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Snapchat Launches First B2B Creator Campaign

Snapchat has launched its first-ever B2B creator campaign under its new 'Spend Smarter' platform, aiming to challenge inherited media planning habits and attract brand marketing budgets. This marks an unexpected move for the consumer-focused social app. Additionally, YouTube introduced new features for creators focused on building up live streaming. The newsletter also highlights an ASOS partnership with creator Farron Clark, and TikTok's upcoming AI Creator Search tool for filtering creators by audience and content performance.

• Snapchat launches first B2B creator campaign under 'Spend Smarter' platform.
• YouTube launches new features for creators focused on live streaming.
• ASOS names Farron Clark as Marketing Insider of 2026.

8-K Financial Filing Analysis for Snapchat (2026-09-08)

On September 3, 2026, Snap Inc. reported that Ajit Mohan, Chief Business Officer, submitted his resignation to pursue external opportunities. Mr. Mohan will remain in his role through December 31, 2026, ensuring an orderly transition. The filing explicitly notes that his departure does not stem from any disagreement regarding accounting, strategy, operations, or corporate governance practices.

• Chief Business Officer Ajit Mohan notified Snap Inc. of his departure on September 3, 2026.
• Mr. Mohan's final day with Snap is scheduled for December 31, 2026.
• The departure is voluntary and unrelated to any disagreements regarding strategy, accounting, or operational policies.

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 Retail Loses Share of Private Consumption, NIQ Report

A NielsenIQ (NIQ) report finds that EU purchasing power per capita rose nominally by 3.3% in 2025 to €22,425, while retail sales in the EU grew only 2.1%, slowing from previous years. Total available funds across the 27 EU states reached roughly €10.1 trillion. The share of private consumption spent in retail fell to 31.9% in 2025, with Germany the lowest at 22.2% and Croatia the highest at 48.3%. Retail sales growth varied widely across markets (Norway +13.1%, Lithuania +10.5%, Sweden +8.9%, Bulgaria +8.2%, Slovakia +8.0%); the UK saw a -0.6% decline. Average EU inflation dropped to 2.5% in 2025 but NIQ expects inflation to rise to about 3.1% in 2026, which could keep pressure on retailers as consumers shift spending toward services, travel and leisure.

• NielsenIQ (NIQ) reports average purchasing power per EU inhabitant rose 3.3% in 2025 to €22,425.
• Total available consumer funds across the 27 EU states were approximately €10.1 trillion in 2025.
• EU retail sales grew 2.1% in 2025, slower than the 3.3% gain in purchasing power.

PDD Holdings Grows, Investments Weigh on Profit

PDD Holdings, parent of Temu and Pinduoduo, reported second-quarter 2026 results showing revenue growth but lower net profit due to higher investments. Q2 revenue rose 8% year-on-year to RMB 112.4 billion, driven by transaction services, while net income attributable to shareholders fell 12% to RMB 27.2 billion. Operating expenses increased as the company expanded spending on merchant subsidies, marketing, compliance, and platform development. PDD retains a strong liquidity position with RMB 456.4 billion in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and positive operating cash flow, and management says it prioritizes long-term platform-building over short-term profit maximization amid a complex regulatory environment.

• PDD Holdings reported Q2 2026 revenue of RMB 112.4 billion (approx. USD 16.6 billion), up 8% year-on-year.
• Net income attributable to shareholders fell 12% to RMB 27.2 billion in Q2 2026.
• Transaction services revenue increased 13% to RMB 54.7 billion; online marketing and other services generated RMB 57.6 billion.

Pitch us your next photoshoot

Unsplash is inviting photographers to pitch their next photoshoot idea, as announced in a new blog post by Kelsey Bryant.