GECs
Facebook forges ahead with Mobile Rich Media ads via PointRoll agreement
MUMBAI: Mobile advertising represented roughly 41 per cent of Facebook’s ad revenue during Q2-2013, and the social media giant appears to have its sights set even higher. Facebook and Gannett-owned PointRoll are expected to soon announce an agreement that will bring more rich media ads to Facebook’s mobile News Feed.
In June, Online Media Daily reported that rich mobile ads are more engaging on social-networking sites compared to the same ads on regular mobile sites. The article cited data from Celtra, and wrote that “rich media ads running in the Facebook and Twitter apps had an interaction rate of 55.2 per cent, four times that of the same ads on standard mobile sites. Time spent interacting with ads was nearly double in social media, with an average of 53 seconds versus 32 seconds on other sites.”
Rich media ads on Facebook’s app already exist, but PointRoll VP of digital innovation and product strategy Todd Pasternack argued that PointRoll’s history is what will set their offering apart. “We’ve been doing this for 13-plus years,” he asserted.
PointRoll CEO Mario Diez said: “What’s different about the Facebook mobile environment is that if the brands build the right type of engagement, and it is served within an environment that people are used to engaging with and interacting with, we see really good performance of the media.”
Pasternack added: “What’s great about this is that it maintains the feel of Facebook.”
While both Diez and Pasternack seemed to beat around the bush, Facebook didn’t shy away from using the word “native” when talking about the agreement. Facebook PMD Program partner manager Anurag Gulati said: “Facebook’s native format and large photo ads in News Feed – the most engaging part of Facebook – set our mobile ads apart.”
“Mobile rich media lets brands create ad experiences that allow for multiple levels of content in one placement: videos, games, shares, etc.” he added.
Because the Facebook Exchange (FBX) isn’t available on the app yet, all of the mobile rich media ads are the result of direct buys through Facebook’s platform for mobile News Feed.
PointRoll and Facebook have an existing relationship on desktop, and Pasternack indicated that this agreement is part of Facebook’s mobile-first strategy.”We’ve been right there with them as they shift to mobile to make sure we would help support that strategy,” he said.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
