Don't miss tomorrow's social media industry news

SPONSORED

New consumer TV viewing habits create opportunities for CPG brands

For decades, “watching TV” meant sitting on the couch and catching a favorite weekly show, or viewing.

SPONSORED

The battle for attention on CTV: premium video platforms vs. YouTube

CTV investment is growing, here's how marketers can ensure every dollar counts.

NEWS

Global video revenue to reach $1 trillion by 2030

NEWS

Inside Mercedes-Benz’s custom Amazon Prime Video ads push around the NBA

CMO Melody Lee explains how short-form content helped the automaker integrate customer benefits without interrupting their viewing experience.

SPONSORED

5 ways multifamily video is driving leases — and saving teams time

Five data-backed tactics top operators use to increase lease conversion and streamline operations with video.

SPONSORED

Optimizing your media mix for 2026

What 2025 media investment trends reveal about where brands should spend in 2026.

BRIEF

Target, DirecTV team to track premium video advertising’s sales impact

Danone plans to test a new solution that uses Roundel data and DirecTV audience insights to measure whether ads led to purchases at Target.

NEWS

Meta updates ad metrics to align with other platforms

The changes include simplified link-click attribution and new engagement metrics, which could impact how ad results are measured.

BRIEF

TikTok boosts measurement partnerships in play for advertiser confidence

Media quality and brand safety tools from IAS and Zefr are coming to additional ad formats while DoubleVerify is now accredited for reporting video viewability.

BRIEF

Creator marketing now a ‘core media channel’ while search slows: IAB

Social commanded the largest share of the digital ad market last year at 40% while more brands and agencies institutionalized creator practices.

BRIEF

Disney unveils TikTok-like vertical video, AI video generation tool

The new tools demonstrate how streaming platforms are working to improve measurement as marketers push for more performative media.

BRIEF

Uber Eats lets fans build their own Super Bowl ad with in-app integration

The delivery platform created a content library full of alternate scenes for its own commercial that include cameos from a handful of celebrities.

NEWS

How apartment operators can drive leasing through social media and streaming TV

Creating authentic short-form videos and streaming TV ads can help multifamily marketers draw tenants, said speakers at Apartmentalize.

DEEP DIVE

Retailers look beyond social feeds for brand storytelling in 2026

Marketers are experimenting more with channels like Substack as they focus on human-powered brand building in the age of algorithms and AI.

NEWS

How brands and agencies are strategizing CTV investments in 2026

Nearly 70% of CTV advertisers plan to increase their spending this year, according to a new report from Advertiser Perceptions and Premion.

NEWS

Google Shares Coming AI-Powered Ad Innovations

Google's head of ads and commerce has shared some insights into what is coming.

NEWS

Why Hollister made a music video instead of a traditional ad campaign

The Abercrombie & Fitch Co. brand teamed with singer-songwriter Gigi Perez to cover a Green Day classic as part of its largest summer campaign to date.

NEWS

YouTube announces ad updates at 2026 Brandcast Event

The platform promoted sponsorship opportunities with emerging creators and showcased new CTV and artificial intelligence features.

NEWS

How CTV advertising prepped for next-gen reinvention at NewFronts

Samsung, Comcast and Tubi rolled out measurement and AI innovations, plus deals with Amazon, at the IAB’s annual showcase for brands and agencies.

NEWS

Snapchat releases data on video ad performance

The app used eye-tracking and a brand equity framework to determine how its user base responded to branded commercials on Snapchat.

NEWS

YouTube Shorts is awarded Media Rating Council accreditation

This is the first short-form video platform to gain the certification, which comes alongside YouTube’s sixth consecutive overall approval rating.

NEWS

Google adds AI guidance to Demand Gen campaigns

Advertisers can now use a wider range of formats and get artificial intelligence assistance for their promotions.

TIP

How to manage dependency risk in third-party ad tech

NEWS

Google brings Gemini AI-powered tools to its marketing platform

New elements are designed to improve ad performance and engagement tracking, as well as assist in campaign setup.

NEWS

Roku says it’s growing video advertising faster than broader OTT market

The platform’s Ads Manager expects to see a boost from AI tools while a major partnership with Amazon Ads is still only in the “early innings.”

NEWS

TikTok shares performance data on FMCG campaigns

A study on the effectiveness of on-platform fast-moving consumer goods ads explored the impact of promotions on offline sales.

BRIEF

Colgate aims for stressed millennials with campaign about resilience

“Your Smile Is Your Strength” includes tie-ups with over 30 content creators and a partnership with mental health app Calm for meditation content.

NEWS

Google unveils AI-powered ad updates at I/O 2026

On the second day of its conference, the company shared specifics about brand mentions in AI responses and offered additional tools and data insights.

SPONSORED

Keeping it real: 3 trends redefining creative video marketing today

See the three creative video trends shaping how filmmakers and brands build emotional connection today.

NEWS

TikTok looks beyond brand discovery with travel booking and more

The new TikTok Go travel offering will enable users to find and book travel without needing to leave the app.

BRIEF

L’Oréal Paris helps shape ‘Legally Blonde’ origin story in streaming tie-up

The brand is a sponsor of the new “Legally Blonde” prequel show “Elle” and is running a co-marketing campaign inspired by social content.

NEWS

Google offers new Demand Gen ad campaign features

The latest update includes AI-powered video generation and improved YouTube Creator Partnerships.

BRIEF

YouTube revamps visual identity amid shifting entertainment landscape

A new typeface and illustration style are complemented by the Google-owned platform’s first motion identity, which mimics the feel of creator content.

NEWS

Meta outlines best practices for AI-generated multimedia ads

The company’s updated creation tools are designed to help advertisers maximize their performance by generating multiple ad variations to find the best fit.

BRIEF

TikTok ups bid to entertainment marketers with latest ad solutions

Streaming Ads and New Title Launch are meant to deliver personalized, entertainment-specific content and drive subscriptions and ticket sales.

BRIEF

IAS touts ‘linear-like’ transparency with CTV ad measurement solutions

Total TV offers advertisers show, genre, rating, language and program-level data across platforms including Disney, Paramount and Amazon Prime Video.

BRIEF

9 national TV publishers join initiative to address industry fragmentation

Industry giants, including Paramount and NBCUniversal, have teamed with OpenAP to introduce a standardized way to activate and measure campaigns.

DEEP DIVE

‘Don Draper is rolling over in his grave’: Super Bowl 60 ads play it safe

Most brands returned to the same conceptual wells while emergent ad categories like AI and health and wellness offered a mixed bag.

SPONSORED

Programmatic advertising in 2026: Proving performance while it still matters

What if programmatic’s biggest risk isn’t wasted spend, but delayed insight before budgets are gone.

BRIEF

Ugg pays homage to B-movie classics and their handcrafted effects

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka stomps around a miniature Los Angeles in social-heavy creative that takes inspiration from “Attack of the 50 Foot Woman.”

NEWS

7 Digital Marketing Trends to Watch for in 2026

In the final post of our 2026 planning series, we look at some evolving industry shifts, including sharing behavior and emerging platforms.

BRIEF

Kroger links with TikTok on targeted ads

The grocer’s retail media unit is offering a self-service tool that lets advertisers deliver messages to Kroger customers on the social media platform.

NEWS

Online video subscription reached 2.24B in 2025 ahead of projected slowdown in 2026 – Omdia

NEWS

3 advertising stats from Meta’s record holiday ‘25 period

AI-driven improvements to ads ranking and learning models boosted clicks and conversions during the key Q4 window, which drew record demand.

NEWS

YouTube publishes brand growth playbook

The guide offers suggestions for building businesses on the platform and tapping into the evolving creator marketplace.

DEEP DIVE

9 marketing predictions for 2026 as AI fuels polarity

The sense of a stable middle ground is eroding across an industry at a point of contraction, with many displaying mixed feelings about marketing’s future.

NEWS

Liquid I.V. updates ad playbook with Amazon’s Brand Innovation Lab

A new campaign features actors from “Off Campus,” marking the first time lead talent from a Prime Video show has appeared in a co-branded spot.

BRIEF

Fossil sees 57% brand recall lift with InMobi’s full-funnel ad solution

Using the Ad Experiences solution, the watchmaker achieved 20.5 million total impressions and a unique reach of 7.1 million for its spring campaign.

NEWS

TikTok adds new AI video generation to Symphony ad tool kit

The Dreamina Seedance 2.0 artificial intelligence model from parent company ByteDance is able to create realistic content from text prompts.

OPINION

Will 2026 be the year deepfakes go mainstream?

NEWS

YouTube’s BrandCast 2026 advertiser event scheduled for May

The annual presentation will be hosted by comedian Trevor Noah and will include a performance by musician Chappell Roan.

COLUMN

Sociable: Google enlists Walmart Connect to enhance YouTube ad insights

Brands can reach Walmart’s U.S. customers through YouTube campaigns and see how those ads impact sales.

NEWS

GSTV steps up audience targeting

Slim Jim maker Conagra Brands is the video network’s first advertiser to incorporate the Stagwell Agentic Targeting System into campaign planning.

NEWS

Chipotle’s new CMO on how the brand’s latest ad meets consumer trends

“Choices” contrasts daily prep at the fast-casual Mexican chain with images of nuggets in fryer baskets and frozen burger patties on a conveyor belt.

OPINION

How AI is making ad creative faster — and more fair

The shift toward AI is not just about producing ads faster, it’s about giving creative capability to everyone, writes Amazon’s Nikhil Nanivadekar.

NEWS

Netflix targets $3B in ad revenue while Warner Bros. deal looms

Discussing the planned $83 billion acquisition, executives pointed to the rising threat of YouTube for advertising and subscription dollars.

NEWS

YouTube tests 90-second unskippable ads on CTV

The company’s overview of nonskippable ads still lists 60-second ads as the maximum length available, but a Reddit user discovered longer segments.

NEWS

P&G’s Pritchard on how brands must navigate a new epoch in marketing

The brand chief at one of the world’s largest advertisers credited the speed of recent campaigns to the use of AI tools and its in-housing strategy.

COLUMN

Go Figure: 3 big marketing numbers from April

From Modelo’s seven-figure pro soccer investment to Amazon’s projected ad revenue, here are some important numbers marketers may have missed.

BRIEF

Albertsons injects fresh retail media data into YouTube advertising

Advertisers using Google’s Display & Video 360 can now access over 175 purchase-based and custom brand audiences supplied by the retailer.

NEWS

Hispanic consumers and mobile in-game ads: Here’s what the numbers say

In-games ads have a higher brand recall rate among Hispanic consumers than Instagram ads, per Portal Latino research.

NEWS

Netflix flexes new capabilities as ad biz doubles geographic reach

At its upfront presentation, the streamer unveiled new tools, capabilities and partnerships that span planning, buying and measuring ad campaigns.

NEWS

Meta introduces new ad and discovery options at IAB NewFronts

Reels trending ads will be expanded and the Partnership Ads Hub will offer a redesigned layout and additional insights.

NEWS

Will immersive content be the straw that breaks networks’ back?

NEWS

Harley-Davidson resets brand ahead of growth strategy rollout

The motorcycle company gets back to basics in an ad set to Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” that will run nationally across broadcast and streaming.

BRIEF

5 ways advertisers can optimize women’s sports investments

New research from WPP Media highlights the unique qualities of women’s sports viewers and how athlete-led creative can improve brand outcomes.

NEWS

LinkedIn offers guidance on B2B product launches

Robert Yanik, the platform’s product marketing and GTM leader, suggested a three-step plan for building buyer confidence and brand presence over time.

NEWS

Walmart, Vizio outline strategy for tying CTV ads to retail outcomes

At their first unified NewFronts presentation, the companies underscored their ability to engage audiences not reached by linear TV buys.

NEWS

How Progressive balances AI use with authenticity as scrutiny persists

The insurance provider’s “Drive Like an Animal” campaign leveraged AI to reduce production time while still considering consumer sentiment.

NEWS

YouTube annual revenue tops $60B as Google’s focus expands beyond ads

Traction for subscriptions like YouTube Premium is growing in a way that could hurt ad revenue but boost the overall business, executives said.

NEWS

Dollar Shave Club swipes at competition in first women’s grooming push

CEO Larry Bodner calls the company’s new line “anti-Venus, anti-Billie, anti-Flamingo” and an antidote to “pink, sparkly, frilly” products pitched to women.

NEWS

How GSTV steps up audience targeting with Stagwell’s agentic system

Slim Jim maker Conagra Brands is the video network’s first advertiser to incorporate the Stagwell Agentic Targeting System into campaign planning.

NEWS

Ad watchdog sides with Verizon in complaint raised by T-Mobile

COLUMN

Campaign Trail: Squarespace turns domain names into a noir nightmare

The brand enlisted Hollywood duo Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos to break out of the “sea of sameness” in Super Bowl ads.

NEWS

Major ad tool announcements from TikTok World 2026

The app’s sixth annual event was a showcase for its updated marketing offerings, including new artificial intelligence-powered elements.

NEWS

TikTok Adds New Ad Types for Entertainment Marketers

Some new opportunities for streaming providers and entertainment brands.

NEWS

Snapchat launches ‘House of the Dragon’ AR ad in New York City

The interactive large-format experience in Times Square allows people to project themselves onto billboards while inserting themselves into fictional scenes.

NEWS

PepsiCo’s CMO on how its Super Bowl strategy informs 2026 growth plans

Chief Consumer and Marketing Officer Jane Wakely explains how efforts by Lay’s, Pepsi Zero Sugar and Poppi extend beyond the big game.

NEWS

UK advertising regulator issues Enforcement Notice targeting loot boxes

NEWS

How Aerie is pushing back against AI content with Pamela Anderson

CMO Stacey McCormick explains how the brand is spreading the word around its October pledge against using AI-generated bodies in its marketing.

NEWS

X Calls on Users To Submit Grok-Generated Video for Super Bowl Promotion

X is offering a $1 million prize for the winning entry.

NEWS

Amazon’s annual ad revenue passes $68B, boosted by full-funnel strategy

The company realized about $12 billion in incremental revenue last year as services like Prime Video contributed meaningfully to growth.

BRIEF

EA rolls out advertising platform with enhanced offerings for brands

The video game company is enabling brands, including initial partners Coach and Visa, to create, launch and measure campaigns across its library.

SPONSORED

The social-to-shelf pipeline: Measuring what actually drives retail sales

How top CPG brands turn TikTok discovery into real sales, online and in store.

COLUMN

Go Figure: 3 big marketing numbers from May

Kraft Heinz’s marketing payoff, Netflix’s expanded advertising slate and the state of AI readiness are a few important numbers marketers may have missed.

BRIEF

DoorDash upgrades ad platform with LiveRamp pact, premium ad formats

A series of announcements position DoorDash Ads as a way for restaurants and CPG brands to reach new customers and access scaled offsite reach.

NEWS

Hyundai’s CMO on how to make the most of an official World Cup sponsorship

The automaker’s U.S. marketing campaign around the tournament, “Next Starts Now,” spans TV ads, social media, experiential activations and more.

NEWS

Meta Updates Marketing API To Align With Latest Ad Shifts

The changes will ensure that third-party ad management tools are aligned with Meta's metric focus.

NEWS

‘Dumb is hard to replicate’: How Garage Beer wins with content, community

Chief Creative Officer Corey Smale explains how the brand is authentically connecting with fans through absurd humor and crazy stunts.

NEWS

Pinterest Posts Strong Q4 Results

Pinterest is seeing strong performance, both in usage and revenue.

NEWS

YouTube Adds More Promote Targeting Options, Image-To-Video AI

YouTube’s latest image-to-video addition lets you add up to three images to be merged into a short video clip.

NEWS

No Warner Bros., no Hastings, no problem: Netflix has ‘room for growth’

The streamer is still on track to double ad revenue to $3 billion this year, and its advertiser base grew over 70% year over year in 2025 to more than 4,000.

BRIEF

Trade Desk ups bid to improve CTV advertising value with Ventura Ecosystem

The new industry collaboration is meant to deliver a more transparent marketplace and includes initial partners Nexxen and TV operating system V.

NEWS

Social Media Marketing Outlook 2026: What to Expect in the Year Ahead

From AI to algorithm shifts, social media professionals have a lot to contend with in 2026.

NEWS

Meta Outlines AI-Powered System Improvements

Meta says that its AI updates are driving increases in engagement and ad performance.

NEWS

Google upgrades AI search ads: What marketers need to know

A range of new tools announced at Marketing Live follow the platform enacting a significant overhaul of the search experience to prioritize AI chats.

NEWS

TikTok pitches advertisers on bold new chapter under US joint venture

The U.S. ownership transition has had its hiccups, but the app used the NewFronts to argue it is more secure, creative and independent than ever.

BRIEF

McDonald’s reality TV-inspired campaign turns kiosks into confessionals

The social-heavy effort, made with agency Golin, comes as the chain faces social media and competitor blowback for a video featuring its CEO.

BRIEF

KFC’s Colonel dances in the name of affordable fried chicken in new ads

A campaign by Highdive and accompanying song, “Finger Lickin’ Machine,” see the mascot defy greedy boardroom executives to keep prices low.

NEWS

Report finds Reddit ads drive strong performance for retailers

Fospha's State of Retail Marketing report looks at rising sources of product discovery and sales activity.

NEWS

How Nestlé turns creator content into brand-suitable ads at scale

The CPG giant is deploying a new tool from CreatorIQ and CreativeX that identifies and scores creator posts that can work as paid media.

DEEP DIVE

How brands can assert control as AI rewrites advertising’s playbook

As promises of one-stop, AI-powered solutions proliferate, marketers will need to navigate the changed ecosystem and separate reality from hype.

NEWS

GSTV continues exec shuffle as CEO steps down

The fuel pump video engagement network has appointed an interim chief executive and given its CFO the additional title of COO.

NEWS

YouTube brings updated tools to its creator partnership program

The platform is merging creator and advertising elements into a single space to facilitate collaboration opportunities and streamline affiliate marketing.

NEWS

Meta Announces Global Expansion of Threads Ads

More options for your Meta ad placements.

BRIEF

Chipotle pokes fun at AI Super Bowl ads to spotlight real ingredients

After another brand's AI-generated Super Bowl spot airs, the restaurant chain will post a video on Instagram Reels to dole out free entree codes.

BRIEF

Almond Breeze jabs at AI-generated slop with the Jonas Brothers

New videos show the trio pitched shoddy AI content, like an ad of them floating in space, before settling on a more traditional endorsement.

NEWS

LinkedIn launches Ad Agency Certification to showcase LinkedIn Ads knowledge

The program will enable agencies to demonstrate their understanding of the latest LinkedIn ads skills and trends.

NEWS

YouTube releases updated ad metrics tools

Brands can search for trending content and get data on organic performance via parent company Google’s Insights Finder.

NEWS

Snapchat rolls out new ad options to help brands increase their in-app presence

The app introduced Total Snap Takeovers and is developing a Snap-specific promotional option in an effort to win more marketing dollars.

NEWS

Google Adds Search Data To Demand Gen Campaigns, Improved CTV Conversion

Google’s latest Demand Gen updates could help you drive improved response.

NEWS

Meta and Google ad revenues soar thanks to AI, but big picture is blurry

Google and Meta both posted impressive advertising growth in Q1, but their paths are diverging on the critical technology front.

OPINION

Will ChatGPT ads become a meaningful part of the performance media mix?

Questions remain around whether LLM ads can be evaluated with the same rigor as the rest of advertisers’ media plans, writes AppFlyer’s Brian Quinn.

BRIEF

Coca-Cola says ‘I’d Like to Buy America a Coke’ in America250 campaign

The soda giant reimagined the song from its iconic 1971 “Hilltop” ad for an effort that includes limited-edition packaging that be scanned for prizes.

BRIEF

Patrón ties spirits to filmmaking craft in ads led by Guillermo del Toro

While del Toro has collaborated with the Bacardi-owned tequila maker before, “The Perfect Pour” campaign marks the first time he has directed a TV ad.

NEWS

Reddit Launches AI-Powered Max Campaigns

Reddit is also looking to give advertisers more insight into its AI targeting process.

NEWS

LinkedIn adds new ways for brands to tap into creator partnerships

LinkedIn is expanding opportunities for advertisers to align promotions with creator content as more B2B marketers work with influencers.

BRIEF

Netflix enriches ad-targeting prowess with Amazon, Yahoo audience data

Deeper integrations with the companies’ demand-side platforms and a new Conversion API tool land ahead of the key upfronts season.

NEWS

AI disclosure labels don’t hurt ad performance: Here’s what the numbers say

As laws requiring AI use in ads to be disclosed become more common, there are questions surrounding the impact on the marketing industry.

NEWS

X Shares the Most Discussed Super Bowl Ads

X ranked responses to Super Bowl ads in real time using AI analysis.

NEWS

How NBA players will deal directly with brands through a new union arm

Plyrs Untd looks to transform the cultural impact of the league’s players into products, partnerships and business opportunities.

NEWS

Deepfakes become an enterprise risk for CIOs and CISOs

NEWS

TikTok adds new AI creation tools for marketers

The company’s artificial intelligence-powered Symphony Agent will generate new promotions based on trending campaigns, text and visual prompts.

BRIEF

Snickers wins praise from Reeses for bigger push behind peanut butter

A spot digging at Reese’s shows a focus group composed of people named Reese who assess the flavor and texture of Snickers Peanut Butter.

NEWS

Synamedia sells video network biz to Lumine Group

NEWS

TikTok Publishes New Guide to Effective Promotions

Some handy tips and pointers for getting the most out of new and existing tools.

NEWS

Why Unleashed Brands tapped VaynerX to pump up social media marketing

CMO Pat O’Toole, formerly of Burger King, details his first campaign at the youth-enrichment company, in support of Urban Air Adventure Park.

NEWS

YouTube Reveals the Top Ad Campaigns for Super Bowl 60

Some of the most popular promotions built pre-game momentum and engaged with creator talent to capture viewer attention.

BRIEF

Uber Advertising expands beyond owned apps in play for more ad dollars

Miller Lite had a 45% higher click-through rate with Ride Offers on Journey compared to similar non-offer creatives.

NEWS

GSTV expands C-suite

The forecourt-focused media company added new finance and strategy leaders, and promoted marketing and technology leads into expanded roles.

BRIEF

Essentia takes rule-defying campaign national for summer season

After an initial launch in New York last year, “Change the Equation” is expanding through a 90-second brand film and partnership with a soccer star.

NEWS

NBCUniversal leans into legacy media status, pushes performance at upfront

The media company will roll out live contextual ads, a tool that retargets viewers of live events and its insights hub in Q4.

NEWS

Sociable: TikTok expands Out of Phone campaigns

A new partnership with Vistar Media will allow advertisers to bring their campaigns to more than a million placements beyond the app.

NEWS

Snapchat launches AI-powered ad creation tools

Updated features include a chatbot-guided set-up and Snap Creator Network, which is designed to help advertisers find the right creator partners.

FEATURE

Smart glasses as an enterprise risk: What CIOs should know

NEWS

Fox’s refreshed pitch to advertisers connects fandoms to outcomes

CMO Puja Vohra details how the slim portfolio of sports, news and entertainment supports a new “Turn Passion into Performance” tagline.