Millions of users in Brazil flock to the platform, but X’s potential comeback could steal the spotlight.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss what would happen if TikTok is (or isn’t) banned in America, what marketers get most wrong about consumers, will AI smartphones be impactful right out of the gate, will most companies eventually ask employees to be in the office five days a week, the world's favorite drinks, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Blake Droesch, Bill Fisher, and Carina Perkins.

Gen Z is twice as likely as the overall population to discover products on social media (51.5% versus 25.5%, per our Path to Purchase research), but physical stores are their top choice for actually making a purchase.

Stringent return policies deter shoppers from making a purchase: That’s why several retailers are adopting nuanced approaches to protect their margins without turning shoppers off.

Agencies begin to doubt retail media’s efficacy:: Some are counseling caution as lack of standardization and the sheer number of RMNs make it difficult to assess whether brands’ investments are paying off.

Publicis acquires Mars United Commerce: The deal strengthens holding company’s ability to offer commerce media solutions.

TikTok Shop is Gen Z’s new favorite gifting destination: More than half plan to make a purchase on the platform this holiday season, lured by the prospect of a good deal.

The issuer will have to innovate its card offerings to contend with the UK’s lower interchange revenues

The retailer is pushing non-card payments to save on swipe fees, a perennial frustration for merchants, but getting consumers to make the switch will be tricky

Proposed caps from both sides of the aisle have failed to gain traction—they could restrict credit access and raise annual fees

Relying on the revival of a Three Mile Island reactor, Microsoft plans to harness clean energy to meet the soaring demands of AI

The US healthcare system spends high, but ranks low on overall performance: We unpack the reasons why the US is performing worse than all other high-income countries when it comes to delivering healthcare, and explore how the upcoming presidential election could signal changes.

Healthcare providers, payers increase IT investments: In light of the devastating fallout of the cyberattack on Change Healthcare, providers and payers alike are hedging against future cybersecurity threats.

Hackensack Meridian Health, K Health roll out 24/7 primary care service: Incumbents like Hackensack Meridian are responding to patient expectations for convenient access to healthcare.

70% of US adults trust Amazon, according to May 2024 data by All About Cookies. Amazon ranks the highest in consumer trust, following Google (65%) and Netflix (64%)— higher than trust in the US government (28%).

Theater chains to invest $2.2 billion in upgrades: Major theater chains are planning large-scale upgrades to improve the in-theater experience, attracting audiences back to cinemas.

The FTC says ad industry self-regulation has failed: A lengthy report criticizes how advertisers collect and spread user data without proper consent.