There are changes abound in the marketing and advertising world this week, from new user privacy restrictions to sports betting advertisements. Catch up on all the newest stories in our Weekly Must Reads. 

New iPhone Changes the Privacy Game 

Last week, Apple debuted its new line of iPhone 13 devices at its annual product launch event, along with the new iOS 15 update. The new software includes features that allow users to further restrict their data sharing settings, which will make target advertising much more difficult for marketers. Some changes coming with iOS 15 are anonymized email addresses, detailed reports on how apps are using personal information, and asking users to opt-in to targeted ads in the App Store. 

These privacy elements mean marketers will have to work harder to convince consumers to trust them and their data use. Still, many users will be likely to continue opting out of data sharing. As a result, marketers may need to shift their focus and build stronger relationships with their most engaged audience members. Find out more about the products Apple is rolling out today here: https://www.thedrum.com/news/2021/09/17/apple-s-ios-15-enhanced-user-privacy-the-detriment-marketers-publishers 

The NFL Bets on Digital Gambling 

After years of battling sports betting, the NFL has recently changed its tune. This year, the football league has sold more ad spots to sportsbook operators than ever before. During opening weekend, more than 58 million digital bets were placed, a 126 percent increase over opening weekend last year. It’s clear to see why the NFL had a change of heart. The league and its 32 teams stand to make several hundred million dollars in revenue from sports betting alone this season. 

With only 18 states and the District of Columbia currently allowing sports betting, there is an opportunity for nearly exponential growth as more states and networks give sports gambling the green light. Christopher Halpin, the NFL’s chief strategy and growth officer, expects betting to eventually drive more than $1 billion in revenue. Learn more about the NFL’s new relationship with sports betting here: https://www.insidehook.com/daily_brief/sports/nfl-sports-betting-ads 

Neutrogena’s SkinU on TikTok 

On social media platform TikTok, skincare is a hot topic of conversation among many creators. To reach this engaged audience, Neutrogena launched its first TikTok campaign last week with skincare education videos. The content aims to dispel common skincare myths and offer science-backed advice. The series, called “SkinU,” features video conversations between Neutrogena scientists and popular TikTok users selected as brand ambassadors.  

SkinU is not Neutrogena’s first attempt at interactive skincare content. In 2020, the beauty brand used artificial intelligence to scan users’ faces and provide personalized product recommendations. Additionally, Neutrogena released a documentary called “In the Sun” to highlight the effects of sun exposure on our skin. Discover more about SkinU and Neutrogena’s TikTok strategy here: https://www.marketingdive.com/news/neutrogena-debunks-skincare-myths-in-first-tiktok-campaign/606656/ 

Disney’s New Bearbnb 

The latest branded Airbnb experience has hit the market. This time, Disney is taking Winnie the Pooh fans to the real-world Hundred Acre Wood. The new “Bearbnb,” as it’s called, is located in Ashdown Forest, England, which served as inspiration for author A.A. Milne’s iconic children’s book series. Winnie the Pooh illustrator Kim Raymond designed the small house to mirror Pooh’s treehouse home in honor of the series’ 95^th anniversary this year. Guests are encouraged to play “Poohsticks” on a bridge nearby, and channel their inner Eeyore by taking multiple naps in the home’s cozy bunk beds.  

Airbnb has also recently partnered with many other companies and brands to offer stays at themed properties. Last year, guests could book a stay at the world’s last Blockbuster store for a movie night, or reserve a night at the castle used in the television show Downton Abbey. Check out the new Bearbnb for yourself here: https://adage.com/creativity/work/disney-lists-winnie-poohs-bearbnb-airbnb/2365966