ChatGPT growing as a traffic referrer, reshaping search behavior: report
ChatGPT is increasingly driving traffic to websites, having referred users to over 30,000 unique domains by November 2024. Notably, 70% of ChatGPT prompts are unique and rarely seen in traditional search engines, indicating a shift in how users seek information. Marketers may need to adjust their approach as AI-driven search behavior evolves, creating new pathways for audience engagement beyond traditional search engines. Read more from Search Engine Land.
YouTube ad revenue climbs as overall Google advertising revenue slides
In the fourth quarter of 2024, YouTube’s advertising revenue increased by 14% to $10.47 billion, driven by U.S. election spending and subscription services like YouTube TV and YouTube Premium. YouTube’s growth provided a positive note in an otherwise mixed quarter for Alphabet, Google’s parent company. Read more from MediaDailyNews.
Apple’s attempt to intervene in the Google Search antitrust trial is denied
A U.S. District Court judge denied Apple’s emergency request to intervene in the ongoing Google Search antitrust trial. Apple sought to participate to protect its partnership with Google, which includes agreements for distributing Google Search. The ruling indicated that Apple did not provide sufficient evidence of potential harm to justify halting the trial. Read more from The Verge.
Spotify’s huge growth proves the promise of audio — again
Spotify’s Q4 2024 earnings report reveals a 7% year-over-year increase in advertising revenue, with ad-supported monthly active users rising by 12% to 425 million, and paid subscribers growing by 11% to 263 million. The company attributes this growth to higher impressions sold and the expansion of automated sales channels. Spotify is highlighting plans to implement automation and programmatic solutions to meet increasing demand. Read more from The Current.
Super Bowl LIX eyes TV ratings record with Nielsen expansion
Nielsen has expanded its out-of-home analytics coverage to encompass 100% of the contiguous United States, enhancing the accuracy of TV viewership measurements. This expansion is expected to contribute to higher reported viewership for Super Bowl LIX, potentially surpassing last year’s record of 123.4 million viewers. Nielsen aims to provide advertisers with a more complete understanding of audience reach during major events. Read more from Front Office Sports.
