In 2022, US consumers will collectively open 13.1 million new bank accounts via digital channels, per our estimates. We stack up the mobile account opening experiences of the 10 largest US banks (by domestic asset size) and the four largest US neobanks (by users) based on our analysis of 35 emerging features.

On today's episode, we discuss how much TikTok is making from advertising revenues, the most interesting thing to note about its users, and some of the most interesting ways advertisers are engaging on TikTok. "In Other News," we talk about what the best social commerce experience is and the big takeaway from Instagram letting users share nonfungible tokens (NFTs). Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Jasmine Enberg and Zach Goldner.

Nearly 400 million people in Latin America will use social networks in 2022. Facebook remains the region's biggest platform, but it will experience its slowest user growth on record this year as TikTok and Instagram make gains.

About two-thirds of US consumers want to integrate at least two of their digital activities, according to PYMNTS. Western users also seem receptive toward a bundled experience.

The closure of an ad-free YouTube app is a reminder of ad blockers’ prominence: Digital advertising efforts are at odds with the experience most internet users want.

The metaverse is open for business in US, Canada: Meta’s Horizon Worlds, available to users 18+, is likely to attract developers seeking an audience for apps and experiences.

EU fintech and bank tech budgets rose in 2021, but evolving open banking legislation and user experience enhancements will demand further spending in 2022.

With a customer-centric, privacy-first strategy, marketers can meet compliance requirements. Find out how to deliver a new and engaging user experience, build trust with customers through transparency, and more

The pandemic is pushing consumers into digital banking channels, upping pressure on small and midsized banks to deliver value-added services and digital user experiences. They have to find ways of doing so on limited tech budgets to stay competitive.

Proximity mobile spending will more than double to reach $960.85 billion in 2026, thanks to growing acceptance, new use cases, and improved user experience (UX). These factors combined will improve habit formation and increase engagement in ways that will boost wallets’ share of spending by 2026.

Meta on the ropes: Meta shares have dropped, but metaverse adoption is expected to be a $13 trillion industry by 2030 as more players build competing immersive VR experiences.

Global insurers have been rocked by large, unexpected payouts and falling revenues amid the coronavirus pandemic. Yet, P&C and life insurers in leading markets will still increase their tech spend and accelerate their digital transformations in the next several years to enhance the online user experience.

Meta looks to bring commerce to its Horizon Worlds platform: Creators can earn money from their metaverse products and experiences under a test program.

According to a May 2021 Opinion Box report, nearly two-thirds (63%) of Facebook users in Brazil purchased a product or service discovered on the platform, while nearly 6 in 10 (58%) made a purchase recommended by someone on Facebook. Investments in social media are table stakes for all businesses—not just SMBs.

It’s still early days, but augmented reality is showing real potential for social commerce. Brands can use the technology to improve the experience and help customers make more informed purchase decisions.