Kai Cenat launches his 'Streamer University'

What’s happening: TikTok Shop is pouring nearly $1 billion into fighting counterfeits—but the fakes keep coming. From July to December 2024, the platform shut down 900 shops for IP violations and hired 400 new specialists to tackle the problem. Still, knockoff “dupes” from Chinese sellers continue to flood feeds, often marketed at rock-bottom prices with little oversight. As Fast Company’s Henry Chandonnet reports, the platform’s growth is being fueled by low-cost lookalikes that blur the line between trendy and shady.

Why it matters: TikTok’s trying to build the future of shopping, but it’s doing it on shaky ground. If the platform can’t clean up its counterfeit problem—or at least curb the hype around “dupes”—it risks losing consumer trust and pushing away big-name brands. Enforcement alone won’t cut it. What’s needed is a real shift in culture and accountability. Until then, TikTok Shop’s rapid rise will continue to clash with the very idea of quality and authenticity.

What’s happening: Justin Thomas-Copeland has been appointed CEO of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's), succeeding Marla Kaplowitz after her eight-year tenure. In interviews with Digiday and Adweek, Thomas-Copeland emphasized the importance of talent in the advertising industry, asserting that despite advancements in automation, human creativity remains irreplaceable. He also addressed the challenges posed by platform-driven models, such as Meta's end-to-end advertising services, advocating for a balanced approach that integrates both technology and human insight.

Why it matters: Thomas-Copeland is stepping in at a time when the ad industry is being pulled in a dozen directions—AI, automation, tighter budgets, and clients expecting more for less. His focus on blending tech with real creative thinking isn’t just a strategy—it’s a survival plan. By pushing for scalable services and developing more inclusive talent, the 4A’s under his leadership is trying to keep the heart of the industry—its creativity—alive, while making sure it can actually compete in today’s fast-moving world.

What’s happening: Netflix is giving its homepage a facelift—think cleaner layout, easier navigation, and smarter recommendations powered by AI. It’s also testing vertical video previews globally, leaning into a more mobile-friendly, scrollable vibe. While ads aren’t changing yet, Netflix is already hinting that this new design will give it room to play with new ad formats down the line.

Why it matters: Netflix isn’t just refreshing the look—it’s setting the stage for a bigger advertising push. The move toward vertical video and AI-powered content surfacing feels tailor-made for a future where short-form, interactive, and personalized ads are the norm. It’s a clear signal: Netflix wants to stay ahead of the curve, not just in what you watch, but how you experience—and maybe one day, engage with—ads too.

What’s happening: Brands like Amazon, Walmart, and OpenAI are beefing up their logos—literally. They’re rolling out thicker fonts, simplified shapes, and sharper symbols (like Amazon’s smile or OpenAI’s blossom) to make their branding pop more. And they’re not alone. PayPal, Reddit, even the CW network are all jumping on the bold, sans-serif train. As James I. Bowie points out in Fast Company, it’s part of a larger move toward logos that feel stronger, cleaner, and more confident.

Why it matters: In a world where logos have to shine on everything from phone screens to billboards, going bold isn’t just a style choice—it’s a survival tactic. These cleaner, punchier designs help brands stand out in crowded feeds, feel modern without losing their roots, and project a sense of confidence. It’s less about rebranding and more about showing up with presence.

What’s happening: Disney’s getting ready to make a big splash at its May 13 Upfront, teasing everything from live sports and streaming originals to early plans for Super Bowl LXI in 2027. As Adweek’s Bill Bradley reports, Disney’s ad chief Rita Ferro is leaning hard into the company’s edge—owning both the content and the platforms. From ESPN to ABC to Disney+, the message is clear: Disney wants to be the go-to destination for brands looking to tell big stories at scale.

Why it matters: Disney’s not just selling ad slots—it’s building an end-to-end ecosystem for brands to reach audiences with precision. By combining premium content with advanced tech and targeting, they’re making a play for the future of advertising: personalized, measurable, and deeply integrated. The early spotlight on the 2027 Super Bowl? That’s a power move, signaling Disney’s ambition to redefine what live event marketing can look like in the streaming era.

What’s happening: Disney CEO Bob Iger says Thunderbolts is the “first and best example” of Marvel’s new game plan: less content, better quality. After years of pumping out shows and movies at breakneck speed, Iger admitted Marvel had “lost a little focus.” Now, the studio is dialing things back—fewer projects, more polish. Thunderbolts, which hit theaters May 2, is being positioned as the blueprint for what’s next: tighter storytelling, higher stakes, and a return to big-screen impact.

Why it matters: Marvel’s shift is part of a bigger industry reset. Audiences are burned out on mid-tier content, and even the biggest franchises aren’t immune. By slowing down and aiming higher, Marvel’s trying to win back fans and remind everyone why its stories mattered in the first place. If it works, it could inspire other studios to rethink the volume-over-value model that’s dominated the streaming era.

What’s happening: Twitch star Kai Cenat just dropped Streamer University—a real, in-person weekend bootcamp for up-and-coming creators. Announced on May 6 with a slick, Hogwarts-style trailer, the program will fly out 150 aspiring streamers for an all-expenses-paid crash course in content creation. Think hands-on workshops, collabs, and talks from names like MrBeast and Mark Rober—all set on an actual college campus. Interest was so intense, the website crashed after pulling in over 6 million hits within hours.

Why it matters: This is more than just a flashy event—it’s a sign of where the creator world is headed. Big-name influencers like Cenat aren’t just building brands, they’re building ecosystems. By giving new creators real access, mentorship, and education for free, Streamer University breaks down some of the biggest barriers to entry. It’s a powerful reminder that the future of content isn’t just solo—it’s community-first, skills-based, and built from the ground up.

What’s happening: At its Config 2025 event, Figma unveiled a suite of AI-driven tools—Figma Sites, Make, Buzz, and Draw—aimed at transforming the platform into an all-in-one design solution. Figma Sites enables users to build live websites directly within Figma, incorporating templates and AI-generated code. Make leverages Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 model to convert text prompts into functional prototypes. Buzz focuses on streamlining brand content creation, offering AI-assisted image editing and bulk asset generation. Draw introduces vector illustration capabilities, positioning Figma as a competitor to Adobe Illustrator. These tools are currently in beta for full-seat users, with Draw generally available.

Why it matters: Figma's expansion reflects a strategic move to consolidate the design workflow, reducing reliance on multiple platforms. By integrating AI capabilities across its suite, Figma aims to enhance efficiency for designers, developers, and marketers alike. This positions Figma as a formidable competitor in the creative software market, challenging established players by offering a unified, AI-powered ecosystem.

What’s happening: Nike’s shaking up its leadership as it looks to bounce back from a rough patch. Heidi O’Neill, who’s been with the brand for 26 years, is stepping down. In her place, Jordan Brand president Craig Williams is stepping into a bigger role, overseeing global markets and product lines. The company’s also bringing back Elliott Hill—a familiar face—to advise CEO John Donahoe during the transition.

Why it matters: This isn’t just a routine reshuffle—it’s Nike hitting the reset button. By leaning on seasoned insiders like Williams and Hill, Nike’s betting that a return to its roots can help fix recent stumbles in product and marketing. It’s a move to tighten the brand’s focus, sharpen execution, and win back the cultural edge that made Nike a powerhouse in the first place.

What’s happening: On a recent episode of HBR IdeaCast, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy opened up about how he’s pushing the company to stay fast, focused, and inventive. He’s cutting down on red tape by shrinking management layers and wants at least 15% more individual contributors compared to managers. Jassy also doubled down on in-office work, saying being together five days a week sparks better ideas and faster problem-solving. On the AI front, Amazon’s taking a practical approach—building tools that actually improve customer experiences, not just chase hype.

Why it matters: Jassy’s playbook sounds a lot like startup thinking—fewer bosses, more builders, and creativity that comes from being in the same room. It’s a big culture shift for a company as massive as Amazon, but one aimed at keeping it nimble in a world where speed and innovation win. The focus on AI that actually helps customers shows Amazon’s not just experimenting—it’s building for impact.