Our fifth annual primary research survey reveals the level of trust US social media users have in nine major social platforms, and the role trust plays in the willingness to engage with advertising on those platforms.

The company formerly known as Facebook will face its toughest challenges ever, while viral commerce will take center stage, TikTok-style short videos will evolve, and social audio will fade away.

Gen Zers make heavy use of many social networks to create connections, consume multimedia, play games, and share content.

On today's episode, we discuss how Americans feel about the different social media platforms and the extent to which trust affects usage and attitudes toward advertising. We then talk about Facebook scrapping certain kinds of ad targeting and some rather lofty expectations for TikTok. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer principal analyst Debra Aho Williamson and senior analyst at Insider Intelligence Audrey Schomer.

Social media platforms are betting on social audio as part of the creator economy: Live audio is becoming less about the platforms that started the trend as more big firms launch creator-focused features.

Even amid swirling controversies, Facebook is the single most popular US social network, with 83% of adult social media users in the US reporting that they visit the platform in a typical week.

Move over, millennials: The new kids in town, Gen Z, have claimed the crown as most sought-after demographic for brands. With their deep digital nativity and social influence, this generation is making its mark on society and brand strategy.

Activision Blizzard faces calls from fans, shareholders, and industry figures for its CEO to resign: Widespread backlash against the gaming company suggests that consumers are paying more attention to corporate social responsibility and ethics.

From shopper marketing to social listening, White Castle is all in on creating memorable moments and acquiring new customers. Hear how the iconic fast food brand is marking its first century with a renewed focus on innovation. Watch Industry Voices: Spotlight on CPG with White Castle CMO Lynn Blashford.

Advertisers in the Middle East and North Africa spend more on social than on any other digital ad format. In 2020, $1.73 billion went to social advertising, more than double what the next biggest format, video, brought in.

Issues of deceptive content, privacy, and safety continue to plague social media. Building user trust is critical for social platforms and their advertisers; it affects how users feel on social media sites and may also impact whether users want to engage with ads there.

This quarter, we are adding TikTok to our social media update series, which analyzes key developments for marketers from the major social platforms.

Snap misses Q3 revenue goal by $3 million, citing iOS privacy changes: The platform’s bottom line was affected by supply chain issues and changes to app tracking via Apple, foreshadowing a rough quarter for other social platforms.

TradingView raised $298M as new investors flocked to its platform which combines trading tools with a social network. Adding social media components is key to keeping retail investors engaged.

On today's episode, we discuss what to make of all of Twitter's new features, which ones will propel the social giant forward, and how Twitter might jumpstart its US user growth. We then talk about Facebook suspending plans for an Instagram app for children, how much Apple's privacy changes have affected its business, and whether the social media titan is serious about getting into hardware. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer senior analyst at Insider Intelligence Jasmine Enberg.

Every quarter, we compile the most important product, commerce, and monetization developments for the major social platforms and explain what they mean for marketers.

Twitter’s latest product road map updates put an emphasis on user experience and, of course, creators: The moves come amid increased competition from other major social players.

The return of live sports produced a flurry of licensing activity from broadcast networks and streaming services—including digital video, social, and ecommerce platforms. It also reignited concerns about the sustainability of pricing models for sports video and TV.