Their ROOST initiative could pressure platforms to adopt stronger protections, reshaping digital safety and providing brand-safe environments for advertisers.

From avatars to real-life purchases: Roblox’s branded worlds deliver deeper consumer interaction and emerging 3D ad standards for marketers.

Nearly three-quarters of Gen Alphas (ages 1 to 12) are online. This means they will likely be more adept than their predecessors at navigating digital spaces and using tech.

Infinite Reality’s latest move suggests the metaverse isn’t done just yet: The company is buying virtual shopping platform Obsess in a move aimed at reimagining how brands connect with consumers online.

Beauty’s run of strong retail sales growth is winding down, but new audiences and sales channels will offer opportunities for savvy brands and retailers to regain momentum.

In 2024, some of our newsletter team’s predictions included that attention metrics would gain more momentum in measurement, and Gen Alpha would steal some of Gen Z’s appeal among marketers. This year, we’re expecting a surge in AI ethics campaigns, email marketing troubles, rising browser competition, as well as some innovation in the world of gaming. Our analysts have already shared many of their predictions for 2025, but here are a few more from our newsletter team.

Though beauty is a crowded category,11:11 Beauty is hoping Paris Hilton’s multigenerational appeal could help it break through the noise, and power a content flywheel.

Messaging restrictions and content labels aim to tackle predator risks while building a family-friendly platform for brands

Roblox soars in Q3 despite critical reports: The company saw significant user and revenue growth and restated its commitment to child safety.

Roblox takes steps to address child safety: New parental control features come after critical reports that could stifle advertising efforts.

Roblox faces renewed child safety concerns: A report from a short-selling firm claims Roblox is exposing children to predators and vastly inflating user metrics.

Walmart’s adaptive retail strategy is heavy on genAI, AR: The retailer is relying on the technologies to deliver personalized experiences, engage Gen Z, and improve customer service.

Roblox could kick down the door to an in-game advertising boom: The gaming and metaverse platform is deepening ties to the ad industry and hiring for ad tech roles.

Roblox plants deeper roots in the creator economy: The video game platform is at a fascinating crossroads of gaming and digital advertising.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss how news on social media is different, if the movies are dead yet, the promise of new digital price tags, IKEA paying virtual employees in its virtual Roblox store, the most visited places in the world, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our vice president of content Suzy Davidkhanian and analysts Blake Droesch and Sarah Marzano.

Retailers turn to virtual experiences to boost engagement, awareness: Walmart, Ikea, and Skechers are among the many trying to increase their appeal to younger shoppers while driving sales.

The proliferation of loyalty programs has heightened competition, so retailers will have to dig deeper into their customer data to drive active participation.

Roblox introduces immersive video ads to capture Gen Z's attention: New ad format expected to boost brand engagement and user actions.

Gen Alpha is on track to become the largest generation. Banks must start building relationships with children today to convert them into customers as they grow up.

Brands and marketers have an increasingly prominent presence at the annual technology, arts, and culture festival in Austin, Texas, which this year took place from March 8 to 16. We break down the key topics that drew the most attention from attendees.