On Dec 17, 2024, Blue Hour Studios, a full-service social and influencer agency affiliated with Horizon Media, partnered with KERV, a leader in video analysis, performance, and monetization, to launch Swell.AI, a new influencer AI solution. This innovative platform transforms social content into TV-style creative, helping marketers reach audiences who trust influencers more than traditional ads.
With 236.4 million social users in the U.S., surpassing the 228.6 million TV viewers (eMarketer), it’s clear that social media has become a crucial channel for brands. However, 61% of Gen X view ads as a waste of time and untrustworthy, and adults under 45 prefer influencer content when trying a new brand (Blue Hour Studios). By leveraging the genuine connection and loyalty between influencers and their followers, marketers can drive brand and revenue growth.
Swell.AI utilizes KERV’s proprietary image-recognition and object-level technology to turn influencer content into interactive, shoppable, and measurable brand experiences that can be deployed across all screens. This allows brands to extend creator-first campaigns beyond social media, rapidly adapting to business changes and cultural trends with AI-optimized creative for connected TV, online video, and display. As a result, brands can connect with influencers who have built a substantial follower base, ensuring their message reaches a diverse and engaged audience.
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“Today influencers inform and shape brand strategy,” says Sarah Bachman, Head of Blue Hour Studios. “Marketers need to further integrate creators into development beyond just content creation. With Swell.AI, businesses get better performing ads, gain new insights, and more efficiencies from their investments.”
The Swell.AI database features 23 million creators, allowing marketers to find relevant talent. The platform also offers deep analytics, measurement, and engagement on creator content. By harnessing KERV’s technology, video advertising becomes active, enabling consumers to explore products or objects within the video and choose to “pause to shop” and “tap to explore.”
“Influencers have dramatically changed how people discover and purchase products,” says Jay Wolff, Chief Revenue Officer, KERV. “AI is a game changer for marketers who are tasked with quickly adapting to ever-changing consumer trends. We are excited to partner with Blue Hour Studios to help brands do more than reach consumers, but to take action in the moments that inspire them regardless of the channel.”
Swell.AI drives greater conversion and provides new levels of reporting that aren’t possible on social media. With this solution, marketers can maximize their media and content investments.