TikTok is ByteDance’s global engine: Despite slowing growth in China, the platform continues to expand monetization and user base worldwide.

YouTube introduces new offerings for ads, podcasts: The platform aims to highlight its ability to reach audiences with unmatched versatile content options.

TikTok debuts AI Alive, an image-to-video generation tool: The feature is part of TikTok’s push to maintain dominance in a competitive short-form market.

TikTok brings DMs directly to livestreams: The update is part of TikTok’s broader livestream push, designed to keep brands and creators around.

Shorts now dominate prime screen space on connected TVs, signaling YouTube’s bid to normalize mobile-first formats in the living room—whether users like it or not.

Social media usage in Canada continues to grow, but it’s spread across a wider range of networks. Meta’s Facebook and Instagram still lead, but TikTok, Snapchat, Pinterest, and X also command large audiences.

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.

The update introduces a My Netflix hub and real-time personalization tools, all aimed at helping users find something fast—and not flee to YouTube.

Advertisers battle economic difficulties as they head into upfront negotiations.

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.

Turbulence in trade relations is changing how China’s ecommerce platforms do business in the US, with spillover effects on US retail and advertising.

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.

Pitching itself as a collaborator, Substack empowers major outlets like The New Republic and smaller creators to expand their reach.

TikTok makes a bid to encourage creators, agencies to livestream: The push is part of the platform’s strategic effort to avoid a US ban.