Alphabet's stock took a hit after the company announced plans to increase capital spending by $15 billion in 2024, bringing total CapEx to the $195 billion to $205 billion range. Investors expressed frustration over a lack of clarity on how AI spending would translate to revenue.

This benchmark covers how ad buyers can calibrate their digital ad spending and budget allocations against the market, and how publishers and solution providers can assess whether their ad revenues align with industry trends.​

This benchmark covers how ad buyers can calibrate their search ad spending and budget allocations against the market, and how publishers and solution providers can assess whether their ad revenues align with industry trends.​

This benchmark covers how ad buyers can calibrate their social media ad spending and budget allocations against the market, and how publishers and solution providers can assess whether their ad revenues align with industry trends.​

The global AI race looks different depending on how it’s measured. Emerging markets dominate among internet users, while developed markets lead across the broader population.

ChatGPT and Gemini have emerged as the clear leaders in the genAI platform race. Their advantage in awareness, usage, and paid adoption is widening the gap with rivals and shaping where marketers should focus their attention.

The latest data reveals where digital markets are headed as genAI adoption scales toward 3 billion users worldwide and new leaders emerge in advertising, retail media, and ecommerce.

PayPal’s fusion with Stripe could reorder the landscape of crypto, BNPL, agentic commerce and digital wallets.

Last November, we identified 11 trends we expected to shape the business landscape in 2026. Our Trends 2026 update reveals where expectations are holding, where surprises have emerged, and what businesses should watch through year-end.

Retailer-native AI assistants will drive 54.1% of US AI-driven retail ecommerce sales in 2026, keeping retailers ahead of general-purpose AI platforms through 2030, according to a July report from EMARKETER.

Zocdoc’s new Gemini integration lets users find and schedule care in one place, turning genAI into a patient acquisition channel.

Spending on social remains very strong, thanks largely to automation tools. And with social video continuing to pull in ad dollars, the platforms make a push for live video.

AI is transforming Latin America's digital economy, changing how consumers discover products, make purchases, and engage with businesses. Companies that adapt their commerce and customer experience strategies will be better positioned to compete.

AI recommendations are reshaping financial services discovery. In this industry’s inaugural report, we track ChatGPT brand visibility in Q2 2026, the sources informing recommendations, and what it takes to stay competitive.

YouTube is becoming TV. As its viewing shifts to TV screens and ad budgets blur across channels, marketers need to rethink where TV ends and digital video begins.

Fox is acquiring streaming platform Roku for $22 billion, creating what analysts call the third-largest player in US streaming by share of viewing. The deal gives Fox direct access to Roku's 100 million households worldwide and positions the combined entity to dominate the free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) market. "For Fox it really jumpstarts their digital ad revenues," said our analyst Ross Benes on a recent episode of "Behind the Numbers." "Fox is still mostly a legacy company, and what they do have for streaming has largely been acquired, such as Tubi."

Human motivation, not technology, drives AI adoption. Our Building Blocks model helps marketers understand why people use AI, where adoption runs deepest, and where they can reach the right audiences.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss the three biggest questions surrounding Google right now: Is Google spending too much in the AI race? Will the company finally rationalize its AI product naming conventions? And what will the next phase of YouTube's growth look like? Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with Principal Analyst Nate Elliott and Analyst Marisa Jones. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

AI’s spending surge is moving from ambition to accountability. Rising AI costs, agentic commerce, Apple’s assistant strategy, and consumer trust issues are changing the marketing landscape.