Meta Announces Positive Financial Results for Q3 2023

MENLO PARK, Calif., Oct. 25, 2023 (NEWS PROVIDED BY V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - Meta Platforms, Inc. (Nasdaq: META) disclosed its financial performance for the third quarter of 2023, ending September 30. The report shows promising growth in various financial metrics.

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's founder and CEO, commented on the results, "We had a good quarter for our community and business. I'm proud of the work our teams have done to advance AI and mixed reality with the launch of Quest 3, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, and our AI studio."

Key Financial Highlights from Q3 2023:

• Revenue reported at $34.15 billion, marking a 23% rise year-over-year.

• Operating margin stood at 40%, up from 20% in 2022.

• Net income saw a significant jump to $11.58 billion, a 164% increase from the previous year.

• Diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased to $4.39, a 168% surge from $1.64 in 2022.

Operational Highlights:

• Daily Active People (DAP) averaged at 3.14 billion in September 2023, up by 7% year-over-year.

• Monthly Active People (MAP) reached 3.96 billion as of September 30, 2023, reflecting a 7% year-over-year increase.

• Facebook's daily active users (DAUs) and monthly active users (MAUs) also grew by 5% and 3%, respectively.

Restructuring was also highlighted, pointing to measures initiated in 2022 to optimize efficiency and refocus business priorities. By the end of September 2023, most planned employee layoffs had been realized, with further assessments in facilities consolidation and data center restructuring on the horizon.

Looking ahead, the company's CFO provided an outlook for Q4 2023, forecasting total revenue between $36.5 to $40 billion. Additionally, the total expenses for 2023 have been projected to be between $87-89 billion, lowered from an initial range of $88-91 billion. Notably, this figure includes around $3.5 billion of restructuring costs.

Meta also acknowledges the potential challenges from regulatory landscapes, especially in the EU and the US. The Federal Trade Commission's move to modify Meta's current consent order could have ramifications for the company's operations, though Meta is currently contesting this issue.

For a detailed understanding of Meta's financial results and related materials, the company invites interested parties to visit their investor relations page at investor.fb.com.

SOURCE Meta via PR Newswire

Connectible Launches Social Media Platform for Collectors

Left to Right, Connectible Home Page, Gallery page, Watches Gallery, Collection Choices and Marketplace page. (Photo Credit: Connectible)

LONDON and NEW YORK, Oct. 10, 2023, (NEWS PROVIDED BY V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - Connectible, aiming to fill a niche in the digital sphere, has officially launched its new social media app dedicated to collectors. This platform enables users to share, connect, and engage in transactions revolving around their cherished collectables.

Designed with collectors in mind, Connectible offers an array of features tailored to enhance user experience. It allows for the curation and personalization of galleries, facilitates content posting, and provides tools to interact with other enthusiasts. Furthermore, it features a community marketplace, aimed at enabling purchases, sales, or trades of collectibles.

After a successful pre-launch that saw participation from over 100 top comic art collectors, Connectible is scheduled for a global release on October 12th at the New York Comic Con. The app will be accessible via Apple's App Store, the Google Play Store, and as a web application. At its onset, Connectible will support over 70 communities encompassing a diverse range of collectibles. The company, rooted in London, has hinted at further expansion by adding more collectible communities in the future.

Nick Coleman, CEO and Founder of Connectible, shared insights on the app's inception, stating, "We have created Connectible to help collectors share their passion. The app has all the features that they need to curate their collections, communicate with like-minded enthusiasts, and even provides a marketplace to buy, sell, and trade."

Ensuring a comprehensive digital experience, Connectible is designed to operate uniformly across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and web browsers. Its primary features include the OmniFeed, which is a centralized feed displaying collector posts, news, and events, and the AppSpace, which grants users the flexibility to create and customize their own galleries.

The platform also emphasizes communication, providing a chat feature that permits direct messaging for all forms of discussions and negotiations. Additionally, Connectible enhances user engagement through its 'Connecting and Following' feature, allowing individuals to remain updated with specific collectors and establish specialized groups or clubs within the app.

Learn more at www.connectible.com.

SOURCE Connectible via PR Newswire

The Real World Acquires University.com Domain

ATLANTA, BUCHAREST, and VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 5, 2023, (NEWS PROVIDED BY V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - The Real World has formally announced its acquisition of the domain name University.com, according to a recent statement by VPN.com. This acquisition, finalized in September 2023, emphasizes The Real World's strategy to advance its online higher education platform and amplify its global influence.

The domain, known for its significant standing in the online space, was previously owned by Syed Hussaini, the CEO of GrowthAhead. In 2020, VPN.com sold University.com to Hussaini for an undisclosed seven-figure amount. By September 2023, the domain changed hands, being purchased by The Real World for another undisclosed figure, described as a record-breaking transaction.

Michael Gargiulo, CEO of VPN.com, remarked on the transaction: "Congratulations to Syed and The Real World Team. It is rewarding to witness entrepreneurs elevating their brands with premium, category-defining domain names."

With a robust membership surpassing 200,000, The Real World's acquisition aligns with its goal of redefining traditional education. Their objective is to provide students with practical knowledge, thereby bridging the divide between academic pursuits and the professional world. A representative from The Real World stated, "The acquisition of University.com is a testament to our commitment to providing real-world education. This move is strategic, aiming to enhance our online presence and expand our educational offerings to a global audience."

Syed Hussaini, reflecting on the deal, said, "Working on this deal with The Real World Team and Michael Gargiulo has been a privilege. Their teams have been extremely professional."

The Real World, alongside this acquisition, hinted at upcoming initiatives in the domain of online education. Details remain under wraps, but the institution suggests that the move will introduce innovative opportunities for its learners.

For more details, interested parties are directed to www.therealworld.co.

Source: VPN.com via PR Newswire

Spin Master Debuts Piknik™: A Comprehensive App Subscription Service for Preschoolers

Piknik is a new app subscription service for preschoolers featuring games from award-winning digital studios Toca Boca® and Sago Mini®, offering families touch-screen content with a single membership that works across iOS and Android devices. (Photo Credit: CNW Group/Spin Master)

Global children's entertainment company, Spin Master (TSX: TOY), has officially released Piknik, its new app subscription service tailored for preschoolers. This service amalgamates games from the renowned digital studios Toca Boca® and Sago Mini®. Subscribers to Piknik can enjoy unrestricted access to an array of Toca Boca apps under Toca Boca JrTM, along with Toca Boca Hair Salon 4TM, Sago Mini WorldTM, Sago Mini SchoolTM, and Sago Mini First WordsTM, all at a monthly cost of $11.99 USD. Available worldwide, Piknik can be accessed at www.playpiknik.com and on both the Apple App and Google Play stores.

Serving as a singular subscription platform for iOS and Android devices, Piknik offers families a blend of touch-screen content from Toca Boca® and Sago Mini®. The service streamlines digital playtime, presenting substantial savings on multiple app access. Catering to families with more than one child, the subscription can be used across various devices. Committed to regular content updates, Piknik ensures a fresh experience for its users every month. Importantly, the platform guarantees a safe, kidSafe®, ad-free environment.

Fredrik Loving, President of Digital Games at Spin Master, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We've curated a collection that provides endless ways for kids to play, learn, and explore their interests – all while eliminating the hassle of multiple subscriptions and fees. With regular updates and new apps on the way, there's always something to look forward to in Piknik."

Both Toca Boca and Sago Mini studios are known for their innovative digital toys that foster child-driven exploration and play-based learning. Their engaging digital games have consistently won acclaim from various platforms, including Kidscreen, Parent's Choice Awards, Common Sense Media, and Digital Ehon.

For additional details, interested individuals can visit www.spinmaster.com.

SOURCE Spin Master via PR Newswire

FlyMeOut Introduces Revamped IOS App, Catering to the Exclusive Social Travel Niche

Photo Credit: FlyMeOut

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 4, 2023, (NEWS PROVIDED BY V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - Travel company FlyMeOut has announced the launch of its updated IOS app, catering specifically to individuals seeking curated and exclusive travel opportunities.

Photo Credit: FlyMeOut

Operating on an invite-only basis, this social travel club aims to connect a diverse group of travelers, ranging from social media influencers to professionals in various fields.

"Our revamped Explore page simplifies the travel selection process, ensuring that your next destination is just a click away," mentioned a representative from FlyMeOut. Zach Latos, Co-Founder and CEO of FlyMeOut, spoke about the company's rapid expansion, stating, "Our sign-ups have seen significant growth, and we are witnessing a surge in member interactions and trip bookings. We've expanded our footprint across various countries, underscoring our global appeal."

Central to FlyMeOut's mission is the creation of authentic connections. Latos added, "Every trip is an avenue to build lasting friendships. Each destination offers the possibility to widen one's circle of friends." The platform offers a dual approach to its trips. Members can either host or join trips, fostering new connections in each journey.

Safety and exclusivity are deeply ingrained in FlyMeOut's operations. Before setting out, members can familiarize themselves with trip hosts, ensuring an optimal travel experience. Additionally, the platform's updated version offers enhanced chat capabilities, promoting effortless member interactions. Trust is a core component of FlyMeOut's community. "Members can expand their circle only through shared travel experiences, cultivating a community rooted in genuine connections," noted the CEO.

FlyMeOut's roadmap is dotted with exciting prospects. In the near future, the platform aims to introduce new features, establish collaborations with elite brands, and organize trips to less-explored destinations. The company is also actively pursuing partnerships to provide its members with unique experiences.

To learn more, visit FlyMeOut's website or the Apple App Store.

SOURCE FlyMeOut via PR Newswire

Tinder Teams Up with Jonathan Bennett to Educate Users on Online Financial Scams

Video: Tinder – October 3rd (Video Credit: Tinder, YouTube)

LOS ANGELES, CA, Oct. 3, 2023, (NEWS PROVIDED BY V SOCIAL MEDIA OF HOLLYWOOD) - Tinder, in conjunction with its parent company Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH), has entered a collaboration with "Mean Girls" actor Jonathan Bennett to emphasize the importance of online safety and avoiding financial scams. The announcement comes in tandem with the declaration of October 3rd as World Romance Scam Prevention Day, a day dedicated to the promotion of education and awareness regarding the potentially harmful financial traps many might face online.

Jonathan Bennett remarked on the significance of this day, stating, "Fans have a lot of fun celebrating all their favorite memes and quotes every October 3, but it's also important that we can take this day to acknowledge some important lessons about how we interact with others online. We want everyone to recognize this day while also being more aware of the types of common behaviors of online scammers to watch out for."

Statistics from the FBI highlight that cryptocurrency scams like "Pig Butchering" are now the largest financial scams in the US, resulting in losses exceeding $3 billion. With the increase in such scams targeting younger adults, Stephanie Danzi, SVP of Global Marketing at Tinder, expressed, "On World Romance Scam Prevention Day, we are educating our users of all ages on ways to protect themselves so they do not fall victim to online fraudulent scams."

Complementing Tinder's initiative, Hinge, another dating platform, is reinforcing the message through in-app reminders to its users. Kathy Waters, the Executive Director of Advocating Against Romance Scammers, underlined the critical mission of World Romance Scam Prevention Day, which seeks to eliminate barriers that stop roughly 97% of victims from reporting scams. She said, "Advocating Against Romance Scammers created this day to help bring together every global entity affected by the scams to increase awareness and help others understand the severity of the controlled manipulation in order for the fraud to succeed."

This initiative is built upon the public awareness campaign launched by Match Group earlier in January. The group has consistently been at the forefront, introducing various safety features and measures to keep its user base informed and secure.

For more insights on Advocating Against Romance Scammers, interested individuals can explore www.advocatingforu.com.

SOURCE Match Group via PR Newswire

Roar Social Launches 'Season of Impact' Initiative Across U.S. Colleges

Photo Credit: Clubhouse Media Group, Inc.

LOS ANGELES, August 28, 2023, (NEWS PROVIDED BY V SOCIAL MEDIA) - Roar Social, a newly launched Gen Z-focused platform, has rolled out its nationwide "Season of Impact" program, aimed at combining social media usage with social change. The first 30 schools selected for this initiative have been announced and are noted for their strong history of student volunteerism and social activism.

Roar Social is currently accepting applications for Campus Cause Ambassadors, who will amplify impact across various social causes including Climate Change, LGBTQIA+ Equality, Mental Health, Racial Equity, and Disaster Relief.

Launched earlier this month on Apple's App Store, Roar Social seeks to reinvent social media by transforming it into a tool for social good. Unlike traditional platforms, Roar Social replaces the 'Like' button with the 'Give' button, facilitating microdonations to charitable causes.

"We built a platform to help Gen Z use their collective voice to generate impact for social causes they're passionate about," said Robert Weiss, CEO and Founder of Roar Social.

The Campus Cause Ambassadors will not only help in recruiting new members to Roar Social but will also create content and test ways to generate real-world social impact. This unique initiative merges cause advocacy and brand marketing, giving students the chance to shape the app's future.

Learn more and apply, visit www.roarsocial.com/season-of-impact.

Source: Clubhouse Media Group, Inc. via PR Newswire

HoneyDrip.com Reports Unprecedented User Engagement in July 2023

Photo Credit: Clubhouse Media Group, Inc.

LOS ANGELES, August 30, 2023, (NEWS PROVIDED BY V SOCIAL MEDIA) - Clubhouse Media Group, Inc. (OTCMKTS: CMGR) announced today that its digital platform, HoneyDrip.com, experienced record-high activity during the month of July 2023. The website, wholly owned by Clubhouse Media Group, aims to empower content creators by offering avenues for monetizing exclusive content and engaging with fans.

According to Alexandra Bolanos, a Manager at HoneyDrip, the platform has seen increased traffic and user engagement, particularly in July. "There seems to be a lot of buzz around the site, and it shows in the numbers for July," said Bolanos. She attributed the site's success to its professional creators, quality content, and continual enhancements. "Late last year, we added new features and revenue streams that are currently being utilized regularly," Bolanos noted. One such feature allows for live video chats between creators and fans, which is reportedly being used increasingly more frequently, enhancing the overall user experience.

Creators who are interested in being part of the HoneyDrip community can apply at HoneyDrip.com.

Source: Clubhouse Media Group, Inc. via PR Newswire

TikTok Announces Official UK and Global Songs of Summer 2023

Photo Credit: Tik Tok

August 29, 2023, (NEWS PROVIDED BY V SOCIAL MEDIA) -TikTok has revealed its official Songs of the Summer for 2023, spotlighting tracks that have dominated the platform over the warmest months. In the United Kingdom, the chart-topping single 'Sprinter' by Dave & Central Cee took the number one spot with approximately 900,000 video creations. This is the first time a UK rap song has achieved this feat.

On a global scale, Mae Stephens' song 'If We Ever Broke Up' emerged as the ultimate summer anthem. The song was part of the platform's trending list, and Stephens, who swapped supermarket shifts for TikTok fame, said, "It proves that TikTok can really take someone and boost them so far! It is one of the most crucial parts of industry growth today!"

Other notable hits this summer include 'Makeba' by France's Jain, which was the second most popular song in the UK and the top Song of the Summer in the United States. New artist MEYY also caught the community's attention with her pop hit 'Pretty,' thanks to a fan-created sped-up trend.

Paul Hourican, Global Head of Music Content & Partnerships at TikTok, highlighted the platform's role in musical discovery, stating, "It's been another summer of discovery with our community embracing a diverse mix of genres, sounds and incredible new talent."

Read the full article here: https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-gb/tiktok-uk-songs-of-the-summer-2023

Source: Tik Tok

Bitmoji Releases New Collection of International Football Team T-Shirts

Photo Credit: Snapchat, Bitmoji

AUGUST 23, 2023, (NEWS PROVIDED BY V SOCIAL MEDIA) - Bitmoji, the personalized avatar service, has announced a new collection of t-shirts representing various international football teams from different leagues. The t-shirts will feature 12 notable teams from the English Premier League, Saudi Pro League, LaLiga, Serie A, and Bundesliga.

Snapchat users, or "Snapchatters," can now showcase their support for renowned football teams such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Juventus, Manchester City, FC Bayern, Al Nassr, Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli. The addition of these t-shirts to Bitmoji's avatar builder allows users to extend their football enthusiasm into their online personas.

The release of this collection comes amid the ongoing football season, reflecting Bitmoji's efforts to engage with current global events and offer users a new avenue to express their team loyalty.

The international football t-shirts are accessible within the Bitmoji Fashion section of the avatar builder, allowing users to choose their favorite tee and sport their team pride virtually.

This move signifies a growing integration between sports fandom and digital platforms, creating new opportunities for fan engagement and personalization in the online space.

For further details about the new international football merch for Bitmoji, interested readers can visit Snapchat's newsroom.

Source: Snapchat

InsightIQ Introduces AI-Powered Tool to Enhance Influencer Marketing Strategy

Photo Credit: Insight IQ

SAN FRANCISCO, August 18, 2023 (NEWS PROVIDED BY V SOCIAL MEDIA) – In an attempt to address the growing challenges in influencer marketing, insightIQ has unveiled a cutting-edge AI-powered tool that aims to optimize influencer partnerships and enhance campaign ROI. The platform is set to be an extensive solution for brands, offering enriched audience insights and data-driven decisions.

The influencer marketing sector, with a projected worth of USD 139 billion by 2030, has seen only 36% of companies satisfied with their outcomes. InsightIQ's new platform responds to this challenge, promising to enhance the quality of influencer partnerships by going beyond follower counts to assess influencer compatibility.

Unlike traditional methods that focus on content and performance metrics, insightIQ offers a unique Audience Analysis feature. Manzoor Samad, the founder of Impulze.Ai, shares his positive experience with the platform: “insightIQ has immensely propelled Impulze, enabling us to scale our product. Both our Chrome extension and Search features were built with insightIQ, and we eagerly anticipate leveraging their capabilities for our future use cases.”

Additionally, insightIQ introduced its Opinion Analysis feature to offer a more comprehensive understanding of audience sentiments. Laura Douglas, the Brand & Influencer Marketing Lead at Unilever Canada, highlights the importance of this, stating, “An influencer can have the most amazing CPM or engagement rates, but it is the quality and relevance of their audience’s comments that determines brand fit for us.”

The new platform aims to equip brands with essential tools to accurately measure campaign ROI, establish precise engagement benchmarks, and negotiate data-driven collaborations. By introducing tailored influencer partnerships, insightIQ's AI-powered solution is positioned to revolutionize influencer marketing.

To explore insightIQ's innovative influencer marketing tool, visit Insightiq.ai.

Source: InsightIQ via Social Media Today

TikTok Launches Global #BookTok Challenge to Celebrate Book Lovers Day in the U.S.

(NEWS PROVIDED BY V SOCIAL MEDIA) - TikTok has announced the launch of the Global #BookTok Challenge in celebration of National Book Lovers Day on August 9. This initiative aims to bring together creators, authors, and book enthusiasts worldwide, reflecting the flourishing community of #BookTok, which has amassed over 165 billion global views and grown by more than 140% in the past year.

The challenge, running from August 1 to August 31, invites participants to create content such as book reviews, must-read lists, book recommendations, and more. Creators who contribute at least two videos with the #BookTok hashtag will be rewarded with a special profile frame and other exclusive prizes.

Various sub-challenges are part of this initiative, including segments on underrated reads, favorite books, BookTok creator shoutouts, small business support within the #BookTok community, and practical tips from books applicable to daily life.

"The #BookTok Challenge builds on our community's spirit of creativity and collaboration by giving them new opportunities to engage with book lovers across the globe," TikTok said in the announcement. This statement highlights TikTok's continuous effort to actively foster the #BookTok community, as also evidenced by a recent partnership with Candle Media and Hello Sunshine to discover and promote underrepresented independent authors.

The Global #BookTok Challenge is seen as a continuation of TikTok's endeavors to rejuvenate interest in reading, support new authors, and increase print book sales. It is expected to heighten content creation throughout August and fuel the enthusiasm for literature that the #BookTok community has cultivated.

To learn more about the Global #BookTok Challenge, click here.

Source: Tik Tok

Twitch Launches Hype Chat to Enhance Engagement and Revenue Opportunities for Streamers

Photo Credit: Twitch

June 22, 2023 (NEWS PROVIDED BY V SOCIAL MEDIA) – In a move to enrich the streaming experience, Twitch is rolling out a new feature called Hype Chat, exclusively for Partners at launch. This additional way of communication is designed to allow viewers to stand out in the bustling chat environment and enable streamers to earn a share of the revenue from each Hype Chat purchase.

The feature enables viewers to directly purchase messages that are then pinned to the top of the chat. These messages can range in value from $1 USD to $500 USD, with the streamer able to set the minimum amount up to $100 USD. The visual design, character count, and duration of the pinning depend on the amount spent, allowing for more standout designs with higher value Hype Chats.

In terms of revenue distribution, Hype Chat operates on a 70/30 split net of payment costs on the web, with 70% going to the streamer and 30% to Twitch.

Safety measures have been integrated into Hype Chat to ensure a secure environment. This includes banning messages containing prohibited words or phrases, immediate removal of messages from timed-out or banned users, and the scanning of Hype Chat messages by AutoMod. Additionally, streamers and moderators have the power to unpin any Hype Chat messages they find inappropriate.

The introduction of Hype Chat emphasizes Twitch's commitment to providing new avenues for streamers to engage with their audience and generate revenue. It is seen as complementary to existing monetization features such as Bits, Subs, and Gift Subs, without changing these existing forms of support.

Learn more at twitch.tv and view the full report here.

Source: Twitch

Pinterest Introduces Premiere Spotlight and Travel Catalogs for Enhanced Advertising Reach

Photo Credit: Pinterest

June 14, 2023, (NEWS PROVIDED BY V SOCIAL MEDIA) - Today, Pinterest introduced two new advertising solutions: Premiere Spotlight and Travel Catalogs, aiming to escalate advertising success on the platform.

Premiere Spotlight offers brands exclusive ownership of premium placements on Pinterest during key promotion periods, maximizing campaign visibility. Travel Catalogs allow travel brands to turn their listings into dynamic product Pins, facilitating a more direct booking process for users.

Bill Watkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Pinterest, elaborated on the purpose of these innovations: “Whether you are supercharging brand awareness with Premiere Spotlight or turning inspiration into booked vacations with Travel Catalogs, our newest ad solutions have one shared goal: helping brands scale on Pinterest across the funnel. We want advertisers to reach the consumers they care about and drive them from discovery to decision to do—all in a more positive place online.”

Premiere Spotlight is now available in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, and Australia. Travel Catalogs will be accessible to travel advertisers worldwide later this summer.

For more information on these new advertising opportunities, visit pinterest.business.com.

Source: Pinterest