Social Media

OnlyFans posts record-breaking $6.63 billion in 2023 gross payments: Creator base grows 29%, but regulatory challenges loom.

Facebook tries to reverse its Gen Z problem: Instagram and Marketplace could form the core of an attempt to strike a chord with Gen Z users.

The platform introduces stricter controls to curb illegal content but may alienate its privacy-conscious user base.

DOJ indicts Russians for funding US influencers: Kremlin-backed operatives used social media to covertly influence the 2024 election.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss if big tech executives will soon be held responsible for what happens on their platforms, whether Walmart+ is now a legitimate threat to Amazon Prime, how much swapping out barcodes for QR codes moves the needle, how early is too early for holiday marketing, why dogs tilt their heads, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our director of reports editing Rahul Chadha, and analysts Sarah Marzano and Carina Perkins.

Multiple users posted videos about a “hack” that turned out to be plain old check fraud. It won’t end well for those who were on trend.

Contrary to popular belief, not every creator has a podcast. But those who do are a driving force behind the roughly $1.50 billion US creators will generate from digital audio distribution channels this year.

Reddit was the fifth highest-visibility domain in Google’s organic search results in July 2024, up from No. 68 in July 2023, according to Sistrix. And since going public in March 2024, the company has introduced new ad products and search improvements.

YouTube expands content safety for teens, parental controls: The platform is taking extra steps to protect minors in Europe as its rivals face major penalties.

TikTok boosts movie success: The platform drives theater attendance and ticket sales, especially among younger audiences.

Instagram introduces disappearing comments on Stories: The update aims to increase real-time user interaction and balance engagement with safety.

Snap mulls an app redesign and looks to smaller advertisers: In a letter to employees, the CEO blamed several factors for slow ad growth.

With Starlink also at risk, Musk’s companies face mounting pressure to comply with local laws or face operational bans and monetary losses.

The decision highlights the challenges of protecting minors from harmful content while ensuring moderation doesn’t infringe on free speech.

Shopping has spread across the entire social ecosystem. Our survey of social shoppers found that the kinds of goods and services people buy differ meaningfully across the platforms.

Instagram brings brands into the group chat: Channels feature offers brands a more intimate way to engage, but conversion success is uncertain.

39% of US creators have been approached to work on paid political content for either this election year, past election years, or both, according to June 2024 data by Censuswide and Billion Dollar Boy.

Instagram strengthens presence in India with Creator Lab: The initiative aims to boost engagement and position the platform for long-term success in a key market.

Pavel Durov’s arrest highlights growing concerns over content moderation, setting a precedent for holding tech leaders responsible for their platform’s misuse.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss how the new NBA media rights deal will affect all the different players, the concept of consumer modes, how much Google’s ‘AI Overviews’ will affect publishers, what will happen to X’s user base next year, the state of America’s vacation culture, and more. Tune in to the discussion with host Marcus Johnson, forecasting writer Ethan Cramer-Flood, forecasting analyst Zach Goldner, and director of forecasting Oscar Orozco.