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LinkedIn has launched a new feature called Collaborative Articles, which uses AI to suggest contributors for collaborative posts to improve knowledge-sharing among users. 

With this feature, members can collaborate with other users to create more engaging and insightful content on LinkedIn. Collaborative Articles can also increase user engagement and provide members with more opportunities to connect with other professionals in their field.

Influencer marketing has become a popular strategy for brands to connect with their audiences, and now a new trend has emerged: brands are hiring influencers as creative directors. Influencers bring a unique perspective, visual storytelling skills, and a deep connection to their audience, making them well-suited for the role. With the rise of influencer creative directors, brands can stay ahead of the curve and create campaigns that truly resonate with their audience.

• Influencers like David Laid have been handed over creative control of Gymshark. 
• Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague was appointed as the UK and EU creative director of PrettyLittleThing.
• Kate Moss was hired by Diet Coke as its first creative director.
• And now Pharrell Williams was hired by Louis Vuitton last month to replace the late Virgil Abloh as its men's creative director.

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Marketers are concerned about the latest threat of TikTok bans. The possibility of a ban has raised eyebrows among those who rely on the popular social media app for marketing. TikTok has become a key platform for brands looking to reach younger audiences, and a ban could have significant implications for their marketing strategies. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the app's future is a reminder of the importance of diversifying marketing channels and not relying too heavily on any single platform.

The TikTok spokesperson said the bans were based on “basic misinformation” and that it was willing to meet with officials to clear the air. “We share a common goal with governments that are concerned about user privacy, but these bans are misguided and do nothing to further privacy or security,” the spokesperson said.

Despite these assurances from TikTok, there’s been significant government pushback in a very truncated period of time. No wonder it’s caused some eyebrows to be raised in marketing circles.

Advertisers are unlikely to impose their own TikTok ban as there is no concrete evidence of privacy issues. The app remains a key tool for reaching younger audiences, making it difficult to give up without a compelling reason. Any concerns are based on potential future issues rather than current problems.

In recent news, Salesforce has announced a layoff of 8,000 employees, which is approximately 5% of its workforce. This decision was made in order to restructure the company and focus on areas that are essential for its growth.

However, amidst this layoff, there is also news that Salesforce has paid actor Matthew McConaughey a whopping $10 million for a deal to serve as “creative adviser and TV pitchman”. This news has left many people wondering about the company's priorities and how they are managing their finances.

Regarding the relationship to recent layoffs, it remains unclear as to what the terms of the contract are or when the contract even began. Representatives for Salesforce declined Insider’s request for a comment.

In an interview this week, Andy Serwer asked Marc Benioff, Salesforce CEO and a friend of McConaughey’s, if it was fair to pay McConaughey that much while doing layoffs...

“Is it fair?” Benioff asked in response...

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