Global streaming spend is forecast to rise 6% to $101bn this year, reaching about 40% of total content spend, according to Ampere Analysis—outpacing overall content growth of 2% to $255bn.
Hello, social friends! This week’s updates include numerous AI-powered tools for TikTok Shop creators and advertisers. YouTube is also rolling out more features to help creators with audience targeting from a desktop. Let’s take a closer look at how these improvements can steer your social strategy in the right direction.
According to a recent study be Omnisend, e-commerce orders across all channels in South Africa grew 47% in 2025, but that growth was uneven, with the top 5% of brands generating 44% of total order growth.
AI Overviews are reshaping organic attribution—learn which metrics matter and how to clearly communicate SEO impact to stakeholders. Flat traffic? Don’t worry—flat doesn’t mean failure anymore.
The South African government is considering regulating podcasts as it finalises the Draft White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services, with Minister Solly Malatsi noting they currently fall outside the Electronic Communications Act.
ChatGPT ads are coming soon, offering advertisers early access to a new impression-based placement inside conversational AI. OpenAI is preparing to launch impression-based ads inside ChatGPT as early as February, marking a faster-than-expected step into advertising.
Musah Makhunga, the CEO of the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), said that unlawful structures are a big problem in the city. He explained that these unlawful structures compromise public safety, disrupt infrastructure, and deprive the City of much-needed revenue.
Heineken Beverages has once again been recognised as a Top Employer for 2026 in South Africa by Top Employers Institute and, for the first time, has achieved Top Employer certification for Africa. The company has remained in the national Top 10 ranking.
As per TikTok: “This year, we’ll see trends rooted in our Irreplaceable Instinct, representing a shift toward the curiosity, conviction, and care that connect us.”
BAT South Africa (Batsa) has issued a statement announcing that it will cease local production of factory-manufactured cigarettes (FMC) and close its sole South African manufacturing facility by the end of 2026, as a result of the devastating impact of the illicit cigarette trade on the local market.