Acquiring Vistar and Blis strengthens its ad capabilities, but turning its mobile data advantage into ad dominance won’t be easy—especially in a market controlled by digital giants.
Microsoft brings AI ad features to Copilot: It’s vying for ad dollars in an increasingly competitive chatbot space.
First-party data is becoming essential: As third-party cookies disappear, brands like The New York Times, Disney, and McDonald’s are leveraging direct consumer relationships to improve ad targeting and measurement.
Pinterest will start labeling AI-generated images: The change is likely an attempt to maintain the platform’s user base without sacrificing the lucrative potential of AI.
Time spent with digital media is still climbing, but mainly in tandem with declining traditional media
Nextdoor bets on AI-driven content to fuel long-term growth: The platform’s NEXT initiative will transform past user discussions into monetizable recommendations, prioritizing engagement over short-term ad revenues.
The Trade Desk and publishers push for a more efficient open internet: Media leaders see programmatic as a way to unlock ad opportunities while reducing reliance on walled gardens and improving supply chain transparency.
AppLovin faces fraud allegations from short sellers: Accusations of deceptive ad practices and data misuse put the firm under pressure; leadership denies the claims.
WBD grows streaming profits as TV revenues decline: It added 6.4 million Max subscribers, but TV ad declines and cord-cutting continue.
YouTube strives to make ads less disruptive: The platform is changing its approach to mid-roll ads to appease viewers, creators, and brands alike.
The programmatic digital audio services category is more than podcasts.
Paramount’s streaming growth offsets legacy TV decline: Streaming revenues surge, but ad revenue from linear TV continued to decline, highlighting the company’s shifting priorities.
Snapchat enhances brand safety features: The changes stand in contrast with Meta scaling back its brand safety commitments.
Lawmakers pressure Amazon into improving ad transparency: A bipartisan letter stemming from Adalytics highlighted quality issues with DSPs.
NBCU and Macy’s deal highlights live events as crucial opportunities: Advertisers reach massive audiences through events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Disney-WBD streaming bundle sees strong retention: 80% of subscribers stay after three months, outperforming Netflix in that regard.
Chegg is suing Google, claiming AI Overviews steal its content and cut its traffic. The case highlights fears that AI-driven search is eroding content creators’ business models.
64% of US ad buyers expect to focus somewhat or significantly more on cross-platform measurement in 2025, according to a December 2024 IAB survey.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss Meta’s AI plans, the real story behind Snapchat’s growth, and how Pinterest has evolved. Tune in to the conversation with Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Senior Editor of Briefings Daniel Konstantinovic, and Senior Analyst Minda Smiley. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
With Facebook’s ad growth slowing, Meta is paying influencers to revive the platform—but can cash alone compete with TikTok and Instagram’s cultural dominance?