Here are the top digital marketing data and case studies that caught our eye.

Marketers increasingly choosing Facebook video over YouTube

Google’s dominance of the online video ad sector is under threat, with new research showing that the number of videos directly upload to Facebook could soon surpass videos linked from YouTube.

Too many retargeted ads ‘put people off buying’

Over half (55%) of consumers are put off buying products or services if they see the same ad online multiple times, but the type of website where the ad appears can make a big difference according to new research.

The rise of the 26 ‘smart cities’: $2 trillion opportunity for brands

As more people flock to urban areas, there will be a growing trend for technology driven ‘mega cities’ across the globe, presenting a huge opportunity for brands, according to a new report.

Google ‘barometer’ offers customer insights across 46 countries

Google has launched its latest Consumer Barometer planning tool, letting marketers monitor consumer media and shopping habits across 46 countries.

Programmatic display ad spend to double this year

US programmatic digital display advertising is projected to top $10 billion this year, more than double last year’s $4.24 billion, with similar growth predicted next year, according to new research.

Facebook ‘overtakes YouTube for PC video views’ (but still lags on mobile)

Facebook has reportedly passed YouTube for monthly video views on desktop for the first time, delivered nearly a billion more than YouTube August, as the social networks ‘autoplaying’ video format looks to be paying off.
The claim was made during this video interview by watch Beet.tv’s with ComScore’s co-founder. Watch it here.

Google Play now far ahead of Apple for app downloads (but still makes less money)

Google Play has significantly widened its lead over Apple’s App Store when it comes to app downloads, but Apple’s store still dominates app revenues, according to new research.

See app global data breakdowns below:

Delays to digital transformation projects worry CIOs and CFOs

Digital is becoming increasingly disruptive as legal firms create virtual teams to meet new customer demands, retailers like Argos overhaul their business models to better serve their digital customers, and travel firms like Virgin Holidays are creating superior website experiences to advertise to and engage their customers. But many firms are struggling to keep up with the pace of change, according to a new survey.

Global Facebook ad budgets up 81% (as revenue rises 162%)

Global Facebook ad budgets have increased 81% (year on year) while revenue from Facebook ads is up 162% according to new quarterly data.

CASE STUDIES

Case study: How Murphy’s turned Ireland’s rain into beer

Back in 2012, beer brand Murphy’s took a risky approach to app marketing, offering a free beer every time it rained in Ireland over the summer. The move was so successful they did it again the following year. This case study looks at how the beverage brand mocked Budweiser and got over 20,000 downloads.

Lexus offers virtual test drive with Oculus Rift

In October 2014, Lexus became one of the first brands to use Oculus Rift virtual reality technology to promote its new NX car model. Teaming up with agency Amaze, the campaign provides and interactive consumer buying experience using Oculus Rift (OR) technology and the new DK2 headsets.
View the experience in action here:

Case study: Yves Saint Laurent ‘big’ digital branding pays off

YSL chose PageSkin Plus, with animated sidebars and the campaign video integrated into the large creative header, to promote the launch of their new Gloss Volupté lip gloss. This case study looks at how the luxury beauty brand achieved huge ad recall and brand uplift far above industry benchmarks.