We made it through the first full month of January and we are racing into February! There has been so much going on in marketing, especially in social media, that it can be tough to keep up. I mean, the whole TikTok thing and now the changing of Instagram grid decisions! But we've curated some recent marketing trends and news we think will be important for you, as a business owner, to know. And don't forget to follow us on social media for more news!
Sociable: Meta Launches Initial Test of Ads on Threads
Meta has begun testing ads on Threads, targeting selected users and brands in the U.S. and Japan. This move, earlier than initially anticipated, allows businesses to extend existing campaigns from Facebook and Instagram to Threads, using Meta's ad system with minimal additional resources. With Threads growing rapidly, the ads aim to enhance user reach, while Meta focuses on ad relevance and user control over displayed content. As the platform’s popularity rises, this marks a significant step in Threads’ monetization strategy. > Learn more at Marketing Dive
YouTube Updates for 2025: What Marketers Need To Know
YouTube's 2025 updates emphasize its dominance as a leading video platform, surpassing services like Netflix and Hulu, and highlight its broad demographic reach, with 68% of baby boomers using it for entertainment.
The platform's 50-50 revenue-sharing model has fostered a robust creator economy, attracting talent and encouraging quality content production. Monetization varies by content type; long-form educational videos can achieve RPMs up to $40, while YouTube Shorts have seen RPMs rise to approximately 25 cents. Marketers should adapt by producing high-quality, engaging content tailored to YouTube's diverse audience, leveraging both short and long-form formats to maximize reach and revenue potential. > Learn more at Social Media Examiner
HubSpot's 2025 State of Blogging Report
HubSpot's 2025 State of Blogging Report reveals that blogging remains a vital component of marketing strategies, with over 500 marketers affirming its effectiveness in driving brand awareness and engagement. The report highlights that high-quality, consistent content creation is crucial for attracting and retaining audiences. Additionally, integrating multimedia elements and optimizing posts for search engines are identified as key practices for enhancing blog performance. The findings underscore the importance of adapting to evolving trends to maintain a successful blogging strategy. > Learn more on HubSpot's Blog
Google Opens Meridian, Its Marketing Measurement Tool, To All Users
Google has officially launched Meridian, its open-source marketing mix model (MMM), making it accessible to all marketers and data scientists. Meridian aims to help advertisers better measure the impact of their marketing efforts across various channels by utilizing Bayesian causal inference to combine historical data with real-world outcomes. The tool integrates with Google's MMM Data Platform, offering access to essential metrics such as impressions and clicks. Over 20 measurement partners have been certified to assist companies in implementing Meridian. This development addresses challenges in accurately assessing digital and AI-driven campaigns, providing a customizable and transparent solution for effective budget allocation in today's complex marketing landscape. > Learn more at Search Engine Land
CMOs On The Biggest Challenges They Anticipate in 2025
In 2025, Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) anticipate significant challenges in maintaining agility, scaling strategies, and adapting to evolving consumer behaviors. Manu Orssaud, CMO of Duolingo, emphasizes the need for brands to stay culturally relevant by swiftly responding to current trends and interests. Similarly, Andy Judd of Poppi highlights the importance of evolving marketing models to connect authentically with new audiences while delighting existing customers. Cathy Oh from Samsung Electronics points to the rapid changes in consumer interactions with ads, especially with the rise of interactivity across TV and streaming platforms, necessitating continuous innovation in advertising strategies. Overall, CMOs recognize that staying ahead in the dynamic marketing landscape requires constant adaptation and a keen understanding of cultural shifts. > Learn more on Morning Brew
