Global Scans · Media & Entertainment · Weekly Summary

• [New] Broadcasting companies are expected to see the biggest surge over the next six months, signaling that the media and content industries are on the verge of a significant AI-driven transformation. Fortune
• [New] In 2026 we expect commerce to play a greater role than ever, connecting across all forms of media. Digiday
• [New] YouTube's latest initiative could set a precedent for other platforms in handling AI-generated media responsibly. BUSINESS 2.0 NEWS
• [New] The pilot rollout underscores YouTube's commitment to mitigating the risks posed by synthetic media, which has grown increasingly sophisticated with advancements in generative AI. BUSINESS 2.0 NEWS
• [New] Social media users in the UK are becoming less active on tech platforms due to the rise of video apps and fears that posts could come back to haunt them. The Guardian
• [New] In the UK, hundreds of teenagers will trial social media bans, digital curfews and time limits on apps under a government pilot, alongside a consultation on whether under-16s should be barred from accessing social media. The Guardian
• [New] Retail media is the fastest-growing digital channel, with 14.1% growth projected in 2026. AFFiNCO
• [New] The rise of apps such as TikTok and the popularity of video features including Instagram's Reels mean that people are consuming social media more passively and are less likely to take an active role, a change compared with how they might have behaved on platforms such as Facebook. The Guardian
• [New] Social commerce in the United States is expected to exceed $100 billion in revenue by 2026, reflecting the increasing number of consumers who shop directly through social media platforms. Zarsh Solutions
• [New] In parallel, EMARKETER forecasts US commerce media spending will hit $83 B in 2026, reaching 21.6% of total digital ad spending. AI Digital
• [New] In 2026, Disney anticipates spending $24 billion on content across entertainment and sports. Streaming Media Magazine
• [New] By 2027, AI chatbots will handle 80% of all customer inquiries on social media. HyScaler
• [New] Social Media: TikTok Shop appears set to move from novelty to necessity, and we expect platforms to enforce built-in paid partnership / commercial content offerings in short video and live shopping more aggressively. National Law Review
• [New] Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are gradually adopting advanced media technologies as investments in digital infrastructure and content delivery networks expand, creating opportunities for both local and international broadcasters to enhance content quality and distribution capabilities. openpr
• [New] By 2026, XR is expected to go far beyond entertainment, becoming part of many people's daily routines in areas like work, shopping, and education. IPv6.net
• [New] Social media advertising in the United States is projected to reach approximately $108 billion in 2026, driven primarily by Meta's platforms, TikTok's continued expansion, and YouTube's growing commercial surface area within the social video category. TechBullion
• [New] US out-of-home advertising spend is projected to reach $4 billion in 2026, rising 4.1% year-over-year, according to new data published this month by Guideline, the media intelligence platform that captures $110 billion in annual ad spend directly from holding companies and independent agencies. PPC Land
• [New] The IRS continues to warn that social media-driven misinformation and disinformation remain a major driver of tax scams. CPA Practice Advisor
• [New] Marketers who stay proactive, attend industry events, invest in new skills, and maintain close relationships with technology partners will be best prepared to navigate the fluid landscape of media buying in 2026 and beyond. Wisconsin Scorpions
• Average daily media consumption per U.S. consumer is projected to reach 13.1 hours, accounting for 40.5% of their day. SQ Magazine
• Digital media revenues are expected to surpass $1.25 trillion, exceeding 40% of total industry income. SQ Magazine
• Ultimately, social media in 2026 rewards the deliberate, and brands that favor automated shortcuts over community building risk being permanently ignored by a more selective, skeptical audience. Sprout Social
• In 2026, the social media world will face a fundamental realignment: artificial intelligence and algorithms will automate almost every aspect of social media marketing, while users will simultaneously crave more authenticity. infludata

Last updated: 06 April 2026