D2C brands facing the declining effectiveness of search and social ads must use new strategies outside of the traditional D2C growth playbook.

Every customer’s reaction, share, or comment influences the reach of a bank’s message—and could threaten the bank itself. Banks should use social media to actively engage online communities, not just to display ads.

Hulu was the star of upfront streaming spend in iSpot.tv’s March survey, with 74% of brands and advertisers saying they were allocating spend to the platform. YouTube TV also had a huge showing, with almost half (48%) of respondents saying they were assigning spend to it. Peacock, Roku, and Paramount+ rounded out the top five.

Macy’s made $144 million in ad revenues last year: While that’s up 34% YoY, the retailer sees significant opportunities for growth. That led it to partner with The Trade Desk.

On today's episode, we discuss how Meta was able to snap its negative ad revenue growth streak, how Reels is helping Instagram grow time spent on the platform, and what Meta's metaverse plans are at this point. "In Other News," we talk about what Americans actually want in a social media platform and whether BeReal's new "Bonus" feature can help keep its momentum going. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Debra Aho Williamson.

US consumers are cutting back on retail subscriptions as costs bite: That’s driving retailers to focus on subscriber retention over growth.

Last month, Meta said it would use generative AI in ad creation by the end of the year. Not long after, Google announced generative AI ad plans of its own in the form of tools that will “remix” ads based on client goals. Neither company has released details of what these AI updates will look like, but the changes are big news for advertisers, agencies, and everyone in between.

Future GM EVs won’t support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, placing the burden of choice on consumers. Locking people out of their smartphone connections could backfire.

Tyson faces headwinds as beef, pork demand falls: The company posted a surprise loss in Q2 due to inflation, rising operating costs, and shifting consumer habits.

A nine-year contract serves as a litmus test for wider government, military, and enterprise adoption of Verizon’s mobile devices and connected networks and solutions.

Fubo stock surges 31% on strong earnings: Sports-focused live TV streaming service says it will be cash-flow positive by 2025.

Live Nation’s thrives amid scrutiny: Company reports record $3.1 billion Q1 revenue and 19.5 million event attendees.

YouTube is no longer separate from the streaming wars: Almost half of its viewership is on TVs, and advertisers are spending heavily on the platform.

Nike and adidas try to reverse market share losses in China: But geopolitical tensions could give homegrown brands Anta and Li Ning an insurmountable advantage.

Surging Cash App user growth helped drive a buoyant Q1 for Block despite recent short seller allegations.

Apple proves Bank of America wrong, sweetens markets with earnings: Friday’s earnings report helped brighten Wall Street’s outlook as Apple maintains a firm and steady approach amid Big Tech volatility.

Google engineer says nimble, open-source models could upend AI race: Models like LLaMa and Dolly 2.0 throw a market curveball, but OpenAI’s AGI ambition is the biggest threat.

There are pros and cons for this large competitive field, and no definitive answer on whether it causes financial instability.