🔒 Meta launches content protection tool for Reels.

💬 X rolls out new privacy-based messaging platform, Chat.

🔍 Google tests “Journey Aware Bidding” to optimize Search campaigns.

🎬 Why some brands are leaning into short films.

✨ The Consumer Aesthetics Research Institute proves that subcultures are thriving more than ever.

🍬 Bless! Brach’s invents a candy cane unwrapper.

New research shows that putting just the right amount of text in the right place can lift social engagement and clicks by up to 127%.

Across 4 experiments and 8,200+ real posts, researchers found that text overlays work by balancing visual attention. When the text and imagery don’t compete, and instead feel integrated, people are significantly more likely to click, comment, and like.

But size, placement, and platform all matter, too.

For dynamic visuals like videos and GIFs, medium-sized text performs best, especially when it sits on the edges rather than the center. On static images, it flips: centered and larger overlays tend to win.

Here’s a handy formula for higher performance:

• Keep overlays away from the center on videos/GIFs
• On Instagram videos/GIFs: use ~11% of the frame (up to 44%)
• On X: aim for up to 46% of the frame; peak performance at 24%
• On Facebook: medium text sizes outperform small by 127%
• Place text on edges for +19–23% clicks
• For static images: center the text and size it larger

But it’s still a good idea to A/B test your audience and see what your sweet spot is. Check out Science Says for a look at the study.

The new AI Website Builder by beehiiv lets you start with a prompt, like “Build me a landing page,” “Create an interactive chart,” or “I need a product calculator.”

From there, it generates a fully structured page in minutes. Switch between Chat Mode, where you iterate by describing changes, and Design Mode, which gives you full drag-and-drop precision.

It automatically pulls your design system, understands your visual language, and adapts layouts, components, and copy to match your style. You can also upload image references.

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Auntie Anne’s has launched Sparkleberry Lemonade for the holidays, along with matching “Smittens,” a tri-mitten set featuring one you can share with your boo while sipping lemonade together.

The campaign is peak Y2K mall-culture energy with infomercial-style ads, a throwback hotline (844-4-SMITTEN), and limited-edition merch, like a giant “Together Tether” scarf.