Mobile games to stop targeting ads to kids: Some major developers and ad tech companies will need to stop tracking children under 13 after settling a lawsuit, limiting their targeting abilities.

Google’s secret anti-competitive project revealed: New court documents show that Google gave itself preference in its ad exchange, confirming long-held suspicions that the tech giant was running a monopoly.

IDFA isn’t dead yet: New AppsFlyer data suggests that tracking opt-in rates could be much higher than the industry’s expectations, a spot of optimism that could make it worthwhile to keep collecting Apple’s Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA).

Tipping comes to Clubhouse: The social audio app will now let users tip hosts, likely a play to keep creators on the platform as they’re in danger of being poached by bigger players like Twitter and Twitch.

LinkedIn joins the race against Clubhouse: The platform is the latest to announce its own live social audio feature. It could stand out in the audio wars by focusing more heavily on structured events like conferences and webinars, which would also help it attract B2B marketers.

Ad-supported streaming is on the rise: New data shows ad-supported viewership was up compared with other OTT services in 2020, opening up more inventory for linear TV budget shifts—and that trend is likely to only continue in 2021.

Disney delays its theatrical return: Straight-to-streaming releases and shorter theatrical windows are dimming hopes of a full movie industry recovery this year. Worse, some changes may be permanent, further hurting the entertainment industry’s ad spending growth.

A less global set of Olympic fans: Olympic organizers have banned foreign spectators from attending the games in Japan this summer, and there are two questions marketers should consider in response to this decision.

The NFL ensures more touchdowns for streamers: A new set of 11-year rights deals will make more football available on streamers, but distribution will remain tied to linear TV for the time being.

YouTube Shorts debuts in the US: The feature may just be another TikTok clone for now, but if YouTube can successfully harness its existing base of video content creators, it could set Shorts apart.

Apple is facing yet another potential hurdle to IDFA: As Chinese tech companies work on a new way to track users on mobile devices, Apple will be faced with either barring a slew of Chinese developers altogether or forging ahead on a policy with no teeth.

Better data, better campaigns: In a natural progression of its paid advertising capabilities, TikTok will begin personalizing ads based on in-app activity.

UID 2.0 enters beta: After months of building traction in the digital media industry, the third-party cookie alternative begins beta testing this week.

Big Tech may pay US news publishers: If the US joins France and Australia in passing a bill that lets publishers collectively bargain with tech companies, it could cause a ripple effect worldwide.

Diet Instagram: The new, less data-intensive version of Instagram will help Facebook penetrate developing markets, where consumers are more sensitive to mobile data costs.

Roblox could become a brand advertising powerhouse: Brands flocked to video games for experiential marketing during the pandemic—but Roblox's lasting popularity with kids and its planned ad capabilities could keep it an appealing option even after lockdowns end.

New numbers show some growth in ad jobs: However, even though jobs in some areas of the industry have begun to come back, a rebound with agencies will likely be uneven.

Streamers battle for sports rights: Media companies are hinting at new plans to use live sports to drive streaming subscriptions, which could grow the audience of sport fans who can be targeted through digital channels.

The not-so super Super Bowl ratings: The game reported about a 5.5% drop in total viewership, but it still draws one of the largest audiences on traditional TV.

*Social networks will boost US mobile video ad spending this year.* In-app video advertising on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat was the main driver of growth, with new YouTube and Roku ad inventory helping, too.