Meta pays creators for traffic, Spotify wins in-app freedom post-Epic ruling, and Amazon’s Zoox expands robotaxi testing despite software recalls.

Digital ad giants beat Q1 expectations, but tariffs, regulation, and slowing growth signal choppy waters ahead. This report breaks down which platforms are thriving, which are stalling, and what’s next for search, social, streaming, and retail media.

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

New features let brands display shoppable feeds and target ads during key video moments, capitalizing on YouTube's rising share of streaming time.

YouTube strikes deal to broadcast first game of the NFL season: The move responds to fans embracing digital for sports and presents an opportunity for advertisers.

A 90-day pause in tariffs added over $800 billion to the Magnificent Seven’s market cap, revealing just how damaging trade tensions had been for investor confidence.

YouTube introduces creator marketing updates: The changes aim to position YouTube as an influencer marketing hub amid social media uncertainty.

With AI bios and comment pinning features, Reddit is courting SMBs and zeroing in on its role in the purchase journey.

The new Account Status dashboard helps explain post visibility, giving Threads an edge over X by offering clarity amid Meta’s evolving content policies.

CTV ad spending has seen double-digit growth in recent years, but tariffs and economic uncertainty could lead to a flat 2025.

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.

Spotify’s play counts and YouTube’s two-person plan signal a fierce fight for viewers in the podcast space’s visual future.

YouTube’s 2.50 billion monthly active users worldwide outnumber those on all other digital platforms, according to our 2024 forecasts and Spotify data.

Nearly three-fourths of Gen Zers discover new media content on social media (72%) and on YouTube (71%), according to December 2024 data from Toluna, Coraly Partners, and Halford Media Advisory.

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.

Social sharing aims to boost usage, yet without real-time info or buzz, it may struggle to stick

Spotify is scaling video podcast monetization fast: A YouTube-style model and creator tools are fueling the shift.

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