Snapchat influencers helped make the BB-8 an instant toy hit.

Snapchat influencers helped make the BB-8 an instant toy hit. Sphero, the startup behind the BB-8 droid, already the star of the Star Wars product line, worked with top Snapchat creatives around the world to promote the product on “Force Friday.” Rather than running paid advertising, Snapchat users with large followings posted videos focusing on the BB-8’s arrival. That effort earned over 10 million views in 24 hours. (WSJ)