Latest Marketing & Advertising News
OpenAI Introduces Ads in ChatGPT for Free Users
OpenAI has begun displaying ads and sponsored content in ChatGPT conversations for free and low-cost users to offset massive spending. This marks a shift as brands like Target and Adobe prioritize AI visibility through Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Privacy concerns arise, but high conversion rates signal a game-changer for advertising.
AI Overviews Eroding Organic Traffic in 2026
Google's AI overviews and similar features are reducing traditional organic search traffic, forcing marketers to adapt. Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) emerges as a core skill for multi-surface visibility across AI platforms.
Brands ignoring this risk missing out on fragmented discovery channels.
Perplexity and Google Test Ads in AI Interfaces
Perplexity has been testing ads in the US since 2024, while Google experiments with ads in AI search overviews. Microsoft runs contextual ads in Copilot since 2023, expanding ad opportunities in AI assistants.
HSBC predicts AI assistants could claim 2% of online ad market by 2030.
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) Becomes Essential
AEO is evolving from SEO, with rules like structured content and FAQs to boost AI visibility. French startup GetMint claims 100 clients including Lacoste using 90 GEO rules.
Experts warn unoptimized brands risk invisibility to AI-dependent users.
Agentic AI Reshaping Marketing Operations
Agentic AI automates campaign planning from targeting to optimization, as seen in Intuit's Marketing Studio reducing timelines from weeks to hours. Google's Gemini 3 Deep Think creates agentic models for briefs to recommendations.
This quietly transforms operations with better conversion rates.
B2B Marketers Prioritize AI-Powered Tools for 2026
AI tools top investment priorities, shifting from content generation to discovery and targeting. Millennials and Gen Z demand self-service digital experiences, with 80% through buying before sales contact.
Social media nears half of B2B digital ad spend, led by LinkedIn and Meta.
Adrien Brody's TurboTax Super Bowl Ad Earns Top Grade
Intuit's TurboTax Super Bowl LX ad starring Adrien Brody received an 'A' grade from Kellogg review among 66 spots. Marketing exceeds R&D spend at Intuit, driving double-digit revenue growth.
CMO highlights AI agents for end-to-end campaigns and NFL partnerships.
12 Key AI Marketing Trends Defined for 2026
Trends include AI-generated web pages (3/4 new), fragmented discovery, and email resurgence for retention. Personal brands and original thinking become key moats against AI.
AI affiliate marketing poised for growth amid messiness.
Amazon Ads Launches Creative Agent Chatbot
Amazon's new 'Creative Agent' chatbot aids ideation, scriptwriting, images, and music for ads. This tool streamlines creative processes for advertisers.
It aligns with rising AI integration in ad production.
Spark Foundry Leads 2025 Canada Media Rankings
Spark Foundry tops preliminary 2025 Canada media rankings, with Publicis Groupe leading holding companies at $247.7M new billings. Dentsu drops international sale but open to local deals amid losses.
Creator economy trends and Super Bowl social campaigns dominate.
Super Bowl Social Campaigns Prove TV Not Essential
Super Bowl LX highlights social-first activations winning without TV buys. No Frills scores with 'Korn' bag creative for savings platform.
Top YouTube AdBlitz views feature creators and nostalgia.
Google's Gemini 3 Enhances Ad Strategies
Gemini 3's Deep Think uses advanced reasoning for agentic models turning briefs into campaigns. It analyzes data, simulates solutions for complex marketing tasks.
Available via Gemini API for researchers and advertisers.