Ad spending is climbing, thanks to tireless consumers — and artificial intelligence

Jun 11, 2024
AI promises to improve ad targeting. It can also generate content tailored to individuals.
Artificial intelligence could inform more than 94% of ad spending before the end of the decade, a GroupM report says.
Craig T Fruchtman/Getty Images
A screenshot of Google's new AI-generated summary tool — and some radical self-honesty on its shortcomings.
Google

Glitz, glamor and economics at this year's upfronts

Media companies are leaning more into digital assets like streaming as advertisers continue to shy away from investing in broadcast television.
Media companies often try to woo advertisers during their upfronts, such as this year's Amazon Prime Video announcement of a "Legally Blonde" prequel series.
Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Amazon

Brands in Space: What's behind the rush to advertise in the final frontier?

Apr 10, 2024
Big consumer brands are partnering with aerospace companies to market their products in the cosmos. But what’s the payoff back on earth?
When Intuitive Machines' lunar lander touched down on the moon in February, it was brandishing the Columbia Sportswear logo, part of an advertising partship with the outdoor apparel company.
GREGG NEWTON / Getty Images

A TikTok ban would be bad news for the beauty brands that advertise on it

Apr 2, 2024
A lot of brands don't seem to have a backup plan, says Jordan Holman of The New York Times. The platform is where "they need to be."
These days, TikTok is "the most formidable way that people are selling products," says Jordyn Holman of The New York Times.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Retailers like Macy's want a bigger slice of e-commerce ad sales

Mar 13, 2024
Selling ads on e-commerce sites is a $50 billion industry. Amazon dominates retail media, taking in about 75% of ad dollars.
Macy’s has announced plans to close 150 underperforming stores across the U.S. in coming years.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

In this year's Super Bowl ads, brands are mostly playing it safe

Don't expect to see much political messaging in this year's Super Bowl ads. And definitely don't expect to see much on crypto.
BMW's commercial featuring actor Christopher Walken is among the funnier ads this year.
Screenshot via YouTube

How inflation is impacting holiday ads

Advertisers are taking current market conditions into consideration when competing for consumer dollars.
A screenshot from Chevy's 2023 holiday ad, which features a family grappling with the effects of Alzheimer's. Some advertisers are ploying to viewers' emotions to distinguish their brands this year.
Chevrolet/General Motors via YouTube