Latest Marketing & Advertising News
Criteo Joins OpenAI's ChatGPT Advertising Pilot
Criteo became the first major ad-tech platform to join OpenAI’s advertising pilot on March 2, 2026, marking a key step in monetizing AI chat experiences. This integration advances advertising in emerging AI interfaces like ChatGPT.
It highlights the rapid shift toward ads in conversational AI tools.
Wickes Launches Connected Retail Media Network
Wickes announced the launch of Wickes Connected Retail Media on March 2, 2026, partnering with Epsilon for onsite advertising. The network targets retail media growth in the UK market.
It enables brands to leverage first-party data for targeted ads.
Campaign Convene 2026: Phygital Experiences Reshape Marketing
Netflix and NBCUniversal execs discussed at Campaign Convene 2026 how live events, fandom, and cross-screen media redefine audience engagement on March 2. Strategies focus on blending physical and digital for brand marketing.
This reflects evolving consumer interaction trends.
Over 70% of CTV Advertisers to Increase Spending by 17% in 2026
A new survey shows more than 70% of CTV advertisers plan to boost spending by an average of 17% in 2026, per Premion data released March 2. CTV budgets are projected to rise significantly amid performance demands.
U.S. CTV ad spend is expected to hit nearly $38 billion.
Trade Desk Enhances CTV with Ventura Ecosystem
The Trade Desk launched the Ventura ecosystem to improve CTV transparency, partnering with Nexxen and TV OS providers. CTV represented 50% of their Q4 2025 business, with growth accelerating.
It targets premium inventory like 2026 Olympics events.
Google AI Mode Hits 75 Million Daily Users with New Ad Formats
Google’s AI Mode reached 75 million daily users by March 1, 2026, adding shopping ads and Direct Offer formats in conversational search. AI queries provide richer intent for targeting, influencing 24% of purchase decisions.
This shifts discovery from traditional search.
Threads Expands Ads Globally, Reaches 400M Monthly Users
Threads hit 400 million monthly active users and rolled out global advertising via Meta Business Manager in late February 2026. It now supports text and image ads for all users post-US/Japan tests.
This stabilizes Meta's social ad channels.
TikTok US Ownership Resolved, Stabilizing Ad Channel
TikTok’s US structure was finalized with Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX each holding 15%, resolving uncertainties by March 1, 2026. This brings stability to one of digital advertising’s key unpredictable platforms.
Marketers can now plan short-form video strategies confidently.
Perplexity Abandons Advertising Entirely
Perplexity opted out of advertising in February 2026, prioritizing trust over monetization amid AI ad philosophy splits. This contrasts with ChatGPT's ad introduction, highlighting industry debates.
It reflects challenges in AI-mediated discovery.
ChatGPT Begins Showing Ads
ChatGPT started displaying ads between February 20 and March 1, 2026, accelerating AI platform monetization. This move transforms ad-free conversational tools into revenue channels.
It signals a broader shift in brand discovery landscapes.
Millennials and Gen Z Reshape B2B Marketing in 2026
Millennials and Gen Z, 71% of B2B buyers, demand B2C-like digital experiences, AI personalization, and first-party data in 2026. Channels shift from search to social video and storytelling.
AI investments are top priority with authenticity balance.
AI Creative Scales: Google Generates 70M Assets in Q4 2025
Google's Gemini created nearly 70 million ad creatives in Q4 2025, up 3x YoY, with tools like Veo 3 for video. Advertisers like Rhone use AI for live campaigns, narrowing creative gaps.
Creative becomes key differentiation as AI handles bidding.