On today's episode, we discuss how Meta was able to snap its negative ad revenue growth streak, how Reels is helping Instagram grow time spent on the platform, and what Meta's metaverse plans are at this point. "In Other News," we talk about what Americans actually want in a social media platform and whether BeReal's new "Bonus" feature can help keep its momentum going. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Debra Aho Williamson.

Gaming became a popular online activity during the pandemic. Growth may be slowing, but it’s not shrinking, meaning that the majority of those who picked up the hobby during the pandemic have become long-term users.

Meta's social VR platform, Horizon Worlds, opens to teens: Lawmakers have concerns, but the Facebook parent is adamant on building its metaverse user base.

On today's episode, we discuss whether Microsoft’s AI-powered Bing can take share from Google, if social platforms can compete with Amazon on product search, and what to make of the idea that Apple might release its own search engine. "In Other News," we talk about what watching Peacock in the metaverse looks like and how people feel about all of their subscriptions. Tune in to the discussion with our director of forecasting Peter Newman and analyst Max Willens.

While retail as a whole is looking for ways to deploy generative AI to support operations and enhance customer experience, fashion ecommerce is likely to see some of the biggest impacts.

On today's episode, we discuss the significance of GPT-4, calls for a pause on AI development, and what to make of ChatGPT being banned in Italy. "In Other News," we talk about whether 3D "holoportation" will catch on and why brands might need a digital avatar outside of the metaverse. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Jacob Bourne and Gadjo Sevilla.

On today's episode, we discuss how recent YouTube TV price hikes will affect subscriptions, whether streaming TV actually costs less than cable, and if a sports streaming hub is a viable product. "In Other News," we talk about what Roblox's new ad rules will do to the metaverse and why Walmart+, Walmart's membership program, is resonating with high-income shoppers. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Daniel Konstantinovic.

Roblox’s ad struggles show the metaverse’s waning importance: Advertisers may choose to stay away from the platform thanks to new rules limiting exposure and restricting content.

The South by Southwest festival returned to Austin, Texas, in full force this year, with discussions on the future of technology, brands, and marketing. Here, we lay out the top trends and takeaways.

On today's episode, we discuss Snapchat's new AI chatbot, Meta's generative AI plans, and what's new about GPT-4. "In Other News," we talk about whether VR influencers can save the metaverse and how drone delivery company Wing is looking to make last-mile delivery more efficient. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Jacob Bourne and Jasmine Enberg.

Meta announces a new round of layoffs, saving the company $3 billion: The social giant is discontinuing support for NFTs and killing other projects due to declining revenue projections.

“We’re showing 20.5% growth for retail media ad spending this year, and 22.9% actually accelerating into next year,” said senior forecaster Ethan Cramer-Flood at our recent “Attention! Seizing the Retail Media Opportunity” summit. That stat assumes inflation will cool some in the second half of this year, which our forecasters currently predict it will.

The Web3 opportunity is real, but it’s tempered by misconceptions and little-understood risks. Financial services providers must first understand what Web3 really means to avoid disintermediation by fintechs and first-mover incumbents.

Another delay for Apple’s mixed reality headset: It’s been working on the technology for its next big product since 2015, but now delays are due to software and hardware issues. How can Apple succeed at a time of economic upheaval?

Roblox emerges strong after a tough 2022: While users and revenues rose, the metaverse platform’s advertising ambitions haven’t yet taken off.

Olive’s problems aren’t AI’s problems: One of healthcare’s most hyped-up AI startups has come crashing down. But don’t expect healthcare players to slow down their AI investments in 2023.

On today's episode, we discuss the significance of Facebook's 2 billion daily active user milestone, what's contributing to continued negative growth, and what to expect from the metaverse this year. "In Other News," we talk about how much Reels and YouTube Shorts are creeping up on TikTok's short video lead and how Americans feel about where social media is headed. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Debra Aho Williamson.

On today's episode, we discuss whether in-store shopping is different now (in a bad way), how much people are shopping on their smartphones, whether LinkedIn's newsletter strategy is paying off, how retailers are facing tougher greenwashing penalties, if retailers have given up on the metaverse, how in-person/hybrid/remote work is working out, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Suzy Davidkhanian and Evelyn Mitchell and vice president of Briefings Stephanie Taglianetti.

The social media landscape is shifting. Economic challenges, new competition, and governmental scrutiny are pushing the major global platforms in different directions.