AI is reshaping media campaigns—but most companies haven’t fully integrated it yet, according to the State of Data 2025 report from the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). While publishers are leading, agencies and brands are catching up, with many expecting full deployment within the next few years. However, challenges like complexity and data security are prompting the need for clearer strategies, use case definitions, and performance metrics.
Last week, Best Buy Ads launched Social+, an offering that allows brands and agencies to leverage Best Buy’s first-party data for social media campaigns. The tool is currently only available for Meta campaigns on Facebook and Instagram, but will expand to other social media networks in the future, per a press release.
Meta introduces new AI ad capabilities: The changes include more investments in Andromeda, new tools for Advantage+, and more genAI use cases.
Internet liability law faces expiration threat: Lawmakers propose ending Section 230 protections to pressure tech firms on reform talks.
The failed buyout shows chipmakers may prefer autonomy over acquisition, even as demand for AI hardware keeps climbing.
Instacart adds AI-powered tools for advertisers as ad growth slows: The new features make it easier for brands to create and optimize campaigns.
Google’s visual intelligence upgrade puts real-time discovery in users’ hands, opening doors for brand integration and premium engagement.
Peloton owns half of all at-home fitness market sales, according to a February Earnest Analytics survey.
Partnerships between retail media networks (RMNs) and connected TV (CTV) platforms are giving brands access to better data, more shoppable ad options, and a full-funnel approach that drives results. These collaborations can make targeting smarter, shopping easier, and measurement clearer, helping advertisers prove their effectiveness.
FCC targets DEI in mergers: New Chairman Brendan Carr warns companies to scale back DEI policies or face blocked acquisitions.
Study shows women’s representation in ads is worsening: The findings indicate that advertisers have a lot of work to do if they want to bridge the inclusivity gap.
Walmart is all in on metaverse commerce: The retailer partnered with Minecraft on an immersive gaming experience.
The pandemic was catastrophic to many downtown QSRs: But demand is returning as workers go back to their offices.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how Walgreens went from “pharmacy behemoth to distressed retailer”, the biggest lesson from its downfall, and where the company goes from here. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, and Senior Analysts Rajiv Leventhal and Zak Stambor, for the conversation. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
With its latest global campaign, Puma aims to engage a new generation of consumers by tapping into the emotional and social aspects of athletics.
While handy for creators and multilingual users, bot-written comments might alienate users in Meta’s already delicate social ecosystem.
Research and planning across retail, travel, and finance are increasingly filtered through AI, making chatbots central to the customer journey.
Pharmacy deserts increase across the US, mostly in rural areas: More pharmacy closures are expected, which means medication access for many patients will worsen before it improves.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how virality is being redefined, how the word “Creator” is being reimagined, and how the social content consumers are looking for is changing. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Analyst Emmy Liederman, Senior Analyst Minda Smiley, and Co-Founder and CEO of Kale Isha Patel. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
Nearly half (48.0%) of US digital shoppers want to see AI-driven customer service quality improved or added on ecommerce sites, per a February 2025 survey from Cint and Omnisend.