In place of the monthly retailer rankings, “Behind the Numbers” has launched the Unofficial Monthly Retailer Awards (UMRAs). Each month, the awards will spotlight retailers that stand out in three key categories: Most impactful campaign, best in-real-life initiative, and best under-the-radar move. Analysts will nominate standout brands, and host Suzy Davidkhanian will select the winners based on their cases.

Gen Alpha’s digital world is built around YouTube, gaming, and creator-led content. This report examines how early immersion, platform controls, and shifting norms are reshaping engagement as the cohort approaches adolescence.

37.2% of US adults say they're most likely to shop via Instagram, making it the top social commerce platform, ahead of TikTok (30.5%), according to a September 2025 survey from Power Digital Marketing.

Pinterest’s AI pivot looks defensive: Workforce cuts aim to fund automation, but investors remain unconvinced that AI investment alone will restore growth momentum.

TikTok US uninstalls jumped 150% post-takeover--but engagement held, meaning sentiment shifts matter more than uninstall headlines.

TikTok’s US transition brought algorithm resets, upload glitches, and new data tracking—jolting users and scrambling marketers’ reach.

TikTok creator Khaby Lame is scaling beyond human limits thanks to his AI twin, expanding his global reach as part of a $900 million deal.

The traditional marketing funnel model faces unprecedented disruption with generative AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT and Perplexity now bypassing traditional discovery channels, while younger consumers increasingly treat TikTok and Instagram as search engines.

TikTok Shop's low prices came with shaky trust, but the budget retailer is maturing into a serious marketplace and attracting partnerships.

TikTok has finalized a deal to maintain US operations, and its growth now depends on higher ad yields and efficiency as user growth slows.

Netflix’s ad revenues hit $1.5 billion, with expectations to double in 2026 as its next phase will hinge on broadening inventory advertisers know how to buy.

Australia’s social media ban for minors inspires global regulation as India, the UK, France, and more have said they will mimic the law.

YouTube reaches more people than any other media platform in history. But saturation, slower growth, and rising competition are reshaping its future.

Mexico’s digital ad market is rapidly transforming as new formats, channels, and players emerge. Understanding the local market forces, challenges, and opportunities driving these shifts is vital to staying competitive.

42% of US TikTok performance ad campaigns now use Tinuiti's Smart+ automated solution, up from just 9% at the start of 2025, according to an October report from Tinuiti.

The FTC is appealing the Meta monopoly ruling; but while a breakup would disrupt cross-platform buying, fragmented user attention still weakens the FTC’s hand.

Trust in consumer banking varies widely in 2026. Primary banks still anchor core products. But confidence differs by generation, product, and channel, with honesty, transparency, and security shaping how consumers evaluate financial providers.

Brazil’s digital ad market continues to transform as new formats, channels, and players emerge. Understanding the local market forces, challenges, and opportunities driving these shifts is vital to staying competitive in the country’s fast-evolving landscape.

TikTok’s new EU age verification rules could squeeze marketers, but similar changes have strong consumer backing worldwide.