In uncertain waters, smart marketers are holding the line
Brands are approaching economic uncertainty by leaning into sustained marketing investment rather than pulling back. Marketers are emphasizing long-term brand strength and consumer trust, even amid tariff concerns and shifting budgets. Many are turning to creative pricing strategies and strategic messaging to maintain relevance. This approach reflects a growing belief that consistent advertising during downturns can drive long-term gains. Read more from The Current.
Google announces range of AI-powered advertising updates
At Google Marketing Live 2025, the company unveiled a suite of AI-powered advertising tools designed to enhance campaign performance and streamline ad creation. Key innovations include AI Max for Search campaigns, Smart Bidding Exploration, and the Asset Studio for generating high-quality visuals. With these updates, Google aims to provide advertisers with more efficient and effective ways to reach their target audiences. Read more from Social Media Today.
Private label grocery sales outpace national brands
Private label grocery brands in the U.S. experienced a 3.9% sales increase in 2024, surpassing the 1.0% growth of national brands, according to the Private Label Manufacturers Association. Additionally, a NielsenIQ survey found that 75% of consumers believe private labels offer good value, and 72% consider them strong substitutes for national brands. Read more from eMarketer.
Nielsen: 66% of marketers plan to increase CTV spend this year
According to a recent Nielsen survey, 66% of marketers plan to increase their connected TV (CTV) and over-the-top (OTT) ad spending in North America over the next 12 months, up from 44% a year ago. This surge aligns with the growing share of ad-supported viewing time on streaming platforms, which now accounts for 42.4%. Read more from MediaPost.
Caitlin Clark & Angel Reese break 25-year WNBA ratings record
The WNBA’s 2025 season is off to a record-breaking start, largely fueled by the continued rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Their recent matchup between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky peaked at 3.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched regular-season WNBA game in 25 years. Read more from Sportico.
