Roblox vs Snapchat

Roblox emerges as a new social media platform for brands

This article discusses how Roblox has become a dominant social space for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, with users spending more time on the platform than on TikTok or YouTube combined. The session aims to move past the misconception that Roblox is only for children, presenting it as a new social ecosystem, a content engine for traditional social media, and a powerful advertising platform for brands. The article outlines topics such as the transition from 2D to 3D in social media, Roblox as a cultural content vertical, and how brands can shift from passive communication to interactive engagement. The full content is paywalled and exclusively available to Partner+ members.

Mobile Games Data Digest: Roblox, Heartopia, Newzoo, More

This weekly data digest covers key mobile gaming metrics and financial results. Roblox shares jumped 11% after announcing developer tools. Sensor Tower data shows Asian firms leading August growth, with Sony top. Heartopia reached $20M monthly IAP revenue. Pocket Worlds acquired Hotel Hideaway. Clash of Critters entered top coin looter games. Newzoo forecasts mobile revenue to hit $121.1B in 2026. StoryToys revenue up 43%. Age of Magic hits $120M lifetime revenue.

• Roblox shares rose 11% on September 14, 2026, after RDC announcements.
• According to Sensor Tower, Sony led IAP revenue growth in August with $26.7m.
• Heartopia reached $20m monthly IAP revenue, a new Simulation genre record.

Roblox launches new analytics tools for creators

Roblox has introduced new analytics and live operations features to help game creators better understand player behavior and optimize game performance. The new tools include granular player segmentation based on in-game activity, engagement, platform activity, tenure, and spend, as well as real-time performance alerts. Roblox has also expanded its experiments system with segment-based targeting and a harm-detection system that alerts creators in near real time if key metrics like playtime, ARPU, or conversion rates drop below thresholds. Performance monitoring now includes error detection, custom rules, and telemetry coverage. Config updates allow faster propagation and conditional values for different player segments. Roblox plans to extend analytics into its mobile-first Build creation tab later this year.

• Roblox expanded its analytics tools with granular player segmentation and real-time performance alerts.
• The experiments system now includes segment-based targeting and early harm-detection for metrics like playtime, ARPU, and conversion rate.
• Performance monitoring gained error detection, custom rules, real-time alerts, and telemetry on crash rates, memory, CPU, and frame rate.

Women athletes embrace creator playbook for income and growth

Women athletes are increasingly adopting creator strategies to supplement income and build their personal brands, driven by the growth of women's sports yet persistent pay gaps. Companies like Togethxr, co-founded by athletes, offer programs such as the Snap the Gap cohort with Snapchat, providing production resources and mentorship. Participants, including soccer player Michelle Alozie and gymnast Kyrstina Johnson, saw significant follower growth on Snapchat. This creator approach not only supports athletes during their careers but also prepares them for life after sports. The trend is supported by rising viewership and revenue in women's sports, with leagues like the PWHL and NWSL reporting increased YouTube engagement. Athletes also leverage social media to secure non-sport brand partnerships, as exemplified by Sarah Nurse's beauty content.

• Togethxr's Snap the Gap cohort with Snapchat helped seven women athletes grow their Snapchat audiences; Michelle Alozie grew 61% to 204,000 followers.
• Elite women's sports are projected to reach $3 billion in revenue in 2026, a 25% increase year-over-year (Deloitte).
• The PWHL reported a 77% year-over-year increase in YouTube viewership, and the NWSL reported 42%.

EU Plans Social Media Ban for Under-13s

The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, is proposing regulations to ban children under 13 from major social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, with stricter age verification. The plan, to be formally presented soon, includes a gradual approach: 13-15 year olds would have supervised 'mini-accounts' limited to one hour daily, with full accounts allowed from age 15. Platforms must implement safer designs, such as preventing endless scrolling or autoplay videos, and face mandates on child safety certifications, default private accounts for minors, and restrictions on live streaming. German officials support the initiative, but experts highlight challenges in implementation and enforcement, including potential circumvention, impacts on fundamental rights, and competitive disadvantages for new platforms. The proposal requires approval from the European Parliament and member states, a process that may take months or years.

• EU Commission proposes banning children under 13 from social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
• 13-15 year olds would have supervised 'mini-accounts' limited to one hour daily; full accounts only from age 15.
• Proposal includes requirements for safer design features, such as preventing endless scrolling and auto-play videos, plus bans on addictive designs.

Snapchat launches Commerce Power Pack with dynamic product ads

Snap Inc. has introduced the Commerce Power Pack, a suite of four new commerce tools for advertisers, ahead of the Black Friday and Christmas shopping season. The tools include Dynamic Product Ads in Sponsored Snaps, Value Optimization, Third Party Web Optimization, and Omnichannel Optimization. Dynamic Product Ads use AI-driven recommendations to showcase catalog products in chat. Value Optimization targets higher-value purchases, currently in beta. Third Party Web Optimization allows campaigns to optimize against external measurement partners like Google Analytics and Northbeam, showing significant performance gains in tests. Omnichannel Optimization, in alpha, enables simultaneous optimization of web and app conversions. Early results from Northbeam customers show a 20% reduction in customer acquisition costs on Snapchat.

• Snap launched four commerce tools: Dynamic Product Ads in Sponsored Snaps, Value Optimization, Third Party Web Optimization, and Omnichannel Optimization.
• Dynamic Product Ads are available globally, while Value Optimization is in beta and Omnichannel Optimization is in alpha.
• In internal tests, Dynamic Product Ads optimized for 'Pixel Purchase' improved 7-day CPA by 22%.