3 takeaways from the Google ad tech monopoly ruling
In a recent antitrust ruling, a U.S. federal judge determined that Google unlawfully monopolized key segments of the digital advertising market by tying its publisher ad server and ad exchange together, limiting competition and harming publishers. This decision is seen as a potential turning point, offering an opportunity to reshape the digital advertising landscape towards greater fairness and transparency. Read more from The Current.
YouTube launches new features to mark its 20th birthday
YouTube is celebrating its 20th anniversary by introducing new features aimed at enhancing user engagement and content discovery. These updates include AI-driven recommendations in search queries, allowing users to discover content more efficiently. Additionally, YouTube is refining its Shorts interface and expanding its podcast offerings to cater to diverse audience preferences. The platform is also emphasizing its commitment to supporting creators through monetization tools and educational resources. Read more from SocialMediaToday.
Spotify dominates Apple and Amazon in digital audio
Spotify leads the U.S. digital audio market, with adults spending over 32.3 hours monthly on its app, significantly outpacing Amazon Music’s 3.5 hours and Apple Music’s less than an hour. This dominance is bolstered by Spotify’s extensive content offerings and user-friendly interface. The platform’s advertising revenue is projected to exceed $1 billion in 2025. Read more from eMarketer.
Google ad spend continues to outpace traffic volume: report
In Q1 2025, Google search ad spending increased by 9% year-over-year, primarily driven by a 5% rise in cost-per-click (CPC), while click volume grew by 4%. Meanwhile, Microsoft Ads reported a 17% year-over-year growth, indicating a competitive landscape in the search advertising market. Read more from Search Engine Land.
NBA playoffs deliver most-watched opening weekend in 25 years
The 2025 NBA Playoffs opened with the most-watched first weekend in 25 years, averaging 4.4 million viewers across eight games, a 17% increase from 2024. ABC led with an average of 5.66 million viewers, while ESPN and TNT also posted record-breaking numbers. The Boston Celtics’ Game 1 win over the Orlando Magic drew 6.69 million viewers, peaking at 8 million, making it the second-most-watched first-round Game 1 ever on ABC. Read more from Front Office Sports.
