook's earning might

From Facebook, to new kid on the block Ello. The social network, that promised it would never put advertising on its platform, has found an alternative income method… selling t-shirts. http://www.thedrum.com/news/2014/11/18/ello-topple-facebooks-earning-might-t-shirt-sales-initially

Samsung launches Android Milk Video app to undermine YouTube

A week after YouTube launched its own music offering, Samsung are now seeking to launch a competitor to YouTube with Android Milk Video. The app based service will be an ad-free service will provide users with the latest viral videos. Brands Condé Nast, Funny Or Die, Red Bull, Vevo, Buzzfeed and Vice are on board for the launch.

http://www.thedrum.com/news/2014/11/19/samsung-launches-android-milk-video-app-undermine-youtube

Firefox to switch default search from Google to Yahoo

A major win for yahoo this week as Firefox have announced the search engine will become its default search engine going forward. With several new purchases under its belt, could 2015 be the year for Yahoo?

http://mashable.com/2014/11/19/firefox-default-yahoo-search/

Billboard's albums chart shakeup to include streaming music for rankings

Billboard will soon start using use Nielsen SoundScan's streaming data and download numbers of individual tracks to rank the top albums on its long-standing Billboard 200 chart. This is seen as a move to keep the album chart relevant.

http://mashable.com/2014/11/19/billboard-200-albums-chart-changes/

Twitter now lets you search through every tweet ever tweeted

Ever wanted to search for that Tweet from a time long forgotten? Well now you can as Twitter has upgraded its search functionality to allow you to go back as far as you wish.

https://blog.twitter.com/2014/building-a-complete-tweet-index

Twitter cofounder Biz Stone launches Super, an app that's 'just fun'

Talking of Twitter, its cofounder this week launched Super. Which according to Mashable is ‘one part secret, one part meme generator’. The app is all about sharing short ideas with friends and people nearby in creative, somewhat offbeat ways.

http://mashable.com/2014/11/17/biz-stones-super-app/

And finally

21 greatest selfies of 2014

Christmas is here and that means endless list of the top ten ‘this’ or the top worsts ‘that’. How better to start than with selfies, featuring Ellen Degeneres  famed Oscar one amongst others.

http://mashable.com/2014/11/16/best-selfie-2014/

Boast your Roast!

Do you cook the best roast dinner? The Aunt Bessie’s team are busy working with OK! Magazine to find the nation’s best roast chicken dinner, which of course wouldn’t be a roast without Yorkshire puddings! The competition featured in this week’s issue of OK! magazine, asking OK! readers to post a photo of their favourite roast dinner via social media and nominate the chef; themselves or their friend or family member.

Did you know 1 in 5 British households served Yorkshire puddings with a roast chicken dinner last year?* Clarion has been working hard with Aunt Bessie’s to raise awareness and encourage roast lovers to include a Yorkshire pudding on their chicken dinner. The OK! partnership is part of a wider campaign which included a debate at the prestigious Oxford Union Debating Society, arguing the motion ‘This house believes Yorkshire puddings should be served with roast chicken’. Debaters battled out the puds rightful place on Brits dinner plates and if the tradition of serving Yorkshires with beef should be upheld. So which side are you on?

^* Kantar Worldpanel Roast figures: 52 w/e Dec 2013

WINNERS!

Attending the Asian Trader Awards 2014 last night to support and cheer on agency clients who were all in contention for various supplier awards, Clarion were also absolutely delighted to pick up an award themselves.

In recognition of excelling in communication with independent retailers through editorial, advertising, PR, retailer education and guidance, Clarion Communications were awarded the Marketing and Communications Award, presented by Associate Publisher George McCracken.

Jonathan Smith, Senior Associate Director, collected the award on behalf of Clarion in front of a packed-out Park Plaza Westminster, with guests including Rt Hon George Osborne MP, Dr Virander Paul, Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of India and Kalpesh R. Solanki, Managing Editor – Asian Trader.

It is the first time that an agency has been recognised by this award, an achievement that we are rightly extremely proud of. Thank you Asian Trader!

By Fraser McIntosh, Account Manager, Clarion Communications

LINDT SANTAS TAKE A PRESS TRIP IN THE REINDEER CAR

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and what better way to start the celebrations then with some sumptuous Lindt chocolates?

Luckily the Clarion Lindt team were on hand and ventured on the road with the Lindt Reindeer Car. The annual tradition delivered Lindt Christmas products to media including the Daily Mail, London Evening Standard, Metro, S Magazine, PA, Style, Fabulous and Notebook.

The beautiful red glossy packages tied with Lindt ribbon contained a range of delicious Lindt chocolate including gold Lindt Bears, a 1KG Santa, and a chocolate Reindeer with fluffy antlers - the perfect festive headwear.

To create excitement amongst the media, the Clarion team created this fun Vine to show the Lindt Santas leaving the Clarion office to grab a lift in the Reindeer Car. A cute festive video to get everyone in the Christmas mood (and the mood for delicious chocolate) - we’re sure you’ll agree!

Ooh, look what's lurking at Express towers today... #deathbychocolate pic.twitter.com/39LjDeX2yt

— Amy Packer (@AmyPacker) November 14, 2014

THE WEEKS DIGITAL NEWS ROUND-UP FROM CLARION

This week, social media chatter varied from the heartfelt discussions and images shared to commemorate Armistice Day to debates around reality TV stars. Brands too had their share of voice, from rock bands to fashion houses, not to mention new platform launches - it was another exciting week in digital.

The Who to launch virtual reality app for Facebook's Oculus Rift

My Generation meets digital generation as the famous rock band launch a virtual reality app. To celebrate their 50^th anniversary, the legendary rock band created the app that allows fans to listen to the bands classic hits whilst driving on a Lambretta.

The app, which is due to be released in early 2015, is preceded by a smartphone and tablet app for Android and iOS, which launched this week. Check out the trailer here.

Foo Fighters & HBO engage fans with content marketing

From one rock band to another, Foo fighters launched their new album, “Sonic Highways”, this week with much fanfare. The album was created across 8 American cities and in turn, a documentary was filmed in each. HBO are showing this series and it has already proved popular amongst critics, including the Guardian who called it have partnered with HBO to

Check the trailer here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0TrqXHoL10

Google's new YouTube music service is here, but invite-only for now

It must be the week for music as YouTube launch their music service however many of us will still have to wait as the service is currently invitation online.

The subscription service, called YouTube Music Key, will offer six months free followed by a promotional price of $7.99 per month. The regular price on its broad release will be $9.99, the same as Spotify. UK prices are yet to be confirmed, click here for more information. 

Twitter is changing

YouTube aren’t the only social platform developing their offering. Whilst music may not be on the cards for Twitter they are looking to develop several new apps in the future and are seeking to update their platform. Expect to see new updates ‘Timeline Highlights’, ‘Instant Timeline’ and  ‘breaking News Alerts’ amongst others

 

Yahoo! to acquire BrightRoll for $640m

Yahoo! has started to spend big on their earnings from Alibaba’s stock float. Their biggest buy to date is BirghtRoll, the programmatic video platform. Announced by Yahoo! chief executive Marissa Mayer the purchase will unite the publisher’s desktop and mobile video ad inventory with BrightRoll’s programmatic video platform and publisher relationships

http://www.thedrum.com/news/2014/11/11/yahoo-acquire-programmatic-video-platform-brightroll-640m

 

ASOS pushes AW14 collection with interactive YouTube music video

From music to fashion and back again, ASOS this week launched an impressive new interactive YouTube music video. The video is designed to promote their new AW14 collection by driving engagement amongst their audience.

http://www.thedrum.com/news/2014/11/13/asos-pushes-aw14-collection-interactive-youtube-music-video

And finally

Social media is parents' greatest online fear, research says

Research conducted for the non-profit Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) found that only 26% of those surveyed felt the benefits of allowing their children to use sites such as Facebook outweighed the potential risks. More worryingly, some 43% of parents thought the negative aspects of their child having a social media account outweighed the benefits. The full report is available on The Guardian.

 By James Mulrennan, Digital Account Director, Clarion Communications