The Bazaarvoice social commerce news bulletin is a monthly roundup of the best and most exciting social media news and technology we’ve seen.
This monthly news bulletin (you don’t hear that word enough anymore) is to provide you with bitesize bits of goodness on all things visual and social content — what’s trending in the social commerce sphere, what new themes we’re seeing from brands and retailers, new social commerce technology, what the cool kids are doing, etc.
There’ll be plenty of linked articles, impressive stats, fun new things to digest, and you may even spot your own brand in here. 👀
(Psst — if you’re new to social commerce, you can catch up here)
We’ll be updating this every month so make sure you don’t miss out, because social moves quick. Feel free to jump to your desired month, otherwise let’s dive right in.
February social commerce news
February was short but mighty in terms of time, events, and social commerce news. Awards season, Rihanna’s pregnant again, and there was a big football game in there at some point. Which, speaking of, go social commerce!
It was all about the shoppable ads
This month was all about how social media marketing performs against traditional ads:
- Michelob Ultra and Instacart support Super Bowl push with shoppable TV ads, while Priceline hid travel deals in digital ads during the game
- Wendy’s is taking it off the field to be the first to test Roku and Doordash’s deal around shoppable TV ads — soon I’ll only have to blink and I’ll have purchased something right to my doorstep
Virtually possible 🤖
Apparel and beauty have always been innovators so it’s no surprise that these two industries are full steam ahead on technical advancements:
- Alo Yoga unveils a virtual store alongside beauty and workout content and Tatcha also launched a virtual store
- Adore Me is set to host a shoppable, livestream runway show
- Savage x Fenty delves deeper into fitting room tech 😍
TIKTOK CLEAR UP
While it feels like we were just here (three years ago), the big social commerce news this month is the continued negotiations and political efforts aimed at granting the President and administration power to ban TikTok. It’s not currently happening. Only those using government-issued devices have seen a ban imposed, starting February 27th. Either way, brands are keeping on keeping on:
- Behr Paint is connecting with millennial homeowners on TikTok, Chipotle embraces another trend with a new menu item, and a new integration with Mercedes Benz displays content on in-car screens (Please don’t TikTok and drive!)
We know everyone has been ChatGPT-ing also, but that’s barely news by this point — we prefer to stick to the more exciting social commerce news. 🙃
January social commerce news
Austin is without power, storms are everywhere, and Phil saw his shadow, meaning six more weeks of winter. But with the Lunar New Year ushering in the Year of the Rabbit, there’s hope for 2023 just yet.
Beauty is in the AI of the beholder
Beauty brands win innovation time and time again:
- Neutrogena and Nourished are using AI to craft customizable 3D printed gummies
- YSL beauty ties Web3 to online shopping experience
- Read how Estée Lauder and Macy’s discuss how data, AI, and TikTok are influencing customer behavior
Pulse on the platform
Keep reading for fun new things to know about tech platforms:
- In-app spending continues to surge in China, pointing to continued opportunity for Western social apps
- Instagram Chief says photos will get more focus in 2023 since they focused too much on video and they’re also removing the Shop tab while TikTok is doubling down.
- This is neat — YouTube launches new ‘Study Hall’ initiative which will enable users to earn college credits online
- Blockchain and the metaverse continue to command CMO interest despite snags
Brand new(s)
Our favorite social commerce news is recapping the cool things brands are up to:
- *whispers into microphone* Sport Clips uses ASMR to drive 15% jump in brand awareness
- Chex Mix is also making noise by remixing ‘Baby Got Back’ for Bagel Chips revival
- Timex enters Web3 with Bored Ape NFT collaboration
- McDonald’s uses an AI powered ad for Lunar New Year
- Welch’s Fruit Snacks ties big game giveaway to QR-code enabled ads
- Drama with M&M’s as “spokescandies” take an indefinite pause amid polarizing rebrand. A&W address M&M mascot’s ‘polarizing’ lack of pants in a riff on the uproar
- And David’s Bridal launches wedding planning platform with a vendor marketplace
Seeing double
Both Chipotle and Martha have been busy this month:
- Chipotle is targeting Gen Z with wellness Snapchat lens on menu items and rolling out their ‘Freepotle’ rewards with TikTok and IG prize wheel
- Martha Stewart uses Tito’s Vodka around the house for ‘DIY January’ and is making her metaverse debut with Oreo
Game day ready
Everyone’s excited for Rihanna’s big concert next weekend:
- Campbell’s Chunky tournament blends football with the metaverse and livestreaming
- Miller Lite & Coors Light are going head to head for their first Super Bowl back in over 30 years
- All bets are on with Molson Coors and DraftKings turning Super Bowl ad into a betting opportunity and FanDuel betting big on Gronk in the first Super Bowl spot
- Heinz says it’s time to ditch Roman numerals for Super Bowl 57
- And will you remember Busch Light if they enlist Sarah McLachlan for Super Bowl?
To learn more than just news, see where social commerce is headed next below.
