Instagram and TikTok are both popular among Gen Z, but this generation shows a preference for one over the other for certain social activities, like viewing Stories and direct messaging.

Our primary research on US online beauty buyers shares insights into the evolution of consumer habits and preferences in one of retail’s most resilient categories.

It’s a new year, which means new predictions. Our analysts have already made a number of big predictions for 2024, but here are a few more from our newsletter team. We’re keeping an eye on generative AI, attention metrics, and Gen Alpha—and we expect to see more ads in more places along the way. Here’s what we’re watching.

Marketers have upbeat outlook for 2024: Digital channels will continue to gain favor, but measurement challenges loom.

US livestreaming commerce sales could reach $50 billion in 2023 and potentially account for more than 5% of total ecommerce in the country by 2026, per Coresight Research as cited by CNBC. With help from platforms like TikTok Shop, TalkShopLive, and Firework, brands should start experimenting with livestream commerce as adoption grows, especially among younger consumers.

New forecasts for US Amazon CTV ad revenues and ad-supported viewers for select streaming services.

OTT digital video services are now popular everywhere, although fee-based sub OTT is not yet mainstream in every country. The outlook is positive for both free and paid OTT around the world, but growth will slow significantly.

51.1% of US Snapchat users will come from Gen Z this year, according to our September 2023 forecast. TikTok is also dominated by Gen Z, with 44.7% of users coming from that age group.

Creator content isn’t an experimental area for advertisers anymore. It’s an established, full-funnel channel that can deliver measurable results. Why is the channel so important right now?

TikTok users are spending half of their time watching videos that are 1 minute in length or longer, according to The Information.

Google's ad network oversight exposed: Inappropriate and illegal site placements challenge industry standards.

Walmart is launching its first shoppable video series: The first episodes of the holiday-themed “Add to Heart” will be available on Roku, TikTok, and YouTube beginning on Dec. 2.

For Q4 2022 to Q4 2023, YouTube’s costs per thousand (CPMs) ranged from $13.03 to $15.34—a swing of $2.31, according to our forecast.

How does social media influence Gen Z’s customer journey?

Viewership in Canada is changing, as more eyeballs turn to connected TV and digital video for long-form content.

Gen Z is ready to spend this season. Millennials may be a bit cautious. YouTube is the place to go if brands want to get on Gen Alpha’s radar. And for older consumers, trust is the key to getting them to spend. Here’s how retailers can appeal to each generation as the holiday season readies for Cyber Five.

Sunday Ticket propels YouTube TV to 48% growth: The pay TV service has seen subscriptions jump significantly since it acquired the costly streaming rights.

YouTube’s anti-ad blocking campaign sparks a user outcry: The company is raising ad-free pricing in multiple markets shortly after banning ad blockers.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss the ongoing antitrust trial between Google and the Department of Justice, why Google should be looking over its shoulder at Amazon, and what to make of YouTube's most recent performance. "In Other News," we talk about why Google Maps is becoming more like Search and the most important thing going on in affiliate marketing. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Max Willens.

Social commerce sales are continuing to rise steadily, reaching $82.82 billion in the US next year, per our forecast. But it’s getting harder to convert new buyers. Here’s how retailers can encourage more social media purchases and boost their social commerce sales.