Mobile Dev Memo Podcast

Matt Steiner, Vice President of Monetization Infrastructure at Meta, dives into the world of AI advertising. He discusses the intricate ad ranking and selection processes at Meta, revealing the evolution of AI tools like Lattice and Andromeda. Steiner explains the significance of auction theory in ad systems and how it influences user engagement. He also covers the role of sequence learning in optimizing ad performance and explores Meta's ongoing AI advancements. Lastly, he highlights the importance of talent and testing strategies for advertisers leveraging Meta's platform.

Join Brian Albrecht, Chief Economist at the International Center for Law and Economics, as he unpacks the intriguing dynamics of antitrust law. He delves into how antitrust enforcement applies in the digital age, particularly regarding big tech and monopolistic practices. The conversation shifts to the transformative role of tariffs and their often underappreciated economic impact. Brian also explores the ongoing regulatory changes under FTC Chair Ferguson, offering insight into future antitrust strategies. Expect a thought-provoking discussion loaded with economic insights!

Patrick McGee, author of 'Apple in China', delves into Apple's intricate relationship with China's manufacturing landscape. He discusses how Apple’s dependency on China transformed both the company and the country. From exploring the geopolitical intricacies of Apple's production strategies to the fascinating dynamics with Foxconn, McGee shares insights into cultural adaptations and government relations. The conversation also unveils the striking story of organized scams targeting Apple, revealing the ongoing battle against fraud in the tech giant's operational model.

Andrew Covato, founder of Growth by Science and a veteran from Meta, Google, and Snap, dives deep into the world of advertising measurement. He highlights common misconceptions advertisers have about major platforms. Andrew emphasizes a scientific approach to measurement, advocating for critical analysis of marketing spend's effectiveness. He discusses strategies for future-proofing advertising methods and the importance of integrating brand and performance advertising. Listeners get insights on optimizing startup strategies and navigating data complexities for growth.

Nilay Patel, head of product at Kohort and an expert in mobile gaming and user acquisition optimization, dives deep into the transformative power of cohort analysis. He addresses common pitfalls in lifetime value estimation and discusses why cohorts are crucial for evaluating product economics. Nilay also explores how companies can effectively incorporate cohort monetization into user acquisition models and the importance of handling outliers in data. His insights reveal how adapting to cohort performance can drive improved monetization and user retention strategies.

In this engaging discussion, Olivia Kory, Chief Strategy Officer of Haus Analytics, shares her insights from her time on Netflix and Sonos. She delves into the complexities of measuring advertising efficiency amid economic uncertainty, exploring strategies for firms to assess marketing spend. Topics include the challenges performance advertisers face in a cookie-less world, the importance of A/B testing optimization, and how brands can 'get fit' for potential recessions while navigating evolving privacy regulations.

Taylor Holiday, CEO of Common Thread Collective and a key figure in DTC Twitter, dives into the pressing issues in e-commerce advertising. He discusses how tariffs are forcing brands to change strategies amid declining consumer confidence. The conversation also sheds light on the evolving business models post-COVID-19, moving from percentage-based to fixed pricing. Holiday tackles the skepticism surrounding Apple’s data strategies and the intricate dynamics of mediation in app auctions, emphasizing the need for transparency and innovative approaches in digital marketing.

In this discussion, Daniel McCarthy, an Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Maryland, shares insights from his recent research on the impact of Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT). He highlights how ATT has disproportionately affected small businesses, leading to significant declines in advertising effectiveness and revenue. The conversation dives into the challenges of adapting marketing strategies in the wake of privacy regulations and clarifies common misconceptions about ATT’s true effects on e-commerce performance.

Lee Brown, Spotify's Global Head of Ad Business & Platform, and Per Sandell, VP of Product, discuss exciting innovations in Spotify's advertising strategies. They dive into the launch of the Spotify Ad Exchange, the role of generative AI in creating automated audio ads, and how performance advertisers utilize this platform. The duo explores evolving user engagement techniques through personalized audio ads and contextual advertising, while hinting at a future of automated ad placements that promise to revolutionize the advertising landscape.

In this discussion, Alex Schultz, CMO and VP of Analytics at Meta, shares his extensive experience in marketing and analytics. He critiques the narrow view of 'performance marketing' and champions a full-funnel approach. The conversation dives into how AI is reshaping marketing strategies and the need for a balance between automation and creativity. Alex also highlights the importance of robust data management for effective marketing and reflects on the evolving responsibilities of CMOs amid technological advancements.