蘑菇AV

AI is upending every aspect of marketing, from neuro-contextual ads that read emotions to autonomous shopping agents that make purchasing decisions. As tech giants consolidate control of the sector, six pivotal trends are reshaping advertising, search, and commerce.

The news: Instagram introduced a linked Reels feature enabling creators to showcase short-form videos in a series for simpler storytelling, per an announcement on its Creators account. The feature follows a trend of creators making Reels series focused on specific storylines and themes, and will allow creators to link both new and previous content, excluding content exclusively shared with subscribers or close friends. Our take: Linked Reels unlocks more opportunities to convey messages with high-production value and an episodic narrative, transforming Reels into a media destination that keeps audiences returning instead of only offering one-off impressions.

TikTok will see healthy user growth this year in the US, even as its future remains unclear. User time spent on the app is falling YoY, but it still leads other social networks. However, it鈥檚 facing more competition from Instagram and YouTube.

LinkedIn posted 9% YoY revenue growth in its June-ending quarter, fueled by rising engagement, B2B ad demand, and AI-powered tools. Despite soft hiring trends, sessions rose 11% YoY as more creators and professionals use LinkedIn for content, networking, and branding. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the platform鈥檚 evolution from a resume archive to a dynamic business hub. AI continues to drive efficiency and creativity across features, benefiting both users and advertisers. With strong identity data and a trusted audience, LinkedIn is carving out a stable, differentiated space in social media鈥攑ositioning itself for long-term relevance beyond recruitment cycles.

Instagram head Adam Mosseri clarified that using 鈥渓ink in bio鈥� in post captions does not affect reach, aiming to dispel creator concerns that the algorithm punishes off-platform engagement. Despite his statement, creators remain skeptical, citing anecdotal dips in engagement when directing followers externally. As creators increasingly monetize through affiliate links, paid communities, and platforms like Substack, visibility control has become a high-stakes issue. Misinformation about Instagram鈥檚 algorithm leads to caution and second-guessing, creating friction for entrepreneurs growing businesses across multiple platforms. Real or perceived, lack of clarity undermines trust鈥攁nd for creators, platform policies directly impact their bottom line.

Data startup Astronomer turned an unlikely scandal into a viral branding win by embracing humor, celebrity power, and swift accountability. Following a Coldplay concert kiss-cam incident involving top execs, the company leaned in with a satirical ad starring Gwyneth Paltrow and backed by Ryan Reynolds鈥� Maximum Effort. The campaign鈥檚 charm came from its cultural timing, humor, and clear separation from product quality. Astronomer followed with decisive leadership changes and transparency, using the spotlight to explain its core offering. The result: a case study in how tone, timing, and authenticity can turn public mishaps into brand momentum.

Vlog/influencer viewers. Creator/influencer membership site users. Device ownership. Smart TV owners. Smartphone and tablet owners. Middle East and Africa in Perspective. This Middle East and Africa report highlights key takeaways from consumer polling in the five diverse countries that make up the region.