A new Teads Connected TV paper shows AI has firmly entered the mainstream of video advertising. Sixty percent of marketers now use generative AI to create scripts, voiceovers, and visuals, while others rely on AI tools for audience insights, performance analysis, and real-time optimization. The findings highlight a clear opportunity—marketers that combine AI’s scale and predictive testing with human oversight can build campaigns that are both efficient and distinctive.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) lifted its outlook for global GDP growth this year citing tariff-related inventory frontloading, AI investments, and Beijing’s stimulus measures. But this resilience may soon fade: Global GDP growth is expected to slow to 2.9% in 2026, as tariffs and uncertainty begin to take their toll.
DirecTV has launched on Vizio Smart TVs, broadening its reach and opening fresh advertising opportunities for brands, the companies announced Monday. DirecTV’s expansion into Vizio’s smart TVs dramatically widens its streaming footprint and gives advertisers a more measurable, performance-driven environment.
The EU is investigating whether Apple, Google, and Microsoft are doing enough to curb online financial scams, per Ars Technica. The European Commission (EC) will send formal requests for information under the Digital Services Act (DSA), targeting fake apps, fraudulent search results, and scam accommodation listings on Booking.com. Ad campaigns appearing in search results, mobile apps, or Bing ads could face more scrutiny or be caught up in regulatory nets. Brands that lead with transparency and consumer protection will not only comply, but also gain an edge should platforms tighten controls.
Nvidia will invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI in $10 billion stages and supply the processors for 10 gigawatts of new AI data centers—an energy load equal to New York City’s peak demand or enough to power 7 million to 9 million US homes, per CNBC. Big Tech is locking arms to secure control of the AI future. These alliances blur the lines between investor, supplier, and customer, concentrating power among a few giants. If the project delivers, Nvidia’s dominance grows. If not, the “Stargate effect” looms—ambitious AI ventures that overpromise and underdeliver.
For Gen Z and millennials, shopping is about belonging as much as buying. From pop-ups to print catalogs, physical experiences paired with digital touchpoints are reshaping how brands build loyalty and cultural connection.
Google’s ad tech remedies trial kicked off Monday as the search giant looks to prevent an ad tech breakup that would fundamentally alter the future of the open internet. If successful, the DOJ’s case against Google would reshape how open-web ads are bought and sold. Multi-billion dollar opportunities will open for competitors, potentially creating a more competitive—but less predictable—ad tech landscape for advertisers.
Rival marketplaces are stepping up efforts to chip away at Amazon’s dominance by offering sellers lower fees, operational support, and omnichannel opportunities. AliExpress is cutting shipping costs in Europe and Latin America, Temu is aggressively promoting in the US, Shein is leveraging its manufacturing network through Xcelerator, and Walmart is blending in-store displays with AI-driven marketplace tools. Meanwhile, Amazon remains the giant, expanding logistics and seller services like Multi-Channel Fulfillment and Buy with Prime. While Amazon’s marketplace share still leads, projections show a gradual slip, signaling more power and leverage shifting toward sellers.
Molson Coors has named 24-year veteran Rahul Goyal as its next CEO, tapping a leader with deep experience across IT, finance, and strategy, as well as a track record of diversifying beyond beer through partnerships with Coca-Cola and acquisitions in the non-alcohol space. Goyal takes the helm at a turbulent time, with alcohol consumption in the U.S. at historic lows and health concerns driving more consumers away from drinking. Political and economic pressures further complicate the outlook, leaving Molson Coors with seasoned leadership but an uncertain path forward in a challenging market.
Netflix has struck a global marketing deal with AB InBev spanning programming sponsorships, live events like NFL Christmas Day games and the Women’s World Cup, and even beer packaging featuring Netflix IP. For AB InBev, aligning beer with Netflix viewing occasions connects drinking culture to shared entertainment rituals. More than a sponsorship, the deal positions both brands as co-authors of cultural moments across sports, shows, and global viewing events.
OpenAI added restrictions for ChatGPT users under 18, prioritizing safety over freedom for teen users. The changes are in response to growing legal and regulatory pressure surrounding AI chatbot risks to minors, per TechCrunch. By segmenting teen and adult experiences, OpenAI sets a precedent that forces advertisers to rethink how and where they engage with users. Age gating pushes marketers to balance reach with responsibility. Those who adapt early—auditing media buys, vetting AI tools, and leaning into ethical safeguards—will secure trust and minimize regulatory risk.
X has updated its NFL Portal for the 2025-26 season as sports discussions gain momentum on the Elon Musk-owned platform, with features aiming to get advertisers reinvested. X’s enhanced NFL Portal is a calculated effort to double down on one of its strongest differentiators to keep users engaged and advertisers invested: Real-time sports conversations.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss our ‘very specific, but highly unlikely’ predictions for the end of 2025 and start of 2026. Whether Snap’s Spectacles will gain traction faster than Meta’s Ray-Bans have, if Netflix will start showing users shoppable product placement ads, and if TikTok will introduce a GenAI assistant to the app with commercial intent. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Director of Reports Editing, Rahul Chadha, Senior Analyst, Max Willens, and Principal Analyst, Yory Wurmser. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
Brands and agencies are embracing generative AI (genAI) to create highly localized and personalized campaigns at scale. At a recent Automattic event, marketing leaders highlighted how new technology makes previously cost-prohibitive efforts feasible. The advertising industry has shifted from fear to fluency—recognizing that AI fills gaps and scales output but that people decide what resonates. While agencies two years ago feared AI would displace creative jobs, today, they see human craft as the element that gives AI-generated work meaning. For marketers, the strategy is to invest in AI tools but prioritize upskilling teams to direct them.
EMARKETER recently published, “From guesswork to greatness: How marketers are redefining effective creative at scale in digital advertising.” The report, created in partnership with TripleLift, analyzes findings from a June 2025 survey of 164 US marketing professionals about their approaches to creative effectiveness in programmatic advertising. This FAQ explores some key questions addressed by the report.
While dynamic pricing has been around for decades, Delta Airlines has recently come under fire for announcing that it would increase its use of generative AI for flight pricing from 3% to 20% of domestic flights by year-end.
EMARKETER recently published, “Influencer Marketing Budgets Are Growing, But Brand Safety Measures Are Falling Behind.” The report, created in partnership with Viral Nation, analyzes survey responses from 117 US marketers and reveals gaps between influencer marketing investment and brand safety practices. This FAQ explores some key questions addressed by the report.
Despite economic uncertainty, 77% of consumers plan to spend the same or more this holiday season, but their shopping timelines and behaviors are shifting. Klaviyo’s 2025 BFCM Forecast shows why brands must rethink peak-season campaigns with omnichannel and AI-driven personalization.