Social Media

Meta has a drug problem: Regulators are asking Mark Zuckerberg how the platform is addressing the spread of ads for illegal drugs on Facebook and Instagram.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss the interesting ways folks watch the Olympics, the best (and not so best) ads from the Games, the impact of X suing advertisers, how much in-store chatbots can move the needle, how to view Disney’s streaming profitability milestone, which national park most of America could drive to in a day, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our vice president of content Suzy Davidkhanian and analysts Sara Marzano and Carina Perkins.

X AI tool reignites brand safety concerns: Grok genAI was used to create violent images of brand mascots and celebrities, highlighting social media’s moderation challenge.

Content Library’s limited access and minimal features may undermine efforts to curb disinformation during a crucial election period

Political campaigns embrace the creator economy: It's a recognition of creators' ability to influence voters and drive engagement.

US adults spend more time on Facebook (20 minutes) than any other platform, followed by TikTok (18 minutes), per our June 2024 forecast.

Healthcare, pharma ramp-up partnerships with social media influencers: We explore the factors driving brands to embrace health influencers and examine how marketers can better navigate the creator economy.

TikTok introduces group chats and custom stickers: The platform to engage Gen Z and rival messaging giants, but user adoption could be a challenge.

In part two of this two-part podcast episode on the Google antitrust ruling, we discuss what this decision will actually mean for Google and which competitor is likely to benefit the most from whatever penalties get handed out. Tune in to the discussion with host Marcus Johnson, analyst Max Willens and vice president of content Paul Verna.

When vice president Kamala Harris launched her presidential campaign in late July, she needed to quickly make a splash with voters. Social media, and TikTok in particular, was the ideal platform. “It's on TikTok where Kamala is really shining,” said our analyst Jasmine Enberg on a recent edition of the Behind the Numbers podcast. Here are three things to consider about Harris’s social media and campaign strategy.

In part one of this two-part podcast episode on the Google antitrust ruling, we discuss the reasons US district Judge Amit Mehta decided that Google’s search business constitutes an illegal monopoly and what penalties he is likely to dish out at a hearing in September. Tune in to the discussion with host Marcus Johnson, analyst Max Willens and vice president of content Paul Verna.

As ecommerce grows in back-to-school shopping (34.9% of total back-to school sales this year versus 33.5% in 2023), content creators are playing a pivotal role in how consumers find school supplies. This shift is driven by younger parents buying classroom supplies for K-12 children and college students outfitting their dorm rooms. Both groups favor online shopping for its convenience and the ability to compare prices, our analyst Sarah Marzano said in a recent edition of our “Behind the Numbers: Reimagining Retail” podcast.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss how Meta has been able to sustainably grow revenue again, whether or not it can actually be “the most used AI assistant in the world by the end of the year”, and what is atop the Meta threats list. Tune in to the discussion with host Marcus Johnson and vice president and analyst Jasmine Enberg.

Nextdoor exceeds Q2 revenue forecasts: Self-serve ads drive growth, weekly active users rise to 45 million, as stock gains 56% this year.

Post-IPO, Reddit is rolling out AI search and considering paywalled content in an effort to grow revenue while preserving its community-driven essence.

Meta and Google quality filters are failing: Creators are gaming Meta by posting AI spam, while Google allowed deepfake apps to buy ads.

As consumers become increasingly cost-cautious, competition for dollars is fierce. Halloween costumes, decor, and party supplies may not be a top shopping priority, but specialty retailers such as Spirit Halloween still find a way to engage consumers and attract their dollars.

Reddit’s Q2 gives uncertain signs: Despite beating expectations, concerns were raised about its long-term viability as an ad platform.

Young people are on Marketplace and Groups: The challenge for Meta is to direct those users to more monetizable areas of the app.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss what "Brat" means, the significance of the vice president of the United States Kamala Harris putting social media front and center of her campaign, if riding the "Brat" wave is replicable, and whether it might backfire. Tune in to the discussion with host Marcus Johnson, vice president and analyst Jasmine Enberg and vice president of content Paul Verna.