TheWrap

Platforms Abandon SKAdNetwork, Creators Left Confused

This AdExchanger opinion roundup argues that major platform shifts — notably Apple’s handling of SKAdNetwork and Google’s Privacy Sandbox changes — have imposed significant engineering and product costs on publishers, advertisers and ad tech vendors while delivering little reciprocal support. Eric Seufert criticized Apple’s abandonment of SKAdNetwork on a recent podcast, saying the industry was coerced into adopting it. The piece also reports growing pains in the creator economy after Cannes Lions, where many creators felt poorly supported for brand deals, and cites research from Forrester and WPP-owned Gain Theory showing marketers remain uncertain about measuring creative effectiveness. The article notes demand shifts in sports advertising (World Cup affecting ITV scheduling), Omnicom leadership comments post‑merger, and program changes at MS NOW, while framing contextual analysis and AI as emerging but uneven solutions for creative measurement.

YouTube Shorts adds 2x playback and Clear Screen

YouTube announced a major update to its Shorts experience that replaces the thumbs-up with a heart, removes the Shorts dislike button in favor of precise controls (“Not Interested” / “Don’t recommend this channel”), adds a Clear‑Screen mode to hide overlays, introduces 2x playback speed, simplifies muting, and expands timer settings. YouTube says these changes aim to deliver more precise signals for its recommendation algorithm and a cleaner viewing experience. The features are rolling out globally. The article cites YouTube metrics (200 billion daily Shorts views, Neal Mohan, June 2025) and notes increased TV consumption of Shorts (about two billion hours per month on TVs, early 2026 report).

Cannes Lions 2026: Day 1 Highlights

Adweek published a day‑one gallery from the 73rd Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity capturing panels, brand activations, awards and networking on the Croisette. Coverage notes appearances and talks including Paris Hilton (11:11 Media) with UTA’s David Kramer on AI and creativity; a Spotify Beach session featuring Troye Sivan and Spotify ad leader Bridget Evans; and JCPenney marketing leader Marisa Thalberg with Ashley Graham. AB InBev global CMO Marcel Marcondes presented the Creative Brand Lion, awarded to Mastercard. Brand activations and launches on show included DoorDash Ads’ Le Marché Du Quotidien, Amazon Port, ADWEEK House activations (including Adobe programming) and the launch celebration for ADWEEK Dealroom. Creative winners mentioned include The Ordinary’s “The Periodic Fable” (Grand Prix, Smuggler and Uncommon Creative Studio).