Social Media

Meta slow to capitalize on X’s forecast failure: Musk predicts X’s downfall amid controversies and operational missteps. Meta could act faster to seize the opportunity.

Key stat: $6.19 billion (9.0% of US social media ad spend) will go to TikTok this year, according to our forecast. Marketers need to make sure they’re putting their TikTok budget to good use by choosing the right ad types for the right activations. Here’s an overview of in-feed versus Spark Ads on TikTok.

On today's episode, we discuss whether it's too early to talk about Gen Alpha, delivering things without the box, what's happening on TikTok Live, fast fashion looking to repairs, what websites will look like in the future, the most popular theme parks in the world, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our vice president of content Suzy Davidkhanian, analyst Blake Droesch, and forecasting director Oscar Orozco.

Instagram tries multiple Reels ads simultaneously: The format would lower CPMs, but consumers may not welcome the experience.

On today's episode, we discuss the ways in which firms are prepared—and unprepared—for AI, what happens when companies have finished test-driving generative AI, and what to make of Meta giving away its AI model. "In Other News," we talk about when we can expect to see GPT-5 and how Apple’s lip-reading technology could be a step toward artificial general intelligence. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Jacob Bourne and Gadjo Sevilla.

From tweets to trades: Musk wants to transform the X platform into the “biggest financial institution in the world.” Government officials may not be on board.

Threads experiences swift post-launch decline: The initial surge fades, with active Android users stabilizing at a level four times below its early highs.

YouTube updates its medical misinformation guidelines: It’s taking more steps to remove inaccurate health content. Other social media platforms should take notice.

TikTok introduces disclosures for AI-generated videos: AI content is all over the video platform, which is trying to protect itself from potential legal fallout.

By 2027, there will be a combined 135.5 million Gen Z and millennial social network users in the US, over half of total US social network users, according to our forecast.

Bank of America leads US banks in Instagram followers: Social media’s influence on Gen Z’s financial behavior underscores its importance in marketing campaigns.

YouTube's anti-spam stride: Shorts links will be deactivated; external linking will get a revamp.

Balancing Act: X (formerly Twitter) seeks to mend advertiser relations and innovate while ensuring user trust and monetization.

LiveRamp broadens Pinterest collaboration: Global advertisers to benefit from enhanced data integration.

On today's episode, in our "Retail Me This, Retail Me That" segment, we discuss the opportunity for China-based companies like Shein, Temu, and TikTok in the US, and how they can compete with Amazon. Then for "Red-Hot Retail," our analysts give us some spicy predictions about how fashion retail will change in the US as a direct result of Chinese manufacturers. Join our analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts analysts Sky Canaves and researcher and Asia-Pacific lead Man-Chung Cheung.

Instagram’s Threads updates after dwindling usage, X delays payouts amid other debts, and TikTok modifies its EU algorithm due to the Digital Services Act.

On today's episode, we discuss why Snap's growth continues to stall, what to make of their TikTok-esque short form video feed Spotlight, and what to expect from the company in the second half. "In Other News," we check in on Pinterest and discuss the most interesting trends in social media usage by generation. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Jasmine Enberg.

YouTube has expanded its affiliate shopping capabilities and eligibility for the YouTube Partner Program in order to maintain the strength of its creator relationships. But livestream commerce may factor more into YouTube’s future.

Regulators respond to the rise of the finfluencer: As advice and plugs for financial products proliferate on social media, the UK's Financial Conduct Authority is refreshing its guidance on financial promotions.

On today's episode, we discuss whether Meta has officially bounced back, what to make of Threads at this point, and what Meta's metaverse plans will look like in 2024. "In Other News," we talk about the impact of TikTok's new text-only posts and what happened to social media app Lemon8. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Debra Aho Williamson.