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

B2B brands are underutilizing creator marketing on LinkedIn, according to Rob Mayhew, a creator who left his agency leadership job to make funny B2B social media videos full time. "LinkedIn is the channel that everyone's sleeping on [for creator marketing], and it's got huge opportunity, especially for B2B," Mayhew said.

Barnes & Noble is expanding its footprint: Riding a wave of strong sales—and buoyed by the #BookTok phenomenon—the bookseller expects to open more than 60 new stores this year.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss why the Trump administration extended TikTok’s sell-by date again, what deals are on the table, and how creators feel about the potential ban at this point. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Vice President and Principal Analyst Jasmine Enberg, and Analyst Marisa Jones. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.

Omnicom expands Creo into a global brand: The agency will unify creator strategy across markets, blending AI tools, media partnerships, and performance goals.

Social media plays a major role in product discovery, with 51% of global consumers discovering a new brand or product on social media in the last six months, per November 2024 data from Capgemini. But convincing consumers to purchase on a social platform is more complicated. Here are three key ways brands can convert social media discovery into sales.

A trade war with the US will hinder economic performance in Canada this year. Ad spending overall is expected to lose the momentum gained in 2024. But many digital formats will benefit from the emphasis on return on ad spending.

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

Discord facing lawsuit for allegedly harming minors: The case is far from the first time Discord and other platforms have faced similar scrutiny.

TikTok-fueled impulse buying is redrawing the affiliate marketing landscape. As shoppers skip the research phase and rely on creator recommendations, brands are rethinking how they build trust, drive conversions, and stay ahead of trends.

TikTok extends its partnership with MLS: The move is part of a broader trend of brands investing in sports.

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.​

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.​

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.

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.

With TikTok in limbo, Neptune is pitching itself as a mental-health-conscious, creator-first alternative, but it’ll need more than good vibes to scale

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.

BeReal launches its US ad business: The platform is looking to capitalize on TikTok’s uncertain future in the US.

TikTok builds its creator offerings while revenues thrive: While ByteDance is seeing notable growth, the tide could turn with an impending US ban.

TikTok is restructuring its governance and experience team: The move affects marketplace safety within TikTok Shop and may be a response to the platform’s underperformance last year.