Weekly Digital Breakdown – 5.29.20

Google Introduces Voice Payments

Google is taking touchless payments one step further with the pilot program of Voice Match. Users will be able to verify their identity through their voice when making purchases with Google Assistant through smart speakers and displays. 

While Google has confirmed the functionality is in the works, it’s still being tested before complete rollout. The feature is currently restricted to in-app digital purchases through Google Play and restaurant orders. 

Voice Match payments are still perfected but setup instructions are available on Google’s support page. The training process for the payment system aims to be able to distinguish between voices with high accuracy but spending limits are in place while testing is ongoing. With over 60 million smart speakers in U.S. households alone, security of the payment system is the prime focus before the official launch. 

https://searchengineland.com/google-assistants-confirm-with-voice-match-gives-new-meaning-to-contactless-payments-335095

Instagram Helps Creators Monetize Live Video

Social influencers are finding content creation more challenging with travel and contraction restrictions in place during the pandemic. To assist with this challenge, Instagram announced new ways for creators to make income on Instagram Live and IGTV with the introduction of badges that viewers can purchase during live videos.

Fans who have purchased badges will be able to unlock additional features during live feeds including placement on a creator’s list of badge holders and access to a special heart signified next to their username. 

Additionally, IGTV ads will be introduced in the beginning of June. Advertising revenue from the ads will be shared with creators whose content they appear. The ads can be up to 15 seconds and will initially be displayed at the beginning of IGTV videos. Testing on format and placement will be ongoing before final results are confirmed. A small group of creators and advertisers will have first access and the feature will slowly expand as the experience is refined. 

Instagram fully acknowledges creators are the core of their community and growth. They vow to continue to work on ways to allow for monetization and business growth as they continue to innovate the platform. 

 https://techcrunch.com/2020/05/27/instagram-to-test-new-revenue-streams-including-badges-and-igtv-ads/

Google Adds Features to Support SMBs

Google continues their ongoing efforts to support small and medium businesses with it’s latest Business Profile feature. Merchants can now add a donation link, gift card link, or both as well as an explanation on how the funds received will be used. The support links will be rolled out globally to help with relief efforts. 

Google partnered with Paypay and GoFundMe for donations received through the initiative. Merchants can link their individual gift card site pages for those interested or go through eligible Google partners which include Square, Toast, Clove, and Vagaro. Google won’t be charging any processing fees but partner fees may apply.

They are hoping the additional Business Profile feature combined with increased consumer use of Search and Maps for nearby business hours and updated services will prompt customers to extend their support. Small businesses have eagerly embraced the help as Google continues work on additional means of support.

https://www.adweek.com/digital/google-continues-to-add-features-supporting-smbs-during-covid-19/