Latest news with #WhatsAppBusiness
Campaign ME
10 hours ago
- Business
- Campaign ME
The platform updates you need to know from May
Campaign Middle East rounds up the latest platform updates on social media, content and streaming platforms from May. Here are the key highlights: X: Vertical Video Ads now support sales objectives, enabling marketers to drive web conversions with immersive, sound-on creative. New iOS calls to action (CTAs) – shop now, sign up, book – streamline user actions, with Android support on the horizon. This update helps brands capture attention and scale mobile-first campaigns for high-impact results in a competitive digital landscape. Snapchat: Along with Sponsored Snap, advertisers can now use Snapchat Smart Campaign Solutions, a new suite of solutions to deliver AI-powered performance through two main features: smart bidding and smart budget. Smart Bidding: The Smart Bidding strategy allows advertisers to set a target cost-per-action (CPA) that they would like to achieve. This technology automatically adjusts bids and budgets spent on behalf of advertisers to maximise scale. Smart Budget: Smart Budget allows advertisers to automatically shift spend to the highest performing ad sets within a campaign to maximise outcomes while reducing time spent in Ads Manager. LinkedIn: LinkedIn rolled out two powerful new features designed to help professionals navigate today's highly competitive job market. The new Job Match tool allows professionals to quickly assess how their skills and experience align with job postings, helping candidates save time and focus on opportunities where they're a strong fit. To improve transparency in the hiring process, job postings now display real-time status indicators such as 'Actively Reviewing Applicants', 'Typical Response Time: X Weeks', 'No Insights Available', or 'Responses Managed by LinkedIn'. These updates give candidates greater transparency into employer engagement and help them prioritise applications more effectively. Additionally, the 'Promoted' tag has been updated to 'Promoted by Hiree', signalling to job seekers which posts carry the highest priority. Meta: On 7 May, Meta Platforms and EssilorLuxottica launched the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in the United Arab Emirates. The collection allows users to take hands-free photos and videos, listen to music discreetly without headphones or earplugs, and translate spoken and signed languages in real time, with access to Meta AI for on-the-go answers. A livestreaming feature enables content creators to broadcast from their own perspective, adding a new layer of relatability and authenticity to content creation. The glasses are supported by a companion app, MetaAI, offering users a seamless way to import, edit and add special effects to content. WhatsApp Business: Effective July 1st, WhatsApp Business will shift from per-conversation to per-message pricing to simplify the structure and better align with industry standards for messaging. Businesses will pay separately for marketing, utility, and authentication messages. Replies within a 24-hour customer service window remain free. Businesses can still reply for free within a 24-hour customer service window, which resets with each user message. During this time, both free-form and utility messages are free to send. Volume-based discounts will be introduced for utility and authentication messages. As message volumes increase, businesses will get lower rates, encouraging growth. Google: Google unveiled a suite of new AI-powered models, products, and features for Gemini and Search at its annual developer event, Google I/O. The updates and new features will offer enhanced AI assistance to users worldwide that is more intelligent, agentic, and personalised. Spotify: Spotify Ads Manager is now accessible through Aleph, giving advertisers and agencies the tools to create impactful, highly targeted campaigns. Spotify recently introduced new ad formats available on Ads Manager, including Canvas and Opt-in Video. These new formats reimagine what ads on Spotify can be and how advertisers can engage with people through sight and sound. Spotify also announced new outcome-based objectives to help advertisers of all sizes create, optimise and measure their Spotify campaigns, including a new App Installs objective and a new Website Traffic Objective. The Ads Manager will allow advertisers to choose goals such as reach, impressions, clicks or video views for highly targeted campaigns.
Gulf Insider
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Starting July 1: WhatsApp Business Rolls Out Major Pricing Changes
In a significant move for businesses worldwide, WhatsApp Business has announced a revamped pricing model for its WhatsApp Business Platform, set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The update introduces per-message billing, revised rates, and volume-based discounts for utility and authentication messages—aligning the platform with industry-standard practices seen on other messaging channels. WhatsApp will now charge businesses per template message sent, rather than relying on broader session-based models. This means that if a company sends a single marketing and one utility message, they'll incur separate charges for each message type. 'This update aligns our pricing structure with other leading communication platforms that already operate on a per-message basis,' said a WhatsApp spokesperson. Businesses can still respond to customer inquiries for free within a designated 24-hour customer service window, which resets every time a user sends a new message. During this period, companies can send both free-form and utility messages at no cost. 'This gives businesses more flexibility and choice when responding to customers, without worrying about added fees,' WhatsApp noted in its update. To support growth, WhatsApp Business will roll out market-specific volume tiers for utility and authentication messages. As businesses scale up, they'll automatically benefit from reduced pricing in higher tiers. 'The more messages you send, the more you save,' WhatsApp stated. 'Volume-based pricing makes the platform more cost-effective for growing businesses.' These volume tiers are category-specific and market-based. For instance, a business sending utility messages in Brazil would qualify for a separate pricing tier than one sending authentication messages in India. Predictable billing with per-message pricing No cost for responses within the customer service window Lower rates at higher volumes, incentivising platform growth Alignment with global communication pricing standards This pricing update signals WhatsApp's continued commitment to supporting business communication while ensuring cost-efficiency and scalability. Companies leveraging the WhatsApp Business Platform should review the new pricing structure closely to optimise their messaging strategies before the July 1 rollout.
What's On
4 days ago
- Business
- What's On
WhatsApp Business users could soon be charged per message
You have one new notification… WhatsApp, the Meta-owned messaging service that's taken the world by storm over the last decade, and has become arguably the most widely-used messaging platform in the UAE, will soon be a paid service on its Business variant. Images: unsplash The messaging platform will begin charging registered businesses using WhatsApp Business, from July 1 onwards. The move is being introduced with the aim of simplifying pricing, and aligning to industry-standard rates being followed by similar messaging services. For registered businesses using WhatsApp Business to communicate with customers, utility and authentication rates will also be updated, with volume tiers being introduced as part of the brand's new pricing strategy. It will follow an incentivised model, with businesses becoming eligible for better rates as they use more – resulting in longer term savings. But there are a couple of things to note. Marketing template messages, authentication template messages and delivered utility template messages will be charged – per message, as opposed to per conversation – and how much the business is charged per message, will depend on the recipient's country code. As elaborated by Meta, businesses will have a bit of leeway in when they choose to respond to customers, due to a designated 24-hour customer service window – which resets every time a new message is sent. Within this 24-hour customer service window, companies can send both free-form and utility messages at no cost, so they would only be charged for marketing template messages. However… Individual users of WhatsApp Business will not be required to pay to use the app. In the UAE, several expatriates and owners of multiple phone numbers (and consequently, multiple WhatsApp accounts) currently run both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business on their phones. You can find out more on the new changes, on WhatsApp's official page. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Gulf Business
5 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Starting July 1: WhatsApp Business rolls out major pricing changes
Image credit: Getty Images In a significant move for businesses worldwide, WhatsApp Business has announced a revamped pricing model for its WhatsApp Business Platform, set to take effect on July 1, 2025. Per-message pricing: Shift in billing strategy 'This update aligns our pricing structure with other leading communication platforms that already operate on a per-message basis,' said a WhatsApp spokesperson. Free messaging within the customer service window Businesses can still respond to customer inquiries for free within a designated 24-hour customer service window, which resets every time a user sends a new message. During this period, companies can send both free-form and utility messages at no cost. 'This gives businesses more flexibility and choice when responding to customers, without worrying about added fees,' WhatsApp noted in its update. New volume tiers offer scalable savings To support growth, WhatsApp Business will roll out market-specific volume tiers for utility and authentication messages. As businesses scale up, they'll automatically benefit from reduced pricing in higher tiers. 'The more messages you send, the more you save,' WhatsApp stated. 'Volume-based pricing makes the platform more cost-effective for growing businesses.' These volume tiers are category-specific and market-based. For instance, a business sending utility messages in Brazil would qualify for a separate pricing tier than one sending authentication messages in India. What this means for businesses Predictable billing with per-message pricing No cost for responses within the customer service window Lower rates at higher volumes, incentivising platform growth Alignment with global communication pricing standards Looking ahead This pricing update signals WhatsApp's continued commitment to supporting business communication while ensuring cost-efficiency and scalability. Companies leveraging the WhatsApp Business Platform should review the new pricing structure closely to optimise their messaging strategies before the July 1 rollout. For a detailed breakdown of the updated rates and volume tiers, visit
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Expansion of E-commerce Platforms into Social Commerce: Focus on Shein, Jumia and Takealot
Africa's social commerce market is set to boom, projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.2% from 2025 to 2030, reaching USD 9.43 billion. The rise is fueled by mobile internet, fintech innovation, and social media's influence on shopping. Detailed insights highlight market segmentation, opportunities, and trends. Dublin, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Africa Social Commerce Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics Databook - 50+ KPIs on Social Commerce Trends by End-Use Sectors, Operational KPIs, Retail Product Dynamics, and Consumer Demographics - Q2 2025 Update" report has been added to social commerce market is poised for significant growth, with an anticipated 26.7% annual increase projected to reach USD 4.45 billion by 2025. From 2021 to 2024, the region saw a robust CAGR of 38.4%, a trend expected to continue with a 16.2% growth rate forecasted for 2025-2030. By the end of this period, the market is predicted to expand from USD 3.51 billion in 2024 to approximately USD 9.43 report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the social commerce sector in Africa, covering market opportunities and risks across a range of retail categories. With over 50+ KPIs at the regional and country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of social commerce market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics. Key InsightsAfrica's social commerce landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by mobile-first internet adoption, fintech integration, and the growing role of social media platforms in online shopping. The region's young, tech-savvy population and rising smartphone penetration have created an ideal environment for businesses to engage with consumers through social channels. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Shopping, and WhatsApp Business have become essential tools for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to tap into the digital the same time, mobile money and fintech innovations are breaking down barriers to digital transactions, enabling a broader consumer base to participate in e-commerce. Introducing Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions, cross-border payment integrations, and digital wallets makes social commerce more accessible to consumers who lack traditional banking access. Africa's social commerce ecosystem is expected to expand significantly, with businesses leveraging AI-driven personalization, influencer partnerships, and seamless mobile payment experiences to enhance consumer in Social Commerce Adoption Across the Region Platform Engagement and Adoption: Social media-driven e-commerce is growing rapidly across Africa, with platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Instagram Shopping providing small businesses with a cost-effective way to reach customers. According to a 2024 report by Sagaci Research, over 40% of internet users in key African markets, including Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, have purchased via social commerce platforms. Businesses are leveraging social channels not only for direct sales but also for customer service, product discovery, and community engagement. Amazon's Market Entry Impact: In May 2024, Amazon formally launched operations in South Africa, marking a major milestone in Sub-Saharan Africa's e-commerce landscape. The company is gradually onboarding more local and independent sellers, which could redefine competitive dynamics in the market. Amazon's presence has prompted local players like Takealot and Jumia to accelerate their social commerce strategies, offering more personalized and interactive shopping experiences through social media engagement. Integration of Fintech Solutions Enhancing Social Commerce Digital Payment Innovations: Africa's fintech sector is crucial to expanding social commerce. Mobile money services like Kenya's M-Pesa, Nigeria's Opay, and South Africa's MTN MoMo allow consumers to make seamless payments on social platforms. The integration of digital wallets and QR-based payment solutions within social commerce ecosystems has significantly improved transaction security and convenience, particularly in regions where traditional banking access remains low. The Rise of BNPL and Alternative Payments: In May 2024, Jumia Nigeria partnered with Easybuy and CredPal to launch BNPL options, allowing consumers to split payments for online purchases. This initiative has made social commerce more inclusive, enabling budget-conscious buyers to access products without immediate full payment. In addition, the increasing adoption of cryptocurrency for cross-border transactions in countries like Ghana and Nigeria is opening new possibilities for international social commerce. Expansion of E-commerce Platforms into Social Commerce Jumia's Market Realignment: In October 2024, Jumia announced its decision to exit South Africa and Tunisia, shifting its focus toward high-growth markets in West and East Africa. This move aligns with Jumia's long-term strategy to concentrate resources on regions where digital commerce adoption is growing at a faster rate. As part of its restructuring, Jumia invests in AI-driven chatbots and WhatsApp-based sales channels to improve customer engagement and streamline order fulfillment. Takealot's Township Expansion Strategy: South Africa's largest online retailer, Takealot, is aggressively expanding into underserved markets by hiring thousands of personal shoppers. This approach aims to increase e-commerce penetration in rural and township areas, where logistical and digital payment challenges have historically hindered adoption. By leveraging localized delivery networks and integrating mobile payment solutions, Takealot aims to capture a larger share of South Africa's informal retail economy. Growth of Influencer Marketing Driving Social Commerce The Power of Micro-Influencers: Social commerce in Africa is fueled by influencer marketing, particularly among micro-influencers with hyper-local audiences. Unlike traditional advertising, influencer-driven commerce relies on trust and community engagement, making it highly effective for product discovery and brand promotion. In Nigeria, fashion and beauty brands have increased their spending on influencer partnerships by over 30% in 2024, reflecting the growing reliance on digital word-of-mouth marketing. Live Shopping and Short-Form Video Boom: The rise of TikTok and Instagram Reels is reshaping how consumers interact with brands. In Kenya, beauty and electronics brands have started leveraging TikTok's live shopping feature, allowing influencers to showcase products and answer real-time customer questions. This trend is expected to accelerate as platforms introduce more integrated shopping tools tailored to African markets. Competitive Landscape of Social Commerce in AfricaAfrica's social commerce sector is becoming increasingly competitive, with local and international players striving to capture market share. Several key developments are shaping the competitive dynamics: Shein's Entry into South Africa: In September 2024, Shein opened its first physical pop-up store in Cape Town, leading to renewed debates over digital retail regulations. The rapid rise of Shein has prompted South African regulators to review tax policies on foreign e-commerce companies, aiming to level the playing field for local retailers. Regulatory Landscape Evolution: South African authorities are exploring regulatory "sandboxes" to allow startups and digital platforms to test new business models in a controlled environment. This regulatory shift could pave the way for more innovation in social commerce, particularly in areas like digital lending and AI-driven customer support. Current State of Social CommerceAfrica's social commerce market is experiencing rapid transformation, driven by increasing mobile penetration, fintech innovation, and evolving consumer preferences. With over 40% of urban internet users in key markets like Nigeria and Kenya engaging in social commerce, the sector is set for sustained growth. Businesses increasingly invest in AI-driven personalization, alternative payment methods, and localized influencer collaborations to drive social commerce adoption remains uneven across different African regions, mobile-first strategies and fintech integration are crucial in reducing digital transaction friction. Expanding cross-border social commerce and growing consumer trust in digital payments will fuel further growth in the coming Players in Africa's Social Commerce Ecosystem Jumia: Africa's largest e-commerce platform, focusing on social commerce integration and AI-driven customer interactions. Takealot: South Africa's leading online retailer, expanding into township and rural markets. M-Pesa: The dominant mobile money provider in East Africa, facilitating social commerce payments. Amazon South Africa: A new entrant shaping competitive dynamics in the regional e-commerce landscape. Recent Partnerships, Mergers, and Acquisitions Jumia's Strategic Exit from South Africa and Tunisia: Aimed at reallocating resources to faster-growing markets. TikTok's Social Commerce Pilot in South Africa: Testing in-app shopping features tailored to local businesses. Takealot's Expansion into Townships: Hiring thousands of personal shoppers to serve new customer segments. Future Directions and Market Strategy Looking ahead, Africa's social commerce sector is expected to undergo significant changes driven by three key factors: Technological Advancements: AI-driven product recommendations, automated chatbots, and live shopping features will become more prominent. Regulatory Developments: Increased oversight on digital transactions and e-commerce taxation could reshape market competition. Cross-Border Expansion: More African e-commerce platforms will look to expand regionally, leveraging fintech and logistics innovations. Report ScopeCountry reports in this bundled offering provide in-depth analysis of Social Commerce industry. Below is a summary of key market segments offered at country level. E-commerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2021-2030 Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2021-2030 Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Retail Product Categories, 2021-2030 Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Consumer Segment, 2021-2030 Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Device, 2021-2030 Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2021-2030 Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2021-2030 Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Payment Method, 2021-2030 Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Platforms Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Consumer Demographics & Behaviour, 2024 Social Commerce Market Share by Key Players, 2024 For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
