Digital ad giants beat Q1 expectations, but tariffs, regulation, and slowing growth signal choppy waters ahead. This report breaks down which platforms are thriving, which are stalling, and what’s next for search, social, streaming, and retail media.

YouTube strikes deal to broadcast first game of the NFL season: The move responds to fans embracing digital for sports and presents an opportunity for advertisers.

NBCU highlights sports, streaming at Upfront event: The presentation outlined NBCU’s plan to offset declining traditional TV revenues.

Amid dizzying policy unpredictability and a grab bag of unpleasant economic possibilities, precise ad spend forecasting is challenging. A scenarios-based approach can help clarify potential outcomes.

Peacock reduced losses, gained subscribers in Q1: The successes indicate that the streaming platform could become more enticing for advertisers.

As streaming subscription prices increase, viewers are becoming more amendable to ad-supported tiers.

This is the Q1 2025 installment of our quarterly “Ad Spending Benchmarks” series, which helps ad buyers and sellers calibrate their spending and revenue mix against the market.

What do brands need to know about the next wave of digital growth?

Younger consumers increasingly prefer creator content over TV, film: A Deloitte study indicates that advertisers need to rethink their strategies to remain competitive.

Streaming TV keeps growing, but so does the challenge of reaching viewers. With audiences constantly switching between platforms, old TV advertising methods fall short. A more precise, audience-first approach—borrowed from search and social marketing—is helping advertisers keep up.

FAST streaming is growing fast: The number of active channels has nearly doubled in several key markets, with the US showing the most growth, but user experience remains key.

Subscription OTT streaming is one of only a few media categories still seeing meaningful time spent growth in the US. The major platforms are heading in different directions, however.

Top-line time spent with media will grow very little in the US going forward, making it essential to identify which formats and platforms are winning the newly zero-sum competition for consumer attention.

NBCU and Macy’s deal highlights live events as crucial opportunities: Advertisers reach massive audiences through events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Comcast gives details on its spinout of several NBCU cable networks: As Peacock takes center stage, legacy TV networks must adapt to stay relevant.

With cable in decline, Comcast bets on hybrid strategy: Peacock revenue grows, but subscriber slowdown raises questions ahead of its NBA media rights rollout.

This year, streaming services will finally earn more than traditional TV in subscription revenues.

Peacock unveils live advertising features at CES: A busy calendar in 2026 has the company fleshing out its ad capabilities.

Video ad spending continues to outpace overall digital ad spending and will power the fastest-growing ad-supported media.