YouTube ad growth slows: Video budgets are spreading across more platforms, making YouTube one part of a broader media strategy.
Netflix revenues mask engagement strain: Q2 sales rose 13%, but slow viewing gains raise doubts about keeping audiences—and advertisers—engaged.
Brands can gain exposure during high-value sports events without paying steep prices for traditional airtime. This was how Guess Fragrances used data and digital savvy to reach US-based NFL fans during last season’s playoffs. Disney’s asking price for a 30-second Super Bowl ad to run during next year's game is $10 million, per Variety. Meanwhile, sports fans are turning to second screens while watching live sports, creating an opportunity for lower-cost impressions. Nearly 6 in 10 (59%) World Cup fans said they would be watching second screens for FIFA World Cup 2026, per a July 2025 ThinkNow Research survey.
Telemundo leads Spanish-language World Cup viewership: Spanish-language audiences can’t be ignored but require specific ad strategies.
YouTube passes Spotify in UK podcasts: The margin is small, but the change makes video harder for brands to treat as optional.
In today’s podcast episode, we discuss why Fox buying Roku could be good for both companies, bad for both companies, and who stands to be affected the most beyond Fox and Roku. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with Senior Analyst Ross Benes and Principal Forecasting Writer Ethan Cramer-Flood. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube or Spotify.
Netflix seeks new viewing habits: Live channels and bundles aim to lift viewing time as originals lose staying power and engagement cools.
Disney+ eyes free streaming: A no-cost tier could draw more viewers, challenge YouTube's lead, and broaden Disney's ad-supported reach.
Live sports reward streamers with user acquisition: Exclusive events create can't-miss moments that offer engagement and advertising opportunities.
FIFA rights draw bidders: Netflix, Disney, and YouTube weigh $1.5B+ World Cup bids as tougher US kickoff times cloud the investment.
Brands are adjusting to a different setting for this year's FIFA World Cup, as fans of the tournament, which runs through July 19, follow the action on a highly fragmented array of channels, forcing brands to come up with creative ways to engage them. “Hosting the tournament in North America, specifically in the States, is pulling fans decisively off traditional broadcast and into digital and connected TV (CTV) to follow along,” said Rod Paolucci, global head of marketing at Channel Factory. In addition to streaming the games on a big screen, many viewers will be checking social media and other feeds on a mobile second screen.
Netflix adds more short-form video offerings: New publisher deals could fill in content gaps and help it compete for daily attention beyond binge viewing.
Sony shows digital purchases have limits: Deleting content consumers bought could lead them to question digital bundles, purchases, and media offers.
Show-level data changes CTV buying: Real-time program performance lets marketers compare CPA by show and adjust campaigns before they end.
Time spent on Netflix is crawling: Show viewership plummets during second seasons, and other video offerings aren’t driving attention.
NBCUniversal proves holiday TV still works: NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo drew 11.2M viewers, showing multi-platform events can extend reach beyond primetime.
TikTok turns microdramas into ad inventory: Growth Max lets brands build or sponsor episodic content as viewers watch ads to unlock more episodes.
Media splits test marketers: Comcast and NBCU’s breakup could alter premium video buying, putting upfronts and bundles under scrutiny.
The same social media video behaviors that shape other purchases are influencing their health and wellness choices.
YouTube Shorts streamlines the user experience: 2x playback, Clean Screen, and simpler feedback tools could fuel longer sessions and sharpen ad targeting.