Latest Marketing & Advertising News
Global Ad & Marketing Spend to Grow 9.8% in 2026
Global ad and marketing spend is projected to rise 9.8% in 2026 to over $2 trillion, accelerating from 6.6% growth in 2025, fueled by waning recession fears, Winter Olympics, World Cup, and political elections. The US market, up 7% to $757.56 billion in 2025, expects stronger growth from FIFA World Cup co-hosting and elections.
Digital and alternative media now hold 55% global share, up significantly since 2020.
Content & Marketing Trends Webinar Highlights AI Shifts for 2026
A December 2025 webinar outlines 2026 benchmarks for AI referral traffic, Google AI Overview visibility, AEO, and GEO performance across industries. Leading brands dominate AI visibility; generative answers impact traffic and SEO strategies.
Experts discuss AI, automation, search behavior reshaping content, brand, and community engagement.
Connected TV Ad Spend Hits $37.95 Billion in 2026
CTV advertising spend reaches $37.95 billion in 2026, central to converged media strategies integrating TV, mobile, and digital channels. Interactive CTV ads gain traction with younger audiences via shoppable features and QR codes, converting at higher rates.
Cross-screen planning using first-party data boosts relevance and results across touchpoints.
Neuro-Contextual Advertising Defines Future of Digital Marketing
Neuro-contextual ads leverage AI to analyze content's emotion, tone, and intent in real-time, enabling privacy-first, resonant campaigns across text, video, and CTV. This shifts from behavioral tracking to moment-based relevance, improving connection without identity data.
Brands gain competitive edge by aligning creatives with emerging consumer mindsets.
Consumers Accept AI Chatbot Ads but Trust Issues Persist
Consumers are open to ads in AI chatbots, though trust remains a challenge, per recent insights. Pandora's PR and influencer strategies outperformed traditional TV in customer acquisition.
Fox Corporation grew Q2 ad revenue 1% YoY, adding 200 new advertisers.
AI Becomes Backbone of Advertising at ALM 2026
At ALM 2026, AI shifted from experiments to core infrastructure for planning, activation, and optimization in ads. IAB’s 2026 Outlook projects 9.5% digital ad spend growth driven by AI targeting and automation.
Industry focuses on measurement standards, disclosures, and talent for scalable AI use.
Google Reinvents Ads for AI Search and YouTube Creators in 2026
Google enhances creator-brand matches on YouTube using AI for content and audience understanding, turning influence into sales impact. AI Search ads adapt to conversational queries with generative tools like Veo 3, seeing 3x asset growth in 2025.
AI Max campaigns unlock billions of new searches for advertisers.
68% of Small Businesses to Increase Marketing Budgets in 2026
A Constant Contact report shows 68% of SMBs plan higher marketing spend in 2026 despite inflation and uncertainty. This doubling down aims to combat economic pressures through aggressive promotion.
Evertune Launches AI Retargeting via Index Exchange, Trade Desk
Evertune partners with Index Exchange and The Trade Desk for AI-powered retargeting, announced February 11, 2026. This enhances precision in ad delivery through advanced AI capabilities.
Microsoft Guide: Mastering AI Search for Modern Marketers
Microsoft's updated AI Marketer's Guide details AI-powered search mechanics and marketer actions for optimal results in 2026. It provides a blueprint for adapting to evolving search landscapes.
Big Tech to Absorb Most Incremental Global Ad Spend
Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta will capture the majority of global ad growth from 2025-2027, leaving scraps for others amid 9% industry expansion. Amazon faces scrutiny over high capex and AI investment returns.
Event Marketing Trends for 2026: Tech, Sustainability, Community
Experts predict lasting 2026 trends in corporate events focusing on technology integration, sustainability, and community building. These evolve programs strategically for impact.