Controlling Google's algorithm, Instagram's makeup trend, and Facebook large page verifications in this week's Marketing in the Digital Age.
Google's Celebrity Video App, Cameos
Summary: Google is releasing an app for celebrities to search for the most asked questions about them and respond with vertical video. It's like a Reddit-style AMA (Ask Me Anything) that allows celebrities more control over what people see about them. These videos will appear at the top of search results, and allow celebrities to weigh in ahead of Google's algorithm feed.
Opinion: Some celebrities will need a publicist to control this, ahem, Kanye, Trump...
Instaception: Instagram's Newest Makeup Trend
Summary: Instaception is being used by makeup artists to paint borders on one's face to look like the frame of an Instagram post.
Option: Although I couldn't see walking out of the house with a painted still frame on my face personally, props to these artists for a new, literal facial expression.
Facebook Pages with Large Followings to Require Location Verification
Summary: In an effort to crack down on fake accounts, Facebook will require pages with large followings to verify their physical location. The definition of "large" accounts was not released, but these accounts will receive a notification in the top of their News Feed. If an account chooses not to verify the info, they can no longer post. Facebook managers will also need to verify his/her location. This action will start this month primarily on accounts with large US followings.
Opinion: It feels like there is still a way to circumvent the verification process if the Facebook account was setup via a VPN or something to the like. Since this is not my area of expertise, I am sure the security team at Facebook has already addressed this (well, hopefully).