Latest Marketing & Advertising News
AI Transforms Search and Ends Siloed Marketing in 2025
AI revolutionized discovery processes, shifting how users find information and brands engage at intent moments. Brands moved from siloed execution to integrated strategies unifying media, data, and creative for measurable impact.
Audiences rejected content noise, prioritizing clarity and trust as key currencies.
Digital Marketing Shifts to AI-Driven Systems and Immersive Content
Marketing evolved from campaigns to integrated systems with AI-powered workflows and real-time personalization across search, social, and commerce. Key trends included AI avatars dominating feeds, AI-infused dynamic content, and mainstream AI SEO.
Social commerce advanced through live streams, emphasizing conscious marketing with ethics and sustainability.
Global Brands Embrace AI for Creative Production
Major brands like Coca-Cola and Mondelēz integrated AI into campaigns, with Coca-Cola using generative tools for holiday ads and fan co-creation. Mondelēz invested $40 million in an AI engine, potentially cutting creative costs by 30-50%.
Agencies restructured around automation as LLMs pressured publishers via search changes.
Nostalgia Marketing Leads Experiential Trends
Brands tapped into '90s and Y2K nostalgia for memorable activations, fostering emotional connections with Millennials and Gen Z. Nostalgia ranked as the top-clicked trend, blending with hyper-personalized experiences.
Other hits included women's sports activations and pop star experiential sponsorships.
Global Ad Revenue Forecast Hits $1.14 Trillion
WPP's latest forecast predicts global advertising revenue reaching $1.14 trillion, driven by digital and AI advancements. This reflects robust growth amid integrated marketing shifts.
December digest compiles key industry updates.
Social Platforms Ramp Up AI for Advertisers
Pinterest and Instagram rolled out AI-driven features enhancing advertiser outreach in jewelry and trends. TikTok achieved record Black Friday sales via social commerce.
Pinterest's 2025 reports accurately predicted styles like vintage watches and color palettes.
Creator Economy Hits Inflection Point Globally
User-generated content surpassed professional media ad revenue, marking a shift in creator marketing. Campaigns expanded on platforms like Substack and went global, with successes in Brazil for Dove and Europe for Heineken.
Sports and high-passion areas saw impressive creator integrations.
Print Marketing Thrives with Storytelling and Tactile Trends
Print emphasized standout CTAs, storytelling, and sustainable finishes for higher engagement. Trends included postal-compliant formats, emotional narratives, and QR integrations.
Print outperformed digital by offering tangible, intentional experiences.
Google Ruled Guilty in Ad Tech Monopoly Case
Google was found guilty of operating an ad tech monopoly, a top story shaking the industry. This antitrust ruling impacts digital advertising dynamics.
Other highlights included Microsoft shutting down its DSP business.
Spotify Wrapped Inspires Personalized Campaign Trend
Spotify's 'Wrapped' sparked similar data-personalized campaigns from YouTube and others, though some faced criticism for incomplete stats. This highlights rebranding and personalization in fragmented media.
Brands like 7-Eleven refreshed for new generations.
Pharma Ad Agency Adopts Proprietary AI Solution
Brand Engagement Network secured a deal with a leading global ad agency for AI engagement tech targeting top pharmaceuticals. This advances AI in regulated advertising sectors.
It underscores AI's expansion into specialized markets.