TikTok Shop aims to reach $17.5 billion in GMV this year: The platform is setting an ambitious US sales target for 2024, even as it cuts merchant subsidies and hikes fees.

From retailers drawing shoppers in-store by leaning on creator content to the emergence of livestream ecommerce influencers and the potential consolidation of retail media networks, our analyst-led predictions offer a glimpse into the future of shopping and advertising. We explore each, weighing the arguments for and against their likelihood in shaping the year ahead.

LinkedIn ad prices soar by 30% as advertisers leave Musk's X: Ad revenues grow to $4 billion, with a projected 14.1% increase in 2024.

Conagra trimmed its outlook after sales slipped 3.2% in FYQ2: It expects sales to decline 1% to 2% this year, down from the 1% rise it previously forecast.

Microsoft upends decades of precedent with Copilot key for Windows: It provides access to its AI platform for productivity tasks, marking the first significant keyboard design change since 1994.

Pharma still loves traditional TV ads, even as audiences tune out: Drug advertisers spent $4.37 billion on TV ads in 2023 and will likely spend more in 2024. But even older adults are turning to digital channels.

Digital health startups to watch: We spotlight insurtech Devoted Health and metabolic disease platform Twin Health on the back of fresh funding.

Swoop’s predictive AI enables pharma marketers to target even undiagnosed patients: It’s the latest example of how AI models are helping pharma brands reach more patients and providers.

Peloton is the latest to try out TikTok’s brand hubs: The fitness company is the second major brand to try TikTok’s innovative ad format after Disney in October.

Advertising data is being distributed without user consent: A study found that 91% of US publishers are sharing data before users give the OK.

Streaming cancellations rise as costs climb: Major platforms like Netflix and Disney+ are adapting with new strategies.

Walmart deepens metaverse presence with Unity partnership: The retailer is expanding access to its commerce APIs to allow developers to sell physical items within virtual experiences.

The luxury market is falling back to Earth: After several years of atypical price increases and sales growth, the industry is returning to normal.

Intel spins out Articul8 for enterprise generative AI solutions targeting security-sensitive sectors, indicating new opportunities for Big Tech’s continued AI expansion.

Despite the surge in AI investments, plunging venture capital funding is making it difficult for startups to raise capital, which could stifle long-term innovation.

Google is planning to release Bard Advanced: The paid subscription chatbot would compete with ChatGPT Plus if it performs well and is priced right.

Cost, lack of third-party verification, limited on-site ad space, and limited activation options are some of the top challenges brands and advertisers in the US, France, Germany, and the UK face when using retail media networks (RMNs), according to an August 2023 DoubleVerify study.

Social media companies will answer to regulators about minors’ data: A Harvard study found that platforms made $11 billion from ads targeting minors.

Reddit misses ad revenue target by $200 million: The Information reports that Reddit failed to reach a previously stated 2023 ad revenue goal of $1 billion.