AI platforms’ long-held anti-advertising stance changed in January 2026. The rising cost of competing in AI has forced OpenAI and Google to launch AI ad pilots, and other platforms will likely follow suit. But advertisers may not be the winners in this gold rush.
In 2026, brands’ revenue gains will come less from AI tools and more from integrating high-quality data that informs decisions.
Gen Z trades data for personalization; bland targeting threatens trust and long-term spend.
Brands like Levi’s and VF face rising costs—and are starting to pass them on.
CEO neutrality carries brand risk; OpenAI and Anthropic leaders’ cautious political responses are an illustration of how hedging on values can erode trust rather than protect it.
It’s at 29 billion videos and growing, yet 1% of content captures 91% of viewing time, squeezing organic discovery.
Assigned seating and other fees may boost earnings, but blur what set the airline apart.
IAB projects a 9.5% US ad-spend rise in 2026 while AI agents scale performance, retention, and automation.
Scout turns answers into ad inventory, using Yahoo’s data scale to fund free AI discovery.
The brand is banking on price, simplicity, and selection to win cautious consumers.
This FAQ addresses what financial services marketers, strategists, and insights professionals need to know about credit card trends, payment networks, and marketing opportunities in 2026.
Meta's Q4 revenues jumped 24%, but massive AI capex made it one of its costliest quarters.
YouTube is pulling close on reach, but traditional TV still delivers stronger engagement. As viewing shifts across screens, marketers face a growing tradeoff between scale and attention, and they must rethink how YouTube and TV fit together in video plans.
Performance TV drives growth, but weak transparency undermines trust--meaning marketers should be selective about partners and prioritize contextual targeting.
On today's podcast episode, we introduce our 'Unofficial Monthly Retailer Awards', or the U.M.R.A.s, for the 'Most Impactful Campaign', 'Best IRL Initiative', and 'Greatest Under-the-Radar Move'. Listen to the discussion with Vice President of Content and host Suzy Davidkhanian, Principal Analyst Sky Canaves, and Analysts Arielle Feger and Rachel Wolff.
Follow-up Search questions now flow into AI Mode, changing results from link lists to closed-loop, conversational research.
AI ads mistaken for human-made drive high CTRs, showing AI works best when uncanny cues are avoided.
Reels ad impressions on Instagram jumped from 13% to 21% of total impressions YoY, the fastest-growing placement on the platform, according to a July 2025 report from Tinuiti.
In the coming year, experts believe retailers will aim to consolidate their operations and link retail media silos with broader organizations.