On today’s podcast episode, we discuss what actually ends up happening to TikTok, what an X and Truth Social alliance might look like, and who TikTok Shop might enter a joint venture with. Tune in to the discussion with Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Vice President and Principal Analyst Jasmine Enberg, and Vice Presidents of Content Suzy Davidkhanian and Paul Verna.

TikTok’s ban is officially happening, but there are caveats: A few potential escape hatches exist, but the January 19 deadline remains.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss if AI development is slowing down or speeding up, when it’s all said and done what happens to TikTok, if live sports are under threat from highlights, the potential impact of impending tariffs, which sports kids play the most, and more. Tune in to the discussion with Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Senior Director of Forecasts Oscar Orozco, Principal Forecasting Writer Ethan Cramer-Flood, and Senior Forecasting Analyst Zach Goldner.

Amazon takes on social media influencers’ product testimonials: If influencers don’t disclose their relationships with sellers, those merchants could find themselves suspended from the platform.

TikTok offers users Shop credits in last-ditch attempt to boost sales, downloads before US ban: The platform is dangling hundreds of dollars in incentives to increase engagement.

Regulation will disrupt some digital players, while retail media and genAI adoption will create opportunities across advertising and commerce.

AI-driven tools are helping brands swap cookie-cutter campaigns for ultra-targeted experiences, giving Adobe a fresh shot at dominating customer engagement

By framing Copilot as a budget-saver that trims staffing needs, Microsoft targets enterprise buyers but risks alienating workers.

TikTok Shop drove $100 million in Black Friday sales: Efforts to introduce social commerce to users are working, but the ban looms large.

With divestiture unlikely, TikTok faces removal from US app stores, sparking uncertainty for creators, advertisers, and global regulation in an increasingly tense US-China standoff

Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and connected TV (CTV) are all competing for marketing spend. Without clear KPIs, marketers lack an understanding of—and the ability to communicate with leadership about—how campaigns are performing and where they should invest digital video marketing money.

Dr. Oz could be investigated for violating FTC influencer marketing guidelines: A consumer advocacy group triggered the investigation. We examine the complaints and explore what this scrutiny means for healthcare influencers.

Its errors show the dilemma of curbing misinformation while protecting users’ rights, especially as pressure mounts under new US leadership.

What to make of Australia’s murky social media ban: Social platforms will lose access to users under 16, prompting marketers to shift strategies.

The incoming Trump administration will indisputably affect the future of Big Tech. The breakup of Google, the forced sale or ban of TikTok, and the regulation of AI are all issues the president-elect will need to take a stance on.

This year, most buyer and sales growth will be driven by TikTok Shop, which will convert over 40% of TikTok users into buyers. Social commerce and retail media will converge as Amazon’s ad partnerships with the social platforms start to pack a punch.

Social media's new battleground: Messaging apps innovate with features like location-sharing and group chats to capture younger audiences.

Temu and Shein’s ad bidding war drove spending away from search: CPCs spiked after the two retailers claimed in-demand search ad space.

TikTok Shop gears up for busy holiday season in the US, UK: The platform expects hefty ecommerce and ad growth this year as shoppers get used to transacting on the app

As competition intensifies and consumers continue to seek value, retailers will need to double down on how to differentiate themselves and offer shoppers what they want, wherever they are.