The global advertising industry is experiencing significant shifts over the past 48 hours as it heads into the peak holiday period. The most prominent trend is a surge in advertiser spending on creators and influencers, with US brands expected to spend 37 billion dollars this year in this segment, marking a 26 percent increase over last year and growing four times faster than the overall media industry. This shift reflects changing consumer behavior as brands pivot away from traditional channels like linear TV to reach audiences who are increasingly spending time with social media creators and ad-avoidant content. Audience alignment and creator reputation are now top criteria for partnership selection, but the marketplace remains fragmented with a need for better discovery and matchmaking tools.
Another major story is the adoption of AI in both creative development and campaign optimization. About three in four brands are already using or plan to use AI tools, primarily for content editing, partnership briefs, and A/B testing. Major media and music companies, including Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment, have all signed deals with KLAY Vision for licensed, AI-powered music experiences, signaling a new era of innovation while introducing updated licensing frameworks to preserve copyright and artist rights.
On the retail front, marketing service providers are launching rapid-response campaigns for Black Friday. PR distribution and AI-powered SEO updates are being deployed to help brands maximize online visibility during the busiest shopping season, reflecting the urgent demand for real-time, AI-enhanced campaign management.
Digital advertising within news outlets has performed well, with one major platform reporting a 58 percent increase in ad impression volume compared to last year. At the same time, Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days posted 27 percent year-on-year growth, underscoring sustained consumer demand for online shopping.
No major new regulatory actions have surfaced in the past week, but industry leaders continue to stress the importance of ethical standards, especially as generative AI becomes more deeply embedded in ad strategies.
In comparison to earlier in the year, the sector is even more competitive and technologically driven, with clear momentum toward influencer campaigns, immersive content, and AI-powered optimization. The coming weeks are expected to test both the agility and ethics of the world’s top advertisers as they race for consumer attention and spending.
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