This Week's Biggest Marketing Trends
69%
Consumers are becoming more accepting of streaming ads, with 66% saying they mind ads less than before. Meanwhile, 69% would rather watch ads to save money on subscriptions—an 11-point increase since 2021—highlighting the growing appeal of ad-supported streaming.
14%
Google's advertising business gained momentum in Q2, with Search and other revenues rising nearly 17% year over year, fueled by 2026 FIFA World Cup engagement and Gemini AI improvements. The results highlight how AI-powered ad tools and major live events are driving stronger advertiser performance and revenue growth.
36%
AI's environmental impact remains a major blind spot for marketers, with just 36% tracking its full carbon footprint even though most believe AI is increasing emissions. The findings highlight the need for better measurement and more sustainable AI strategies as adoption continues to grow.
$64 B
Meta's AI investment is raising investor concerns despite strong advertising growth, as the company forecast Q3 revenue of $61–$64 billion while increasing 2026 capital spending to $130–$145 billion. The cautious outlook highlights growing pressure to prove that massive AI investments will deliver long-term returns.
$68 B
Amazon and Walmart are intensifying their battle for streaming TV ad budgets, combining retail data with connected TV to attract more brand spending. Amazon leads with a $68 billion ad business, while Walmart is expanding its streaming capabilities through acquisitions and new ad offerings to compete for a larger share of the growing CTV market.
50%
Meta Verified is becoming a stronger trust signal, but more than 50% of users still believe it's their responsibility to verify whether an account is authentic. The findings show that while paid verification improves credibility, consumers continue to rely on their own judgment before engaging with brands or creators.
$146.8 B
Back-to-school shoppers are prioritizing essentials, with school supplies, apparel, and sporting goods leading spending as families focus on value. Overall spending is expected to reach a record $146.8 billion, including $43.3 billion for K–12 students and $103.5 billion for college shoppers, driven by demand for must-have items and promotional deals.