Bluesky mulls a future with ads: CEO Jay Graber said the platform could put ads in search results as it searches for revenues.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss whether Bluesky can sustain this user growth momentum, how much of a threat it is to X (Twitter), and if in fact it is Threads that is actually about to snatch the microblogging crown. Tune in to the discussion with Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Senior Director of Briefings Jeremy Goldman, and Analyst Daniel Konstantinovic.

The social app’s porous data security could undermine trust. Its decentralized vision won’t matter if users feel their content is AI fodder without consent.

On today's podcast episode, why X is continuing to lose users, if they can turn their ad revenue fortunes around, and what the social media platform might morph into next year. Tune in to the discussion with Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Senior Director of Briefings Jeremy Goldman, and Analyst Daniel Konstantinovic.

xAI’s plan for a standalone app may expand user access, but controversial outputs and app store policies could undermine its adoption and growth.

After Elon Musk took over Twitter and rebranded the platform to X, worldwide ad revenues were slashed in half, from $4.14 billion the year Musk took over in 2022 to $2.00 billion in 2023. EMARKETER forecasts those declines to continue through 2026, the end of our forecast period. But the reelection of Musk’s close ally, President Donald Trump, could change how some marketers think about the platform.

Rapid user growth highlights demand for decentralized, ad-free feeds, but scalability and monetization remain critical hurdles for long-term success.

Threads gets ads in 2025 and rapidly gains on X: Threads user count is soaring as news publishers and celebrities flee Musk’s platform.

Both apps see user spikes in light of Trump’s win and Musk’s divisive moves, signaling an appetite for other social media models and the potential for new advertising platforms.

Gen Z leads in digital usage by most proportional measures. However, social network use cuts across categories, influencing video viewing and digital buying.

High-income consumers are more likely to discover new brands or products in-store, but they typically make the final purchase online.

With safety leaders leaving, OpenAI’s shifting internal structure prompts concerns over its readiness for AGI and regulatory alignment.

Millennials outpace Gen Z on eight of the 12 digital platforms EMARKETER tracks.

Aggressive moderation tactics on Threads are pushing users away, threatening its growth. Competitors like Bluesky and Mastodon stand to benefit from this frustration.

After a botched update, Sonos is restoring functionality and extending warranties, underscoring the risks of rushing rollouts.

By adding translation tools in new markets, Reddit seeks to drive growth and keep momentum post-IPO.

Millions of users in Brazil flock to the platform, but X’s potential comeback could steal the spotlight.

Platforms owners like Meta and Snap face scrutiny over data exploitation and child privacy laws. Regulatory action could disrupt their ad-based profits.

New privacy features include parental control, content filtering, and restricted messaging to protect minors and address growing concerns.

Despite allowing cross-posting between Instagram and Threads, Meta’s lack of a clear messaging system for Threads reveals ongoing confusion about the apps’ integration.