Our Scans · (ZY.4.18) Media Studies · Weekly Summary

• [New] Average daily media consumption per U.S. consumer is projected to reach 13.1 hours, accounting for 40.5% of their day. SQ Magazine
• [New] Digital media revenues are expected to surpass $1.25 trillion, exceeding 40% of total industry income. SQ Magazine
• [New] Marketers who stay proactive, attend industry events, invest in new skills, and maintain close relationships with technology partners will be best prepared to navigate the fluid landscape of media buying in 2026 and beyond. Wisconsin Scorpions
• [New] In 2026, the social media world will face a fundamental realignment: artificial intelligence and algorithms will automate almost every aspect of social media marketing, while users will simultaneously crave more authenticity. infludata
• [New] Data privacy risk is reaching critical mass in 2026 as zombie privacy claims, tougher state laws, and everyday AI use converge to create significant liability for companies. Los Angeles Business Journal
• [New] From NYX to Urban Outfitters to Primal Kitchen to Anthropologie to Levi's to Primark, savvy brands have been linking up with the social media platform to build data-driven experiences that turn Pinterest Predicts trends into real-world touchpoints. Event Marketer
• [New] Growth in 2026 will depend on media accountability and clear measurement. USIM
• [New] Social media platforms have transformed into indispensable tools for businesses worldwide, offering unparalleled opportunities for advertising, community building, and commerce. Qubit Capital
• [New] FTC Warns of AI Voice Cloning Fraud in Social Media Ads. Articsledge
• [New] By 2030, 82.9% of total social media ad spending will be generated through mobile. AFFiNCO
• [New] Digital media buying in India is expected to capture 61% of total marketing spend by 2026, up from 49% in 2024. AFFiNCO
• [New] Spending on retail media advertising is projected to hit $130 billion by 2026. AFFiNCO
• [New] US retail media advertising spend excluding Amazon-specific search is projected to reach approximately $30 billion in 2026, with Walmart Connect, Target's Roundel, Kroger Precision Marketing, and Instacart Ads accounting for the majority of non-Amazon retail media volume. TechBullion
• [New] Social media advertising in the United States is projected to reach approximately $108 billion in 2026, driven primarily by Meta's platforms, TikTok's continued expansion, and YouTube's growing commercial surface area within the social video category. TechBullion
• [New] Social commerce in the United States is expected to exceed $100 billion in revenue by 2026, reflecting the increasing number of consumers who shop directly through social media platforms. Zarsh Solutions
• [New] The future of social media marketing in the United States will continue to be shaped by technological innovation and evolving consumer behaviour. Zarsh Solutions
• [New] The ACCC's focus on manipulative and false practices will not be restricted to large social media platforms or app stores. National Law Review
• [New] A continuous improvement milestone in 2026 will be to modernise the emergency communication processes relied on during emergencies and incidents. GOV.UK
• As media consumption becomes increasingly video-first, interactive and trust-sensitive, the brands that track audience behaviour consistently and adapt quickly will be best positioned to remain relevant in 2026 and beyond. SENAL NEWS
• The U.S. demand will be powered by the dominance of top media businesses, increased digital media consumption, and wider streaming platform penetration for both homes and portable devices. Yahoo Finance
• As the global demand for digital content continues to grow, generative AI is expected to become a core technology for the media and entertainment ecosystem. openpr
• By aligning digital audio performance with Nielsen DMA insights, buyers and sellers across the digital audio space will be able to measure the local impact of their podcast investments, as well as view it alongside traditional media channels like linear TV and radio. / USA Nielsen
• In the year 2026, the social media networks will no longer serve exclusively as a discovery tools, they will also serve as a complete destination to shop. Wisconsin Scorpions

Last updated: 19 March 2026