Social Media

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss if folks will start consuming news on WhatsApp, how people get their news on digital channels, and some interesting generational gaps that exist regarding social media news consumption. Join host Marcus Johnson, along with director of reports editing Rahul Chadha and vice president of media, content, and strategy Henry Powderly for the conversation.

Reddit doesn’t want another user blackout: A new policy prevents incidents like last year’s protest and ensures users cant nullify ad space.

Instagram’s value wanes for publishers: Ad spend and content posting drop as WhatsApp Channels gains traction for direct audience engagement.

The latest fine reflects both Meta’s data mishandling and the EU’s heightened regulatory crackdown on Big Tech.

More than a quarter (26%) of marketers worldwide use YouTube for influencer marketing strategies, according to a September 2024 report by the Influencer Marketing Hub. Another 25% uses the platform for organic content marketing.

Apple, Google, and Meta pull services, isolating Russians and shrinking revenue opportunities for creators and advertisers.

New holiday ad treats: Platforms’ advertising updates and additions for the crucial Q4 selling season aim to help brands reel in buyers and buttress their own revenues.

Marketers should play to social media’s positive traits: Gen Z adults have mixed feelings about social media use that can inform marketing strategies.

YouTube is doubling down on social connectivity and AI tools to stay competitive with rivals like TikTok and Meta. The platform’s new suite of features introduced last week include Communities, a fan’s ability to boost creators’ videos, generative AI (genAI) video tools, and gifting. These innovations mimic what’s working on other social media platforms as YouTube seeks to remain social even as it builds out its connected TV business.

By adding translation tools in new markets, Reddit seeks to drive growth and keep momentum post-IPO.

In part two of this two-part podcast episode, we discuss why China and ByteDance might blink and sell TikTok to a US company, why a law around children's online safety will get passed, and what will happen if Dish Network and DirecTV merge. Tune in to the discussion with host Marcus Johnson, and analysts Ross Benes, Evelyn Mitchell, and Max Willens.

Search ads launch on TikTok: The keyword-based feature enables brands to reach users during searches, aligning ad efforts with user intent and behavior.

A third (33%) of US influencers believe that if TikTok is sold or banned in the US next year, Facebook Reels will become the next major player in short-form video, per August 2024 data by First Insight. Instagram Reels is close, at 32%.

Facebook and YouTube dominate, but the rise of unverified stories poses a challenge to credible reporting.

Creator economy wars heat up: TikTok launches new subscriptions, while Patreon’s Autopilot tool boosts fan conversion rates.

Millions of users in Brazil flock to the platform, but X’s potential comeback could steal the spotlight.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss what would happen if TikTok is (or isn’t) banned in America, what marketers get most wrong about consumers, will AI smartphones be impactful right out of the gate, will most companies eventually ask employees to be in the office five days a week, the world's favorite drinks, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Blake Droesch, Bill Fisher, and Carina Perkins.

Platforms owners like Meta and Snap face scrutiny over data exploitation and child privacy laws. Regulatory action could disrupt their ad-based profits.

The Kids Online Safety Act advances in a contentious vote: The regulation would force social media companies to restrict certain content for minors, but much is up for debate.

Social media usage is increasing for all generations, but most quickly for Gen Z. This year, US Gen Z social media usage will grow 7.7% versus 1.8% for the general population’s, according to our May 2024 forecast.