Social commerce is one of the biggest trends in social media in 2021. The major platforms are all pushing commerce to the forefront of their business strategies, introducing new features aimed at convincing consumers to go from inspiration to purchase with a click of a button or a tap on a mobile screen.

Among US gamers, Facebook Gaming is the most popular destination for viewing live gameplay, with 42% watching esports and other gaming livestreams on the platform.

Our exclusive primary research survey reveals which platforms US social media users feel most comfortable buying on, and why trust is essential for the future growth of social commerce.

Our annual lookahead for Canada highlights some growth areas for brand marketers as well as the mediascape that’s evolving to serve them.

Move over, millennials: The new kids in town, Gen Z, have claimed the crown as most sought-after demographic for brands. With their deep digital nativity and social influence, this generation is making its mark on society and brand strategy.

Older generations rely more heavily on family, friends, and TV ads to learn about new products. Personal recommendations are the most powerful purchase drivers for Gen Z as well, but social media—which includes ads, videos, and online influencers—is increasingly important to product discovery.

Brand suitability tools give advertisers some power back as targeting restrictions tighten: They are no substitute for true targeting tools, but they offer marketers a bit more control over the context of their ad placements.

About two-thirds of the US population are monthly connected TV (CTV) users. Young people are more likely to use CTV than older people. Four in 10 US senior citizens are CTV users—whereas CTV usage is about double that, more than 80%, among those ages 25 to 54.

TikTok’s new report on teen safety is part of an ongoing effort by the app to ease scrutiny: After Instagram’s bombshell report about teen health earlier this year, platforms like TikTok and Snap are racing to show regulators, users, and advertisers that they don’t share the same issues.

Connected TV ad spending continues to expand substantially.

TikTok will surpass 1.5 billion users in 2022: Despite challenges, TikTok has proven resilient and will likely command marketers’ attention and ad spend.

On today's episode, we discuss the most impressive part of Google's Q3 earnings, YouTube's mini milestones, and how Apple's iOS changes are affecting the search giant. We then talk about the significance of Nielsen's rebrand and what the average Netflix user looks like. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer principal analyst at Insider Intelligence Paul Verna.

On today's episode, we discuss whether Amazon's new home robot could be the "fourth screen," the significance of the creator economy, online shopping's ceiling, how much people notice social media ads, YouTube's upcoming Holiday Stream and Shop event, the real meaning of freedom at work, an explanation of who you’ve been dreaming about, and more. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer analyst Blake Droesch and senior analysts at Insider Intelligence Audrey Schomer and Ross Benes.

On today's episode, we discuss how prepared measurement and syndication vendors are for the removal of third-party cookies and device IDs, what options advertisers have to maintain measurement and addressability, and some best practices and recommendations for both sides of the supply chain that will help them seamlessly transition to a privacy-centric future. We then talk about how connected TV (CTV) giants are holding onto new customers, YouTube's CTV ads that can move over to your smartphone, and where people prefer to watch movies. Tune in to the discussion with senior vice president of product and general manager of customer experience at Neustar Steve Silvers and eMarketer principal analyst at Insider Intelligence Paul Verna.

Our fifth annual primary research survey reveals the level of trust US social media users have in nine major social platforms, and the role trust plays in the willingness to engage with advertising on those platforms.

Even amid swirling controversies, Facebook is the single most popular US social network, with 83% of adult social media users in the US reporting that they visit the platform in a typical week.

Spotify’s video podcasting push could bring in more users and marketers: Podcasts are already gaining steam with both groups, and video will help make the medium—and ads in it—even more engaging.

YouTube is carving into social commerce and TV measurement: The platform is leveraging both its deep pool of creators and large TV-based audience to get a leg up on competitors.

YouTube videos are the most popular media among US children online, with 85% of those surveyed watching that content recently.

More video viewers turn to ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) and free streaming options.