Big Brands, Big Shifts: The Marketing Numbers That Matter

70%

Google Chrome, which holds over 70% of the global browser market, is ending support for its built-in ad blocker initiative, potentially increasing the number of viewable ad impressions for advertisers. At the same time, marketers continue to face audience-targeting challenges as privacy regulations and signal loss reduce access to third-party data.

$22B

Fox is acquiring Roku in a $22 billion cash-and-stock deal, giving the media company access to Roku’s 100+ million streaming households and valuable first-party data to strengthen its streaming advertising business. The acquisition is expected to enhance ad targeting, expand digital reach, and position the combined company as the third-largest TV player in the U.S. by viewership. The deal, expected to close in 2027.

665M

Indeed has launched its new “Jobs Need People” campaign, highlighting the human side of hiring amid growing job seeker frustration with issues like employer ghosting and an uncertain job market. The campaign emphasizes meaningful workplace connections while showcasing Indeed’s AI-powered matching platform, which serves over 665 million job seeker profiles and more than 3.5 million employers worldwide.

$44 B

Accenture has acquired creator and social agency Whalar to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing creator economy, where U.S. ad spending is projected to reach nearly $44 billion in 2026. Whalar brings experience managing more than $600 million in creator campaigns across 40 countries, enhancing Accenture Song's capabilities in influencer marketing, social commerce, and AI-driven consumer engagement. The acquisition reflects the increasing importance of creator-led marketing as brands shift more advertising budgets toward social and influencer channels to drive discovery, engagement, and growth.

12%

Nearly two-thirds of consumers believe a recession is likely, while financial confidence has dropped 12% over the past six months, leading many shoppers to cut discretionary spending and focus on value. Brands can respond by emphasizing affordability, transparency, and practical benefits while strengthening customer trust and loyalty during economic uncertainty. The report suggests that consumers are becoming more selective with their purchases, making it critical for marketers to deliver clear value and relevant messaging rather than relying solely on promotional offers.

54%

Social media and video platforms have officially overtaken news websites as the leading source of news, with 54% of consumers now relying on social and video channels compared to 51% who use publishers’ websites and apps. The shift highlights growing dependence on platforms such as social media and AI-powered tools for content discovery, reshaping how audiences consume digital media.

3

Dawn Dish Soap was named the most trusted brand in America for the second consecutive year, according to Morning Consult’s 2026 report, surpassing former leader Band-Aid, which held the top spot from 2022 to 2024. The rankings are based on consumer surveys conducted between January 1 and May 15, 2026, measuring how much people trust brands to “do what is right.” Google ranked No. 3 among the most trusted brands, while legacy brands such as Mr. Pibb, Lunchables, and Capri Sun saw some of the largest year-over-year trust gains.