Stay up to speed on AI marketing trends with Debra’s blog
What the OpenAI “Code Red” Means for Advertising
OpenAI is delaying its ads launch as part of an all-hands-on-deck response to Google’s latest model. But that doesn’t mean all AI ads are delayed.
Sonata Insights analysis: More than half of US adults have used generative AI
Personal use of genAI is increasing much faster than work use. Work use is up only 4 points year over year, while personal use is up 13 points.
Explore how AI is reshaping research
On Weds 11/19/25, learn how Microsoft’s Copilot team and Outset use AI-moderated research to understand how people interact with Copilot.
What an Iowa Popcorn Brand Taught Me About Optimizing for AI Search
When I spoke recently to a group of marketers in Iowa, I decided to do something fun. I wanted to give them a glimpse of how a local brand—Jolly Time Popcorn—shows up in AI search. So I ran an experiment.
Meta vs. Google: Investors want results, not vision
Meta and Alphabet both reported record revenue and strong user growth, but also two very different depictions of AI’s impact on their business.
Book Debra Aho Williamson for your next AI marketing event!
Debra “brings a uniquely grounded (and human) perspective to keynotes and presentations. Her sessions cut through AI hype with data-driven insights about how people really use these tools.” —Tameka Kee, Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement
Let’s end the debate over AEO, GEO and AIO. Can you get behind AHO?
It’s time to give AHO the attention it deserves.
Perplexity exec: No plans to put ads in Comet
If a platform as well-funded and well-liked as Perplexity is struggling to define its ad model, it’s a signal for marketers to watch closely. The race to monetize AI search is on—but the ad model is yet to be decided.
What the free Perplexity Comet browser means for marketers
Perplexity’s Comet browser is now free to everyone. Free AI is not only a tech story, but also a consumer behavior story.
AI is about to make a splash on your phone
Hollywood vet Lloyd Braun wants to use AI to produce microdramas for your phone. Will US consumers want to watch?
Here’s what the AI ad landscape will look like next year
In a podcast, Microsoft AI ads chief Paul Longo described how ads on Copilot look and act now. That’s not necessarily how they’ll look in the future.
TikTok leads AI search in several key metrics
My latest research collab with WARC Advisory and its client TikTok sheds new light on the role of social and video platforms in search (and how they stack up against AI search).
What Drove Meta’s Blowout Q2 2025 Results? AI.
Meta revealed new details about the impact of AI on its ad business—leading to a big jump in revenue growth in Q2 2025.
3 Things to Watch for Meta’s Q2 2025 Earnings
Meta needs to start showing disciplined ROI from its massive AI investments.
Here’s how Gen Z searches (new data)
Compared to other generations, Gen Z searchers are the most agnostic about their motivations to search.
AI Search Is New - Your Marketing Playbook Isn't
I bet you’ve heard the news: Search is changing. Here are four things to do now, each grounded in lessons from previous tech cycles.
Fidji Simo just dropped 3 big AI advertising insights in an OpenAI essay
In a new essay, the incoming CEO of Applications at OpenAI pulls back the curtain on her vision for AI’s potential.
A quarter of US adults are using generative AI daily
Consumers are rapidly integrating AI into their everyday lives, according to a new study from Insights Exchange.
The big AI bias risk for brands
When consumers perceive bias, they’ll blame brands before they blame tech firms. Here’s what marketers should know (and do).
The AI browser war is coming
The web browser wars were a significant moment in internet history. The AI browser wars will be similarly monumental.