The growth of the online category accelerated beyond our previous expectations in 2020. Amid the pandemic, tens of millions of US consumers became online grocery buyers for the first time, according to our latest forecast on US grocery sales. In 2021, this behavior will go from trial to habit for many shoppers.
Within digital media channels, probably the longest-standing gap in measurement information lies with the walled gardens—a group that includes Google, Facebook, a host of other walled social platforms, and Amazon. Some in the industry are also talking more of walled gardens—or attempts to build them—in the connected TV (CTV) or over-the-top (OTT) space.
US consumers continue bulking out their SVOD subscriptions: New data suggests that consumers may be more interested in taking up streaming services than cutting the cord at the moment, but the decline in cable and satellite subscriptions will continue.
Digital audio subscription revenues are on the rise: Podcasts and exclusive content will drive that growth this year, as streaming services like Apple Music and Amazon Music compete with market leader Spotify.
Spotify weaves its recent investments into a cohesive tapestry: The audio company presented a slate of new offerings that paint a clearer picture of its strategy to pull in new users and help creators monetize their content.
A look at pandemic pods–podcasting, that is
Why companies get "canceled": US adults say they revoke support of companies to make them change their ways—and the majority are willing to accept a company's apology if it promises to change, according to new research.
The threat of similar patchwork state laws puts pressure on the FCC and Congress to articulate plans for reinstating net neutrality at the federal level.
Big Tech v. Maryland: Lobbyists filed a suit alleging that the state's recently passed digital ad tax is unconstitutional and would hurt small advertisers. But if Maryland prevails, it could set a major precedent for similar taxes in the US.
Traditional ads are more trusted than digital ads: Even though US adults are reading fewer newspapers and watching less TV, the higher prices and standards that those formats command make them more trusted than, say, social ads.
Digital is quickly becoming more programmatic: Some 63% of digital ads were sold programmatically in H2 2020, compared with 52% during the same time in 2019. This was accelerated, not caused, by the pandemic.
Canadians click and collect: In-store or curbside pickup services were in high demand during lockdowns, which sped up adoption among both retailers and customers.