With TikTok in limbo, Neptune is pitching itself as a mental-health-conscious, creator-first alternative, but it’ll need more than good vibes to scale

The FTC’s challenge to Meta’s deals could fracture the social media giant's empire and signals that no acquisition, no matter its age, is safe from antitrust scrutiny.

BeReal launches its US ad business: The platform is looking to capitalize on TikTok’s uncertain future in the US.

TikTok builds its creator offerings while revenues thrive: While ByteDance is seeing notable growth, the tide could turn with an impending US ban.

TikTok is restructuring its governance and experience team: The move affects marketplace safety within TikTok Shop and may be a response to the platform’s underperformance last year.

What do brands need to know about the next wave of digital growth?

With content quickly buried and inactive users penalized, the platform is reworking search to give creators a longer runway and more consistent reach.

Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs landed harder than expected. Uncertainty remains, given the pause on reciprocal tariffs for countries willing to negotiate with the US—along with an escalating trade war with China. Which markets will take the greatest hits? And how might our US forecasts change?

Last week, Amazon made a last-minute offer to buy TikTok, just days before President Donald Trump postponed enforcement of the sale-or-ban law for another 75 days. Reportedly, the bid isn’t being taken seriously, so it’s unlikely the deal will go through. However, the deal is worth considering because it shows how Amazon is trying to maintain its status as the top retail media network and ecommerce retailer in the US.

If ad dollars shrink, Meta and others may need to ditch risky side projects and focus on scalable, affordable services to survive the slowdown

Meta, TikTok, and X in hot legal water: The platforms are facing suits in the US and EU that could have implications for how advertisers invest.

A popular influencer has recommended drastic changes in daily spending.

The app limits access to just three preset hours, betting on nostalgia, minimalism, and scarcity to counter tech fatigue.

TikTok receives another 75-day extension: As Trump signs a second executive order to keep the app alive, its future remains murky.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a fast-growing and lucrative ecommerce market. To tap into growth in the country, retailers and brands need to understand what motivates consumers.

Amazon and AppLovin make TikTok bids as sales deadline approaches: While a deal has yet to be inked, Trump and TikTok seem to be confident in the app’s future.

QVC partners with TikTok as time runs out on second ban deadline: The retailer’s bet on the platform reflects both the growing importance of social commerce as well as confidence in TikTok’s future.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how to increase basket size, how to break out of category while staying true to brand identity, and how to respond to TikTok trends without seeming like a brand responding to a TikTok trend. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Vice President and Principal Analyst Suzy Davidkhanian and the CMO of True Religion Brand Jeans Kristen D’Arcy.

YouTube has more users than Facebook, Netflix, or Spotify. But its advertising revenues do not match its vast reach. This report contextualizes the opportunities and scope for growth in various media spheres.

Social and streaming platforms now drive Gen Z’s content choices as algorithmic recs eclipse word of mouth for viewing choices.