On today’s podcast episode, we discuss the impact of California not signing a controversial AI bill into law, what to watch for next in terms of state or federal AI rules, and how OpenAI is evolving after some high profile departures and a pivot towards a for-profit business model. Join host Marcus Johnson, along with analysts Jacob Bourne and Grace Harmon, for the conversation.

By teaming up with banks, Meta aims to crack down on fraud and restore user trust amid rising concerns over scams on its platforms.

Retailers are experimenting with generative AI (genAI) across various use cases, from personalized marketing to conversational search. But the strategic risks of being an early adopter of genAI versus waiting for established players to set standards remain unclear.

55% of US agency and marketing decision-makers expect AI to improve retail media by offering greater insights and recommendations, according to a July 2024 study from Quartile and NewtonX.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss the implementation challenges of GenAI, how smaller retailers should be playing with it, and when you should not use GenAI. Listen to the conversation with our analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts analysts Blake Droesch and Carina Perkins

Most industries leaning into social advertising are targeting younger audiences with offers for products with low price points.

Content creation has relied on manual processes—marketers, writers, and designers crafting messages that resonate with audiences. The introduction of generative AI has revolutionized these workflows. Three-quarters (75%) of professionals who use generative AI say the technology saves them between one to 10 hours per week, according to the recent Contentful survey.

The addition of voice and vision interaction pushes Microsoft’s AI assistant to new heights, boosting its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Kohl’s sees a big opportunity to build connections with expectant parents: The Babies R Us at Kohl’s registry will enable it to collect data about a valuable customer segment.

Pinterest launches AI-powered tools: Advertisers can now create engaging visuals and reduce costs, aligning with industry-wide shifts toward generative AI solutions.

Q3 US auto sales fell around 2% YoY: Sticker shock is restraining demand and causing some consumers to opt for lower-priced vehicles.

Sephora-related content resonated best with Gen Z consumers, but legacy brands like Neutrogena struggled to maintain relevance. Cultural moments like Pride and back-to-school drove Q3 UGC, while video tutorials on platforms like TikTok provide more effective ways for brands to connect with Gen Z. Here are four insights into how beauty brand-related, UGC performed among Gen Z consumers in Q3, according to research firm dcdx’s Gen Z's Top 50 Beauty Brands Report Q3 2024.

Conagra’s Q1 miss reflects the challenging environment for CPGs: The company’s sales and volumes declined as shoppers’ shift to private labels looks set to last.

Heura is on a mission to make plant-based meat better: The Barcelona-based startup is addressing the struggling food category’s cost and nutritional value issues.

Platforms must brace for regulation of algorithmic content: EU regulators are widening their net, which could restrict advertisers’ ability to target teens.

Roblox could kick down the door to an in-game advertising boom: The gaming and metaverse platform is deepening ties to the ad industry and hiring for ad tech roles.

Disney’s going for efficiency across the board: Ad sales will be largely automated by 2027, while content teams are streamlined behind the scenes.

Nike pulls FY guidance amid sales slump: Incoming CEO Elliott Hill has the difficult task of reinvigorating the brand and ramping up innovation to win back market share.

NVLM 1.0 challenges OpenAI and Google, offering smaller developers powerful tools without the cost and positioning Nvidia as a force in AI democratization.

With fraud becoming harder to detect, companies must strengthen their verification protocols and stay ahead of rapidly advancing AI-generated scams.