Creativity and media innovation reporter Brandon Doerrer breaks down the recent surge of long-form marketing and how brands are tapping into the microdrama surge. From measurement and performance, to platform strategy and this see-what-sticks mentality, learn what branded entertainment means for media strategy, and takeaways for marketers, even if they don't have a Hollywood budget.

Also, OpenAI has begun testing ads in ChatGPT. Hear Ad Age's reporting on how much it costs to be first to market and strategy takeaways. Plus, how to win the Gen Z 2016 social trend.

Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode:

~Inside brands' long-form ad experimentation

~Watch long-form work from Maybelline, Gushers and Doritos

~Buy tickets for Ad Age's NextGen Marketing Summit

~Listen to the Marketer's Brief podcast

After attending CES and NRF's Big Show, Ad Age News Editor E.J. Schultz and Senior Marketing Reporter Adrianne Pasquarelli decipher what industry leaders are saying on stages versus the anxieties they face as the CMO role continues to fundamentally change. From the increasing complexity of AI innovation to how agencies are struggling to differentiate innovation and consumers' hunger for simplicity, hear how 2026 predictions are actually taking shape.

Also, what Google's new agentic commerce framework means for brands and lessons on how to get the most out of TikTok Shop.

Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode:

~Top marketing takeaways from CES 2026

~Trending topics at NRF's Big Show 2026

~5 tips for selling on TikTok Shop

~Track 2026 Super Bowl ads

~Buy tickets for Ad Age's NextGen Marketing Summit

~Listen to the Marketer's Brief podcast

On Ad Age Insider's first episode of 2026, reporters from across the Ad Age newsroom share the most and least surprising takes from their predictions reporting, and what it all means for the industry. From how changes in the media landscape might impact brands' agency rosters to how consumer crazes around protein and weight loss drugs will influence marketing trends and plenty of AI, hear how this year's trending topics will impact your work and the industry.

Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode:

~Media buying and strategy predictions

~100 creativity predictions

~2026 influencer marketing shifts

~AI marketing predictions for 2026

~100 ad leaders predict 2026 marketing trends

~Food and beverage marketing trends to watch

~The future of retail in 2026

~Enter Ad Age's 2026 Tech Power List

~Listen to the Ad Age Marketer's Brief