YouTube is doubling down on social connectivity and AI tools to stay competitive with rivals like TikTok and Meta. The platform’s new suite of features introduced last week include Communities, a fan’s ability to boost creators’ videos, generative AI (genAI) video tools, and gifting. These innovations mimic what’s working on other social media platforms as YouTube seeks to remain social even as it builds out its connected TV business.

A third (33%) of US influencers believe that if TikTok is sold or banned in the US next year, Facebook Reels will become the next major player in short-form video, per August 2024 data by First Insight. Instagram Reels is close, at 32%.

In part two of this two-part podcast episode, we discuss why China and ByteDance might blink and sell TikTok to a US company, why a law around children's online safety will get passed, and what will happen if Dish Network and DirecTV merge. Tune in to the discussion with host Marcus Johnson, and analysts Ross Benes, Evelyn Mitchell, and Max Willens.

Facebook and YouTube dominate, but the rise of unverified stories poses a challenge to credible reporting.

Creator economy wars heat up: TikTok launches new subscriptions, while Patreon’s Autopilot tool boosts fan conversion rates.

TikTok Shop is Gen Z’s new favorite gifting destination: More than half plan to make a purchase on the platform this holiday season, lured by the prospect of a good deal.

Platforms owners like Meta and Snap face scrutiny over data exploitation and child privacy laws. Regulatory action could disrupt their ad-based profits.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss what would happen if TikTok is (or isn’t) banned in America, what marketers get most wrong about consumers, will AI smartphones be impactful right out of the gate, will most companies eventually ask employees to be in the office five days a week, the world's favorite drinks, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Blake Droesch, Bill Fisher, and Carina Perkins.

Social shoppers find inspiration for their purchases from many different types of content, but none more so than creator, influencer, or celebrity influencer content.

Social media usage is increasing for all generations, but most quickly for Gen Z. This year, US Gen Z social media usage will grow 7.7% versus 1.8% for the general population’s, according to our May 2024 forecast.

New AI tools promise to boost Shorts content, but a flood of formulaic videos could make creators disappear in the algorithm noise.

New privacy features include parental control, content filtering, and restricted messaging to protect minors and address growing concerns.

What to look for in the TikTok ban court case: Oral arguments began yesterday in a battle that will determine TikTok’s future.

“If you’re a marketer looking to reach Gen Z, you need to be everywhere,” our analyst Blake Droesch said. Although Gen Z is known to spend a significant amount of time on social media, tapped into newer buying behavior such as social commerce, they also rely on physical stores. Here are three ways Gen Z’s path to purchase stands out.

The creator economy, plus CTV and commerce media more recently, have made affiliate marketing more visible among marketers.

The collaboration aims to stop harmful posts from spreading across platforms and protect against legal risks.

In seven charts, this report tells the story of some of the most critical trends that digital leaders need to know about in 2024 and beyond.

Three in four consumers are concerned about fake reviews, according to January 2023 data from Bazaarvoice. Amazon and other retailer websites have a fake reviews problem, and it’s driving consumers—Gen Zers in particular—to seek information about products on social media sites like TikTok and Reddit.

The Surgeon General’s plan to protect kids, backed by state attorneys general, could change how platforms and advertisers engage users.