1. Substack Launches A Program For Comic Content Creators (MediaPost)

Substack is getting into the comic genre with a program that could help to turn email newsletters into Hollywood franchises. Substack features award-winning comics writers, including Saladin Ahmed, Molly Knox Ostertag, and Scott Snyder to exploit the earning potential of comics for creators and publishers.

2. Instagram Launches Ads To Shopping Tab To Promote Social Commerce (AdWeek)

Instagram will begin testing ads in the Instagram Shop, limiting it to select US advertisers. Ads will appear on the homepage for the Instagram Shop tab, and clicking on them will bring users to a product details page, where they can view additional images and offerings from the brand. Users can save products to their wishlist and share them with friends.

3. Roku Expands Original Programming Lineup With 23 More Quibi Shows (Variety)

Roku announced an expansion of its original content lineup, adding 23 new Roku Original programs that will debut on August 13 on The Roku Channels’ free streaming hub. The new programing — hailing from Roku’s acquisition of failed streamer Quibi’s catalog — will supplement the initial slate of 30 originals, which were first released in May.

4. Trade Desk Ad Revenue Skyrocketed With 50% Jump In CTV Ads (AdAge)

The Trade Desk’s ad revenue skyrocketed to $280 million, with an increase of 101% YoY growth. CTV was its fastest-growing channel with a higher growth rate than the overall advertising business. There is a 50% jump in CTV ad revenue. The ad tech company said in its earnings report on Monday.

5. Apple’s iPhone Privacy Changes Shifting Facebook Ads To Amazon (AdAge)

Apple-induced privacy changes on iPhones turned Facebook advertising less effective. With an estimated 153 million Amazon Prime subscribers in the US, Amazon was an obvious choice for the advertisers, though many brands are reluctant to sell on Amazon, as they fear losing a direct connection with customers.

6. Twitch May Give Streamers Info On Why They Were Banned (TheVerge)

Twitch’s suspensions are going to become a bit more transparent for streamers. The company said that when it imposes a ban, it will disclose the name and date of the material that violates platform rules. It may not explain why a streamer was suspended, but it might assist streamers to figure out what went wrong and what to avoid in the future.

7. Athletes Can Livestream Off-Scene Olympics Experience On Social Media (NYT)

There were stringent disciplinary rules in the past on athletes for commenting publicly on media while they were participating in the Olympics game. At present, athletes are free to post behind the scenes footage as TikTok videos. They are livestreaming their travels and experiences in Tokyo now, as their social media behavior is not restricted.

Samien Kidwai

Hailing from an academic background, I have been an Assistant Professor in Mass Communication with an additional decade of experience in creative writing. I’m passionate about music and theatre with an inclination towards movies. Being an avid reader, I love to scribble my thoughts and ideas when I’m not running behind my 8 year old daughter.