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Google & Meta Platforms’ Advertising Duopoly Remains Durable Despite Competition
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Taboola Expands Realize Platform with Major Publisher Partnerships
Taboola announced an expansion of its “Realize” performance advertising platform by partnering with major publishers including TIME, Weather Channel Digital and Gannett/USA TODAY Network. The move is backed by an expected $1.5 billion in payments to publishers in 2025. Realize uses an AI performance engine and publisher integrations to deliver display inventory to advertisers beyond native-recommendation placements
Why it matters
This strengthens the connection between advertisers and premium publisher inventory via performance platforms.
For marketers, it means more display inventory accessible through familiar performance channels, possibly with better transparency and targeting.
It signals that “native only” is no longer the full story—expect display + performance + AI engines to merge.
Publisher relationships matter: strong publisher partnerships may deliver better performance and scale for advertisers. Read more.
Pinewood.AI Acquires UAE-based Seez for US$46.2 M to Expand Automotive AI Solutions
UK-based Pinewood.AI has acquired UAE-based automotive AI company Seez for about US$46.2 million in cash and shares. Seez develops AI/ML SaaS solutions for vehicle retail, e-commerce, virtual assistants and digital marketing tools for automotive dealers. This acquisition is designed to enhance Pinewood’s global automotive solutions and accelerate its expansion into North America and other markets.
Why It Matters
Shows how “vertical tech + marketing” is gaining investment: automotive retail, AI and marketing tools are merging.
For marketers working with automotive or similar high-investment categories, tech stacks are evolving fast—expect new capabilities in digital marketing for vehicles.
The deal highlights that niche/vertical-specific marketing platforms (here automotive) are becoming strategic assets.
Marketers should watch for how such technology acquisitions change partner ecosystems, tools available and cost structures. Read more.
Google & Meta Platforms’ Advertising Duopoly Remains Durable Despite Competition
In its latest coverage, Axios reports that despite growing competition from e-commerce platforms, streaming services and other ad tech entrants, the advertising dominance of Google and Meta remains strong. The “duopoly” of big tech advertising is still intact.
Why It Matters
For marketers, budget allocation needs to reflect this reality: Google & Meta still command major share of ad spend, scale and technology.
Alternative platforms may offer niche opportunity, but may not (yet) match reach or measurement of the big two.
Efficiency, attribution and creative on the major platforms remain critical competency areas.
Marketers should continue optimising for these platforms while keeping an eye on emerging rivals—balancing scale vs innovation. Read more.
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💡 Today’s Insight
Digital Catalogues Drive Aussie Store Choices
New research from Australia shows that digital catalogues are playing a big role in influencing where shoppers go and what they buy. A survey found that while almost all Australians still shop in-store, many now begin their shopping journey online: digital catalogues help 60% of them search for promotions, 45% use them to decide which store to visit, and 44% prefer digital catalogues over print. These digital catalogues aren’t just promotional—they’re decision tools. They’re used 2.9 times per week on average and are growing in use.
Key Takeaways
Digital catalogues are no longer “nice to have”—they influence which store consumers choose.
A strong digital catalogue presence supports store-visit intent, not just online browsing.
Use of digital catalogues is rising—brands should optimise for catalogue formats (mobile friendly, interactive, well tagged).
Promotions matter: many shoppers go into catalogues looking specifically for deals.
Because catalogues influence store choice, retailers should ensure consistency between catalogue offers and in-store execution.
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