The future of streaming is a blast from the past

Streaming services are revisiting old-school TV strategies to stay competitive. Platforms like Netflix and Disney+ are embracing ad-supported tiers, weekly episode releases, and bundling to tackle subscriber fatigue and revenue concerns. The Hollywood Reporter’s Helen Rees examines how these moves could redefine the future of streaming.

Music in advertising is getting a major upgrade with AI-driven personalization and VR-fueled immersion. Ad Age Studio 30 for Ad Age looks at how brands are also tapping into nostalgia and genre-blending to create fresh connections with audiences. The future of marketing soundtracks is evolving fast.

YouTube is updating its Shorts view count methodology to prevent spam and improve accuracy. Stricter criteria will determine what qualifies as a legitimate view, potentially impacting creators’ reach and revenue. TechCrunch’s Aisha Malik reports that this change aims to curb the artificial inflation of views.

Simon & Schuster is evolving beyond book publishing, embracing digital content creation to engage audiences in new ways. Fast Company’s Eve Upton-Clark reports that the company is investing in video production and social media strategies to compete with modern content creators. This shift highlights how legacy media is adapting to the rise of digital-first storytelling.

Amazon is deepening its sports content portfolio by partnering with LeBron James and his media company, SpringHill. Jessica Testa for The New York Times reports that the deal includes a documentary on James’ high school years and potential future collaborations. This move highlights Amazon’s growing investment in sports storytelling to compete with platforms like Netflix and ESPN.

AI-generated art is trending as users turn ordinary images into Studio Ghibli-style scenes. Powered by ChatGPT’s image tools and DALL·E, this viral phenomenon has people reimagining everything from cityscapes to pop culture moments. The Verge’s Kylie Robison reports that while the trend highlights AI’s creative potential, it also raises questions about artistic ownership and style replication.

AI is advancing rapidly, but even experts struggle to explain how it makes decisions. Cade Metz and Dylan Freedman for The New York Times report on researchers working to decode AI’s reasoning, uncovering both potential and risks. Understanding its thought process is crucial for trust, safety, and regulation—especially as AI shapes business, healthcare, and government policies.

Coca-Cola is bringing back its iconic "Share a Coke" campaign—but with a Gen Z upgrade. Forget the name labels; now, bottles feature slang like "Bestie" and "GOAT" to make sharing even more fun. According to Fast Company’s Grace Snelling, the brand is also adding interactive digital experiences to keep the buzz going online.

Robinhood is stepping up its game with a new banking feature that brings cash to your doorstep. Emma Roth for The Verge says the upcoming “Robinhood Gold” accounts will offer 5% interest on uninvested cash and an option to have physical cash delivered straight to you.

Joe Rogan and Hasan Piker aren’t just talking—they’re shaping the way we consume media. Their long, unfiltered conversations keep audiences hooked, proving that chemistry and personality matter just as much as expertise. Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz for The New Yorker break down how the “art of the hang” is redefining entertainment.