Despite relatively low levels of adoption, social commerce features multiply: Meta-owned platforms lead the way when it comes to social commerce features, but TikTok, Pinterest, and others are working hard to catch up.

The metaverse will be put to the test in 2022: Some firms may find their metaverse dreams held back by wearable technology, while others attempt to woo brands to their spaces.

TikTok's success has renewed social platforms' interest in algorithms: Instagram, Snap, YouTube, and Twitter have all begun implementing algorithmically-recommended content over the past year.

Facebook has a cyber mercenary problem: Meta blocks 1,500 Facebook and Instagram accounts that targeted over 50,000 users—potentially the tip of a wider surveillance iceberg and another smear on Facebook’s reputation.

In Latin America in 2022, digital payments will make gains, consumer expectations around ecommerce will shift, corporate sustainability and social issues will come to the fore, SMBs will bank on social commerce, and retail media networks will make their presence felt.

On today's episode, we discuss the most impressive parts of the triopoly's (Google, Facebook, and Amazon) performances this year, what we were most concerned about, and why they will lose or gain share in 2022. We then talk about a new TV show designed specifically for social media and whether YouTube TV adding channels can move the needle. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer principal analyst Paul Verna and senior analyst at Insider Intelligence Jasmine Enberg.

Key developments to watch in 2022 include the evolution of in-store retail technology; hotter competition in the paid-for video marketplace; the revival of digital out-of-home ads; and ongoing issues with digital privacy and security.

Social commerce is one of the biggest trends in social media in 2021. The major platforms are all pushing commerce to the forefront of their business strategies, introducing new features aimed at convincing consumers to go from inspiration to purchase with a click of a button or a tap on a mobile screen.

Among US gamers, Facebook Gaming is the most popular destination for viewing live gameplay, with 42% watching esports and other gaming livestreams on the platform.

Our exclusive primary research survey reveals which platforms US social media users feel most comfortable buying on, and why trust is essential for the future growth of social commerce.

About two-thirds of US consumers want to integrate at least two of their digital activities, according to PYMNTS. Western users also seem receptive toward a bundled experience.

Our annual lookahead for Canada highlights some growth areas for brand marketers as well as the mediascape that’s evolving to serve them.

On today's episode, we discuss how Americans' attention shifted in 2021 (and what that means for the year ahead), the promise of ultra-fast delivery, the ideal amount of ads you should show viewers, whether gaming is more popular than TV for Gen Z, Facebook testing giving more control of the newsfeed to users, the office of the future, how far away the average American adult lives from their mother, and more. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer analyst Blake Droesch and principal analysts at Insider Intelligence Suzy Davidkhanian and Paul Verna.

Instagram’s new safety controls for teens could hurt attempts to attract them: The features are intended to halt harmful content, but teens were already losing interest in the platform, and additional limits could be counterproductive.

Instagram Stories ads will bring in $15.95 billion worldwide in 2022, more than one-quarter of the platform’s global net ad revenues.

It’s still early days, but augmented reality is showing real potential for social commerce. Brands can use the technology to improve the experience and help customers make more informed purchase decisions.

Move over, millennials: The new kids in town, Gen Z, have claimed the crown as most sought-after demographic for brands. With their deep digital nativity and social influence, this generation is making its mark on society and brand strategy.

The company formerly known as Facebook will face its toughest challenges ever, while viral commerce will take center stage, TikTok-style short videos will evolve, and social audio will fade away.

On today's episode, we discuss the severity of Facebook's young people problem, if we're looking at this issue the wrong way, and whether Instagram can continue to pick up the slack. We then talk about what to make of Twitter's CEO and co-founder Jack Dorsey stepping aside and a reordering of teens' favorite social media platforms. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer principal analyst at Insider Intelligence Debra Aho Williamson.

UK regulators prune Meta’s walled garden: Meta has been ordered to sell Giphy, and new ownership could bring back the GIF database’s popular ad program, without the antitrust concerns.