Q1 has been a mixed bag for marketers. Ad spend grew in January and February, hitting double digits for the first time since March 2022. But many tech and retail companies were hit with layoffs as companies tightened ad spend. IBM, TikTok, and Google all slashed their marketing and advertising teams. On earnings calls, Nike’s finance chief said the company is planning for a “subdued macro outlook” and Paramount mentioned “softness in the global advertising market.”

Time spent on social media by US users is set to plateau in 2025. But there are substantial differences in how different age groups spend time on social platforms.

Here’s what a TikTok-less America would look like for marketers, users, and creators, based on our latest forecasts.

Nano-influencers reign on Instagram with a 6.23% engagement rate: TikTok's top influencers, meanwhile, maintain a 4.95% rate.

Over half (51%) of US children recall seeing commercials on YouTube recently, the top platform for recognition across multiple digital channels, according to an October 2023 survey from Precise TV.

Coca-Cola is increasing its investment in digital media channels to appeal to Gen Z, while Gap is focused on creating more story-forward, culturally relevant marketing campaigns. To cut costs, Procter and Gamble is using AI to improve order fulfillment and reduce ad waste, and Starbucks eyes growth in delivery. Here are five insights into how companies are adjusting strategies this year.

Brands and marketers have an increasingly prominent presence at the annual technology, arts, and culture festival in Austin, Texas, which this year took place from March 8 to 16. We break down the key topics that drew the most attention from attendees.

On today's podcast episode (part 2), we discuss what America looks like without TikTok, who would be most likely to buy the short-video app, and what marketers should be thinking about to plan for the future. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Minda Smiley and Max Willens.

On today's podcast episode (part 1), we discuss the details of what's going on with a potential TikTok ban, how grave of a threat TikTok might be, whether Americans actually want a ban, and the likelihood of TikTok getting banned this time around (out of 10). Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Minda Smiley and Max Willens.

Ecommerce growth accelerated during the 2023 holiday season as US consumers shifted more of their shopping to mobile devices.

US adults will spend 7 more minutes per day with media in 2024 than they did in 2023, confounding expectations of a post-pandemic reduction in screen and audio time.

To reach the overwhelmingly young, diverse, and growing population of Hispanic consumers in the US, advertisers must understand their media preferences.

While TikTok’s fate is in limbo, the sharks circle round: Surveys show strong support for Reels if the app is banned, while China says it doesn’t support a forced sale.

“Out-of-home (OOH) is cost-effective. It's measurable. It's targetable. You can be hyperlocal with it,” said founder and CEO at Quan Media Brian Rappaport. It’s also growing. US OOH ad spend will increase by 6.5% this year, reaching $9.51 billion dollars, according to our October 2023 forecast. But an added benefit is OOH’s potential to create organic impressions on social media.

Misleading high-engagement content on “TaxTok” is worrying financial professionals and confusing their clients. Here’s how banks can help.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss how young Gen Zers differ from older Gen Zers, the numbers that tell the story of teens' social media use, and how teens and parents approach screen time. "In Other News," we talk about whether 20-somethings saying "no" to TikTok is a big deal and whether a new push to ban TikTok is for real this time. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Jasmine Enberg and Paola Flores-Marquez.

While making up just 2% of US market share in their categories, the 97 companies on Bain’s Insurgent Brands 2024 list captured nearly 20% of incremental category growth last year, per the firm.

71% of teen YouTube users use the platform at least once per day, while 58% of teen TikTok users do the same on TikTok, according to October 2023 data from Pew Research Center.

As Latin America’s digital revolution marches on, advertisers and retailers must keep pace with how and where consumers are spending their time—and money—if they wish to maintain a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving business environment.

Meta could benefit significantly if TikTok left the US: A House vote looms, impacting national security and social media dynamics.