In 2025, Meta shifted its weight behind AI, launching an audacious hiring spree that saw it poach top researchers from OpenAI, Google, and Apple. Even as the AI push intensified, Meta’s Reality Labs experiment continued to produce eye-watering losses. Meta enters 2026 with its fortunes wrapped tightly around advertising’s adaptability, the pace of AI innovation and whether users, marketers, and regulators will tolerate the new rules of engagement it’s writing atop the world’s largest social platforms.
Smart glasses surged as carryables flopped, but product announcements outpaced actual releases.
In 2025, Apple doubled down on AI while refocusing on device, ecosystem, and design differentiation, seeking to stay ahead in a maturing smartphone market and a global regulatory maze.
54% of digital shoppers would choose store credit over a cash refund if they got a bonus, like $105 in credit for a $100 return, according to an August survey from Narvar.
Patients want medication clarity and cost help earlier—pharma brands can step up with timely info, not just ads.
On today's podcast episode, we give out our '2025 Retail Awards' for the 'Must-Visit Store of the Year', 'Glow-Up of the Year', 'AI Power Move', 'Collab of the Year', and 'Campaign of the Year'. Listen to the discussion with Vice President of Content and host Suzy Davidkhanian, Senior Analyst Blake Droesch, and Analysts Arielle Feger and Rachel Wolff.
Brands that offer real-time updates and hassle-free refunds can turn theft frustrations into loyalty wins.
Tailoring marketing to Gen Alpha is proving critical for brands looking to capitalize on their emerging influence.
Instagram's explosive EU audience growth compared with Facebook's slowing momentum means advertisers should follow suit.
As consumers become adept at ignoring ads, avoiding dreaded ad fatigue requires brands to prioritize creativity and interactivity.
On today’s EMARKETER Miniseries—AI-Driven Media Management—we explore the core building blocks of AI innovation, what partnering with Amazon Ads looks like in practice, and advice for leaders or teams who don’t come from technical backgrounds but need to build or use AI systems. EMARKETER Senior Director of Content Jeremy Goldman speaks with Adam Epstein, co-founder and CEO of Gigi. Listen everywhere you find podcasts, and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
The share of consumers who view generative AI as a negative disruptor in the creator economy has nearly doubled, jumping from 18% to 32% since November 2023, according to a July survey from Billion Dollar Boy and Censuswide.
Industry leaders believe 2026 will be about the evolution of shopping. Consumers have changed the way they discover products and consider purchases, whether on social media or through genAI-powered conversational searches. In the upcoming year, retailers will be leveraging data to support more relevant in-store experiences and adapt dynamically to individual shopper journeys. Here are some important ways that marketing experts see this happening.
Retailers faced a challenging year as economic factors, new technologies, and changing consumer behaviors reshaped the landscape. Here are our top five stories from this past year and what they meant to a tumultuous industry.
Shoppers spent more online and in stores, but rising debt and weak confidence hint at strain.
Regulatory crackdowns, digital dominance, and AI adoption forced marketers to rethink strategy, spend, and compliance across the year.
Pharma, startups, and the federal government piled into virtual care with new platforms and partnerships.
Wegovy pill offers a needle-free, lower-cost option that could broaden patient access.
Audiences say TV is the most acceptable place for advertising, but amid the shift to digital for younger buyers, a balanced approach is critical.