On today’s podcast episode, we discuss Meta’s capacity to weather the tariff climate, how Meta plans to redefine advertising, and what happens if it is forced to sell Instagram and WhatsApp. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Vice President and Principal Analyst Jasmine Enberg, and Senior Analyst Minda Smiley. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.

YouTube introduces creator marketing updates: The changes aim to position YouTube as an influencer marketing hub amid social media uncertainty.

Social platforms vie for attention at NewFronts: Meta, TikTok, and Snap all debuted ad updates designed to remain competitive amid a backdrop of uncertainty.

The new Account Status dashboard helps explain post visibility, giving Threads an edge over X by offering clarity amid Meta’s evolving content policies.

Despite uncertainty related to the economy and tariffs, US social network ad spending is expected to grow. AI offerings, social commerce, and lower-funnel investments will drive outlays.

Meta revenues up 16% YoY in Q1: The company started the year off on a positive note, but tariffs could foreshadow strife.

Snap earnings paint a grim picture for 2025: While revenues were up, the company pulled its guidance and lost 1 million users.

This is the first installment of our “UK Ad Spending Benchmarks” series, which helps ad buyers and sellers calibrate their spending and revenue mix against the market.​​

Amid dizzying policy unpredictability and a grab bag of unpleasant economic possibilities, precise ad spend forecasting is challenging. A scenarios-based approach can help clarify potential outcomes.

Gen Z will be the fastest-growing group of digital buyers in 2025. In addition, they’re more willing than previous generations to switch brands. So, brands and retailers should focus on enticing them while also retaining existing customers.

Social sharing aims to boost usage, yet without real-time info or buzz, it may struggle to stick

CEO Aravind Srinivas says Comet will track user activity to build deep profiles for hyperpersonalized ads but risks alienating privacy-focused users.

Meta and Apple receive first fines for DMA violation: The landmark decision marks the biggest effort to date to curb the market power of Big Tech.

Despite mental health concerns and corporate distrust, teens still find value in social platforms—especially for connection, creativity, and emotional support.

Updates to YouTube’s “Inspiration” tab: The changes will allow videos to be transferred from TikTok are part of YouTube’s push to secure marketing dollars.

YouTube shows virtual influencers are gaining traction: While the technology promises innovation, not all consumers are buying in.

Social media plays a major role in product discovery, with 51% of global consumers discovering a new brand or product on social media in the last six months, per November 2024 data from Capgemini. But convincing consumers to purchase on a social platform is more complicated. Here are three key ways brands can convert social media discovery into sales.

Discord facing lawsuit for allegedly harming minors: The case is far from the first time Discord and other platforms have faced similar scrutiny.

TikTok-fueled impulse buying is redrawing the affiliate marketing landscape. As shoppers skip the research phase and rely on creator recommendations, brands are rethinking how they build trust, drive conversions, and stay ahead of trends.

TikTok extends its partnership with MLS: The move is part of a broader trend of brands investing in sports.