Netflix licensing video podcasts
Netflix is in talks with iHeartMedia to license video podcasts, signaling a move to blend its streaming scale with podcasting’s engagement power. For marketers, this could create new opportunities for integrated audio-visual ad formats and influencer collaborations that extend beyond Spotify and YouTube. The next wave of branded storytelling might soon be streaming alongside your favorite Netflix series.
Pinterest hitting 600 million users
Pinterest has crossed 600 million monthly users, even as its stock dropped sharply due to ad revenue concerns tied to tariffs. Despite the hit, Pinterest continues to grow its audience and refine its commerce strategy, including its “Festive Season Edit” to help brands target shoppers with high purchase intent. For marketers, Pinterest’s scale and shoppable precision make it an increasingly vital upper-funnel and conversion tool during the holidays.
Early data on holiday shopping trends
U.S. retail sales are forecast to top $1 trillion for the first time, with McKinsey noting that millennials are driving earlier shopping behavior—well before Black Friday. Gen Z remains the exception, with nearly one in five still starting their shopping that weekend. For marketers, that means campaigns should already be in-market, and creative should pivot toward urgency and personalization as Black Friday nears.
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