Observed Signal · Feb 21, 2019 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral

US Ad Market: Amazon Gains, Facebook and Google Lose Share

Executive Signal Summary

The US digital advertising market is forecast to grow in 2019, with eMarketer projecting total digital ad spending to reach $129.34 billion, up 19% year over year and constituting 54.2% of all US ad spend. Traditional channels such as TV, print, and out-of-home are expected to shrink, while Out of Home shows a small growth. Among the major players, Google and Facebook retain dominance but see modest share declines: Google's share falls from 38.2% to 37.2%, while Facebook declines from 21.8% to 21.1%. Amazon emerges as a stronger third force, increasing its share to 8.8% in 2019 (from 6.8% in 2018), with Amazon’s overall US ad business anticipated to grow by more than 50% that year. Microsoft and Verizon also lose share, and Monica Peart, Forecasting Director at eMarketer, notes that Amazon’s access to real-time purchase data via sponsored ads drives its growth.

Polaris7 AgentPolaris7 Strategic Assessment
High Confidence

Significant reshaping of top digital advertising market shares with Amazon gaining and Google/Facebook sharing declining.

SIGNAL RADAR

Track Amazon Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time

Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your free Explorer workspace to monitor these entities.

Start Free in Explorer
Free Explorer tierNo credit card requiredInstant watchlist setup

Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding

  • 2019 US digital ad spending forecast: $129.34B, up 19% YoY.
  • Digital ad spend to account for 54.2% of total US ad spending in 2019.
  • Google's share declines from 38.2% to 37.2%; Facebook's declines from 21.8% to 21.1%.
  • Amazon's US digital ad market share rises to 8.8% in 2019 (from 6.8% in 2018).
  • Microsoft's share falls to 3.8% (from 4.1%); Verizon falls to 2.9% (from 3.4%).
Primary Source Grounding & Direct Attribution
Direct Origin Attribution
Primary Reporting: OnlineMarketing.de•Published: Feb 21, 2019
Original Coverage Title: “US-Werbemarkt: Amazon wächst, Facebook und Google verlieren Marktanteile”

Related Market Signals & Shifts

Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.

Policy UpdateOct 8, 2026

US Government Excludes Microsoft from Visa Program

The US government has barred Microsoft from participating in the permanent residency process for foreign workers with H-1B visas, accusing the company of abusing the program. Vice President JD Vance stated that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visa holders. The Department of Labor, led by Keith Sonderling, will not accept new permanent residency applications from Microsoft, as well as several consulting firms and Adobe. This action comes weeks before the midterm elections and reflects the Trump administration's broader criticism of the H-1B program, which it claims disadvantages American workers. Microsoft has not yet responded. The move could impact the tech industry's ability to retain skilled foreign talent.

Read assessment
Market IntelligenceOct 8, 2026

AWS Announces Golden Age of Science Accelerator, Commits Up to $50 Million in Cloud Credits to Support White House Expansion of Genesis Mission

AWS announces a new accelerator committing up to $50 million in cloud credits to support the White House expansion of the Genesis Mission. Other new press releases include Kodiak AI choosing AWS for autonomous trucking, Nasdaq Calypso launching agentic capabilities, and more.

Read assessment
Hardware LaunchOct 8, 2026

Amazon unveils new Alexa tablets with AI and Google Play

Amazon has announced a new generation of tablets under the Alexa brand, including the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, Alexa Tablet 11, and Alexa Tablet 8. All devices run on Android, integrate the AI assistant Alexa+, and for the first time offer direct access to the full Google Play Store, allowing users to install apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Gmail alongside Amazon services. The tablets feature various screen sizes, processors, and battery lives, with prices starting at $229.99. A special Kindle reading mode and new kids' models with parental controls have also been introduced. Sales begin in North America on October 8, with shipping from October 14, and European availability, including Germany, starts October 19.

Read assessment

Track Real-Time Market Signals & Shifts

Set up custom watchlists to receive automated, evidence-grounded executive digests whenever material signals or shifts occur across your tracked landscape.