Source: EMARKETER Forecast, November 2025 - January 2026
Note: ages 14+; digital buyers who have made at least one purchase during the calendar year via an immediate purchase option embedded in or adjacent to online media content; includes sponsored content, organic content, and all ads except search; excludes product listings (e.g., carousel ads on Instagram)
Additional Note: A shoppable media purchase must be completed either within the platform hosting the content or through an app or browser window opened directly from the content’s call to action. Examples include clicking through a call-to-action link on a livestreaming video or social media post; an affiliate ad in a content creator post; and scanning a QR code on a connected TV to instantly add items to a cart and begin checkout. Instances where an item cannot be added to a cart and be purchased immediately are excluded. Digital out-of-home (DOOH) ads are also excluded.
Methodology: Estimates are based on the analysis of data from other research firms and government agencies, historical trends, reported and estimated revenues of major online retailers and social network companies, consumer online buying trends, and macro-level economic conditions.