More shoppers are comfortable letting AI assistants filter brand communications and product recommendations.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how technology has changed the way Rainbow's customers research, compare, and ultimately make purchasing decisions; what the retailer has learned about serving customers that higher-end, luxury, and mainstream retailers could benefit from; and why "every AI experiment designed to replace a person failed, while every experiment designed to make a talented person better succeeded." Tune in to hear the discussion featuring Vice President of Content and host Suzy Davidkhanian, Principal Analyst Zak Stambor, and David Cost, Chief Digital Officer at Rainbow Apparel.

In May 2026, we analyzed 5,600 ChatGPT responses across nine financial services categories to compile the AI Visibility Index.

In May 2026, we analyzed more than 5,200 ChatGPT responses across nine personal care and beauty categories to compile the AI Visibility Index.

AI usage is becoming habitual as a broader range of people adopt AI for a broader set of use cases. Google’s lead in traditional search has given it the platform to take leadership in AI users next year, even as OpenAI still commands deeper engagement.

B2B AI ambitions outpace readiness: CMOs want AI visibility, yet fragmented metrics and thin expertise stall results.

AI Digital debuts AI Creative Studio: New genAI tools promise scalable, TV-grade creative—but consumer skepticism clouds payoff.

LinkedIn fights AI clutter: New limits curb low-value bot posts, even as AI tools spread across hiring and content.

Publicis eyes LiveRamp buy: $2.2 billion deal ties identity to AI, aiming to cement the holding company’s edge in agentic marketing.

The home furnishings category generates hundreds of billions of dollars annually, yet the shopping experience remains frustratingly complex for most consumers. Nearly every shopper reports feeling overwhelmed by options, with the average furniture purchase taking weeks and requiring dozens of open browser tabs before a final decision.

Search ad spending keeps rising as AI fuels online discovery and people search across more platforms than ever. Despite this, search’s share of digital ad spending is edging downward due to faster growth in other channels.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss the three big questions surrounding Meta right now: Why isn’t Wall Street satisfied with Meta’s seemingly incomprehensible growth? Where should Meta be focusing its AI efforts? And what happens when the company creates an AI version of CEO Mark Zuckerberg? Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with Analyst Emmy Liederman and Principal Analyst Max Willens. Listen everywhere, or watch on YouTube and Spotify.

Google considers Gemini ads: After ruling them out, Google eyes chatbot ads to offset AI costs and prove Gemini can rival ChatGPT for budgets.

Reddit monetizes trust at scale: Q1 revenues rose 69% to $663 million, with ad revenues up 74% as authentic conversations drive performance.

Google posts its second $100 billion quarter thanks to AI: The advertising leader is proving that the tech can drive revenues to offset heavy spending.

Real-time payments are growing quickly, but adoption lags due to cost, risk, and entrenched behaviors. Providers must focus on high-friction use cases and cash-flow benefits as competition from alternative rails intensifies.

OpenAI brings ChatGPT ads to logged-out users: Wider reach expands available ad inventory and could tempt wary marketers.

OpenAI courts DSPs for ChatGPT ads: A leaked StackAdapt deck shows high CPM pilots as OpenAI leans on adtech partners to prove value.