More than double the percentage of marketers worldwide say their primary goals on YouTube are top-of-funnel, driving brand awareness, versus bottom-of-funnel, driving conversions, per August 2024 data by the Influencer Marketing Hub.

In part one of this two-part podcast episode, we discuss some medium-term predictions that are too specific to be 100% certain about but could still come true, including: why the sentiment towards GenAI might turn, what to expect from Google’s new consent workflow now that it is not phasing out third-party cookies from Chrome, and why Tubi might be about to leapfrog Hulu, Disney+, and Peacock. Tune in to the discussion with host Marcus Johnson, and analysts Ross Benes, Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf, and Max Willens.

Google faces its second antitrust trial, with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) alleging the tech giant has illegally monopolized the ad tech space. The case, which began September 9th, centers around Google's dominance in online advertising technology.

Search is an integral part of the customer journey—and genAI is a potential game changer. Online shopping is one of the most viable use cases for consumer-facing genAI.

Spend from current retail media network (RMN) advertisers is showing signs of cooling, forcing RMNs to look to non-endemic advertisers outside their existing ad networks for new ad dollars.

Sam’s Club is on a winning streak: The Walmart-owned wholesale club is making several notable moves with an eye toward improving the customer experience.

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

Tempur Sealy faces regulatory hurdles in its Mattress Firm deal: The company plans to sell 176 Mattress Firm and Sleep Outfitters locations, but it may not be enough to move the acquisition along.

Young consumers’ habit of regularly checking companies’ and apps’ reviews creates a valuable opportunity to build relationships.

IAB introduces in-store retail media standards: New guidelines aim to unify ad formats, metrics, and improve measurement transparency.

US port strike could paralyze supply chains just as the holiday season gets underway: A week-long stoppage could cost the US economy up to $7.5 billion, while the effects of a two-week strike could last until 2025.

Google’s antitrust battle with DOJ: Company should demonstrate market competition, low barriers to entry, and no evidence of consumer harm.

The number of companies that generate more than $1 billion in annual US CTV ad sales grew from two in 2020 to five in 2024

Spotify can expect another strong year for ad revenues: Investor pressure has the company capitalizing on podcasts for a video advertising expansion.

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

Mytheresa expands China presence in long-term bet on luxury growth: While the retailer is bullish on its ability to woo big spenders, the country’s economic crisis and booming daigou industry could weigh on its near-term prospects.

While details are minimal, the duo’s vision could challenge how we interact with AI in a smartphone-driven world.

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

Qualcomm’s bid could reshape both companies, but Intel’s financial woes and regulatory hurdles pose major obstacles.

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.