Blog: Research at the Intersection of Social Media and AI
Explore all the ways social media and AI are coming together in this blog by Debra Aho Williamson. Get smart about the consumer usage patterns and social media trends that matter to your business. Then, head to Sonata Insights to learn more about Debra’s research and advisory services.
What’s Next for Snapchat: Will ‘Less’ Be More in 2024?
After a less than stellar Q4, what will we see more of at Snapchat this year?
20 Years of Facebook: How Mark Zuckerberg Changed the Course of Digital Advertising
There’s a lot that Facebook has done wrong over the years, but one thing it indisputably did right was building a powerhouse ad business.
Why Advertisers Still Love Meta
BNN Bloomberg invited me on-air to discuss Meta’s historic Q4 2023 earnings.
As I Predicted, Q4 Was a Barn-Burner for Meta
Meta can say all it wants about AI and the metaverse, but it's still an advertising business and gets 96% of its revenue from advertisers.
A Social Media Analyst is Born
If you want to learn my origin story as a social media analyst, it starts with college students, and a little website called Facebook.com that turns 20 years old on Feb 4th.
Meta’s Year of Efficiency Is Paying Off
I expect Meta to report Q4 revenue growth above the midpoint of its guidance of $36.5 billion to $40 billion. There is a strong chance it could surpass the upper end of that guidance.
Fun With Text-to-Video AI
One of my 2024 goals is to diversify my content offerings into video. I’m not a trained producer, so I used a text-to-video AI tool to make a video based on one of my posts from last week.
Can Meta Repeat Its Stellar 2023 Stock Performance in 2024?
Meta’s stock price surged 194% last year, second only to red-hot Nvidia in the Nasdaq. As the company approaches its 20th anniversary next month, a repeat of 2023's performance will be a tall order.
Sheryl Sandberg’s Tenure at Meta Was Controversial. Her Impact on Its Ad Revenue Was Not
Sheryl Sandberg’s legacy may be complicated and controversial, but the role she played in making Meta one of the world's largest ad businesses can't be denied.
TikTok vs. Instagram: Where Do Gen Zers Want to Watch Long Videos?
Gen Zers prefer TikTok over Instagram for long videos. No, that's not a typo. I do mean LONG videos, not short ones.
Here’s How the Top Social Platforms Break Down by Generation, in One Chart
Snapchat has a higher share of Gen Z users than TikTok in the US. Does that surprise you? And did you know that the generational breakdown of Instagram users and X users is shockingly similar?
Peloton and TikTok—An Uphill Climb
Peloton and TikTok have one important thing in common: Voracious fans who consume a ton of content. But I'm not sure that's enough to make the new partnership between Peloton and TikTok a success.
Three Ways AI Will Transform Meta in 2023
If 2023 was Meta's year of efficiency, 2024 will be its year of AI-fficiency.
Yes, Consumers Are Sharing Less. But They’re Still Using Social Media
Many people continue to use social platforms despite their concerns.
WhatsApp and Teens—What Marketers Should Know
Is WhatsApp finally catching on with more US teens?
Are Teens Using Social Media Less? Maybe. Or Maybe Not.
YouTube towers over all other social platforms when it comes to teen usage. More than 9 in 10 say they ever use it -- 30 points above the Number 2 platform.
Mistral’s $2B Valuation Has a Dotcom-Era Ring To It
2024 will be a year of mayhem and mergers as Big Tech incumbents face off against (and also try to merge with) their VC-backed rivals.
In the UK, Four Out of Five Teens Already Use Gen AI
Teen use of gen AI is shockingly high in the UK, according to Ofcom UK's latest report on tech usage.
Is TikTok Really Gen Z’s Next Search Destination?
TikTok is a massive opportunity for SEO and search marketing. And surveys do show that many Gen Zers turn to TikTok to look for things to do, buy, and eat. But how widespread is the behavior, really?
Three Things I Learned About Tech From My 94-year-old Aunt
I frequently write about Gen Z and their changing communication patterns. Today, I want to share three things Aunt Marion taught me about the power of technology for the oldest generation.