Advertising feels the economic squeeze: The industry lost 2,400 jobs last month despite an overall employment increase and record digital spending.
Google is releasing its “automatically created assets” feature into the wild, with more advertisers noticing the beta tool popping up in their Google Ads interface. This feature was first announced on May 24 at the Google Marketing Live virtual event, and it was suggested that this tool wouldn’t be made available until later in the year. The fact that it was showing up for some advertisers scant weeks later is a welcome surprise for those in the pilot group. Here’s how it works: These Google elements may use material from advertisers’ landing pages, domains, and existing ads and keywords to produce headlines, descriptions, and other assets. These automatically produced assets can be accepted and rejected at the campaign level. Why it matters: The assets Google generates could improve ad relevance by customizing ad headlines and descriptions to better respond to users’ unique search queries. Creating ads can be a somewhat monotonous process, and laborious as well. Making it easier for advertisers to create ads and variations of existing ads has the potential to be a net benefit for the search giant’s massive advertising business.
Will spam and fake accounts stop Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover? It’s looking increasingly like that’s the case.
Super apps in Asia, such as WeChat, Alipay, and mobile messaging app Line, have dominated ecommerce and online services in the region for years. Now, some Western apps are trying to build their own super apps by creating marketplaces next to their core financial, social, or delivery services. Most of these apps use a combination of monetization methods, including commissions and ad serving.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion is seen as a marketing imperative: Verizon announced the results from its initiative to drive DEI change.
Starbucks’ next CEO will face a host of challenges: The company is looking outside its walls for a leader as it struggles with worker unionization and changing consumer behavior.
All eyes on Apple: As expectations mount for AR/VR product plans, Apple doubles down on iPhone, Mac, and iPad—a move that might indicate its metaverse ambitions are on hold.
Podcasters will be selling more ads to other podcasters: Buzzsprout’s new Ads solution will allow shows to grow their audience by advertising on other programs.
This year, 57% of US video ad spending will go to linear TV, a decline from 62% in 2021 and 71% in 2020. By comparison, ad spend share is increasing for connected TV (CTV) and other digital formats such as social video.
Formula One is the latest target of US streamers: Several platforms are bidding for exclusive US broadcasting rights.
Looks like it isn’t Morbin’ time after all: A flurry of memes about the film “Morbius” did not translate to box office sales.
A bipartisan data crackdown is coming: A new bill restricts use of personal data, but leaves exceptions for anonymized data.
Restaurants turn to fees to boost their bottom line: Consumers are less likely to push back against fees and surcharges than if they see rising menu prices.
Lululemon thrives while others see demand for athletic apparel soften: The category remains strong overall, but retailers including Macy’s and Gap Inc. are stuck with excess inventory.
ew York right-to-repair state of mind: Passed in the New York Senate (49 to 14) and in the Assembly (145 to 1), the right-to-repair bill will compel manufacturers to enable affordable fixes.
Ford to digitize EV sales: Taking EV sales online while maintaining its dealerships could give Ford a unique advantage, but some franchises might be unwilling to make the switch.
Robots’ useful suffering: A breakthrough in artificial skin means robots could soon be able to feel pain. As more businesses adopt robotics, the tech could help protect the assets.
On today's episode, we discuss where we are one year into Apple's AppTrackingTransparency (ATT) update. Who are the biggest winners and losers thus far, is ATT in fact anticompetitive, and how will ATT continue to shape the advertising space? "In Other News," we talk about TikTok adding third party cookies to its pixel and where US display advertising is heading. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Evelyn Mitchell.