On today's podcast episode, we discuss the details and regulatory headaches surrounding Microsoft’s attempts to acquire the video game company Activision Blizzard. "In Other News," we talk about how Meta is allowing EU users to turn off their algorithms, and YouTube’s current issues around violating children’s privacy through tracking-based advertising on "made-for-kids" content. Tune in to the discussion with our guest host Bill Fisher and analysts Daniel Konstantinovic and Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf.

B2B digital ad spending will continue to grow at a slower pace across key industries in 2023. More B2B buyers are millennials and Gen Zers, shifting ad buys from search to display, from Google to social media, and from desktop to mobile.

Of US Gen Zers on Threads, 40.1% downloaded the platform because it looked fun, while 38.7% wanted to try something new, according to our survey data.

Digital ad spending growth in Canada continues apace, driven in large part by key industries tied most closely to the digital economy. Our rankings show that retail and CPG lead the way, while sectors like travel and automotive are still recovering from hard times during the pandemic.

On today's episode, we discuss the ways in which firms are prepared—and unprepared—for AI, what happens when companies have finished test-driving generative AI, and what to make of Meta giving away its AI model. "In Other News," we talk about when we can expect to see GPT-5 and how Apple’s lip-reading technology could be a step toward artificial general intelligence. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Jacob Bourne and Gadjo Sevilla.

Our first-ever marketing and retail media survey explores the latest trends unfolding in Latin America, how the regional landscape will evolve, and the broader implications for ad buyers’ and retailers’ go-to-market strategies.

Meta rehires laid-off workers: Big Tech competition and economic improvement mean the company needs the employees it cut, calling into question the “year of efficiency” strategy.

On today's episode, we discuss whether Meta has officially bounced back, what to make of Threads at this point, and what Meta's metaverse plans will look like in 2024. "In Other News," we talk about the impact of TikTok's new text-only posts and what happened to social media app Lemon8. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Debra Aho Williamson.

Threads struggles to engage Gen Z: Meta faces challenge against the dominant TikTok.

Gen Z’s entry into adulthood will be the main source of growth in US social media users over the next five years. While there are some parallels with millennials, this is a generation that has long been immersed in social media and has come up with its own rules to navigate it. They are self-aware, quick to adapt, and ready to push back on the standards set by their predecessors.

What were the three biggest ad-related takeaways from Meta’s stellar Q2 2023 earnings report? Reels’ revenues, AI ad products, and a return to ad growth in Europe.

On today's episode, in our "Retail Me This, Retail Me That" segment, we discuss what TikTok's flywheel looks like, its latest efforts to build out its own shopping platform, and what the social network has that Meta doesn't. Then, for "Pop-Up Rankings," we rank our top four existing TikTok copycat apps. Join our analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts analysts Sky Canaves and Jasmine Enberg.

With the rise of TikTok and all its copycats, there’s a lot to keep track of in terms of paid advertising. Creators frequent TikTok, Reels, Shorts, and Spotlight in some capacity, but the ad ops on each platform vary. Here’s a quick guide to what’s available on each platform.

Meta accounts for 19.5% of US digital ad spend, despite US adults spending only 7.6% of their time with digital media on the platform, according to our forecasts.

Meta brings generative AI to Instagram users: Popular instances of consumers using AI for amusement make the app the perfect testing ground.

Meta's strong earnings boost stock by 6%, owing to efficient cost-cutting measures, rebounding online ads, increased Reels engagement, and successful AI integrations.

Meta’s Q2 points to continued rebound: An 11% revenue increase shows that new products and advertising offerings are helping right the ship.

What’s happening? Apple announced in June that iOS 17 would provide “even greater protections against trackers,” in a move that will affect links shared from Mail, Messages, and in Safari’s private browsing mode.

Snap has weaker Q2 but makes progress: The company posts a smaller loss, demonstrates a 14% increase in DAUs, and sees strides in innovation.

TikTok's new phase: The platform now supports text posts, further broadening its creative canvas beyond short-form videos.