Social media’s relationship with news and politics is getting even more complicated in the age of AI. Brands and the platforms will face big risks and challenges as mis- and disinformation proliferate this election year.

Sometimes, consumers don’t behave how we expect. Despite their digital-native status, Gen Zers still shop in-store, while baby boomers are all about new-kid-on-the-block Temu. And though they’re still mostly children, Gen Alphas are making their mark on the retail landscape.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss Facebook turning 20 years old. We look back at how Facebook got started, its most significant highs and lows over the years, and predict what the social media giant will look like at age 30. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Jasmine Enberg and Minda Smiley.

While some were skeptical of Temu’s staying power, the app’s low prices and social-first marketing strategy seem to be resonating with consumers. Opening its platform to US sellers could bring competition for Temu at a time when consumer perception is flagging.

Meta rings in two decades of Facebook: The company has undergone major transformations, and 2024 will bring more changes as AI and regulation shape its trajectory.

What is shoppable media and which formats have the most potential?

Ads managers are the main driver of programmatic direct ad spending, which has become the primary method of programmatic advertising in Canada in social media and connected TV.

The US’ second-biggest ad market rallied in 2023 thanks to ad buyers in China and investments in automation paying off.

Our primary research on US online beauty buyers shares insights into how consumers discover and purchase new beauty brands and products across channels.

The pace of change in social media won’t slow in 2024. The rising number of disruptors—whether it’s AI, creators, social search, or TikTok Shop—will both reshape old trends and create new ones.

The ad spending winter of 2022 and early 2023 was mild and short-lived, as we predicted. And after a solid H2 2023, things are looking up across the board for 2024.

Meta enhances teen safety on platforms: Amid FTC litigation, emphasizes stricter content controls.

Instagram and TikTok are both popular among Gen Z, but this generation shows a preference for one over the other for certain social activities, like viewing Stories and direct messaging.

Our primary research on US online beauty buyers shares insights into the evolution of consumer habits and preferences in one of retail’s most resilient categories.

Facebook’s new privacy feature is lacking, critics say: Link History lets users opt out of browser tracking, but only in specific cases.

US livestreaming commerce sales could reach $50 billion in 2023 and potentially account for more than 5% of total ecommerce in the country by 2026, per Coresight Research as cited by CNBC. With help from platforms like TikTok Shop, TalkShopLive, and Firework, brands should start experimenting with livestream commerce as adoption grows, especially among younger consumers.

TikTok is taking the lead on social commerce: But Meta, Pinterest, and Snap are trying to take back the spotlight by partnering with Amazon and focusing on shoppable ads.

As inflation eases across Europe in 2024, retail, media, and marketing firms will turn their attention to regulatory headwinds on the horizon.

Social commerce has yet to reach its potential in the UK. Social buying is still on the rise—and there is plenty of headroom to grow spend.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss whether Humane's new AI pin is about to become as ubiquitous as the smartphone, just how much ground brick-and-mortar retail will give to online shopping, the next big social media app, if folks will start shopping on Amazon right from their Facebook and Instagram feeds, how news consumption on social media is changing, which airlines carry the most passengers, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our vice president of content Suzy Davidkhanian and analysts Max Willens and Yory Wurmser.