Digiday Daily

January 26, 2026

After more than a year in limbo, TikTok can finally put the threats of a U.S. ban to bed, now that the deal between the American and Chinese governments has officially been ratified. For marketers, the resolution answers a few long-standing questions while quietly introducing a new set of uncertainties about governance, influence and what “American ownership” actually means in practice. We explore what those questions look like for marketers. We also analyze the platform’s inconsistent payouts for creators.

TOP STORY

Marketing on Platforms

TikTok’s confirmed U.S. deal still leaves unanswered questions

While a lot of the details seems familiar, it still doesn’t answer the inevitable unknowns.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW

First-party data offers publishers, commerce media networks and social platforms deeper insight into their audiences for targeting and measurement. Partner insights from Nexxen.
Leaders need new frameworks for handling the human-agent hybrid workforce. This means rethinking foundational assumptions about expertise, collaboration and career development. Partner insights from BetterUp.
For years, advertisers have focused on whether ads are viewable and human when assessing their impact. But five signals help tell a fuller story. Partner insights from Browsi.

MEDIA & PLATFORMS

TikTok moderation has pushed some news creators to the limit

TikTok news creators like Taylor Lorenz and Aaron Parnas on the platform’s moderation and engagement woes, and how the new U.S. ownership could further affect that.

Content & Commerce

‘Things have changed’: Diageo pulls retail media upstream

That shift is most visible in how the advertiser works with retailers, particularly British supermarket chain Tesco.

PARTNER INSIGHTS FROM ZETA GLOBAL

How community serves as a personalization and revenue tool for publishers

By offering continuing support and knowledge, like direct communication with journalists, publishers create an environment where readers and subscribers can find lifetime value, helping with sustained revenue.

See how it works

AI Revenue Generation

Inside the debate over agentic advertising and standards

The AdCP workflow proposals launched with aplomb, but just what is the reality of where the market is at?

PARTNER INSIGHTS FROM CHANNEL FACTORY

Three priorities that define the next stage of brand suitability

The discussion around brand safety and suitability has matured. The industry is now entering a new phase, where brands expect more control, more extensibility into walled gardens and closer accountability to outcomes.