Low price makes up 21% of a TV or streaming service's perceived value among US TV viewers, up from 12% in 2025 and well ahead of live sports at 13%, according to a July report from Hub Research.
Spotify keeps adding millions of ad-supported users, but its advertising revenue has stayed stubbornly flat. That disconnect, visible again in its latest earnings, puts the streaming giant's chances of becoming a major player in digital advertising in doubt.
Spotify keeps adding millions of ad-supported users, but its advertising revenue has stayed stubbornly flat. That disconnect, visible again in its latest earnings, puts the streaming giant's chances of becoming a major player in digital advertising in doubt. "Over the last five quarters, Spotify has grown its ad-supported user base from 420 million to 490 million users. Yet over that same period, ad-supported revenue has declined year-over-year in four of the five quarters and grew just 1% in the most recent one," said our analyst Marcus Johnson on a recent episode of "Behind the Numbers." The company's Q2 2024 results showed total revenue growth of 14%, but that performance was driven almost entirely by premium subscriptions, which account for 90% of Spotify's business.
Devalued open web inventory means marketers will spend more on walled gardens.
Sellers can now offer box-free, label-free returns through Happy Returns to build shopper trust.
Shoppers rely on peer advice, rewarding brands that pair paid ads with authentic community engagement.
The retailer is multiplying its sports ad spend to keep home goods top of mind before shoppers are ready to buy.
But patients combine AI with familiar resources, so the most credible brand content will inform decisions.
Rich cash back and celebrity marketing can draw attention, but financing flexibility can help keep businesses loyal.
They’re earning Gen Zers’ accounts by combining convenience with rewards.
Oura pauses its public debut. Tough market conditions could sharpen questions about its valuation and room to expand.
Pharma is still interested in China-developed drugs amid US scrutiny and competition.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss the secret ingredient behind the success of sports shows, whether ancillary content ultimately makes the live broadcast more or less valuable, who now owns the fan relationship, and which sports or leagues are currently under-leveraging this entertainment IP opportunity. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Senior Analyst Ross Benes, and Senior Forecasting Analyst Zach Goldner. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube or Spotify.
Detailed shopper profiles are improving recommendations and repeat purchases.
As automation spans planning and execution, marketers need system-level controls to manage risk.
Advertisers can compare YouTube Shorts and open-web performance to cut waste and better allocate budgets.
FAST fragments advertiser reach: Free viewing attracts value seekers, making cross-platform buying and flexible budgets essential.
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.