BVDW vs OnlineMarketing.de

DMEXCO 2026: Digitale Wirtschaft auf dem Weg von Künstlicher Intelligenz zu echter Wertschöpfung

New press release published on 25.09.2026: 'DMEXCO 2026: Digitale Wirtschaft auf dem Weg von Künstlicher Intelligenz zu echter Wertschöpfung'. Also updated press material reflecting the new BVDW Präsidium elected on 26.06.2026, with Björn Kaspring as new member.

Digital Economy Contributes €481 Billion to German GDP

A study by the German Digital Economy Association (BVDW) and the research firm Istari quantifies the economic impact of Germany's digital economy, estimating it at €481 billion in gross value added for 2025, representing nearly 12% of total German GVA. The analysis, based on AI-assisted examination of 1.4 million market-active companies, categorizes them into three groups: the digital core economy (software, platforms, AdTech, data providers, digital agencies) with €192 billion GVA, digitally driven business models (online retailers, digital media), and digitally transformed industries, which together account for over €1 trillion. The study aims to highlight the significance of digital business models beyond traditional industry classifications, particularly to inform policy decisions.

• The digital economy in Germany generates €481 billion in gross value added, nearly 12% of the total.
• Around 229,000 companies are classified as part of the digital economy.
• The digital core economy alone accounts for €192 billion GVA from ~63,000 companies.

Retail Media Reaches 'Path of Enlightenment' in 2026 Trend Monitor

The Retail Media 2026 Trend Monitor, based on insights from the expert circle of the Working Group Die Mediaagenturen, indicates that retail media has established itself as a permanent part of the digital advertising market. The focus has shifted from proving its general relevance to demonstrating effectiveness, data transparency, and technical interoperability. The report highlights the need for standardized measurement and clear success metrics, as well as the integration of retail media into broader advertising technology stacks. This marks a maturation phase for the sector, moving beyond initial hype towards practical, scalable implementation.

• The Trendmonitor Retail Media 2026 is based on assessments from the Retail Media expert circle of the Trendmonitor 2026 working group 'Die Mediaagenturen'.
• Retail media has established itself as a fixed component of the digital advertising market.
• The report emphasizes the shift from proving relevance to demonstrating effectiveness, data transparency, and technical connectivity.

Previews for 3 Cents: Google Cuts AI Video Costs

Google has released Gemini Omni 1.1 Flash, an updated model version that brings features for higher-quality AI video production — including scene expansion, frame control, longer reference usage, and 4K upscaling. The update is accessible via the Gemini API, Agent Platform API, Google AI Studio and Google Flow (for Ultra/Plus/Pro users). Google also introduced significantly lower preview pricing: generating 360p previews costs $0.03 per second, with higher rates for 720p ($0.10/s), 1080p ($0.15/s) and 4K ($0.30/s). Gemini Omni 1.1 Flash supports using up to ten seconds of preceding context, reference clips up to three seconds, and can extend videos in ten-second steps up to 40 seconds, aimed at creators, marketers and developers.

• Google launched Gemini Omni 1.1 Flash with improvements including scene expansion, frame control, longer video references and 4K upscaling.
• Gemini Omni 1.1 Flash is available via the Gemini API, Agent Platform API, Google AI Studio and Google Flow (accessible to Ultra/Plus/Pro users).
• Preview pricing: 360p costs $0.03 per second; 720p $0.10 per second; 1080p $0.15 per second; 4K $0.30 per second.

Instagram adds desktop scheduling for Posts and Reels

Instagram is rolling out a desktop scheduling feature on Instagram.com that allows creators to plan Posts and Reels up to 30 days in advance without switching to the Meta Business Suite. The capability, which appeared for some accounts and was demonstrated by social-media expert Jonah Manzano, follows a March 2026 change that made in-app scheduling available to all public accounts (previously limited to Business and Creator accounts). Stories still cannot be scheduled on Instagram.com or in-app and require the Meta Business Suite or third-party tools such as Hootsuite. The article was published on OnlineMarketing.de by Larissa Ceccio on 2026-08-26.

• Instagram is showing a scheduled content area on Instagram.com that lets users plan and manage Posts and Reels from the desktop.
• Contents can be scheduled in the browser up to 30 days in advance according to Instagram.
• Since March 2026, in-app scheduling has been available to all public accounts, not only Business and Creator accounts.

Google Trends adds Explore Maps and regional breakdowns

Google is rolling out two new features for Google Trends: interactive Explore Maps and regional breakdowns. Explore Maps visualize trending topics geographically, while regional breakdowns provide more detailed views of how search interest differs across locations. The update follows recent enhancements to Google Trends — including a Gemini integration available in Germany and the ability to compare up to eight search terms — and is being rolled out gradually, so not all users have access yet. The changes are positioned to help SEO, GEO, content marketing, and social teams detect and contextualize local search trends more quickly.

• Google is rolling out Explore Maps and regional breakdowns for Google Trends.
• Explore Maps provide interactive geographic visualizations of trending topics; regional breakdowns show geographic distribution of search interest.
• Gemini integration for Google Trends has been available in Germany since April (per the article).