M32 launches self-serve Ad Center

Montreal-based ad tech and analytics company, M32 Connect, has launched its M32 Ad Center, a self-service platform that allows publishers to sell directly to local and national advertisers in a transparent environment.

The technology, 18 months in development, was designed to be implemented on publisher sites in order to simplify the monetization of digital media properties. The Ad Center combines ease of use through the same type of tools available on major platforms and social networks for the creation of advertising, credit card payment, and campaign reports – but with the relevance of content from local, regional or national web publishers.

Scotiabank gives rink ad space to Canadians 

On Saturday, during its 13.5-hour long Hockey Day in Canada, Scotiabank gave its rinkboards to Canadians to broadcast messages of inclusion.

The full-day tournament – its 22nd edition – saw all seven Canadian NHL teams competing and was broadcast on Sportsnet, as well as SN NOW, NHL LIVE, and CBC. The marathon was hosted by Ron MacLean, and featured the likes of  Toronto Maple Leafs legends Darcy Tucker and Wendel Clark, along with Akim Aliu, the Chair of the Hockey Diversity Alliance, and PWHPA Players Kristen Richards and Shannon Stewart.

The bank brand used this year’s event to promote diversity and inclusion in hockey, as part of its “Hockey for All” commitment and campaign. It asked hockey fans to submit messages of support, which were then featured on the love Sportsnet broadcast as well as on the rinkboards at the games.

Snap ups its shopping game

Snap upgraded its AR shopping capabilities with the launch of Catalog-powered Shopping Lenses.

The AR try-on shopping interface was created so that brands are more easily able to build, scale and optimize their products, from make-up to shoes, watches and glasses.

The Catalog-powered tool allows advertisers to add information like prices, descriptions, and URLs so that users can more easily purchase products after they try them on. The platform has also upgraded its real-time results for brands, allowing for instant feedback from users.

According to Snap, users, typically millennials and Gen Z, engage with AR on its app more than six billion times per day.