TikTok upgrades its ad stack: New search hubs, AI capabilities, and creator tools aim to turn discovery into direct purchases.

TikTok tests paid ad-free model in UK: While ad revenues remain stable, creator deals could gain value if subscription adoption climbs.

79% of Gen Zers miss pre-ad days on TikTok as distrust, algorithm gripes, and ad overload dent the app’s credibility.

TikTok announced several upgrades to its AI-powered portfolio at Advertising Week New York on Wednesday. Marketers can use the new tools to increase creative control and drive results with key audiences—but keep in mind that the app’s future in its key market could change ad effectiveness, regardless of what tools the platform offers.

President Trump signed an executive order Thursday approving a proposal to keep TikTok operational in the US under new leadership. Even with a deal set to keep TikTok operational, the app’s new conservative ownership will likely shape the user experience and could impede future growth.

A Precise TV study revealed key habits for younger Gen Z consumers ages 13 to 17—emphasizing that short-form and digital video are leading the way. YouTube Shorts and TikTok ads were major drivers of purchase decisions: 51% of Gen Z boys and 43% of girls made a purchase after watching YouTube Shorts ads, while 44% of boys and 41% of girls purchased after watching a TikTok ad. Gen Z’s digital buying power will only grow, and targeting younger Gen Z consumers will position brands for long-term growth—provided the right strategies are implemented.

TikTok’s Symphony Studio debuts globally: AI-powered ad tools simplify video creation, helping brands scale campaigns effortlessly and stay relevant.

Google and Meta will account for just over 50% of worldwide digital ad spending in 2024, marginally higher than their 47% share in the US market. Amazon’s share will be much lower (8.8%)—although it will be among the leaders in revenue growth.

On today's episode, we discuss whether TikTok is actually a top choice for social advertisers, how it compares with other ad channels, and what to make of the companies current shopping efforts. We then talk about Facebook's "meaningful pivot" around its ad business, the latest Federal Trade Commission suit against the social giant, and whether Reels on the blue app has potential. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer principal analyst at Insider Intelligence Debra Aho Williamson.

eMarketer principal analyst Mark Dolliver, junior analyst Blake Droesch and forecasting analyst Peter Vahle at Insider Intelligence discuss Joe Rogan moving exclusively to Spotify, sports trickling back, Twitter letting users limit who replies to them, TikTok AR ads, a grandmother who violated GDPR, an entire indoor town and more.

Social networks like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok have ramped up their social commerce efforts in the past year, shifting toward an ecosystem where users can discover, shop and purchase products one place. Initially, these social commerce features were only offered to brands, but now social networks are experimenting by bringing the same tools to influencers.

eMarketer principal analyst Debra Aho Williamson and junior analyst Blake Droesch explain whether people (and advertisers) should get excited about the new social media phenomenon TikTok. They also discuss Instagram’s new messaging app Threads, Facebook’s potential rebrand, Snapchat’s new dynamic ads and more.

No social app since Snapchat has succeeded in capturing significant usage in the US. But the Chinese-owned, short-video app TikTok is enjoying sudden growth in popularity. Can it buck the trend and challenge the existing social networks?