Last month, Atlantic writer Ian Bogost posed the incendiary question, “Is the age of social media ending?” No, according to our analysts. But it’s definitely changing, which presents an opportunity to reach younger consumers.

We expect 2023 to usher in changes in ad spending, audience, and commerce that will create a new crop of digital leaders.

TikTok. BeReal. Gen Z. Authenticity. That might seem like a grab bag of buzzwords, but it’s the marketing strategy behind clothing retail American Eagle Outfitters.

Advertisers are ditching a tumultuous Twitter in the wake of Elon Musk’s erratic behavior, combined with an underwhelming (or downright concerning) earnings season for Big Tech.

Social media newcomer BeReal was downloaded 14.7 million times worldwide in September. In January, the app had less than a million downloads, but it’s soared in popularity since then, thanks to its simple premise and focus on authenticity.

BeReal is the newest kid on the social media block. The app has already captured the attention of Gen Z, and its growing popularity has sparked copycat features from Snapchat, Instagram and, yes, even TikTok. But do brands of all stripes need to embrace BeReal—or is it not ready for primetime just yet

In this report, we look at the most important updates for social platforms in Q3 and how those changes will affect marketers. For the first time, we’re including updates for YouTube as well.

On today's episode, we discuss why we are heading towards fewer video streaming platforms, what this means for consumers and what this means for advertisers. "In Other News," we talk about what to make of a few positive economic indicators and whether BeReal is about to be copycatted out of existence. Tune in to the discussion with our director of Briefings Jeremy Goldman.

On today's episode, we discuss whether sports streaming is making us all lose, how much time younger and older folks spend watching TV, California passing tough internet privacy rules for kids, how much recessionary fears have taken their toll on brand loyalty, what happens when robots create ads, an unpopular opinion about the new social media app BeReal, some interesting facts about real-life dragons, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our director of forecasting Oscar Orozco and analysts Blake Droesch and Dave Frankland.

Instagram is jealous of BeReal’s attention: But if it wants to copy the newer app’s core features, its own reputation and clutter will get in the way.

On today's episode, we discuss the most important figures from Meta's Q2 earnings, the biggest challenges for the company, and how much of a competitor TikTok really is. "In Other News," we talk about the new social media app BeReal, its impact on the space, and what changes we can expect to see as Gen Z takes over social media from millennials. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Debra Aho Williamson.

On today's episode, we discuss whether Snapchat is consistently growing or coasting. "In Other News," we talk about what Snapchat's involvement in the metaverse might look like and why BeReal may be Gen Z's new favorite social media app. Tune in to the discussion with our Briefing director Jeremy Goldman.