The news: In-car voice commerce has the potential to unlock a $35 billion annual opportunity for automakers, according to new research by in-car voice technology provider SoundHound AI. The hands-free tech integrates voice ordering, payments, and navigation directly into vehicles—transforming them into mobile commerce hubs that users are already familiar with. Key takeaway: Marketers and advertisers should prepare for a shift in automotive user interface by integrating voice-first campaigns into connected car ecosystems. Opportunities include forging partnerships with automakers and service providers for branded voice experiences, sponsored suggestions, and frictionless ordering while prioritizing transparency to satisfy safety regulators.
While performance marketing satisfies short-term goals, brand marketing supports long-term growth by building trust, credibility, and lasting differentiation in crowded markets. A new report from EMARKETER and StackAdapt shows a clear shift in how brands are approaching their marketing mix in 2025.
The trend: Consumers who take weight loss drugs are eating less and consuming healthier foods when they’re on the medication. Our take: This behavior change is driving a slew of food sellers and CPG brands to develop product lines and reformulate items with GLP-1 users in mind.
The news: On Thursday, Nintendo released the Switch 2, its first new console since the Nintendo Switch was launched in 2017. The handheld device comes with upgraded specs, social gaming features, and bundles with exclusive titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. It also includes GameChat, a feature that combines voice and video and lets up to 12 people chat while playing games. Our take: With a growing package of subscription perks and social hooks like GameChat, Nintendo may be taking a page from Apple’s playbook by turning its hardware into a recurring revenue engine. The Switch 2 could be a sticky ecosystem for Nintendo, even if the price goes up.
The news: Digital health startup Virta Health is guaranteeing that its employer and health plan customers won’t increase spending on GLP-1 drugs for their members. Our take: Virta’s financial guarantee will likely catch the attention of employers and insurers, but it could quickly backfire from a financial perspective if it’s unable to curb GLP-1 prescription volume.
The news: US pharma imports returned to normal in April after a March stockpiling of drugs and medical products spurred by tariff threats from the Trump administration. The takeaway: Fluctuating tariff threats from the Trump administration means ongoing uncertainty for drugmakers. If the indecision lags for more than a few months, expect some pharma product stockpiling to return.
The trend: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has lagged on delivering clear and coordinated messaging in recent weeks, creating confusion among consumers, physicians, and drugmakers. Our take: Inconsistency in messaging could result in patients, doctors, and healthcare entities not knowing where to turn for guidance and recommendations. Pharma companies should consider boosting consumer health messaging and offer healthcare providers’ science-based materials.
The news: Amazon’s Private Auction is quietly reshaping the CTV landscape by introducing more flexible buying on Prime Video. The format allows smaller advertisers and performance marketers to compete for inventory through open bidding, bypassing the need for costly guaranteed placements. As CPMs decline and the demand for agility rises, this move gives brands better control over pricing and access. Our take: While big brands may still favor premium guarantees, Amazon’s shift reflects broader momentum toward programmatic efficiency. By inviting direct-response buyers into the Prime Video ecosystem, Amazon is not just monetizing scale—it’s redefining what CTV access looks like in 2025.
The news: This week’s Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will be a critical opportunity for Apple to define its AI transformation after a year of missteps, unfulfilled promises, and user fallout. Our take: Apple must convince users and developers that its platform is where meaningful AI happens. Leaning solely on OS and service updates won’t cut it, and ignoring its AI roadmap risks slowing iPhone and Mac upgrade cycles. The pressure is mounting. Samsung and Google are packing AI into their next phones, and 1 in 5 iPhone users say AI features could drive their next smartphone upgrade, per CNET.
The news: Roblox’s lack of third-party measurement tools is becoming a hurdle for advertisers. The platform has minimal independent insights into standard metrics like reach and performance outcomes, per Digiday. As a result, potential customers are hesitant to start investing in ads on Roblox, which could dampen company growth. Our take: Roblox commands enormous engagement, especially with younger users, and it has a wealth of assets to attract advertisers and bolster its revenue. However, without accessible measurement offerings that meet industry standards, Roblox’s growth as a major ad channel may remain limited.
The news: National TV ad revenues will fall 11.4% this year, hitting $35.3 billion, while streamers are expected to rise 26% to $7.8 billion, per a Madison and Wall projection reported by MediaPost. Our take: Advertisers should continue shifting strategies to align with viewing habits and consumer behaviors—but remain cautious about complete CTV adoption, as opaque ad placements and looming economic pressures spell an uncertain future.
Despite political pressure, McDonald’s is standing by its commitment to inclusion. While it recently replaced “DEI” language with “inclusion,” its initiatives remain intact, per Bloomberg. That contrasts with brands like Target, Nike, and JPMorgan Chase, which have scaled back DEI and climate efforts amid conservative backlash. McDonald’s cosmetic rebranding reflects a strategic calculation: investing in programs it views as beneficial for business and essential to long-term brand equity, especially with key demographics. If it avoids major backlash, McDonald’s could offer a model for other brands weighing how to uphold values while managing political and reputational risk.
The insight: Clothing rental services are in the midst of a resurgence. Rent the Runway ended Q1 with a record number of subscribers, while Urban Outfitters-owned Nuuly added 40,000 members in the quarter alone. Our take: It’s taken time for companies to prove that the clothing subscription model can be sustainable. While Nuuly was the first to reach profitability, Rent the Runway’s rebound shows that there is an appetite for rental services that can deliver high-quality products at an affordable price point, as well as capitalize on consumers’ desire for newness.
Over 4 in 10 (44.4%) of US Adults are somewhat or very likely to use an AI tool like ChatGPT or Copilot to research potential purchases, according to April data from Attest.
The news: Amazon is testing humanoid delivery robots, per The Information, which could work in tandem with human drivers or as part of an autonomous fleet of delivery vehicles. The humanoid robotics team is working on incorporating large language models (LLMs) from Chinese companies DeepSeek and Alibaba so the bots can contextualize real-world surroundings. Our take: Delivery bots could help with heavy loads and ease the burden on human drivers, but Amazon might be better served with a less human form factor, such as a platform with walking legs to carry packages. The focus on humanoids could limit functionality, and bringing the uncanny valley to consumers’ front door could be off-putting.
Centralized payment options and automating spend threshold One Credential can help to keep PayPal products top-of-wallet for Gen Z.
With account integration ending for Android wallets, PayPal sets its sights on keeping more users within its own ecosystem.
Credit unions often market themselves as equal to banks, but they may be undervaluing their unique strengths. Instead of aiming to match competitors, campaigns should spotlight key differentiators like a deep-rooted commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), member ownership and control, and using profits to lower fees and rates. These qualities can build trust and attract younger, value-driven consumers. A strong example is one credit union’s storytelling strategy, which focuses on real member experiences and community impact. By highlighting authentic, mission-driven narratives, credit unions can better showcase their distinct role and value in the financial landscape.
Along with expanded access to Pay with Venmo and a buzzy ad campaign, Venmo is trying to reach key demographics.