Next in Media

Next in Creator Media spoke with Reza Izad, co-founder and partner, Underscore Talent about whether Hollywood or Madison Avenue were further ahead when it comes to adapting to a more creator-centric media verse. Izad talked about why some categories, like beauty and fashion, are far ahead more mass categories such as packaged goods, and why Pinterest is a creator dark horse in 2025.Takeaways:• Evolution of Talent Representation in Digital Media: The shift from traditional management to digital-first approaches highlights the importance of platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for creators.• Underscore Talent’s Multi-Niche Approach: Serving over 500 clients across gaming, sports, beauty, culinary, and lifestyle industries demonstrates the potential of diversified talent management.• MCN (Multi-Channel Network) Legacy and Transformation: Studio 71's development shows how early digital content networks combined advertising with IP development to create sustainable business models.• Opportunities in Extended Video Formats: Longer YouTube formats like podcasts and scripted content enable multiple ad placements, increasing revenue potential.• Integration of Digital Creators with Brands: Case studies like Mr. Beast’s Amazon deal and beauty brands leveraging platforms like Tribal illustrate how creators align with business objectives.Guest: Reza IzadHost: Mike ShieldsSponsor: VuePlannerProducer: FEL Creative 

Rich Muhlstock, President of Chase Media Solutions, leads the bank's innovative foray into advertising by leveraging the first-party data of 80 million customers. He discusses how Chase bridges brands and consumers with personalized, value-driven offers, ensuring trust and security in a regulated industry. Muhlstock highlights a performance-based advertising model with high ROI for brands. The conversation dives into the expansive advertising ecosystem, utilizing multiple touchpoints from mobile apps to ATMs, and emphasizes the importance of data-driven consumer insights for effective marketing strategies.

Michael Pollack, Managing Director of Digital Media Solutions at Epsilon, dives into the ever-challenging landscape of digital marketing. He discusses how walled gardens limit marketers' customer engagement and the importance of a unified view of identities. Pollack emphasizes the need for robust identity resolution amid signal loss from cookie declines and the necessity of AI integration for effective personalization. He also highlights the balance between privacy and personalization, urging brands to reach new audiences rather than over-targeting.

Next in Media spoke with Joe Doran Chief Product Officer at Epsilon, about whether we're likely to see a slew of walled garden anti-trust battles, why brands need to prepare for a world with less data regardless of what happens with cookies, and whether AI is taking over media buying.Takeaways:Consumer Choice and PrivacyThe industry's focus is shifting toward respecting consumer choice and privacy, driven by regulatory scrutiny and evolving technology.Marketers must adapt strategies to align with a more privacy-conscious ecosystem.Post-Cookie StrategiesThe decline of third-party cookies necessitates investing in first-party data management.Marketers should leverage identity-based systems, data collaboration, and advanced technologies like AI to overcome tracking challenges.Adapting to Regulatory ChangesRegardless of political or regulatory changes, marketers must prepare for a consumer-centric privacy landscape.Businesses that hesitate to adapt risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.Retail Media GrowthRetail media networks are expanding rapidly, with major players like Amazon and Walmart leading the charge.Smaller retailers face challenges in aggregating and optimizing their media offerings, presenting opportunities for consolidation and innovation.AI in Media Planning and ExecutionAI is transforming media planning and buying by automating repetitive tasks and optimizing outcomes.Strategic decisions still rely on human input, but AI supports scalability and efficiency.Guest: Joe DoranHost: Mike ShieldsSponsor: VuePlannerProducer: FEL Creative

Next in Creator Media spoke with Aditi Rajvanshi, Head of Strategy - Portal A, about what mistakes brands continue to make when working with creators, why YouTube is quietly pushing for content that scores well on 'viewer satisfaction' and the idea that some brands may want to move away from contributing to 'brain rot.'Takeaways:Portal A's Niche in Content CreationPortal A specializes in premium, elevated storytelling for brands, creating marquee brand properties that focus on long-term growth and brand engagement rather than mass-scale advertising.Shift in Brand-Creator DynamicsBrands now view creators as essential marketing channels rather than transactional tools, fostering deeper, long-term partnerships that emphasize authentic collaboration.The Power of Content MarketingSuccessful branded content focuses on storytelling and providing value to audiences, distinguishing itself from traditional promotional ads. Multi-Platform StrategiesDiversification across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram ensures resilience against changes in platform performance or regulations. Mid-Tier Creator GrowthSupporting emerging and mid-tier creators represents a significant untapped opportunity, as this group can uniquely connect with niche audiences and drive authentic engagement.Evolving Creator RolesCreators no longer rely solely on single platforms. Instead, they tailor content for multiple platforms, balancing experimentation, scalability, and community building to enhance their careers and partnerships.Guest: Aditi RajvanshiHost: Mike ShieldsSponsor: VuePlannerProducer: FEL Creative 

Next in Media spoke with Regine Fung - Sr. Director, US & Global Paid Media at ELF Beauty, about how the brand's media strategy has evolved from a pure DTC player to one that is embracing live sports, CTV, and out-of-home. In addition, Fung talked about Elf's huge TikTok presence, and why she think social commerce is finally breaking out in the US.Takeaways:Leverage Social Media Platforms for Community Building e.l.f. effectively uses platforms like TikTok, Twitch, and Pinterest to connect with their audience, emphasizing authentic engagement and understanding platform-specific nuances.Expand Beyond Social MediaWhile rooted in social-first strategies, e.l.f. successfully diversified into TV, out-of-home, and radio channels, enhancing mass reach and brand awareness.Creator Partnerships with Clear KPIsThey segment creators based on goals such as driving traffic or sales, integrating creators authentically into their campaigns while tracking ROI effectively through tools like affiliate links.Focus on Cultural Relevancee.l.f. prioritizes understanding its community's interests and cultural trends, ensuring campaigns resonate on an emotional and practical level.Measurement Tailored to ChannelsMetrics and KPIs are customized per platform, recognizing the distinct roles and limitations of mediums like TV, social, and digital ads. Guest: Regine FungHost: Mike ShieldsSponsor: Epsilon Producer: FEL Creative 

Next in Creator Media spoke with analyst Doug Shapiro, author of The Mediator, about how fundamentally the growth of creators is shifting consumption habits and media economics, and what Hollywood and Madison Avenue should do about it.Takeaways:Shift in Media Consumption HabitsTraditional media is facing stagnation due to a fixed amount of consumer attention, while creator media is rapidly growing, now contributing to roughly half of media industry growth globally.Dominance of Creator MediaThe creator economy, including YouTube, TikTok, and other platforms, produces content at an unprecedented scale, significantly outpacing traditional media in volume and engagement.Changing Definition of QualityYounger audiences prioritize authenticity, relatability, and quick gratification in their media consumption, reshaping traditional definitions of quality content.Inevitability of the Creator EconomyThe shift towards creator-led platforms is described as "relentless and inevitable," with traditional media unable to reverse this trend entirely.Challenges for Traditional MediaInstitutional media companies struggle to adapt to the democratization of content creation and distribution, hampered by their entrenched focus on high production values and limited competitor sets.Generational Shift and SustainabilityThe shift toward creator media is not a passing trend but represents a deeper generational shift, emphasizing consumer preferences for user-generated content.Guest: Doug ShapiroHost: Mike ShieldsSponsor: VuePlannerProducer: FEL Creative

Next in Media spoke with Mike Romoff, Reddit's newly installed Chief Revenue Officer, about how the company has thrived amidst so many changes in consumer's social and digital habits, and why he thinks the company is 'having a moment' that brands are looking to capitalize.Takeaways:• Cultural Moment and Growth: Reddit is undergoing significant growth, transitioning from niche to mainstream as more users realize its utility for finding reliable, community-driven answers.• Search Integration: A recent partnership with Google has boosted Reddit's traffic by making its vast user-generated content more accessible through search engines.• Rich Data Asset: Reddit boasts an unmatched repository of historical and real-time user insights, making it a goldmine for advertisers looking for authentic audience engagement.• Unique Value Proposition: Reddit is an antidote to AI-generated or paid-influencer content, offering authentic, community-driven discussions.• Advertising Sweet Spot: Reddit effectively caters to brands seeking mid-funnel engagement—helping users move from general interest to purchase consideration through organic and intentional interactions.• Community Power in Advertising: Communities serve as hubs of influence where brands can engage authentically. For example, initiatives like Samsung's custom content and AMA sessions showcase how advertisers can resonate with Reddit's ethos.Guest: Mike RomoffHost: Mike ShieldsSponsor: Epsilon & VuePlannerProducer: FEL Creative  

Next in Creator Media spoke with Ashley Rudder, Chief Creator Officer, DNY, about how brands need to not just let go of their creative control when working with creators on YouTube and TikTok, but may need to bring this talent in much earlier in the development process to best take advantage of their cultural connections.Takeaways:• The Evolution of Creative Leadership: Ashley Rudder's role as Chief Creator Officer highlights a modern, multidisciplinary approach to creative leadership, integrating brand marketing, social adaptability, and production expertise.• Importance of Authentic Partnerships: Successful creator collaborations move beyond transactional relationships. • Platform-Specific Expertise: Each social platform requires tailored strategies. Brands benefit from working with creators adept at navigating platform nuances to deliver culturally relevant content.• Metrics Beyond Vanity: Meaningful success metrics include post shares, bookmarks, and community engagement, rather than superficial vanity metrics like impressions or EMVs.• Integration into Product Development: Creators' real-time audience insights make them invaluable contributors to product development and go-to-market strategies. • Sustained Creator Relationships: Long-term partnerships with creators foster authenticity and loyalty among their audiences, enhancing the brand's credibility and influence.Guest: Ashley RudderHost: Mike ShieldsSponsor: VuePlannerProducer: FEL Creative

Zach Ricchiuti, Head of Retail Media at Kepler, dives into the evolving eCommerce landscape and shares insights on retail media strategies. He discusses the shift from Cyber Monday to a two-week sales marathon, emphasizing the importance of off-platform advertising. Ricchiuti highlights Amazon's dominance in retail media through advanced ad tech and success measurement. He also explores holiday shopping dynamics, including the growing trend of last-minute gifting and the impact of new social media opportunities for brands.