Latest Marketing & Advertising News
Global Ad Spend to Climb 8.8% in 2026
PQ Media forecasts worldwide advertising spending up 8.8% and total marketing 9.8% this year, outpacing prior composites at 7.7%. U.S. estimates also revised upward, with deceleration expected in 2027 at 4.4%.
Early 2026 data shows brands boosting budgets for events and consumer spending.
Retail Media Market Hits $203.9B Driven by In-Store Digital Ads
Digital advertising in physical stores dominates 2026 trends as 76% of purchases occur in-person, using screens and audio for programmatic ads. RMNs shift to full-funnel brand building, with 40% of buyers viewing them that way.
Independent verification and AI automation boost ROI 6x and cut production time.
EU Launches Antitrust Probe into Google Search Ad Auctions
European Commission targets Google for potentially inflating clearing prices in search ad auctions, harming advertisers. The probe examines anti-competitive practices in ad tech.
This adds to ongoing scrutiny of Google's dominance.
AI Disclosure Rules Force Agencies to Recalibrate Operations
New labelling rules mandate three-hour AI disclosure deadlines, prioritizing brand optics and strengthening contracts. Agencies adapt as AI emerges from shadows in creative processes.
This raises stakes for transparency across stakeholders.
Jewellery Brands Lead Valentine's Storytelling Campaigns
Tata brands like Tanishq, Mia, and CaratLane drive Valentine's push with distinct films, joined by KISNA and others using nostalgia and modern themes. Campaigns emphasize everyday gestures and proposals.
This turns the holiday into a marketing sprint.
Valentine's Ads Shift to 'Small Moments' and Quick Commerce
Brands like Cadbury, Flipkart pivot from grand romance to humour, chores, and last-minute gifting via digital films and creators. Efforts blend culture with conversion across chocolates, beauty, fashion.
Quick commerce powers 360-degree buzz.
OpenAI Plans Ads for ChatGPT Despite Earlier Promises
OpenAI to introduce ads on ChatGPT in January, following Microsoft, Google, amid AI ad trends; Anthropic focuses on enterprise. This marks shift from no-ad pledges by CEO Sam Altman.
Platforms test AI-integrated advertising.
MLS Unveils Massive 2026 World Cup-Aligned Marketing Campaign
Major League Soccer launches one of its largest efforts, structuring season around World Cup with 'MLS Is Back' campaigns starting February. Includes 'Where the Drama Lives' for Walmart Saturday Showdown on Apple TV, fan activations.
Focuses on energy, rivalries, global visibility.
Google Retires Call-Only Ads Starting February 2026
Google phases out Call-Only Ads from February 2026, fully ending in 2027, impacting lead generation for call-dependent businesses. Advertisers must adapt strategies for phone leads.
Change affects Google Ads performance.
AI Dominates Digital and Performance Marketing in 2026
AI automates campaign creation, targeting, bidding across Google, Meta; shifts marketing toward AI agents with clear landing pages. Platforms integrate AI for optimization, reducing manual work.
Human strategy still key for goals and measurement.
FOX News Boosts Ad Revenue with 46-47% Scatter Pricing Hike
Fox Corporation reports Q2 ad revenue up 1% YoY, with FOX News raising scatter pricing amid strong demand. Added 200 new advertisers; social views up 170%.
Positive trends across portfolio.
Spikes Asia 2026: Indian Agencies Score Innovation Shortlists
Dentsu Creativeās āGaruda Rakshakā and Leo Mumbaiās Mountain Dew āDare Scoreā earn Societal Innovation shortlists from India. Campaigns highlight creative excellence at the awards.
Recognition boosts regional profiles.