Spotify introduces direct messages, LinkedIn ups video ads, Amazon Google Shopping retreat

Spotify introduces direct messages, LinkedIn doubles down on video ads, and Amazon reverses its Google Shopping retreat, on this week’s Marketing Minute.

Spotify has rolled out direct messages, giving users the ability to share audio content and chat within the app. Beyond consumer engagement, it signals another way for Spotify to own more of the conversation layer, which could unlock new inventory for marketers as audio and social continue to converge. Marketers should watch how this expands shareability and sponsored integrations.

LinkedIn is leaning harder into video ads, bringing more publishers and creators into the fold to accelerate growth. As video consumption climbs across platforms, LinkedIn’s pivot reflects the professional network’s push to compete for brand dollars in the attention economy. Marketers now have a fresh opportunity to combine targeting precision with video storytelling.

Amazon has reversed its retreat from Google Shopping by re-entering international markets, while still remaining on the sidelines in the US. This is an important reminder that Amazon could resume US spending at any time, so stay on your toes, and it also gives marketers a crucial window to gain market share while they can.

I hope this has given you some insights into what's trending in marketing this week. If you learned something, drop a like. If you found it valuable, share it with your network. For the Colling Media Marketing Minute, I'm Doug Campbell.

0:00 – Introduction
Brief overview of key marketing trends covered this week.

0:10 – Spotify Introduces Direct Messages
New feature allows users to share audio and chat.

Potential for marketers: increased engagement, shareability, and ad inventory.

Highlights convergence of social and audio.

0:35 – LinkedIn Doubles Down on Video Ads
Expansion of video offerings to more publishers and creators.

Reflects broader trend of rising video consumption.

Strategy to attract brand dollars using professional targeting and storytelling.

1:00 – Amazon Reverses Its Google Shopping Retreat
Amazon re-enters international Google Shopping markets.

Still inactive in US, but marketers should stay alert.

Temporary market share opportunity for competitors.

1:25 – Closing Message
Summary call-to-action: like and share if valuable.

Branding: Colling Media Marketing Minute with Doug Campbell.

Quiz (Multiple Choice)

What new feature has Spotify introduced?
A. Group chats
B. Audio filters
C. Direct messages
D. Social stories

What is a potential benefit of Spotify’s new feature for marketers?
A. Lower subscription costs
B. Improved playlist targeting
C. Expanded ad inventory
D. More music genres

Why is LinkedIn focusing more on video ads?
A. To increase engagement
B. To reduce text posts
C. To replace display ads
D. To compete for brand dollars

How does LinkedIn’s video strategy benefit marketers?
A. Enables influencer partnerships
B. Provides data transparency
C. Increases video views
D. Combines targeting and storytelling

What move has Amazon made recently regarding Google Shopping?

A. Opened new markets in Asia
B. Created Prime ads for Google
C. Re-entered international markets
D. Expanded warehouse ads

What is Amazon’s current position in the US on Google Shopping?

A. Fully reactivated
B. On pause
C. Remaining on the sidelines
D. Trialling voice commerce

✅ Answer Key: C, B, D, D, C, A

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COLLING MEDIA https://collingmedia.com

----------------

FOLLOW COLLING MEDIA
https://www.linkedin.com/company/colling-media
https://www.facebook.com/collingmedia
https://www.instagram.com/collingmedia