Resources
Events
Register for an upcoming webinar and track which industry events our analysts attend.
Learn More →Topics
See All Topics →Latest Articles
Explore our Research →Shoppers go public over bad service, not bad shipping
Article |
Aug 18, 2026
OOH is winning dollars but losing ground
Article |
Aug 17, 2026
Highly unlikely predictions: Infinite scroll bans, Facebook's comeback, and OpenAI's ad ambitions
Article |
Aug 17, 2026
AI Visibility Index: US Media and Entertainment Leaderboard, July 2026
Article |
Aug 17, 2026
How Bombas and Soles4Souls built a partnership that scales purpose alongside growth
Article |
Aug 17, 2026
Fossil found success tapping the right holiday shoppers on travel media
Article |
Aug 17, 2026
Price hikes and poor service push shoppers toward competitors
Article |
Aug 17, 2026
Revolut's airport lounge bet follows Capital One's playbook for winning premium customers
Article |
Aug 17, 2026
Ad agencies are converging around AI, integration, and scale
Article |
Aug 17, 2026
JCPenney challenges off-price to win back shoppers
Article |
Aug 17, 2026
About
Our Methodology
Rigorous proprietary data vetting strips biases and produces superior insights.
Learn More →Top Trends to Watch in 2026: August Update
How 11 EMARKETER Trends Are Playing Out Across AI, Commerce, and the Business Landscape
Download
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
1. Big Tech’s AI push will threaten the creative role of agencies
2. Brands will put generative engine optimization strategies to the test
3. Gen Alpha’s digital coming of age marks the next phase of the social video race
4. The microdrama craze will mint a new generation of creators, with dual support from social networks and entertainment studios
5. Streaming subscriptions at $20 will push viewers toward ad-supported alternatives
6. Autonomous agentic commerce will remain niche, even as AI reshapes retail
7. Retailers will revamp loyalty programs for the coming era of AI commerce
8. GenAI tools will become a routine part of how most consumers seek health information
9. Financial media networks will acquire shopping surfaces to compete for commerce budgets
10. Payment players race to define their place in the stablecoin ecosystem
11. AI’s content takeover will shake consumer trust in the internet
Sources
Media Gallery
About This Report
Last November, we identified 11 trends we expected to shape the business landscape in 2026. Our Trends 2026 update reveals where expectations are holding, where surprises have emerged, and what businesses should watch through year-end.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
1. Big Tech’s AI push will threaten the creative role of agencies
2. Brands will put generative engine optimization strategies to the test
3. Gen Alpha’s digital coming of age marks the next phase of the social video race
4. The microdrama craze will mint a new generation of creators, with dual support from social networks and entertainment studios
5. Streaming subscriptions at $20 will push viewers toward ad-supported alternatives
6. Autonomous agentic commerce will remain niche, even as AI reshapes retail
7. Retailers will revamp loyalty programs for the coming era of AI commerce
8. GenAI tools will become a routine part of how most consumers seek health information
9. Financial media networks will acquire shopping surfaces to compete for commerce budgets
10. Payment players race to define their place in the stablecoin ecosystem
11. AI’s content takeover will shake consumer trust in the internet
Sources
Media Gallery
We prepared this report with the assistance of generative AI tools and stand behind its accuracy, quality, and originality.
Executive Summary
As AI becomes embedded in everyday business, companies are also adapting to changes in trade and economic policy, evolving platform strategies, and new competitive dynamics. Our midyear update revisits our “Top Trends to Watch in 2026” report, from November 2025, to assess how those trends are playing out and what businesses should watch next.
authors
EMARKETER Editors
Contributors
- Ross Benes
- Senior Analyst
- Jacob Bourne
- Analyst
- Grace Broadbent
- Sky Canaves
- Principal Analyst
- Suzy Davidkhanian
- VP, Content
- Eleni Digalaki
- VP, Global Content Operations
- Nate Elliott
- Principal Analyst, GenAi in Advertising
- Paola Flores-Marquez
- Rajiv Leventhal
- Penelope Lin
- Director, Data Visualization
- Wendy Malloy
- Director, Reports Editor
- Sarah Marzano
- Principal Analyst, Retail Media
- Minda Smiley
- Sakina Thanawala
- Copy Editor
- Jherr Daven Velasco
- Data Visualization Editor
- Max Willens
- Yoram Wurmser
- Principal Analyst
Already have a subscription?Sign In
Access All Charts and Data
Gain access to reliable data presented in clear and intelligible displays for quick understanding and decision making on the most important topics related to your industry
Unlock Unlimited Insights with PRO+
Contact Us →
Worldwide HQ
685 Third Avenue21st FloorNew York, NY 100171-800-405-0844
Sales Inquiries
1-800-405-0844[email protected]
* Copyright © 2026
EMARKETER Inc. All Rights Reserved.