Dear IAB Community,
IAB US has released its 2026 Outlook Study, outlining where ad investment, channel growth and buyer priorities are heading, with AI and agentic buying moving from theory into practice. While the data is U.S.-based, the themes will feel familiar to many Australian businesses, making it a useful reference point as local organisations plan budgets, capability and partnerships for 2026. We are currently collating local investment data for our CY2025 Internet Advertising Report, with member access available in late February. Historic revenue reports and data files are also available on our site for members.
While cost-of-living pressures remain front of mind, Australian online shoppers' engagement with retail and commerce sites and apps surged across November and December. In categories including beverages, fashion and beauty, home and garden, and department and discount stores, Australians visited in record numbers. IAB members can download a set of highly nickable slides on retail audience trends.
In our latest podcast, we unpack a strong audio case study for Bupa with Spotify and Atomic 212, supported by robust research analysing the activity. Well worth a listen (and watch) ahead of our Audio Summits in Sydney and Melbourne.
On 10 February, IAB members are invited to join a practical Advertising Regulation & Compliance 101 webinar. Led by Sarah Kruger, Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, this one-hour session provides a clear overview of how advertising rules work in Australia, how responsibility is shared across the ecosystem, and where regulatory focus is heading.
Plus more resources, including updates from Samsung Ads and DoubleVerify, alongside a fresh range of industry job opportunities.
'Til next week
Gai
