YouTube is changing the algorithim it uses to suggest videos to users. From now on, the videos that appear as either related or suggested videos will give greater prominence to the amount of a video people view on average e.g. a minute long video watched foran average of 55 sceconds gains a higher ranking in the algorithim than a four minute video that is watchedd for an average of 55 seconds.

YouTube explain this in a post, saying the previous algorithim “was a helpful way to promote channels, but issues like misleading thumbnails kept this system from bringing videos with deeper engagement to the top.” The offer content creators optimisation tips in order to get the most out of these changes. Read More »

For me, trying to choose a favourite talk from Austin’s SXSW interactive festival this week would be like lining up a row of twelve pots of deliciously fruity yoghurt and stating that I was only allowed to have one.

Agony.

Anyway, whatever the talk, and no matter what its theme, there’s great potential for use within digital advertising. It was good stuff. If someone tells you they weren’t inspired by SXSW then maybe they’re looking for fully-formed answers on a plate, whereas half the fun of this industry is taking a raw possibility, be it a technology or channel, and trying to do something different with it. Read More »

Since its launch in March of 2010, Pinterest has shown explosive growth and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. So what is with all the interest in Pinterest and is it warranted?

It’s not too often a social media site experiences as much traffic and growth as Pinterest, especially amongst women. Even more so, Pinterest already accounts for more referral traffic on the web than Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+. Read More »

We’ve heard rumours in the past concerning the launch of a smaller iPad, and now an unnamed Samsung official has thrown more fuel on the fire. Asking not to be identified (fair enough in the circumstances), he or she told the Korea Times that Apple will launch a 7.85-inch iPad before 2012 is out. Read More »

The final day featured a UKTI and Chinwag networking event – The Great British Breakfast including Heinz Baked Beans and specially imported Yorkshire Tea as an incentive for everyone to get up early !

There were a huge variety of different attendees with the best of the brightest of the UK digital media industry (Us) along with US investors and International media. There was a great buzz about the week and lots of difference perspectives about the event, the talks, the parties and the launches and what was the next big thing! Read More »

The day kicked off with more sunshine and UKTI sponsored roundtables attended by Google, Twitter, Microsoft, Pepsi and Discovery – we each had 45 minutes with top 2 choices – I met with Pepsi and Twitter.

- Josh Karpf at Pepsi told us how they are actively investing in tech / development as a means of keeping up with what was going on and give back to the community. They really seemed to be following a test and learn philosophy and he claimed it was working well for the brand with new work coming out soon. Read More »

Woke up top Sunshine and 80 degrees – YAY !

Started the early day in a Austin Café filled with runners, chilling and delegates mixing – coffee, pancakes, emails and Twitter.

I decided to see a different side of Austin and stayed away from the Convention Centre and Hilton and opted for panels in OMNIS and experience the breadth of the offering at SXSW with lateral subject such as How to Think, be creative and learn more about technology and software development. Read More »

Saturday brought more British weather but on an American scale as the heavens literally opened meaning I missed the first session of the day trying to avoid getting completely soaked.

I attended 3 sessions – a reading on transmedia storytelling #SXacg2ts and two keynotes on career / life planning #SXstartyou and How to read the World#SXThurston on the role of technology, comedy and satire in transforming the world around us. Read More »

I had heard prior to arrival that accommodation was one of the biggest issues at SXSW – there are not enough hotels for the delegates so people stay where they can with sites like airbnb and couchsurfing helping people to find a place to la their heads with some people staying 45 – 60 minute drive from Austin.

I had arranged my accommodation through UKTI staying with another mission company just south of the river in Austin. It turned out to be a futon in the living room but I was very aware it was simply a place to lay your head (and it was a bargain compared to the $400+++ that was being charged by downtown hotels. NOTE TO SELF/ OTHERS: book early in future and try and stay as close to downtown as possible so you can come and go during the very long days. Read More »