The news: Meta and Google still account for 88% of mobile ad spending despite shifting user habits, per a Moloco report. But while advertiser attention remains firmly focused on Big Tech, those that diversify their media mix could increase financial returns as much as 214%. Our take: As audiences become fragmented across social media, advertisers are increasingly faced with the need to look beyond the big players—but with big tech still commanding attention, a balanced approach is key.

Reddit posted a standout Q2 2025, with revenues jumping 78% year-over-year to $500 million—including $465 million in ad revenue, up 84%. Net income reached $89 million with strong EBITDA and free cash flow. Global DAUs grew 21% to 110.4 million, and US ARPU climbed 59% to $7.87, signaling improved monetization. Reddit is now a billion-dollar US ad business a year ahead of forecasts, driven by growth in AI ad tools. Yet challenges remain: Reddit still holds only 1.1% of US social ad spend and relies heavily on Google Search traffic. Sustaining growth means reshaping advertiser perception and boosting direct engagement.

Samsung Ads has launched Mobile Conversion, a new tool designed to drive mobile app installs by linking CTV ad exposure to in-app behavior. Using AI, real-time engagement signals, and partnerships with attribution platforms like AppsFlyer and Adjust, Samsung enables advertisers to target high-intent users and dynamically optimize campaigns. Early results show up to 150% gains in Day 7 ROAS. The product leverages Samsung’s massive device footprint and runs on premium inventory, including Samsung TV Plus. While starting with gaming, Mobile Conversion will soon extend to verticals like retail and finance—making CTV a legitimate player in the performance marketing toolkit.

The rest of the year is top-of-mind for leaders in marketing and retail, which they expect to be challenging but riddled with opportunities to stand out from competition.

DoorDash is strengthening its media network through new ad products and the acquisition of tech company Symbiosys, aiming to help brands reach consumers both on and off its platform.

The news: Reddit published a report Thursday highlighting its increasing relevance for advertisers as social media users gain trust in the platform for purchase decisions. Reddit routinely delivers promising ad results. Adding Reddit to ad campaigns leads to $6.94 higher incremental ROAS across channels. Our take: Despite lingering brand hesitancy to adopt Reddit as a core advertising channel, the platform is increasingly becoming a reliable source that promises high returns—making it a key part of an effective campaign for advertisers who know how to navigate it.

Advertisers’ push for a unified strategy across retail media, loyalty programs, and merchandising is raising the bar on data and transparency. Paul Lentz, executive director and head of strategic development at CVS Media Exchange, shares how new collaborations—from The Trade Desk to social platforms—can help brands see every ad dollar’s impact.

There are now more than 80 retail media networks (RMNs) in the US. The volume of RMNs, combined with the dominance of Amazon and other established competitors, makes it challenging for new and niche RMNs to capture share.

Retail media will reach $60.81 billion in 2025—adding more new dollars than Meta and Alphabet combined—and brands now rank incrementality as a top KPI. In this interview, Tinuiti’s Elizabeth Marsten lays out how to prove incremental sales, pick smarter tools, and keep measurement future-ready.

Affiliate marketing, a performance-based partnership between an advertiser and a publisher, can offer brands feeling pressure to prove short-term ROI peace of mind and predictability.

Latin America’s commerce media ecosystem is rapidly evolving. Financial, travel, and other nonretail players are now looking to monetize their own first-party data—following the path retailers have already paved.

Marketers struggle with shrinking returns on social media ad spend: A new study found diversification without divestment is key to staying afloat.

As retail media networks (RMNs) clamor for advertiser budgets, the channel’s measurement shortcomings are moving into the spotlight. Advertisers cite a lack of cross-platform standardization among their top RMN-related challenges, but an overcorrection on measurement could do more harm than good.

Retailers looking to capitalize on retail media’s growth opportunities need to understand the market developments, formats, and challenges shaping ad spending in Latin America.

The US ad industry is at a crossroads. Which path it takes will depend heavily on which candidate is elected.

Digital ad spend grows in Q2 2024, says Skai: Retail media leads with 21% YoY increase, despite higher CPC and CPM across channels.

Incrementality has always been the holy grail of retail media, said Zach Darkow, senior director, marketing activation and measurement at The Home Depot. But as the digital advertising landscape grows more complex, incrementality has become more important than ever.

With consumers increasingly shopping across multiple channels, Roundel, Target’s media network, offers comprehensive media solutions that connect brands with customers at every stage. By combining on-site and off-site strategies, advertisers can maximize their return on ad spend and strengthen customer relationships.

Retail media is taking Latin America’s digital ad industry by storm, with advertisers spending nearly $2 billion this year, per our inaugural forecast. Here are the latest trends you need to know.

As Latin America’s digital revolution marches on, advertisers and retailers must keep pace with how and where consumers are spending their time—and money—if they wish to maintain a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving business environment.