News Roundup - April 2025

BeReal is stepping into the US advertising ring, notably helmed by a former TikTok executive. This move comes at an interesting time, given the ongoing uncertainties surrounding TikTok. For marketers seeking authentic engagement, particularly with younger demographics, BeReal presents a potential new frontier.

Its emphasis on unpolished moments could offer a unique environment, contrasting with more curated platforms, though the effectiveness and integration of its ad model remain to be seen. It’s another emerging platform to watch as the social media advertising landscape continues to evolve.

A significant development in the ad tech world: a judge has ruled that Google maintains an illegal monopoly in the advertising technology market. This ruling could have far-reaching consequences for the entire digital advertising ecosystem.

While the immediate impact is unclear pending potential appeals and remedies, this decision signals potential future shifts in how ad inventory is bought and sold, possibly opening doors for increased competition and altering the dynamics marketers have grown accustomed to within Google’s dominant suite of tools. Agencies and advertisers should monitor this closely, as it could reshape strategies and budget allocations down the line.

Meta continues to expand its advertising footprint, now opening up its text-based platform, Threads, to advertisers worldwide. Leveraging its established ad infrastructure and connection to Instagram, this provides marketers with another scaled channel within the Meta ecosystem.

For brands already utilizing Meta’s ad platform, integrating Threads campaigns might be relatively seamless. It presents a renewed opportunity to reach audiences engaged in public conversation, offering an alternative or complement to platforms like X, particularly for those seeking reach within Meta’s vast user base.

While excitement builds for Nintendo’s next console, the Switch 2, a universal concern is emerging globally: potential for higher game prices. This isn’t just industry chatter; it reflects broader consumer price sensitivity in the current economic climate.

For game marketers and PR teams, this highlights a critical factor for upcoming launches. Successfully marketing new titles may increasingly depend on clearly communicating value, managing pricing expectations, and potentially adjusting campaign strategies to overcome consumer apprehension about higher costs impacting their entertainment budgets.