By Full Editorial If you’ve ever landed in Bali at the crack of dawn with your hotel check-in still hours away and your suitcase practically begging you to carry it like a newborn, you’re not alone. For globetrotters, digital nomads, and overambitious souvenir shoppers, the question isn’t “Where to next?” but “Where can I drop this bag before my arms give out?”

Enter Bounce— Best luggage storage in Bali, Denpasar, and quite literally the rest of the world.

What Is Bounce, and Why Should You Care?

Bounce is the world’s largest luggage storage network, and that’s not just some backpacker brag. With over 15,000 locations across 100 countries and more than 4,000 cities, this is a travel tool that’s earned its passport stamps. Trusted by over 2 million travelers who have stored more than 6 million bags, Bounce is basically the Airbnb for your baggage—only without the awkward host intros.

Bali, Denpasar, and Beyond

Let’s talk about Bali. Whether you’re watching the sun rise over Mount Batur or dodging monkeys in Ubud, hauling your suitcase through the jungle is not part of the dream. Luckily, Bounce is the safest place to store your luggage in Denpasar, letting you roam from beach to temple without looking like you’re auditioning for a CrossFit commercial.

Flying into Ngurah Rai International Airport but hours before your surf lesson in Canggu? Store your bags at a nearby Bounce partner and hit the waves hands-free. Checking out of your Seminyak villa in the morning but your flight’s at midnight? No problem—stash your luggage, grab a coconut, and enjoy your final hours of paradise without becoming a walking suitcase rack.

How It Works: Simpler Than Ordering a Coconut Smoothie

Booking with Bounce is a breeze—just use the app or website to select a location that suits you. From there, your travel burdens start to melt away:

Book online to activate up to $10,000 in bag protection.

Show your confirmation to the Bounce partner at the drop-off point—this could be a hotel, a local café, or a shop (yes, the same shop selling you that “Eat Pray Love” tote).

Go explore! Your bags are safe, secure, and not your problem anymore.

Come back when you’re ready, flash your confirmation, and collect your stuff.

Changed your mind or plans? You can cancel anytime before drop-off for a full refund. Flexible?

Oh, and did we mention some locations offer 24/7 access? So no matter what time your flight lands or your beach party ends, Bounce has your back—and your bags.

Not Just for Tourists

Bounce isn’t just for those on vacation. Digital nomads in co-working spaces, business travelers with a few hours between meetings, and even locals hosting out-of-town guests all find Bounce surprisingly useful. It’s that secret travel hack everyone wishes they’d discovered sooner.

Heading to a yoga retreat but don’t want to bring your roller bag to the ashram? Bounce it. Wandering the rice terraces before heading to the airport? Bounce it. Planning to shop your heart out in Kuta and can’t carry one more thing? You guessed it—Bounce it.

Global Reach, Local Flavor …read more

Source:: Social Media Explorer

By Marty Swant AI agents are no longer just experimental tools — they’re rapidly becoming indispensable intermediaries in how people search, shop, and interact online. As platforms like Google, OpenAI, and Perplexity race to roll out agentic AI, the advertising industry is bracing for a shift that could redefine consumer journeys and reshape digital marketing strategies.

Despite all the hype, many marketer’s generative AI investments are still modest or even nonexistent. One Gartner survey of more than 400 marketing leaders found that 27% of CMOs reported their teams had little or no adoption of generative AI. However, it’s still early — both in terms of impact and in terms of preparations. And with the search landscape ever-evolving, Gartner analyst Noam Dorros marketers could risk creating a “massive headache” for themselves by trying to chase what the future might look like.

“You still have to focus on what’s three feet in front of you, which is your consumer, and understand their behaviors and their needs,” Dorros said. “… If you are foundationally sound when this changes again, you’ll give yourself a better launch pad to pivot and adjust accordingly.”Continue reading this article on digiday.com. Sign up for Digiday newsletters to get the latest on media, marketing and the future of TV. …read more

Source:: Digiday

By Ronan Shields AI didn’t dominate the chatter at Possible like some expected but when it did surface, the tone had shifted: marketers are no longer starry-eyed. They’re focused on what AI can deliver now, not someday.

In particular, some asked how it can be applied to ease the challenges advertisers face due to the fragmented digital landscape.

Google’s announcement last week that it would continue to permit third-party cookies means Chrome is an outlier compared to Apple’s Safari and Mozilla’s Firefox. And, of course, this is not to mention the (already) cookie-less CTV or mobile device landscapes.Continue reading this article on digiday.com. Sign up for Digiday newsletters to get the latest on media, marketing and the future of TV. …read more

Source:: Digiday

By Krystal Scanlon Linda Yaccarino continues to cast X as the anti-media media company — a disruptive alternative to what she and Elon Musk believe is the dusty, broke fourth estate.

It’s a contentious claim, especially in an era when President Donald Trump is once again at war with the press. But sitting for a fireside chat with Anthony Pompliano, creator of From the Desk of Anthony Pompliano, on X at Possible this afternoon in Miami, Yaccarino insisted the platform’s (self-reported) numbers back her up.

According to the platform’s CEO, X has nearly amassed 600 million monthly active users (MAUs) globally — a small increase on the 586 million MAUs that were reported in X’s own tools in January, but not a huge increase on the 570 million MAUs X claimed it had reached back in September 2024.Continue reading this article on digiday.com. Sign up for Digiday newsletters to get the latest on media, marketing and the future of TV. …read more

Source:: Digiday

By Headlines Team Car accidents are an unfortunate reality that many individuals will experience at some point in their lives. While the physical and emotional impacts are immediate, navigating the legal complexities that follow can be overwhelming. If you’ve been involved in a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other costs. However, securing this compensation can be a complex and confusing process without the right legal support. This is where local legal help becomes invaluable. In this article, we will explore how a local auto accident lawyer can assist you in securing the compensation you deserve after a crash.

The Importance of Hiring a Local Auto Accident Lawyer

When it comes to handling an auto accident claim, hiring a local lawyer who is familiar with the area, the local courts, and the relevant state laws can make a significant difference. A local auto accident attorney understands the specifics of your region, including how local laws apply to your case, which can be a crucial factor in achieving a favorable outcome.

In-depth Knowledge of Local Traffic Laws

Every state and even individual cities can have specific traffic laws that influence the outcomes of car accident cases. A lawyer familiar with New Iberia’s traffic laws, for example, will have an in-depth understanding of how these laws impact your case. Whether it’s determining fault in a crash or understanding the intricacies of the local insurance regulations, having an attorney with specialized knowledge of your location’s laws can give you a major advantage.

Additionally, local attorneys will often have a strong grasp of regional driving patterns, common accident hotspots, and the most frequent causes of crashes in the area. This insight can play a crucial role in building a solid case on your behalf.

Building Relationships with Local Insurance Adjusters and Lawyers

Local attorneys often have established relationships with insurance companies, local law enforcement, and other lawyers in the area. These connections can be invaluable when negotiating a settlement or litigating a case. Insurance adjusters and opposing counsel are more likely to take a local lawyer seriously because of their established presence and reputation within the legal community.

Furthermore, a lawyer who has worked in the local area for years will know how to effectively communicate with key players involved in the claims process, including witnesses, law enforcement officers, and medical professionals. This network of resources can expedite the process and help you receive a fair settlement more quickly.

Understanding Local Court Systems

Navigating the court system can be one of the most daunting aspects of an auto accident case. Local legal help is especially important when it comes to court proceedings. A lawyer who regularly practices in the local courts will be well-versed in the procedural rules and nuances that may affect your case. They will know how to present your case in front of local judges and jury members, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is filed promptly and correctly.

For instance, if your case proceeds to trial, your local attorney will be …read more

Source:: Social Media Explorer

By Alex White You know, B2B influencer marketing and online dating aren’t so different.
As the season of new beginnings unfolds, B2B marketers and singles alike are looking for new connections. One that’s going to make them happy, not just in the short term, but in an always-on kind of way.
Much like online dating, making the right connection between brand and influencer presents quite a challenge. In fact, identifying, qualifying and connecting with ideal influencers was the most challenging aspect for brands with influencer marketing programs, according to our 2025 B2B Influencer Marketing Research Report.

Despite these hurdles, most in the B2B marketing world  are confident that influencer marketing is incredibly valuable, especially as budgets continue to rise. According to TopRank’s own research, 53% of marketers shared they have a dedicated budget for influencer marketing, and that it’s growing.
Unlike dating, though, the issue of finding a B2B brand and influencer match usually boils down to a few common challenges. Here are those challenges as well as how to solve them so you can find the right influencers for your business.

Ready to stand out with influence?
Download the 2025 B2B Influencer Marketing Report

Challenge 1: Platform fragmentation
Let’s keep this matchmaking metaphor going. There are as many influencer marketing platforms as there are dating apps to choose from. But here’s the problem: much like the dating apps, the type of individual you’re seeking may not be active on every single platform. Furthermore, there’s no single tool that covers all platforms where B2B influencers operate. Some marketers may think only of social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and X when many business  influencers may only be active on podcasts, industry forums, Substack, or Reddit.
An added complication is the need for different metrics across platforms, making standardized evaluation difficult. And even if they were the same, information could very well be outdated.
What’s the solution?
Find the right mix of tools that can crawl, index and mange data about influencers, their topics and the audiences that engage with them. For some channels like LinkedIn, you’ll have to do your homework directly on the platform. Read on:  The B2B Influencer Marketing Software You Need to Succeed
Challenge 2: Over-reliance on AI tools
There’s nothing wrong with using AI for what is an extremely difficult and time consuming workflow. It’s no wonder so many marketers have turned to GenAI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity. According to our 2025 B2B Influencer Marketing Research Report, 48% of responding B2B marketers said they’re using artificial intelligence to help find business influencers. As Nick points out below, marketers need to tread carefully when relying on AI for these personal engagements:

There are critical limitations to this approach, especially in B2B influencer marketing. Beyond the dependability of data being analyzed, AI has shortcomings pertaining to subjective context, nuance and strategic vision.” – Nick Nelson, Associate Director of Content, TopRank Marketing

Indeed, AI’s application here isn’t going to yield the best results in its current state. To find great results, you need skilled human oversight as many current AI tools miss the deep signals of …read more

Source:: Top Rank Blog

By Digiday Awards The finalists for this year’s Digiday Media Awards showcase how brands push boundaries by smartly integrating emerging technologies. Each entry highlights a commitment to deepening audience engagement with interactive formats, inviting participation and building community. With a sharp focus on measurable outcomes, the campaigns demonstrate clear impact through tangible results, proving that innovation and strategy can go hand in hand.

Adobe earned a finalist spot for Best Use of Audience Insights by tapping into a core challenge facing Photoshop users: remembering keyboard shortcuts. Inspired by mnemonic tricks used by professional designers, Adobe created a catchy jingle paired with dynamic visuals and a choreographed “finger dance” across a Photoshop-themed keyboard. The video struck a chord with audiences, earning over 1 million views across Instagram and TikTok and generating tens of thousands of saves and shares. This playful yet practical approach engaged loyal users while showcasing how creativity can turn learning into an entertaining experience.

Harvard Business Review’s “Women at Work” podcast is a finalist for Best Podcast, recognized for its thoughtful exploration of the challenges facing women and nonbinary professionals. Blending research, lived experiences and practical advice, the show tackles topics from workplace anxiety to integrating AI into careers. Hosts Amy Bernstein and Amy Gallo bring humanity and expertise to timely and enduring conversations. With its presence across newsletters, events and social media, “Women at Work” has grown into a vibrant community that uplifts listeners at every stage of their professional journey.Continue reading this article on digiday.com. Sign up for Digiday newsletters to get the latest on media, marketing and the future of TV. …read more

Source:: Digiday

By Chris Turn The Department of Defense (DoD) is pushing forward its mission to safeguard sensitive government data by implementing the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0. This streamlined revision of the original model represents a significant shift in how defense contractors must demonstrate and maintain compliance with cybersecurity requirements. If your organization works on government contracts involving Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), staying ahead of these changes is imperative.

The road to CMMC 2.0 can feel daunting for many contractors, but leveraging a CMMC Assessment Service is one of the most effective ways to ensure your organization is on the right track. Here’s what you should know about these services and the proactive steps your business can take right now.

Understanding the Importance of CMMC Assessment Services

CMMC Assessment Services are designed to help defense contractors evaluate their current cybersecurity posture and identify gaps in compliance with the required CMMC levels. These professional services are led by certified assessors who can provide an in-depth analysis of your systems, policies, and protocols.

Partnering with a reliable CMMC Assessment Service provider has several benefits:

Expert Guidance: Navigating complex and changing cybersecurity requirements is easier with experienced professionals who understand the intricacies of CMMC regulations.

Tailored Recommendations: Assessment services provide actionable insights specific to your organization, ensuring that every effort you put into compliance is effective.

Preparation for Audits: By identifying vulnerabilities and addressing them ahead of time, you’ll be better positioned to pass formal audits when required.

What Sets CMMC 2.0 Apart?

Compared to its predecessor, CMMC 2.0 simplifies the requirements while maintaining rigorous cybersecurity standards. The updated framework streamlines the certification levels from five to three:

Level 1 (Foundational) – Focuses on basic cybersecurity hygiene for companies handling Federal Contract Information (FCI).

Level 2 (Advanced) – Implements practices aligned with NIST SP 800-171 for companies handling CUI.

Level 3 (Expert) – Requires enhanced security practices outlined in NIST SP 800-172 for contractors working on critical DoD programs.

CMMC 2.0 also introduces self-assessments for Level 1 and potentially some Level 2 contractors, while higher-risk Level 2 and Level 3 certifications will require third-party assessments. This shift underscores the importance of being fully prepared to meet cybersecurity expectations based on your organization’s certification level.

Steps Defense Contractors Should Be Taking Now

The clock is ticking for contractors looking to secure federal contracts under CMMC 2.0. Here’s what you should be doing right now to prepare:

1. Engage a CMMC Assessment Service

Start by enlisting a certified CMMC Assessment Service provider to evaluate your current cybersecurity compliance. These assessments will identify gaps in your infrastructure and provide a roadmap to meet the necessary certification level.

2. Perform a Gap Analysis

A gap analysis highlights where your current cybersecurity practices fall short. This step identifies policies, processes, or technological deficiencies that must be addressed to meet CMMC requirements.

3. Implement Required Security Controls

Based on the findings from your assessment and gap analysis, begin implementing the necessary security controls. For Level 2 compliance, this means closely aligning with the 110 practices outlined in NIST SP 800-171.

4. Establish a Culture of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity compliance …read more

Source:: Social Media Explorer

By Nick Nelson The infected are back this summer. The Last of Us Season 2 is already underway on HBO and 28 Years Later is dropping in theaters this June, reminding us just how quickly the world can turn on its head, and how only the resourceful survive.
Sound familiar, marketers?
Welcome to the post-apocalyptic reality of search. Once a fertile land of clicks and traffic, today’s SEO landscape has been overrun by AI-generated answers, zero-click SERPs, and a search experience seemingly designed to keep users from ever reaching your site. It’s brutal. It’s unpredictable. And it’s happening right now.
Brands and marketers face a daunting ultimatum: adapt or perish.
This guide is your SEO backpack: packed with strategies, tools, and frameworks to help you navigate the new terrain, reclaim visibility, and keep your content alive in a world where clicks are scarce and competition is fierce. Ready to make the journey? Let’s go.
Ground zero: How the world of search changed
Not so long ago, most of us had never heard the phrase “zero-click search.” Today it describes nearly 60% of all Google queries. This scourge has been spreading like a zombie outbreak, and causing equal amounts of terror in the marketing community. Businesses have long relied on organic search as a mainstay for web visibility, accounting for 76% of trackable traffic to B2B websites as of about five years ago, per BrightEdge.

Zero-click searches, referring to those where a user gets their answer directly on the search results page without needing to click any links, are becoming more prevalent for several different reasons:

AI Overviews: These AI-generated summaries of top results often satisfy informational needs without requiring a click-through to another source. (Buyer beware.)
Enhanced SERP Features: Over time, Google has rolled out elements such as featured snippets, knowledge panels, and the “People Also Ask” section, providing further opportunities for searchers to find immediate answers without visiting a source.
Mobile Search: This long-time trend continues to affect user behavior in search. It’s estimated that nearly two-thirds of searches occur on mobile devices in the U.S. Mobile users are more likely to glance at a SERP rather than clicking through to results. Voice search and assistants also come into play here.
Google’s Self-Preference: The search giant sends a substantial share of traffic to its own properties, such as YouTube and Google Maps. While these might technically still be clicks, they’re not the ones that marketers and brands typically value.

Okay, so we know the root causes. The question, of course, is what you should do about it. At TopRank Marketing our team has been heavily focused on helping clients navigate SERP volatility and thrive in the new era of search. We see all these trends first-hand and we’ve been hard at work collaborating on solutions. Use this survival toolkit to find your way.
“AI has completely shifted the landscape and we’re currently living through a time where it’s impossible to predict what search market share will look like. Even if Google keeps their top spot, the way they deliver answers to queries will never be …read more

Source:: Top Rank Blog

By Michael Bürgi Is it time for yet another reset in how marketers and their media agencies need to approach media investments thanks to changing consumer habits? Horizon Media certainly is proposing that, with new research it is unveiling today that shows millennial parents of Gen Alpha children are consuming content and advertising in completely different ways.

Independent media agency network Horizon tapped into its in-house research unit WHY Group and social and influencer arm Blue Hour Studios to generate what it’s calling “The New Media Multiverse,” a study that Digiday was given a first look at. In short, the research indicates that millennial parents — the first generation of digitally native consumers — and their Gen Alpha kids — who the study describes as “algorithmically native” because they’re used to being served content from platforms based on their tastes — have an influence on each other’s consuming habits unlike prior generations. This is a member-exclusive article from Digiday. Continue reading it on digiday.com and subscribe to continue reading content like this. …read more

Source:: Digiday

By Kristina Monllos The long saga of Google’s third-party cookie crumble has come to an end. The tech behemoth has stopped kicking the can down the road when it comes to removing third-party cookies from Chrome and, instead, reversed course.

For media buyers, it’s been a wild time filled with false starts, urgency and many delays to an ever-extending deadline. For one media buyer at a media agency, this week’s announcement that Google had called the whole thing off was met with laughter.

In the latest edition of our Confessions series, in which we trade anonymity for candor, we talked with this buyer to get his take on the reversal, what it means for the industry and why, despite the headache, Google’s push to end cookies in Chrome likely made the ad industry innovate in ways that were needed.Continue reading this article on digiday.com. Sign up for Digiday newsletters to get the latest on media, marketing and the future of TV. …read more

Source:: Digiday

By Channel Factory Anudit Vikram, Chief Product Officer, Channel Factory

Brand safety technology has advanced well beyond its origins. What began as simple keyword blocklists has matured into a new generation of tools powered by AI. These systems now integrate natural language processing, computer vision, machine learning and large language models to understand content at a far deeper level. They can assess tone, sentiment, emotion, visual context and even audience response to construct a multidimensional view of the environments where ads might appear.

This sophistication matters. Brands today need more than blunt exclusion lists; they need platforms that can distinguish between risk and relevance, nuance and noise. Multimodal AI has enabled content classification to move from surface-level filtering to a more semantic understanding of media, which can offer an added ability to incorporate performance signals as a secondary layer of analysis.Continue reading this article on digiday.com. Sign up for Digiday newsletters to get the latest on media, marketing and the future of TV. …read more

Source:: Digiday

By Full Editorial Designing a new home isn’t just about bricks and blueprints anymore—it’s about creating a space that feels amazing and photographs beautifully. In an age where every corner might end up on someone’s feed, homes are being designed with an eye for aesthetic, comfort, and shareability. Think natural textures, calming palettes, and design features that make you want to double-tap. Here are some of the top tips for creating a home that’s Instagram-worthy and soul-soothing.

1. Layout With Intention

Before the styling and color choices come into play, it all starts with flow. A well-thought-out layout doesn’t just feel good—it photographs well. Natural sightlines, open spaces, and smart zoning make a space feel effortless and look cohesive. Think of every room as a frame: how it opens, how it connects, and how it tells a visual story.

2. Natural Light is the Real Filter

No filter beats soft, natural light. Large windows, skylights, and glass doors should be top of the design list. Not only do they make a room feel more expansive, they also create ideal lighting conditions for everything from casual snaps to professional interiors shoots. Light and shadow bring out textures and add depth—essentials for that perfect interior shot.

3. Garden Rooms: The Quiet Showstoppers

Garden rooms are the unsung heroes of modern home design. Whether it’s a detached glass studio surrounded by greenery or a cozy nook attached to the main house, these spaces have become design gold. Perfect for relaxing, creating, or simply escaping, they offer a natural extension of the home. With floor-to-ceiling glass and minimal styling, garden rooms are both photogenic and peaceful.

4. Texture Over Trends

Designs driven solely by trends fade quickly—texture is what makes a space feel alive. Mix natural materials like wood, linen, stone, and rattan to give dimension to every room. Layer soft fabrics with structured decor pieces to create a tactile experience that’s also visually rich. These elements translate beautifully in photos and give the space a lived-in yet luxurious vibe.

5. Feature Walls That Tell a Story

Every home deserves a moment—a focal point that draws the eye and sparks conversation. Whether it’s a curated gallery wall, a custom mural, or statement tilework, this is the content moment waiting to happen. Bonus points for pieces that blend personal meaning with visual punch.

6. Styling for the Snap (and Real Life)

Styling matters. Use color to guide the eye and accessories to anchor the space. Layer throws, stack books, display plants, and don’t be afraid of asymmetry—it often looks more natural in photos. The trick is balance: too staged feels cold, too casual feels cluttered. The sweet spot is lived-in elegance.

7. Plants Are the New Accent Pieces

Nothing freshens up a room like greenery. From dramatic fiddle leaf figs to tiny succulents on a shelf, plants breathe life into any design. They soften lines, clean the air, and add natural variation that pops in photos. Consider vertical gardens or hanging planters for a little extra magic.

8. Keep It Cohesive, Not Matchy

A visually pleasing feed-worthy home isn’t about matching everything—it’s about creating …read more

Source:: Social Media Explorer

By Alex White The rise of Google’s AI Overviews marks arguably the biggest shift in search behavior since autocomplete launched in 2004.
While they may seem like a win for users, they’ve provided some extreme challenges for today’s SEO professionals, headlined by dramatic drops in click through rates. As Jim Yu, Founder & CEO of BrightEdge notes, “data shows that AI Overviews now appear in 16% of queries, the highest since launch. As Google refines AIOs, they’re reshaping search behavior, with a ~50% drop in clickthrough rates when AIOs are present.” 
As AI Overviews change what it means to be visible in search, content marketers must adapt their strategies to survive and thrive in this evolving digital landscape. These shifts were the focus of a recent episode of #ContentChat, where TopRank Marketing Associate Content Director Nick Nelson joined host Erika Heald. 
With over 40 years of combined marketing experience, their conversation offered valuable insights on how brands can evolve their content strategies to stay competitive. Throughout this post, I’ll share key takeaways from their discussion and what it means for your content strategy.

The new search reality
The rise of AI-excerpted content in search results has changed the game, and brands that wish to rank must change too. Marketers who safely navigated Google’s Florida Update, the rise of link building, and the mobile-first and local SEO boom will see the rise of AI Overviews not as a crisis but as an opportunity to rethink their content strategy and gain a competitive advantage. 
But enough about the past. We can’t compare what happened 20 years ago to the unique changes occurring in search today. The same goes for benchmarks, you can’t compare them to your pre AI-baselines.
“Stop comparing your organic traffic baseline to whatever it was two years ago because it’s irrelevant.” – Nick Nelson, Associate Content Director, TopRank Marketing
Speaking of value, branded searches (queries where users seek out your brand specifically) have risen in value exponentially because they signal strong brand awareness and intent. But their worth does not stop there. Nick noted on the chat, “branded searches are really valuable because it implies that you’re going to have a specific unique point of view on something.” Focusing on building and optimizing for branded searches will be key to standing out and maintaining relevance in the evolving AI-driven search landscape.

Continued Reading: Perception vs. Reality: Google, AI, and Search Habits

Generative engine optimization (GEO) vs. traditional SEO
Not everyone was lucky enough to live in the era of the 1989 GEO Metro, but don’t fret, we’re now in the era of generative engine optimization (GEO). This strategy,  which refers to the practice of optimizing content for AI-driven search engines and features, is much different than the SEO that’s been around since the days of the aforementioned economy car. It’s more concerned with substance, makeup and credibility of the content itself than keyword placement, site structure or link building. 
That means shifting away from keyword optimization to semantic relevance. Forget about targeting exact keywords and focus on creating content that actually addresses topics. …read more

Source:: Top Rank Blog

By Seb Joseph It’s been nearly a week since U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled that Google illegally monopolized the tools that direct how ad dollars flow across the internet. The moment felt, briefly, like vindication for publishers. After years of mounting frustration, they finally saw their suspicions ratified in a courtroom. Google hadn’t just dominated the open web — it had done so illegally.

And yet, few publishers are rushing to celebrate.

Because as clear as the verdict was, the path forward is anything but. Google’s likeliest appeasement to the verdict — a forced divesture of its ad server and exchange — may take years to materialize. And, even if it happens, it may fall short of what many industry observers are hoping for.Continue reading this article on digiday.com. Sign up for Digiday newsletters to get the latest on media, marketing and the future of TV. …read more

Source:: Digiday

​If you’re a digital marketing professional aiming to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of media, advertising, and technology, DigiMarCon is your ultimate destination. As the world’s largest and most comprehensive digital marketing conference series, DigiMarCon offers unparalleled opportunities to learn, network, and grow.​

🌍 What is DigiMarCon?

DigiMarCon stands as the premier Digital Marketing, Media, and Advertising Conference & Exhibition Series globally, hosting over 40 annual events across 18 countries and more than 30 cities. From New York to Singapore, London to São Paulo, DigiMarCon unites industry leaders, innovators, and professionals to explore the latest trends, technologies, and strategies shaping the digital marketing realm.

🎯 Why Attend DigiMarCon?

Whether you’re a CMO, entrepreneur, agency executive, or marketing enthusiast, DigiMarCon provides a platform to:​

• Gain Insights from Industry Leaders: Engage with some of the most audacious and thought-provoking speakers in the digital marketing, media, and advertising industry.

• Explore Emerging Strategies and Technologies: Discover the latest innovative technologies and best practices to elevate your business.​

• Network with Peers and Thought Leaders: Collaborate with your peers, build your professional network, and connect with thought leaders in a vibrant atmosphere.​

• Experience Cutting-Edge Innovations: Dive into the next generation of technology and innovation, including Internet, Mobile, AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS Technology.

📍 Upcoming Highlight: DigiMarCon World 2025

Mark your calendars for DigiMarCon World 2025, scheduled for November 5–7 at the Luxor Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. This flagship event promises three days filled with digital marketing best practices, the latest trends, practical solutions, strategic insights, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Whether you attend in person or online, you’ll be immersed in a dynamic environment designed to propel your business forward.

🌐 Global Reach, Local Impact

DigiMarCon’s extensive global presence ensures that professionals worldwide can access its wealth of knowledge and networking opportunities. With events spanning continents—including North America, Latin America, Europe, the UK, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa—DigiMarCon is committed to fostering a global community of digital marketing excellence.​

🎟️ Ready to Elevate Your Digital Marketing Game?

Don’t miss the chance to be part of the world’s leading digital marketing conference series. Explore upcoming events near you and secure your spot today!

By Digiday Awards The winners of this year’s Digiday Streaming and Video Awards — formerly the Digiday Video and TV Awards — found success by focusing on personal stories and meaningful experiences to foster connections and drive brand affinity. Advertisers also demonstrated a commitment to innovation, leveraging emerging technologies such as enhanced in-scene advertising to improve user experiences.

For instance, Business Insider is recognized in two categories: Best Interactive Video Experience, alongside partner Amazon Ads, and Best Use of YouTube. In 2024, Business Insider implemented a robust YouTube strategy to increase watch time, boost engagement and build a dedicated subscriber base. The publisher diversified its content by creating longer videos and meaningful marathons, and strategically scheduled them to optimize audience retention and grow watch hours. Business Insider also refined its packaging through YouTube’s A/B thumbnail testing feature and capitalized on Shorts to introduce new audiences to its content ecosystem and direct them to long-form videos. With 9.65 million subscribers and rising, Business Insider’s YouTube success demonstrates how thoughtful packaging, diversified formats and interactive features can drive sustained growth and viewer loyalty.

YouTube itself is a winner in four categories: Best UGC Integration Strategy, Best Use of Data-Driven Personalization, Best Video Podcast and Best Short Form Video of the Year. The platform is recognized in the Best Use of Data-Driven Personalization category for refining its recommendation engine using AI-powered tools and real-time user behavior to serve hyper-relevant video suggestions. From personalized video feeds that adapt to evolving interests to new features like Search Highlights and Smart Topics, YouTube reimagined content discovery across its ecosystem. These updates helped surface key moments within videos and categorize content into tailored themes, making each user’s journey feel uniquely intuitive and seamless.Continue reading this article on digiday.com. Sign up for Digiday newsletters to get the latest on media, marketing and the future of TV. …read more

Source:: Digiday

By Harry Mackin To say that 2025 is proving a tumultuous time for B2B marketing (or anything else) feels like a gross understatement. 
Between inflation, continued supply chain disruptions, interest rate hikes, and the unfolding consequences of tariffs, it’s little wonder that B2B organizations everywhere are feeling more than a little uncertain about the future. And as B2B marketers unfortunately know, when organizations are faced with uncertainty about their health, they look at adjusting their marketing budgets for relief all too frequently.
According to Forrester’s Budget Planning Guide 2025: B2B Marketing Executives, nearly half (47%) of global B2B marketing decision-makers said they were expecting only between a 1% and 4% growth in their marketing investment, which, accounting for inflation, equates to essentially no gain at all. Meanwhile, the pressure to prove the ROI for these budgets to hold onto them is reaching a fever pitch as the C-suite adjusts to rapidly shifting market realities.
Clearly, B2B marketers have their work cut out for them this year by making more out of less. It’s not all bad news, however. As B2B marketers look for ways to innovate without increasing spending and prove their budgets to the C-suite, emerging technologies and trends may hold exciting new solutions. And based on what we’ve seen so far this year, B2B marketers are taking advantage.
These are a few of the most prominent trends in B2B budgeting in 2025 so far, and what we can learn about the state of the industry by analyzing them.
Concerns guide but do not slow tremendous AI investment
Salesforce recently published its ninth edition of the State of Marketing report, for which it surveyed nearly 5,000 B2B and B2C marketer leaders worldwide to understand how the marketing world is changing in 2025. The top section of their report summarizes arguably this year’s most pivotal budget trend: “AI tops marketing’s agenda.”
Three out of four (75%) marketers are either experimenting with or have already fully implemented AI into their operations — up from 68% in 2022. These adoptees are clearly reaping huge benefits, as high-performing marketers are 2.5x more likely to have fully implemented AI within their operations than underperformers.

Source: Salesforce
This massive adoption of AI coincides with a shift in how marketers are thinking about ways in which the technology can help them. In the State of AI in B2B Marketing in 2024, ON24 asked 500 B2B marketers what they considered the biggest reasons to invest in AI now, rather than waiting for the technology to develop further. Their responses are eye-opening:
Four out of the five top reasons marketers cited for investing in AI now are explicitly financially motivated: marketers believe AI will help them become more efficient (52%), save time (50%), improve their ROI (48%), and drive better business results (44%). 

Source: ON24
B2B marketers are thinking of AI as a powerful tool for helping them make and prove their impact on ROI — and therefore help them preserve their budgets in a time when they’re under considerable pressure to do so. ON24’s report also found that 85% of organizations said …read more

Source:: Top Rank Blog

By Sam Bradley When times get tough, some advertisers look to performance channels to see them through.

As advertisers get buffeted by tariff-induced uncertainty and a precipitous drop in consumer confidence, Amazon appears to be emerging as an early beneficiary. U.S. brands have accelerated their ongoing adoption of its DSP, while also increasing investment in its search inventory, as fears of a recession mount in the world’s largest advertising market.

According to Pacvue data shared with Digiday, average daily spending by brands on Amazon’s Sponsored Brands and Sponsored Products ads rose 9% year-on-year in first quarter 2025. That’s despite the typical decrease following the holiday season in the prior fourth quarter, suggesting current demand among advertisers is higher than market norms.Continue reading this article on digiday.com. Sign up for Digiday newsletters to get the latest on media, marketing and the future of TV. …read more

Source:: Digiday

By Ronan Shields This is a developing story and will be updated throughout the day.

Google has been found guilty of antitrust violations in two of the three alleged markets, following a long-awaited ruling in its ad tech antitrust battle with the Justice Department.

Judge Leonie Brinkema partially sided with DOJ lawyers ruling Google guilty of violating U.S. antitrust laws by monopolizing the markets for publisher ad servers and ad exchanges, and by illegally tying its ad server to its ad exchange. However, Google was not found guilty of monopolizing the advertiser ad network market.Continue reading this article on digiday.com. Sign up for Digiday newsletters to get the latest on media, marketing and the future of TV. …read more

Source:: Digiday