On today's episode, we discuss Amazon's Q2 advertising performance, the true value of its ad business, and what to expect for the remainder of 2021. We then talk about Twitch's new “Stream Display Ads,” the significance of Amazon's near $1 billion fine, and why Tubi is on the up as Roku cools down a little. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer senior forecasting analyst at Insider Intelligence Eric Haggstrom.

Successful brands are providing a hybrid customer journey that lets shoppers move seamlessly between the online and offline worlds. Tijs van Santen, chief customer officer at Uberall, shares insights with eMarketer editorial director at Insider Intelligence Rimma Kats, on consumer shopping behavior, including engagement with local businesses.

Substack invests in original content: The newsletter platform has signed some of the leading creators in the comics world, which could have an eventual impact on Marvel's and DC’s bottom lines.

YouTube goes long on Shorts: Its new brand marketing campaign is all part of its plan to compete with TikTok for Gen Z eyeballs.

Disney's Q3 earnings: Expect slowing subscriber growth alongside healthy ad sales—but don't get too excited about US TV ad sales as a whole.

Citi aims to be a matchmaker for SMBs left Citi Branchless: The banking giant is testing a program that pairs small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with local and regional US lenders. It’s a compensatory move for the bank after it reduced in-person lending assistance via branch closures.

The service lets corporate clients send payment requests directly to the bank’s retail customers—helping it strengthen client relationships and opening the way for other transaction use cases, like B2B payments.

HSBC’s redesigned cards put accessibility at forefront: The bank is redesigning its UK bank cards to help disabled people, ranging from those with dyslexia to vision loss. The cards could help HSBC increase the loyalty of existing customers and attract new ones.

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) now requires entrants to offer income-producing products, like loans, and to have an exit plan. This will scare off some neobanks—but those that have launched, or are about to, may benefit.

Shipt goes beyond convenience: As grocery ecommerce gets more competitive, the Target subsidiary partners with the health-focused support network CaringBridge for a positive brand story.

Shane Pittson is the vice president of growth at oral-care provider Quip, overseeing advertising efforts and consumer research, optimizing lifetime value and customer acquisition costs, and improving retention rates. We recently spoke with Pittson about creating buzz for a brand, gaining retail distribution, Quip's brief stint on dating apps, and more.