Hello! Today’s roundup is a snapshot of how fast the industry is shifting from Google’s new AI advisors reshaping campaign workflows, to TikTok’s push into podcasting, to brands rushing Christmas ads earlier than ever - and more! If you only read one thing today, the gap between what advertisers want and what consumers actually feel is getting wider. Let’s get you caught up.

Andromeda is only Meta’s ad retrieval layer. It just narrows millions of ads down to a few thousand before ranking. It doesn’t change targeting, delivery, or strategy. And it’s not the reason your results dropped. Why it matters: Advertisers are overreacting and rebuilding accounts for no reason. You don’t need more ads, new structures, or “Andromeda-proof” tactics. Your old ads can still perform; nothing fundamental changed.

Google has officially launched Ads Advisor and Analytics Advisor, two built-in agentic AI bots for Google Ads and GA. Ads Advisor turns business goals into ready-to-launch campaigns and optimizes them automatically, while Analytics Advisor generates on-demand reports via natural language. Both aim to remove manual setup, data pulling, and guesswork from advertisers’ workflows. Why it matters: Google is pushing advertisers into a fully AI-assisted workflow. These tools will speed up campaign creation, centralize insights, and reduce operational overhead, but also increase dependency on Google’s automation, making transparency and control even harder to maintain.

TikTok is partnering with iHeartMedia to launch the TikTok Podcast Network, producing up to 25 creator-led shows. They’ll open co-branded podcast studios in NYC, LA, and Atlanta, expand TikTok Radio, and integrate creators across major iHeart events. Why it matters: TikTok is moving deeper into long-form content and creator monetization, while iHeartMedia taps into the creator economy to stay relevant. For marketers, podcasting is becoming a major discovery funnel for TikTok-native creators, with huge implications for reach, culture, and cross-platform influence.

YouTube confirmed that Partner Program creators who switch monetization off for a specific video will not have ads placed on that video, unless it contains copyrighted material claimed by rights holders. Ads may still appear on non-Partner channels or Content ID–claimed videos, which caused widespread confusion due to outdated Help Center wording. Why it matters: This gives creators clearer control over ad placement, crucial for sponsored integrations, sensitive content, and viewer experience. But it also reinforces the two big exceptions: non-monetized creators can still have ads, and rights holders can override your settings via Content ID.

A new app called diVine, funded by Jack Dorsey’s nonprofit, is bringing back Vine with 150,000+ restored six-second videos, recreated profiles, and the ability to upload new Vines. It also blocks suspected AI-generated videos, verifies human-made uploads, and runs on the decentralized Nostr protocol, opening the door for community-built extensions and apps. Why it matters: diVine taps into nostalgia and the growing appetite for non-AI, human-made social content. In an era where feeds are flooded with generative videos, diVine positions itself as a throwback to raw, authentic creation.

Monster reports that 25% of European energy-drink consumers are new to the category, driven by viral social growth, endorsements, and migration from categories like coffee. Global category growth remains strong (+12% to +20% across regions), and Monster claims it’s outperforming competitors through innovation, merchandising upgrades, and major sponsorships like F1 and UFC. New SKUs and limited-time releases are coming in Q4 ’25 and Q1 ’26. Why it matters: The energy drink market is getting more crowded, and long-term growth hinges on mental + physical availability, not niche targeting. Monster’s extreme-sports-heavy brand identity works for core fans but may limit appeal among newer entrants coming from coffee. Expanding image and entry points will be crucial as the category widens.

Only 54% of marketers think 2026 will outperform 2025, down sharply from last year, as economic volatility, shrinking middle-class spending power, and shifting consumer milestones disrupt traditional segmentation. WARC flags five priorities: affordability tension, creator marketing risk, digital + in-person escapism, the rise of GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), and fractured demographics reshaping audience models. Why it matters: Marketers must adapt fast. Old segmentation rules are breaking, SEO is evolving toward AI-driven GEO, and creator campaigns demand clearer KPIs to avoid wasted spend.

Christmas creep” is accelerating fast: brands are launching holiday ads weeks earlier than usual (John Lewis dropped its 2025 ad on Nov 4; some U.S. stations switched to Christmas music in early October). Advertisers are pushing earlier to capture attention and revenue in a shaky economy, but many consumers feel stressed, annoyed, and overwhelmed by the premature festive push. Why it matters: Early holiday ads may boost impressions and sales, but they’re widening the gap between brand goals and consumer sentiment.

— Sam C.