Medialink's Mark Wagman Breaks Down CES, and Why 2025 is the year of "Aggressive" Brand Energy

Next in Creator Media spoke with Sol Betesh Co-Founder & CEO at Fallen Media, the company behind viral hits like Street Hearts and What's Popping, on why he's bullish on predictable, original series on short form platforms.Betesh also talked about why brands are still asking lots of elementary questions when working with creators, and how he's planning to deal with a potential TikTok ban.Takeaways:• Short-form Video is King: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts dominate modern content consumption. • Content Development is Strategic: Successful short-form series like "What's Poppin'" demonstrate the importance of iterative testing and audience feedback to refine formats and achieve viral success.• Monetization Evolves Over Time: Initial revenue streams for creators may start modestly, but with consistent hits and engagement, brands begin seeking partnerships, as seen with collaborations from Adidas and Expedia.• Brand Partnerships Benefit from Custom Integration: Creative campaigns, such as Westin's king-size bed in Central Park, showcase how unique content concepts can elevate brand visibility and audience connection.• Consistency Builds Trust: Regular posting and series predictability resonate with both audiences and brands, much like traditional entertainment models adapted for short-form platforms.• Agile Adaptation Across Platforms: While TikTok leads short-form innovation, creators hedge risks by maintaining strong presences on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and emerging alternatives like Snap Spotlight.• Creative Collaboration Over Focus Groups: Brands increasingly entrust creators to align with their vision while retaining creative control, simplifying processes to deliver authentic and engaging content.• Future of Short-form to Long-form: Successful short-form series often act as testbeds for scaling into longer formats, bridging gaps between digital platforms and traditional media outlets.Guest: Sol BeteshHost: Mike ShieldsSponsor: VuePlannerProducer: FEL Creative

Next in Media spoke with Mark Wagman, Managing Director, MediaLink and Partner, UTA about his CES takes, particularly why the conversation around AI may be shifting from cost cutting to growth.  Mark also discussed whether the TV industry is getting in its own way when it comes to identity and buying platforms, and whether any retail media networks will pivot to Amazon.Takeaways:AI Integration for Marketing EfficiencyAI has transitioned from a cost-cutting tool to a potential superpower that enhances team performance, offering 20-30% better productivity and up to 50% improved ROI.Identity and Targeting Challenges in CTVCross-platform identity graphs and collaborative targeting, such as those by Disney and OpenAP, are emerging trends to address complexities in connected TV (CTV) advertising.Retail Media Growth and ConsolidationAmazon's "retail media in a box" strategy signals potential consolidation as companies streamline operations to leverage existing data and ad technologies.The Rise of Incrementality in MeasurementMarketers focus on measuring incremental value and reducing overlap in campaigns, leveraging tools like media mix modeling (MMM) and AI-driven multi-touch attribution (MTA).Micro-Influencers Over Traditional AdsBrands are increasingly investing in micro-influencers, leveraging niche audiences for higher engagement and ROI compared to traditional banner ads or large-scale influencer deals.Streamlining TV Advertising for SMBsEfforts are being made to simplify TV and streaming ad purchases for small and mid-sized businesses, moving away from complex traditional setups.Ad Tech and MarTech ConvergenceThe merging of advertising and marketing technologies, powered by clean rooms and shared datasets, offers new possibilities for seamless customer journey management.Guest: Mark WagmanHost: Mike ShieldsSponsor: Epsilon Producer: FEL Creative

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 

Next in Media spoke with Rich Muhlstock, president of Chase Media Solutions, about his company's push into commerce media, where the bank fits in the flow of media budgets, and what it's like to sell ads in a highly regulated industry.Takeaways:• Chase Media Solutions' Unique Approach: By leveraging first-party data from its 80 million customers, Chase Media Solutions bridges the gap between brands and consumers, emphasizing precision targeting without third-party cookies.• Personalized, Value-Driven Offers: Offers through Chase Media Solutions are not just ads—they are personalized experiences that provide value to both consumers and brands. • Trust and Security as Core Pillars: Chase’s emphasis on customer trust, privacy, and security ensures a unique selling point for advertisers, maintaining a brand-safe environment for campaigns.• High ROI through Transparent Attribution: Chase offers a performance-based model where brands only pay for actual conversions, ensuring a measurable and high return on ad spend.• Expanding Advertising Ecosystem: From mobile apps and websites to ATMs, branches, and even billboards, Chase Media Solutions is integrating offers across multiple touchpoints, creating a diverse and comprehensive advertising network.• Data-Driven Consumer Insights: Chase’s ability to analyze customer spending habits across categories offers marketers actionable insights for more effective campaign strategies.Guest: Rich MuhlstockHost: Mike ShieldsSponsor: Epsilon Producer: FEL Creative 

Next in Media spoke with Michael Pollack Managing Director, Digital Media Solutions at Epsilon, about why marketers don't like spending all their dollars with a few digital giants, and how relying on a single cookie replacement won't cut it in a signal loss world.Takeaways:• Challenges of Walled Gardens:A logged-in world dominated by walled gardens (like Google and Facebook) limits marketers' ability to understand and engage customers fully. • Unified View of Customers: Epsilon's "One View, Vision, and Voice" strategy emphasizes creating a comprehensive customer understanding by resolving disparate identifiers into a single identity for more effective engagement.• Identity Resolution: Relying solely on email or singular identifiers is insufficient. A robust identity solution, like Epsilon's with nine forms of identification, ensures accuracy and adaptability despite industry changes.• AI Integration: AI, when combined with strong data foundations, enables personalized, predictive marketing across open web channels, addressing gaps left by static methods like retargeting with outdated ads.• Importance of Incremental Reach: Brands grow by reaching new audiences rather than over-targeting existing ones. • Balancing Privacy and Personalization: While privacy is critical, personalization strengthens customer relationships. • Adaptability to Signal Loss: Solutions must address the decline of third-party cookies, unreliable IP/device IDs, and other signal losses. Guest: Michael PollackHost: Mike ShieldsProducer: FEL Creative

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