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Krystal

@krystalscanlon.bsky.social
38 followers 11 following 74 posts

Journalist | Currently: Senior Reporter, Platforms at Digiday Get in touch⬇️ linktr.ee/krystalscanlon

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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Anyone got Cannes Lions blues? What a whirlwind last week was - and yet I loved every minute. My only note: I wish there were more hours in the days so I could see absolutely everyone. But before I get more carried away, I’m back with a number of OpenAI stories.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
More OpenAI news: the platform’s ChatGPT ad pilot is now expanding to the U.K., Brazil, Japan, South Korea and Mexico, giving the platform even more of a chance to work with advertisers globally. #advertising #openai #chatgpt #marketers
digiday.com
'Expand thoughtfully': OpenAI offers ChatGPT ads to new markets including the U.K., Brazil and Japan
Over the coming weeks it will start testing ads in its ChatGPT AI-powered chatbot in the U.K., Brazil, Japan, South Korea and Mexico.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
OpenAI is still pushing for test budgets as it expands how many advertisers gain access to ChatGPT ads, not search, at least for now, while participation grows. Read more about what my colleague @sammbradley.bsky.social and I have been hearing #advertising #openai #chatgpt #adsmanager #marketers
digiday.com
‘Maybe ChatGPT is a different kind of a place’: Why OpenAI is saying no to search budgets — for now
‘Maybe ChatGPT is a different kind of a place’: OpenAI is still suggesting that advertisers should use test budgets, and nothing else — yet.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
As of today, OpenAI has opened up its ads manager to advertisers of all sizes in the U.S., category restrictions aside. To make it even more appealing for SMBs, OpenAI has completely dropped the $50,000 minimum commitment. #advertising #openai #chatgpt #adsmanager #marketers
digiday.com
OpenAI opens up ChatGPT ads manager to the U.S. while promising third-party measurement, CPA bidding
To bring in smaller advertisers to its ChatGPT ads pilot, OpenAI has also dropped its $50,000 minimum spend requirement, as CPA is on the way.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
In a break from my OpenAI coverage, I spoke with Scott Walker, chief advertising revenue officer SiriusXM about the company’s new partnership with YouTube — an exclusive deal which hands them the rights to sell YouTube’s “audio-first” inventory in the US #advertising #youtube #siriusxm #partnership
digiday.com
YouTube is turning audio into an ad product — SiriusXM is selling it
The streaming giant has exclusively partnered with SiriusXM Media to sell YouTube's "audio-first" inventory in the U.S.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Latest news on OpenAI: not only has the platform officially turned on CPC ads, but the company is also on the hunt for its first advertising marketing science leader who will own its ads measurement strategy from the ground up. #advertising #costperclick #admeasurement
digiday.com
OpenAI turns on cost-per-click ads inside ChatGPT
The move to introduce CPCs come as the platform looks to hire its first Advertising Marketing Science Lead.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
After an OpenAI news-packed week, I’ve got one more before we hit the weekend: OpenAI’s ChatGPT ads are now cheaper to buy and the $60 CPM has reduced, on average, to be anywhere between $25 to $45, depending on the vertical. #platform #openai #adsmanager #advertising #marketers #adpricing
digiday.com
‘Everything is coming down’: ChatGPT ads are getting cheaper
While the pilot CPM started out at $60, advertisers are now seeing that price drop to as low as $25, just nine weeks into the test.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
NEW: OpenAI is working on a conversion tracking pixel, indicating that the platform is building out the ad measurement infrastructure needed for it compete for performance budgets in addition to brand spend. #advertising #marketers #pixel #measurement #performance #openai #adpilot
digiday.com
OpenAI builds tool to track whether ChatGPT ads convert
The AI platform is selectively enabling its pixel for some advertisers in the pilot as it continues to test and iterate its capability.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Closely following the progress of OpenAI's ad pilot, my colleague Seb and I dug deeper into how consequential an ads manager is to a platform and its revenue, and in this case, OpenAI. #platform #openai #advertising #marketing #adsmanager digiday.com/marketing/a-...
digiday.com
A closer look at OpenAI’s ads manager – and how much work it still needs
OpenAI’s ads manager is being tested. Here’s what it can (and can’t) do yet, and how much work it still needs.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
OpenAI has quietly launched its ads manager to ChatGPT ad pilot testers, Seb Joseph and I have learned. And that's not all. That minimum threshold to join the pilot has been dropped from the $200,000 to $250,000 initially required, to $50,000. #platform #openai #adsmanager #advertising #marketers
digiday.com
OpenAI has quietly launched its ads manager as it races to build out its ads business
The AI platform launched the ads manager within its ChatGPT ads pilot advertisers last week, and also lowered the barrier to joining the test.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Today, we’ve published a profile I worked on with the help of my colleague Michael Burgi, on OpenAI’s long-awaited ads boss, David Dugan. From conversations I’ve had with people who know him, it’s safe to say he’s left an impact on many. #advertising #marketers #platform #ai #hire #openai
digiday.com
Who is OpenAI's global head of ads, David Dugan?
Digiday talked to people who've known him throughout his career to find out exactly why OpenAI believe he's the right person for the job.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Major platform news today: TikTok's Khartoon Weiss is exiting the platform on Friday according to a memo that was shared with clients and partners - which I've seen. #platform #tiktok #advertising #marketers Read more here:
digiday.com
TikTok’s Khartoon Weiss to exit the platform as its N. America lead of global business
VP, GM of global business solutions Khartoon Weiss is leaving the company on Friday, according to a memo shared with clients.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Last week, Meta told advertisers via email which I received, that from July 1st, they’re introducing location fees to pay for the Digital Services Tax in the UK, and applicable European countries. Until now Meta has been footing the bill, but from July 1st, advertisers will be absorbing the costs.
digiday.com
Advertisers aren't happy about picking up Meta’s European tax tab
Meta advertisers have had a week to sit with the news that they’ll be picking up the tab for the DST. So far, the reaction has been unease.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
#ICYMI last week, I charted how Anthropic’s initial choice to refuse the Pentagon’s deal as it stood, saw it win public favour over OpenAI.  The data, featuring app downloads, category rankings, brand positivity, procurement and app market share told the story. #data #charts #platform #AI
digiday.com
In graphic detail: How Anthropic’s Pentagon refusal is paying off in downloads, brand trust and enterprise deals
OpenAI's Pentagon deal sparked uproar among users who were against it. Anthropic's refusal was seen by users as a trustworthy alternative.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
OpenAI has partnered with Criteo, and is reportedly in early talks for a similar deal with The Trade Desk. No company hires engineers, designers & managers, if they plan to rely on external support forever. The real goal: for OpenAI to own the stack itself. #openai #advertising #adtech
digiday.com
OpenAI is building the ad tech stack it's currently borrowing
OpenAI may be cosying up to vendors to get its ads business off the ground, but the real goal is for OpenAI to own the stack itself.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Last week, Meta announced changes to its measurement and attribution. Specifically, how it reports on them. I spoke to a number of ad execs - who all welcomed these changes. But for a number of them, their response was: it’s about time. #platform #meta #measurement #attribution #advertising
digiday.com
Meta’s measurement and attribution updates are welcomed, but not ground-breaking, ad execs say
Meta's updates bring it more in line with third-party tools. While advertisers welcome them, they won’t necessarily lead to budget increases.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
#SCOOP: We got our hands on the pitch deck Criteo is sending to marketers to sell them on ChatGPT ads. Here's what's inside. The conversational advertising era has an opening slide now. #chatgpt #marketing #advertisers #openai
digiday.com
Pitch deck: How ChatGPT ads are being sold to Criteo advertisers
OpenAI has the ad inventory. Criteo has relationships with advertisers. This is the deck that shows how they’re using them.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
#ICYMI This week, @vaynermedia.bsky.social held their first Modern Marketing Leaders Summit event in London. During the event, CEO @garyvee.com talked to the room about while he built his empire selling to CMOs, now his most receptive audience is CFOs. #advertising #marketers #agencies #CFO #CMO
digiday.com
Gary Vaynerchuk built his name telling CMOs they were wrong. Now he’s telling their CFOs instead
Gary Vaynerchuk built his empire selling to CMOs. Now he says chief financial officers are getting it faster.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
We all know that Meta is automating more and more of the ad process. At the same time, it still wants to keep agencies on side, so I found out. Meta is actually pitching a new agency team to independent agencies, as confirmed by three ad execs who I spoke with about it.
digiday.com
As it ramps up push to fund AI bets, Meta makes a new play for agencies
The tech company is pitching a new agency team to independent agencies, dubbed the Agency Growth Collective.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Pitch deck alert: I got my hands on the latest 43-pager from Amazon which talks through why the platform believes its premium streaming inventory is worth it for advertisers. Inside the doc, it even includes sections on its recent partnerships with Netflix and Microsoft.
digiday.com
Pitch deck: Why Amazon believes its premium streaming inventory is worth the money
In its latest pitch deck document, Amazon is using its DSP to make the case that it's premium streaming inventory access is worth the check.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
One of the quieter developments in AI right now is the fact @perplexityofficial.bsky.social has said it’s no longer pursuing advertising. It said doing so risks eroding user trust. That’s a notable pivot for a company that only began testing ads in November 2024.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Among the pilot testers for OpenAI’s ChatGPT ad test pilot, is Target’s retail media business Roundel. Until now, little has been known about many aspects of the test beyond the start date, the $60CPM, and minimum commitments generally starting at $250,000.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
#ICYMI OpenAI’s ChatGPT ad launch was initially set to start on Feb. 6, but was delayed last minute to Feb. 9 — pilot advertisers were told of the scheduling change on the same day that Anthropic took aim at the idea of chatbots selling ad space during its Super Bowl slot.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Through 2025, YouTube focused on one narrative: YouTube is the new TV. But it doesn’t want to forget where it came from - creator content. So Google reps have now been incentivised to prioritise pitching YouTube, according to three ad execs I spoke with. #advertising #google #youtube #platform
digiday.com
YouTube's upmarket TV push still runs on mid-funnel DNA
YouTube is balancing wanting to be premium TV, the short-form powerhouse and a creator economy engine all at once.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Looks like OpenAI’s U.S. ad test started today and more than 30 of Omnicom’s clients, across apparel, automotive, beauty, CPG, hospitality, retail, QSR, technology, and telecommunications verticals are taking part. Though which brands they are is currently TBC.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
2026 has started strong as I’ve been promoted to Senior Reporter, Platforms at Digiday. I cover platforms + adtech & how all this impacts advertisers and creators. If you’re open to chatting, please contact me here, LinkedIn, email (krystal@digiday.com) or Signal: @krystalscanlon.27
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
A moment for X: it looks like the platform has big plans for World Cup 2026, starting with the tournament’s Draw Day on Dec. 5. X’s, Monique Pintarelli and Mitchell Smith talked me through their plans, which includes teaming up with Fabrizio Romano, and what X has in store for next summer.
digiday.com
'We're in a league of our own': How X is planning to take over the World Cup, starting with Draw Day
X is using the World Cup Draw Day as an early proving ground for a broader strategy to reassert its creator content around live events.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Let’s not forget Reddit: after achieving $585 million during Q3, representing a growth of 68% year-over-year, I caught up with COO Jennifer Wong to talk a little more about Reddit’s long-awaited AI campaign tool, which is already in alpha testing with a small group of the platform’s advertisers.
digiday.com
Reddit is already in early testing with its own AI campaign tool
Reddit joins Meta, Google, TikTok, et al, which have each launched similar products to target SMBs, and secure more consistent revenue.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
SCOOP: After Amazon raked in $17.7 billion in ad revenue for Q3, I was especially intrigued to dig into how Amazon is pitching its DSP during Q4. The message is clear in its latest pitch deck: Amazon wants to become the biggest DSP on the market. And it’s doing whatever it can to make that happen.
digiday.com
Pitch Deck: How Amazon plans to turn Q3’s $17 billion ad haul into Q4’s next big DSP push
It's no secret the company wants advertisers to see its demand-side platform as the backbone for buying across the open web.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
While the finer details of TikTok’s US deal are TBD, marketers have adapted to an ongoing cycle of uncertainty. Some are now taking a more cautious approach to their 2026 budgets -- after all, no one knows how any transition period will play out, or how that may (or may not) impact performance.
digiday.com
TikTok's ongoing U.S. uncertainty has marketers rethinking next year's budgets
While marketers are happy to continue committing ad dollars for now, they are thinking twice about their 2026 budgets.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 25/10/2024
Little scoop from me: X execs held an investor call yesterday with current and potential clients about the expansion to their long-standing NFL content partnership, which is set to land later this year. #socialmedia #sports. #partnership #nfl #advertising #advertisers #marketing #marketers
digiday.com
X is set to expand its NFL content partnership with new portal
Details are still under wraps, but CEO Linda Yaccarino revealed the news on a call yesterday with both current and prospective clients.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 18/09/2024
SCOOP: Ever wondered what happens inside X’s new style of client council since it’s been brought back and revamped? I got the inside track on the latest session which took place yesterday at the platform’s New York HQ, from someone who attended. #socialmedia #platform #clientcouncil #advertisers
digiday.com
X is on the hunt for more ad dollars at its latest client council meeting
80 marketers showed up at X’s New York HQ for the session.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 17/09/2024
Despite the ongoing saga about X, it does appear that its user base is growing. That is according to X’s own figures, of course, which were shared with advertisers, that I have seen. If those figures are accurate, it means X has already surpassed the likes of Pinterest and Reddit. #socialmedia
digiday.com
X claims to advertisers that it has a reach of 570 million monthly active users
If the numbers are true, then X has already surpassed Pinterest and Reddit.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 16/09/2024
X’s latest pitch deck goes back to the platform’s roots - it’s ‘real time’ focus, as the platform looks to evolve the usage of its Trend Genius tool across any conversation type. Check out the platform’s latest pitch deck below #socialmedia #advertising #marketers
digiday.com
Pitch deck: How X’s ‘real-time’ factor has become the star of its latest pitch to advertisers
The social network is going back to its roots, pushing real-time conversations — and more importantly advertisers' ability to target the ones they deem suitable.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 06/08/2024
And the plot thickens - for anyone that thought that Elon Musk wasn’t serious about suing GARM (and co) - turns out, X has just officially filed its federal antitrust suit against GARM, WFA, CVS Health, Mars, Orsted and Unilever in Texas today. #socialmedia #advertisers #marketers
digiday.com
X files federal antitrust suit against GARM, WFA, CVS Health, Mars, Orsted, Unilever
Elon Musk, the controversial owner of ad-funded platform X, has followed through on his threat to sue a global alliance of advertisers over alleged antitrust activity.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 29/04/2024
After President Biden signed the “divest or sell” TikTok bill last week, the rumour mill went into overdrive. Namely around what happens next. While everything is up in the air, I’ve been talking to sources about three potential buyers. #tiktok #advertising #tiktokban #marketers #buyers
digiday.com
Amazon, Apple, Oracle rumored to be potential TikTok buyers if ByteDance is forced to sell
The rumor mill is in full force despite ByteDance stating it would rather shut down the app in the U.S. than sell it.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 22/04/2024
SCOOP: Not a week goes by when X gets to remain out of headlines. Which is why it was especially interesting to take a look at a recent X pitch deck to understand just how the team is trying to woo advertisers this year. #socialmedia #advertisers #scoop #pitchdeck #marketers
digiday.com
Inside X's latest, desperate attempt to beguile advertisers
If X has its way, 2024 will be the year it hits the long, twisted trail back to advertiser land, according to the platform's pitch deck.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 18/04/2024
SCOOP: Having chatted to a number of industry execs in recent weeks, it’s come to light that Meta is aiming to launch Threads monetisation in the second half of this year. #socialmedia #meta #threads #advertising #monetisation #marketers
digiday.com
Meta's Threads expected to have ads this year
The move would make Threads Meta's latest bit of ad real estate venue just over a year after its launch.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 15/04/2024
Chances are you’ll have seen endless marketers all across social media voicing their frustrations about the Meta bugs that have become more frequent on its ad platform. Some marketers are so fed up, they're even dialling down their Meta spend. #socialmedia #meta #advertising #marketers
digiday.com
Meta advertisers are adrift in adversity as bug-filled problems persist
Marketers say they can't recall a worse time to run ads on the platform.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 08/04/2024
X, formerly Twitter, has been on a wild ride hasn’t it? But maybe the company’s latest moves are the turning point everyone has been waiting for. That’s with regard to its brand safety certifications and latest hires for the safety division. Who knows? #platform #socialmedia #brandsafety #xcorp
digiday.com
Inside X's latest efforts to make advertisers believe it's a platform that's safe for brands
Could this be the turning point everyone's been waiting for?
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 18/03/2024
Scoop: the majority of advertisers on TikTok are doing BAU, we learned some of the bigger advertisers have already started to take action. Check out the story below for what some ad execs have chosen to do, and how TikTok has been responding.  #socialmedia #tiktok #ban #bill #congress #platform
digiday.com
While advertisers are playing it cool, they're hesitant to unleash their budgets on TikTok
Some of TikTok’s advertisers are considering whether advertising puts them at risk.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 15/03/2024
#ICYMI among all the TikTok bill news, we also published this story on Snapchat’s latest campaign. While most people loved it, the problem is translating that love into moving more ad dollars to the app - and that’s still a big “TBD” for a number of advertisers. #socialmedia #advertisers #platform
digiday.com
Advertisers don't see new, immediate value in Snapchat's ad offerings despite its brand marketing campaign
A month after Snapchat launched its global riposte to social media with the strapline “Less likes, more Snapchat”, marketers have been left none the wiser as to whether this is going to ladder up into...
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 13/03/2024
Today, the US House passed the bill that would see TikTok either divested from ByteDance to US ownership, or banned outright across the US - if passed into law So we spoke to marketers to ask IF TikTok were to be banned in the US - where would those ad dollars go? #socialmedia #tiktok #ban #bill
digiday.com
TikTok's potential U.S. ban stirs marketers, spurs contingency planning
U.S. lawmakers moved a step closer to banning the app after a vote on Wednesday in the House of Representatives. If ratified, the bill would make it illegal to distribute or host TikTok in the U.S.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 27/02/2024
#ICYMI In a number of cases, ad execs’ Meta reps have been replaced with AI. This isn’t a new situation, but it has been bubbling away for a while. And off the back of the many Meta layoffs last year, it shows there has been some impact. #socialmedia #advertising #adspend #platform #ai #layoffs
digiday.com
Meta’s layoffs continue to impact advertisers as the company replaces account team members with AI
A number of marketers are frustrated that they aren't getting the premium service they believe they're shelling out for.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 30/01/2024
Ending January with a bang (or a scoop): With just two weeks until the 2024 Super Bowl in Vegas, TikTok's latest pitch deck, that was shared with me, shows that the entertainment app is really keen to have its Super Bowl moment. #tiktok #platform #socialmedia #pitchdeck #superbowl
digiday.com
Pitch deck: Inside TikTok's pursuit of Super Bowl ad dollars
The app’s executives are working hard to persuade marketers that it's the prime destination for their ad dollars — pre-game, during and post-game.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 09/01/2024
With rumours swirling that Reddit might go ahead with its long awaited IPO this year, it’s time to really see what that company has been up to behind closed doors. #socialmedia #platform #advertising #2024 #reddit #fullfunnel #marketing #advertisers
digiday.com
Reddit's aspirations to lead 'contextual and interest-based advertising': How the platform is gearin...
With a big year ahead, Digiday caught up with Reddit’s Jen Wong and Jim Squires to get the lowdown on how the platform woos marketers, its stance on privacy and its focus on covering the full funnel...
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 20/11/2023
Since last week’s events, which saw top advertisers halt spending on the X (formerly Twitter) again, I’ve been digging to understand what’s going on. X has decided to opt out of its independent auditing by EY for its MRC brand safety credentials - for now. #socialmedia #advertisers #brandsafety
digiday.com
Brand safety concerns mount as X (formerly Twitter) pulls out of MRC audit
Perhaps, if X's ads business were faring better, it might have been more enthusiastic about undergoing an audit.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 27/10/2023
Exactly one year ago today, Elon Musk acquired Twitter in the most controversial $44 billion deal.  I spoke to a number of people with direct insights into what the last 12 months has actually been like, to understand what's happened through their eyes. #socialmedia #twitter #x #advertisers
digiday.com
One year in: Inside X (formerly Twitter) and its complicated relationship with advertisers
It's 12 months into Musk's tumultuous tenure as X's owner and marketers still face challenges on the platform.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 16/10/2023
Ahead of Black Friday / Cyber Monday, I received an email from a source about TikTok’s plans for the shopping event. In other words: how the platform plans to win more ad dollars - and it’s all about “hashtag audiences” #platform #blackfriday #cybermonday #shopping #holidayseason #advertising
digiday.com
TikTok touts its curated audiences to advertisers to drive Black Friday, Cyber Monday sales
TikTok is capitalizing on its hashtag communities to win over more ad dollars as the holiday season kicks off.
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Krystal @krystalscanlon.bsky.social · 10/10/2023
#ICYMI I had another scoop: a Pinterest pitch deck. The platform, which believes it’s the last sunny corner of the internet, has always seen itself as a full funnel opportunity and its hefty 80+ page 2023 pitch deck certainly drives that point home #socialmedia #pinterest #advertising #marketers
digiday.com
Pitch deck: How Pinterest is pitching itself to advertisers in 2023
Pinterest has always seen itself as a full funnel platform, but now it really wants marketers to do the same.
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