Amazon’s new movie strategy starts with theaters

Looks like streaming ad prices are set to dip again during this year’s TV Upfronts. With advertisers tightening their belts and an oversupply of inventory, CPMs for streaming are continuing to fall, following last year’s weak Upfronts. Adweek’s Saleah Blancaflor suggests that this could force streaming platforms to adjust their ad strategies or find new ways to make money.

Reality TV is stepping up its game by featuring original songs to make the experience feel more authentic. Shows like American Idol and The Voice are now using live performances and original music to connect with viewers. Fast Company shares that this change is driven by the audience's craving for something more real, and it could change how music is featured in TV shows.

Amazon is now giving theaters the spotlight before movies go to streaming. It’s a big shift from their usual way of doing things and feels like a throwback to how studios used to roll out their films. According to Nicole Sperling for The New York Times, this could change the game, especially in how movies get promoted before hitting Prime Video.

YouTube is rolling out new ways for creators to make money, with updates that boost revenue options for both long-form and short videos. According to Andrew Hutchinson for Social Media Today, these changes give creators even more ways to cash in on their content.

Tinder is rolling out a fun new AI-powered game to test your flirting skills. It’s all about helping you up your game with simulated flirting scenarios and feedback. Lauren Forristal from TechCrunch breaks down how this feature is designed to keep things light, interactive, and, hopefully, a little smoother in the dating world.

With the TikTok ban still looming in the U.S., Substack is stepping up its game by rolling out a new video feed. Now, creators can post videos directly on the platform, giving them another way to connect with their audiences. Fast Company’s Eve Upton-Clark dives into how this shift could help Substack stay relevant in a rapidly changing digital world.

OpenAI is releasing its first open-source model in years, marking a shift in strategy due to growing competition and economic pressures. Michael Nuñez for VentureBeat reports that this move aims to reduce reliance on subscription models, focusing on innovation while prioritizing data security. The release could reshape enterprise AI strategies and raise new concerns.

Brands are having a field day with April Fools’ stunts in 2025! From bizarre soda flavors to over-the-top vacation offers, companies like Olipop and Dunkin’ are making it clear that humor sells. Brittaney Kiefer from Adweek dives into the strategy behind these attention-grabbing moves.

Runway's new Gen-4 model promises to fix consistency issues in AI video generation, offering creators better control and stability. Samuel Axon for Ars Technica reports on how this breakthrough could change the landscape of AI-generated content. With improved reliability, Runway is poised to majorly impact industries like media and entertainment.

Brands are waking up to the fact that the old 18 to 49 age group just isn’t cutting it anymore. In her piece for Ad Age, Shannon Jones highlights how marketers need to stop relying on this outdated demo and focus on more specific audience segments. It’s time to rethink who we're talking to and how to best connect with them.