YouTube shows virtual influencers are gaining traction: While the technology promises innovation, not all consumers are buying in.

Podcast ad revenues surpassed $2 billion in 2024: As revenues maintain consistent growth, advertisers must tap in to meet audiences where they’re at.

YouTube ad growth is strong, but concentrated funding and economic uncertainty mean only the most distinct startups may thrive.

This is the Q1 2025 installment of our quarterly “Ad Spending Benchmarks” series, which helps ad buyers and sellers calibrate their spending and revenue mix against the market.

YouTube’s Shorts push favors quick hits over deep engagement, leaving influencers to balance reach with revenue in an uncertain ad economy.

The 2024 US presidential election ushered in a new normal in brand safety, with prominent social media companies such as X and Meta shifting the burden of content moderation from internal teams and contractors to users.

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.

Netflix’s AI search test takes aim at content fatigue: By letting users search more intuitively, Netflix hopes to edge out rivals and helps viewers navigate its library.

Shopping mall mainstay Claire’s balances being on trend for Gen Alpha with being a nostalgic brand for parents by leaning into pop culture, putting the right messaging on the right platforms, and staying in constant contact with core consumers.

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

Digital audio consumption continues to grow in the US. Younger audiences are leading the way, adopting platforms like Spotify and audio content like podcasts.

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.

Netflix, Patreon explore podcast potential: As competition in the podcast space heats up, brands are looking for unique value propositions to draw audiences.

YouTube nears top spot in media revenue: The video giant is expected to overtake Disney (excluding parks), leading the global media industry.

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

Podcasts represent a small, but growing, revenue stream for creators. Brands want in on creator-led podcasts, especially as video becomes a more crucial component of podcasting. But both sides face challenges over concerns related to scale, brand safety, and ad loads.

Nearly five years since hundreds of Chinese apps were banned from India’s app stores, some can be found in the country’s Apple Store and Google Play once again. Will this open the door for other previously banned Chinese apps?

Government missteps turned into a viral ad for privacy, giving Signal a rare shot at user loyalty in a market crowded by data-hungry giants.

Variable notification frequency comes to YouTube: The test could help brands reach audiences and drive purchase decisions—but will require them to adapt.