In August 2026, we analyzed 4,480 ChatGPT responses across 16 B2B software and platform categories to compile the AI Visibility Index.
In today’s podcast episode, we discuss the future of digital — what data points best tell the story of AI consumer adoption so far, which stats best explain how AI is actually impacting marketing, the most important factors marketers need to consider as we move from an SEO to a GEO world, and more. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with Vice President of Insights Stephanie Paterik and Principal Analyst Yory Wurmser. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube or Spotify.
Beauty has proven resilient even as consumers become more intentional with spending, prompting retailers from Old Navy to CVS to expand their beauty strategies. But social platforms like TikTok and YouTube have rewired the path from discovery to purchase, reshaping how consumers find, research, and buy beauty products.
Next week, Advertising Week New York will be buzzing with brand leaders, agency executives, tech experts, and creators, all offering perspectives from the front lines on how the media playbook is changing and how making personal connections with customers is still possible amidst all the noise. This fall marketers are bracing for big changes brought on by AI transformation, social media, and the maturing creator landscape. AI discoverability is on everybody’s radar, building on presentations this month at EMARKETER’s Future of Digital summit.
Brands and retailers both drive revenue by serving and engaging customers, yet separate teams within each organization serve different functions and reach customers through different channels. Commerce media experts who spoke at a recent conversation hosted by Mars United Commerce described ways to bring these competing interests closer. Commerce media combines two traditionally separate areas: the channels brands use to communicate with customers, and the touchpoints and data retailers use to engage shoppers and drive purchases. When brands align internally around commerce media strategies, they bring these teams together and move the organization closer to shared revenue goals.
Coinbase handles crypto access while Citi keeps fiat conversion, compliance, and settlement in the banking system.
High citations and visibility means brands need videos built for AI comprehension, not just audience engagement.
The move adds to fragmented youth social media rules, making contextual ads a safer route for reach.
40% of US paid media marketers invested additional resources in audience research and segmentation to improve campaign performance, just ahead of AI tools for paid media (39%), according to a May survey from Unbounce.
Wider access could bring more clutter and ad fatigue, making creative rotation critical to performance. Read
Game Day and other activations help the brand reach students early and keep them engaged.
Frequency caps can preserve podcasting’s trust while extending advertiser reach.
Replacing physical wallets and now keychains can deepen engagement and give providers more user insights.
In August 2026, we analyzed 11,250 ChatGPT responses across 23 retail store categories to compile the AI Visibility Index.
Get the correct answers to our Big Question quiz in the eMarketer Retail Daily newsletter from Insider Intelligence.
AI is changing more than how consumers discover brands. It is forcing retailers and marketers to reconsider the role of their websites, how they connect advertising to business outcomes, and whether the digital experiences they own can compete with the leading AI chatbots.
Vertical video has moved from social-feed novelty to full-funnel engagement infrastructure for streaming services and social commerce platforms. Vertical video's expansion beyond social feeds into streaming apps and shoppable commerce has made it a standard format in the competition for attention. That opportunity also brings considerable challenges.
Consumers still plan to celebrate, but many are shopping earlier, comparing prices, and leaning on promotions.
Open House will trial new dayparts, drinks, and service models to learn what can spur more diner visits.