Global consumer confidence increased three index points in the third quarter to 99. Optimistic sentiment for job prospects, personal finances and spending intentions increased in nearly half of all measured markets, but uneven growth continues around the world as confidence stabilizes or grows in many advanced economies and declines in many emerging markets.

A recent study from The Demand Institute found that energy is a top priority among 71% of Americans. That said, however, about half that group say it’s an unmet need in their current homes. So how motivated are consumers to make changes, and what may fuel change going forward?

Today, the sports landscape looks similar to a year ago: the Kansas City Royals are in the World Series, the New England Patriots are making headlines in the NFL, and on the radio airwaves, Sports radio is setting records once again for share of audience.

With the Internet ablaze with memes about Millennials not wanting us use their mobile phones for calls and Drake’s latest hit about someone who used to call him on his cell phone, you might think that Americans are making fewer mobile calls than in the past. But are we?

The next big thing in gaming is here, and it’s gaining serious momentum. eSports, the common term for professional, competitive video gaming, has quickly caught fire, and everyone from investors to advertisers to content creators are clamoring to find a way into the action.

For businesses today, corporate social responsibility is no longer an option. So what does it take to resonate with consumers who care?

In 1990, 57% of Southeast Asia was in poverty and access to daily necessities one could afford was not to be taken for granted. Today, so much has changed that a new niche at the high end of the affordability spectrum has emerged to fan the aspirations of consumers – premiumization.

It’s a fantastically frightful time of year for moviegoers, with studios springing their most spine-chilling creations on audiences ahead of Halloween. And while scaredy cats may be waiting for it all to pass, millions of horror fans across the nation are treasuring this time of terror.

Millennials make up nearly a quarter of the population and already spend about $200 billion per year in the U.S. Marketers and retailers must pay attention to the unique shopping habits of this young generation.

Ready or not—the holiday season has arrived. In fact, a recent Nielsen survey shows that close to one-quarter of U.S. consumers (23%) jump started their holiday shopping in September.

Consumers in different parts of the U.S. access media in different ways. Knowing these different habits could help those across the media industry—from local TV affiliates to small businesses to agencies that operate on smaller scales—refine their strategies moving into the holidays.

In anticipation of next year’s presidential election, political buzz is in full swing across the U.S. While campaign planners develop outreach strategies, they should consider older Latinos—a large demographic that could fuel decisive swing votes in many upcoming local and state elections.

As concerns about the environment and corporate sustainability continue to build momentum around the world, understanding the connection between sentiment and purchasing actions has never been more important. Have companies risen to meet consumer expectations?

Reaching your audience is an important component of any ad campaign, but what good is ad reach if it doesn’t resonate with the audience? Effective campaigns require more than identifying the right channel for reaching consumers. It’s also about delivering the right message.

Many FMCG sales teams in emerging markets are lacking in knowledge about the traditional trade landscape. And if you don’t know the where, what and how of your market, how likely is your strategy to be successful?

A lot can be said about being in the right place at the right time, and a recent Nielsen study found that common axiom is especially true when it comes to advertising effectiveness.

While new digital ad formats seem to get all the press, more traditional radio ads could give advertisers the returns they want. A recent survey found, depending on the category, every dollar spent in radio advertising could generate up to $17 of revenue from listeners exposed to ads.

While consumption preferences are evolving, big change in the retail experience has been relatively scarce. It’s a familiar scene: the shopper collects information from various places, decides which products meet their needs and makes a purchase decision. But with connected commerce growing in popularity, the future of retailing is looking very digital.

As America braces for the onslaught of political ads during the lead-up to the presidential election, new voter data is showing that it isn’t just talk radio that delivers voters to the local polls. In fact, new research shows that radio delivers much more than just chatter about the candidates: It can deliver the voters to the polls.

Whether watching TV, checking emails, or flipping through a magazine, it seems like everywhere we look there’s an opportunity for advertisers to connect with us, earn our trust and deliver their message. So has all this media proliferation watered down the resonance of their messages?

While younger Latinos are commanding widespread attention in the U.S. marketplace, older Latinos’ purchasing and consumption preferences can offer a unique opportunity for advertisers and marketers to extend their reach to a fast-growing consumer group in an increasingly multicultural U.S. society.

In a world of choice, social responsibility is increasingly a factor for purchasing one product over another. In fact, 66% of respondents say they’re willing to pay more for products and services that come from companies who are committed to positive social and environmental impact.

Millennials have been hit particularly hard by the recent turbulence in the economy, but roughly 70% believe their personal finances are on the upswing. They’ve also got their eyes on the future, as they’re most likely to put extra money into savings after they cover their living expenses.

Given our connected and modern lifestyles, it’s no surprise that a recent Demand Institute survey found that energy efficiency is still a top concern across America. In fact, 71% say energy efficiency is important, but only 35% consider their homes live up to that standard.

Neighborhood bars, once an urban institution, are disappearing at a blinding rate across the U.S. One in six neighborhood bars closed between 2004 and 2014. Instead, America seems to have an insatiable appetite for establishments that also serve food in addition to alcoholic beverages.

With summer’s heat in the rearview mirror and pumpkin-spiced everything filling the shelves, we’re seeing that some radio formats that popped during the summer months are maintaining the momentum while others are rebounding from seasonal declines.

No matter what your level of gaming experience is, or what types of games you prefer, there’s no better time to be a gamer than during the months leading up to the holidays. Publishers know that we all spend more around the end of the year, so they’re always prepared to serve up a bounty of top titles for gamers to feast on.

Across any type of format, trust is an important component of advertising message resonance. But no matter the format, the desired end result is the same—action.

E-commerce offers a compelling proposition for busy parents: the convenience of shopping whenever, wherever they desire, often with free delivery to their front door.

The average person reaches for 12 different kinds of snacks in any given month. Why do we snack? That depends on any number of reasons—reasons that differ by gender, generation and income level.

Technology has helped make our homes more efficient. The average home in the U.S. now uses roughly 40% less energy overall than it did in 1970. But research at The Demand Institute finds that consumers still view home energy efficiency as their a top unmet need.

The power of black influence is something businesses and content creators should consider when developing strategic marketing campaigns and programs not only for African-American audiences, but for the general population, too.

Technology allows brands to create engaging and personalized experiences that can disrupt habitual shopping routines. So how should brands and retailers use digital media to grab shoppers’ attention and influence purchasing?

Hispanics are a key segment to win on beauty sales. This demographic is large and its purchasing power is growing, but it's also made up of several distinct sub-segments with unique buying habits—including in the beauty segment.

The most credible advertising comes straight from the people we know and trust. And it should come as no surprise that more than eight-in-10 global respondents (83%) say they completely or somewhat trust the recommendations of friends and family.

By 2030, the middle class is expected to grow by 2 billion people worldwide. Understanding who the middle class is now and in the future is key to connecting with this growing group. But how we define this segment is changing.

For both baby food and diaper brands, 70% of global respondents say they have switched brands. Their reasons for switching baby food, however, are somewhat different than their reasons for switching diapers.

The success of Empire hasn’t just been about the on-screen drama. Given that the show centers on a renowned record company, music plays just as big a role as the acting does.

When it comes to learning about which diapers are best, 44% of global respondents go direct to the people they know and trust for recommendations, which is the top source of information in every region.

From tuning radio dials during a morning commute to peeking at fantasy football statistics over a lunch break at work, consumers have a platform preference depending on the time of day. And as consumers’ media palate ebbs and flows throughout the day, so too does the share of consumers' time on these different devices.

The growth of China's e-commerce sales has outpaced that of the U.S.—growing at a rate of 52% year-over-year in 2014 versus 17% for the U.S. With rapid growth increasing the competitors in this space, however, how can retailers win?

African-American consumers are making gains and upending outdated stereotypes on multiple fronts—with affluence, influence and cultural diversity all on the rise. What are the consumption habits of higher-income African-Americans with a household income of $75,000 or more?

Wall Street is concerned that increasing numbers of cable subscribers are cord-cutting and investors are worried that media companies aren’t earning enough from SVOD platforms to compensate. So do the worries have merit?

Hispanics are now the most avid smartphone users around. In fact, they’re on their phones for more than 14 hours a week for app, audio, video and web purposes. And when it comes to the other things we do with our phones—including talking—the same trend seems to hold true.

Whether we’re in the car, at work, working out or surfing the web, Americans love listening to music. According to the Music 360 2015 report, Nielsen’s fourth annual study of U.S. music listeners, 91% of the national population listens to music, spending more than 24 hours each week tuning into their favorite tunes.

When it comes to keeping babies comfortable and clean, diapers are a top priority for parents—and one for which they spare no expense. In fact, Nielsen estimates diaper sales around the world will exceed $29 billion in 2015.

While small screens are hot in wearables, some smartphones are bucking the trend with larger displays. The market share for "phablets" was up to 13.7% of all total Andriod+ smartphones as of June 2015.

The passing of Labor Day and the annual shifting of perspectives toward the close of the year brings another opportunity to reflect on the trends that shaped the summer media landscape.

These days there isn’t a pumpkin-flavored product U.S. consumers aren’t willing to try. It’s clear that pumpkin flavor has found its stride and can be found in everything from cereal to ice cream and even oral care.

Native advertising gives brands an opportunity to reach consumers with carefully crafted messages that blend with the native content surrounding them. But as advertisers move to capitalize on this modern take on the advertorial, they remain focused on the basics of advertising: Is my message driving the desired result?

The slowing pace of China’s investment- and export-led growth underscores an opportunity for the country’s 1.4 billion consumers to play a bigger role in the economy going forward. Louise Keely, President, The Demand Institute offers insight into recent research on the topic and the four roles businesses can play as China transitions to consumer-led growth.

Eat in or dine out? That’s a common question that pops up across America every night. And while consumer confidence and saving trends paint a picture of relative restraint in the U.S., a look at how much we’re spending at restaurants suggests that dining out is more popular than ever. So where are the biggest growth spots for restaurateurs?

Becoming a parent can be a daunting endeavor, full of many “firsts.” But before first words and steps, come first foods. So who do new parents turn to most for advice about the best baby food/formula to buy for the first time? While friends and family rank highest, consumers don’t just rely on their circles for guidance.

In China, more than 46% of consumers are actively making purchases via the web, well above the global average of 25%. But China isn’t just the largest market for e-commerce. It’s also one of the most evolved, and so are its consumers.

Trust is a foundational element of building and maintaining brand health and achieving strong in-market performance. But when it comes to brand trust and the gender divide, what brands are seen as trustworthy in the eyes of men and which in the eyes of women?

Spending on video ads has risen by 12% over the past two years. Videology recently worked with Nielsen to quantify for clients how effective software can be in driving results “beyond the click.”

According to Nielsen’s National Television Household Universe Estimates, there are 116.4 million TV homes in the U.S. prior to the start of the 2015-16 TV season—even with the 2014-15 estimate.

In the emerging age of tap and go, mobile payments offer the promise of greater convenience and security for consumers, as well as entirely new ways for consumers and brands to engage with one another. What are the opportunities for consumers and brands from the connection of payments to a range of other digital activities on their phones? Louise Keely offers key insights.

Digital is gaining momentum, which has many clients asking: Should I move to an all-digital plan? “All digital” is a bold move for any marketer, with multiple factors to consider. But before you take the plunge, answer these 10 key questions.

While the traditional frenzy around the back-to-school shopping season has fizzled a bit, there are still active vital signs and opportunities to reinvigorate this once vibrant retail moment. So what are shoppers looking for this season?

As millions of Americans pine for the upcoming Labor Day weekend, there’s little doubt that many have lavish barbecues and backyard parties planned to revel in the last official holiday hurrah of the summer. So as the summer winds down, grills are heating up.

From the pureed food on spoons to the formula in bottles, you’d be hard pressed to find a parent who didn’t want the best for their baby. And they're willing to spend for it. But for baby care manufacturers, there’s plenty at stake in the battle for baby bucks.

These days, students seem to have more choices than ever—be it for backpacks, footwear or tech. And that means advertisers have their own homework cut out for them if they want their ads to stand out and generate scholarly returns. So what puts an ad at the front of the school bus?

Social media activity about live TV programming ebbs and flows as each program airs, signaling, according to recent research, how engaged the general audience is with what they’re watching. But when we step outside the minute-by-minute activity, we often see that individual programs see relatively steady overall levels of social activity during live airings.

While bigger markets often grab headlines, smaller are still viable and vibrant ways to reach consumers. And radio help advertisers do just that. Each week, 65 million Americans (12+) are using radio in America’s small and medium cities.

With 73% of Americans age 12 and up actively consuming movies and TV shows for home viewing, it’s important to understand the habits of such a powerful volume of consumers. Are they sticking with physical discs or moving to digital?

Last year, consumers bought half of the year’s books at physical stores. Over one-third of purchasers bought multiple books a month, and new research shows that very few actually plan their purchases. What does that mean? Kids’ books seem to fall squarely into the impulse purchase category.

How do you define family? If you’re a pet owner, you’re likely to use the term “family” to include more than just blood relatives in your own species. In fact, people treat their furry and feathered companions more like family members than ever, pampering them with treats, gifts, toys—even home-cooked meals.

When it comes to product innovation, starting off in the wrong direction can be tragic for a brand—and expensive. So when it’s time to get started, it’s no surprise that companies looking to innovate often turn to their consumer research departments for direction. But what’s the impact of that research on the bottom line?

Hispanics in the U.S. have a current spending power of about $1.4 trillion, so it comes as no surprise that marketers and advertisers are engaging them through Spanish language ads. But which ones are resonating? In the first half of 2015, the top ads leveraged similar themes, including a focus on mobile banking, use of bilingual dialogue and strong emotions from family ties.

Mobile is quickly becoming a strong factor in many ad campaigns, and as digital technology becomes more ubiquitous, it’s critical that marketers know if this medium is helping them connect with on-the-go consumers. So how are they faring in their efforts?

As summer has kicked into high gear across the U.S., we've been tracking the fortunes of major radio formats on the airwaves in the race for "format of the summer." With one month to go, three strong contenders are jockeying for this season's crown.

In looking at consumer confidence trends in China during the recent second quarter, a subtle shift is becoming apparent: willingness to spend among rural consumers is bolstering the country’s overall confidence. In fact, willingness to spend among these consumers hit 47% in the second quarter, up 10 percentage points from past quarters.

Summer is the season of beach reads, which means millions of Americans are sitting in the sun with a romance book (or e-book) in hand.Who’s reading these steamy stories? The fan base is a broader group than you might think.

While consumer confidence declined in 10 of 14 Asia-Pacific markets, the region still leads all global regions with an index score of 107. Among the four markets that improved from the previous quarter, the Philippines showed the biggest quarterly country-level confidence increase of seven index points, rising to a score of 122—the country’s highest level on record.

Last year was a big one for religious books in the U.S., as sales jumped more than 10.5% to eclipse more than 52 million units. So who is the typical Christian book buyer?

U.S. consumer confidence decreased six index points in the second quarter to a score of 101, but it remained at an above-the-baseline optimistic level. Consumer confidence in Canada increased two points to 98 after declining six points in the first quarter. Despite these declines, confidence in both markets remained above the global average of 96.

Not only do LGBT households make 10% more shopping trips in a year than the average U.S. household, they buy more at checkout. In aggregate, LGBT households spent an average of $4,135 at retail stores in 2014—7% more than non-LGBT households.

In each of the past two years, the national weekly radio audience has reached all-time highs according to Nielsen’s Audio Today report. And over the past five years, the weekly reach of radio among Blacks and Hispanics—two powerhouse demographics in the U.S.—has also been growing steadily.

The slowing pace of Chinese economic growth underscores the country’s need to transition from an investment- and export-led growth model to one powered by consumption. But how long will that transition take? The answer is crucial to companies looking to ride what will eventually be the next extraordinary surge in consumer spending in China.

Consumer confidence declined in six of seven Latin American markets measured by Nielsen in the second quarter, with Brazil (81) reporting the steepest quarterly drop of seven index points from three months ago. The decline represents the third consecutive quarter of declines for the region’s largest economy.

Though global consumer confidence declined one index point in the second quarter of 2015 to a score of 96, the European region increased two points to 79—the highest regional score in five years. In fact, 21 of 32 European markets (65%) were more optimistic than at the start of the year.

To break down the power of Hollywood's power couples, a recent analysis using Nielsen Talent Analytics took a look at the influence of Ben Affleck as a standalone celeb, as well as the endorsement potential and marketing clout of his relationships with Jennifer Garner and Jennifer Lopez.

The way we view the economy and what’s in our wallets can have a direct impact on our willingness to spend and save. As such, it’s no surprise that changes in consumer confidence can influence the actions consumers say they take to save on household expenses. And as global consumer confidence declined in Q2, saving strategies continued to permeate the mindset of consumers around the world.

While the U.S. economy continues to improve and consumer sentiment remains above a baseline level for optimism, many consumers are still searching for fiscal relief. In fact, 40% of respondents in a recent survey by Nielsen say they’re living paycheck-to-paycheck.

How many messages does the average person see in a day? The answer likely varies, but chances are high that we likely see thousands. So how should marketers step up their games to ensure their messages get heard in such a noisy world?

Across music, TV, social media and radio, hip-hop is growing in popularity. But who are the fans of this growing genre and how can brands reach these eager fans?

Global consumer confidence declined one index point in the second quarter to a score of 96. Regionally, confidence continued to rise in Europe, increasing two points to 79. Confidence held stead in Asia-Pacific, but fell in the three remaining regions.

Demographics and buying behavior are critical for any company to understand consumer preferences and demand. But consumer purchasing data can also help nonprofit organizations looking to better understand, serve and reach their populations of interest.

As evidenced by the critical acclaim for Laverne Cox in “Orange is the New Black” and cheers for soccer star Abby Wambach, entertainers who identify as LGBT are not only some of today’s most recognizable personalities—they’re highly influential as well.

With roughly three-quarters of Americans owning a smartphone, the ability to connect via mobile is now a necessity—for consumers looking to connect with content, as well as for marketers looking to connect to them.

Long-term sales are what separate the winning innovations from those that fall short. However, sustaining growth is no easy feat, especially in a market where consumers are exposed to new experiences every day.

From technology to the make up of the U.S. population, the country has seen many changes since the turn of the century. These trends raise the question: America is changing, is your brand?

As the media landscape evolves, so too do the sources consumers use to find out about new products. Globally, shoppers' reliance on earned media is growing while their attention toward some paid media sources are declining.

How do companies, such as global brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI), make sure their creative efforts are noticed in today's fragmented world? They go where the beer drinkers (or their desired consumers) are—and across industries, that increasingly means going digital.

There’s no shortage of chatter in the media realm about the growth of digital, and the myriad conversations span everything from platform usage to consumption trends to advertising. While digital is a fluid and evolving arena, David Poltrack, chief research officer at CBS Corp., has a clear vision on where it fits into CBS’ strategy.

Much like in any industry, growth is where you find it. And in many cases, trends across an entire category can overshadow individual pockets of opportunity. That’s what’s happening in the U.S. beer market: A couple of key sub-groups are killing it while the overall category is posting lackluster gains.

Globally, more than six-in-10 respondents (63%) say they like when manufacturers offer new products. But while consumers across the globe are enthusiastic about new products, their purchasing patterns vary widely.

Although summer didn’t officially start until late June, the competition on the radio airwaves for annual summer bragging rights has been hot for several months now. Beginning with the Nielsen March PPM results, we’ve been eyeing a handful of major national music formats that are all vying to increase their share of audience come the dog days of summer.

While advertising is inherently a creative process, the implementation of ideas shouldn’t use a free-form approach. In fact, research shows that ad campaigns benefit greatly when marketers use a tightly controlled implementation process to help them maximize results and minimize waste.

In the ad measurement realm, ROI has always been the Holy Grail for marketers. That said, Nielsen’s Randall Beard notes that there’s more to the story than simply understanding if something looks like a good investment.

Traditionally, consumers haven’t been as engaged with the thermostats in their homes as they have been with their smartphones and tablets. After all, energy consumption isn’t nearly as entertaining as the latest online game or new shopping app. That was then, however, and now, home thermostats are gaining steam, largely because they’re getting “smarter.”

Music is powerful. It can make us smile or cry, bring memories rushing back, and even inspire us to buy a product when it’s combined with the right advertisement.

For most marketers, there are two types of shoppers: Those who have bought a brand's product before and those who haven't. Since buyers have already tried a product, marketers can use advertising to encourage additional buying. On the flip side, advertising can also help convert non-buyers into brand users, potentially driving additional market penetration and sales over the longer term.

Brand building can be costly and time consuming, so the ability to grow via line extensions—the use of an established product brand for a new item in the same category–can be extremely advantageous. In fact, line extensions are approximately three to four times more common than “new manufacturer” and “new brand” launches combined.

Embracing today’s digital ecosystem brings both opportunity and challenge. It provides marketers with direct ways to engage with consumers, but the rapidly evolving landscape doesn’t come with clear sign posts to follow.

With an estimated buying power that now eclipses $1.4 trillion annually, the U.S. Hispanic market’s cultural and consumer impact can be felt across multiple industries—even at local bookstores. In fact, Hispanic families are more likely to buy books for their children than the general U.S. population.

In about four months, we’ll have officially made it to "the future"—at least according to the time-stamp on Doc Brown's DeLorean in the "Back to the Future" movie series. So now that we’re there, what will 2020 look like?

Betting on winners and never losing might sound as fictional as a time-traveling DeLorean, but a panel at the recent Consumer 360 conference discussed strategies for using big data as an almanac that can lead to big business outcomes.

Asian-American consumers have strong cultural ties and family connections, and both are reflected in their shopping carts.

When it comes to taking a risk on a new product purchase, why do consumers choose one product over another? What needs and desires drive new product purchasing, and which attributes are most influential in the path to purchase?

Over the past five years, 45% of consumer packaged goods categories had flat or declining sales. New, smaller retail formats, aggressive competition and consumer rejection of a “one size fits all” mentality are leading manufacturers and retailers in search of alternative growth strategies, and many are turning to localization.

At Nielsen’s annual Consumer 360 Conference, Nielsen CEO Mitch Barns and Daniel Zhang, CEO of China-based Alibaba, sat down to discuss how global companies are leveraging digital and big data for commercial gains amid growing fragmentation, technological developments and evolving consumer demand.

Will that be cash or credit? The way people pay for their purchases is a key component in their actual purchasing decisions. And for Asian-Americans, there is a strong affinity for credit cards.

During the past four years, U.S. fresh food sales have increased 5%, along with consumer buzz and interest in eating and living well. This growth can implications for the entire store, but its relationship with the center store is often more complicated than simple rivals.

Protecting and building store loyalty is no easy task. To keep customers coming back for more, you need to know what drives them to switch from one store to another.

When it comes to hot topics in the media realm, it doesn’t get much bigger than cross-platform audience measurement. It’s also one of the most misunderstood. To iron out the specifics, a distinguished panel of industry experts at this week’s Consumer 360 event offered clarity around what it means and the challenges involved.

Innovation is alive and growing. That’s not to say, however, that it is easy or always garners runaway success. But for the companies that persevere and strive to deliver on unmet consumer needs, the rewards can be brand-building and financially rewarding.

In an age of tap and go, mobile payments are providing increasing convenience for consumers as well as potential opportunities for marketers.

Innovation matters. In the consumer product realm, it can drive profitability and growth, and it can help companies succeed—even during tough economic times. On the opposite side of the sales counter, consumers have a strong appetite for innovation, but they’re increasingly demanding and expect more choice than ever before.

Measuring the value of users across different devices have not historically aligned. But our Q2 Total Audience report focuses on the reach of audiences on different devices, as well as how often consumers are utilizing these devices and how long they are doing so.

Today's dads know the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, and these new “fit fathers” are replacing old stereotypes of beer guts, sloppy shirts and ugly ties. With Father’s Day around the corner, recent analysis can help retailers and consumers alike—with crafting promotional ideas and whittling down gift choices, respectively.

Despite the growth of digital, brick-and-mortar channels are still the predominant go-to-source for shopping around the globe. But when it comes to channel choice, bigger is not always better.

Does the lowest price always win? In Europe's sluggish economy, it can certainly seem that way. But a recent Nielsen study found the three things topping consumers' shopping lists were convenience, shopping experience and quality products.

To find out what dads are really paying attention to, Nielsen recently analyzed the top ads among dads in the U.S. over the first half of 2015. And one thing is certain—advertisements that promoted service-based companies were a big hit among fathers.

Music fests attract a large, youthful, audience: approximately 32 million people attend at least one U.S. music festival each year, 46% of whom are Millennials aged 18-34. So, which product categories do these festival fans favor, and what types of brands can benefit from sponsorships and tie-ins?

Asian-Americans take a holistic approach to beauty, spending more than average on fresh foods, as well as in the health and beauty department. In fact, Asian-Americans spend 70% more than the average share of the U.S. population on skin-care preparation products.

For video consumers, choice is rampant—in both content and platform. In fact, Tremor Video CEO Bill Day says the current environment has created what he deems the golden age of video. That choice, however, is a challenge for marketers. But it’s one Mr. Day expects will be a short-term one.

Although American Pharoah’s Triple Crown win is now in the rearview mirror, the race for radio’s summer format winner is just entering the first turn. Last month we reported that Hot Adult Contemporary (AC) and Country were sticking their noses into the race, and with the release of Nielsen’s May portable people meter results, we see that the field of contenders has gotten even more crowded.

Diverse and deeply rooted in their cultural traditions, today’s Asian-Americans value high-quality products and services and are brand loyal shoppers. And their unique consumption and media habits that are helping to redefine the American mainstream.

Despite the increasing penetration of mobile devices and complementary multi-screen consumption trends, U.S. consumers prefer discovering and buying kids’ physical books—and in person.

While the number of apps people are willing and/or able to actively use each the month has held steady, the time they spend engaging on those apps has increased. What apps are capturing consumers attention?

Dr. Robert Heath is a professor at the University of Bath and a pioneer in establishing the value of emotion in advertising. We recently talked to him about emotional resonance, its importance and how it can be used in improving the effectiveness of advertising.

In the candy business, it takes more than a sweet product to generate savory sales. In fact, candy manufacturers need to invest millions to build brand equity and distinguish their confections in a crowded marketplace. And to ensure a sweet outcome, marketers need assurance that they’re spending their dollars in the right places and at the right time.

The highly anticipated 2015 NBA finals are underway, featuring two of the hottest players in the league: Stephen Curry and LeBron James. Both have multiple endorsement deals and already draw the attention of the masses. So while the battle on the court should be a thriller, advertisers are hoping fans will be spending big at the checkout counter.

It’s easy to lose sight of the long game when it comes to the effect of advertising. Truth be told, however, advertising can be just as effective—if not more so—over the long haul than it is at the time it launches.

There’s very that little pet owners won’t do for their furry friends. In fact pet owners' willingness to open their wallets for them is often unwavering. Even in times of economic strife, worldwide pet food sales have been steadily growing over time, but the pockets of potential in this category are narrower than one might expect.

By mid-century, the U.S. will be a “majority minority” nation. By 2060, fewer than five in 10 will be white non-Hispanic. This level of demographic change represents a remarkable challenge for retail real estate investors, developers, advisers and retailers. It’s also a remarkable opportunity.

Reaching the right audience in the digital arena has proven challenging for many marketers. In fact, more than one-third of digital impressions don’t go to the right audience. Nielsen's Randall Beard explains the complexities and how marketers can improve their efforts.

Canadian consumers love music, and they’re spending more time with it in more ways. This is particularly the case with Canadian teens. According to Nielsen’s Music 360 Canada report, teens report listening to 40% more music than they did in 2013. So what’s driving the surge?

Whether to celebrate a game winning shot, mourn a fallen character or gasp at a scandalous plot twist, thumbs across the U.S. tapped furiously this season, sending millions of Tweets and generating over a billion impressions on average each week.

Consumer confidence in the Latin America region has been on a slow decline for about two years now, dropping two additional index points in the latest first quarter results from Nielsen’s Global Consumer Confidence Survey. The regional index of 86 is the lowest score since 2009.

Despite evidence that the rise of digital shopping has become an influential factor in the changing retail landscape, consumer shopping channel preferences continue to shift. A review of sales trends for select FMCG around the world reveal that when it comes to trade channel importance, there is no single answer that’s right for all.

U.S. consumer confidence increased one index point in the first quarter to a score of 107, maintaining an above-the-baseline optimism level for a year now. Conversely, confidence declined six points in Canada to a score of 96, marking the country’s lowest score since 2012.

After peaking at 50% in 2007, the Hispanic home ownership rate in the U.S. now stands at 45%—and it’s declining. While most Hispanics say they plan to buy in the next five years, less than one-fourth say they’re prepared to do so.

Touted as the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, multicultural consumers have another advantage in the marketplace: They’re young and living longer. With a growing youthful and receptive audience, marketers can cultivate and build relationships early—establishing trust and brand loyalty.

Recession-minded Europeans found a silver lining in the first quarter of 2015 for, despite the fact that the region remained the least optimistic globally with an overall consumer confidence index score of 77. And Nielsen’s Global Consumer Confidence and Spending Intentions Survey showed that job confidence rose quarter-over-quarter in 15 of 32 European markets measured.

In the U.S. retail market, the word luxury doesn’t have the same connotation that it once did. Or perhaps it’s just that the consumers who shop for luxury goods aren’t who they used to be. Either way you look at it, defining luxury today is no easy task—and neither is identifying how people view the term.

Despite the changing media environment, however, one such pre-placement decision is nothing new—whether to have someone endorse the product. Still, a celebrity endorser can be a major investment for some advertisers, so understanding how potential customers view that person is key.

Consumer confidence in Asia-Pacific increased in nine of 14 markets measured by Nielsen in Q1, compared to only three that rose in Q4 2014. Nine markets in the region remained at or above the 100-baseline level of optimism. At 130, India reached its highest level since 2011—up one-point from Q4. Confidence in India has been on the rise for six consecutive quarters.

In Q1, Millennial respondents were more eager to spend—especially those in the 25-29 age range. In fact, their spending intent for holidays/vacations, new clothes and out-of-home entertainment exceeded the global averages by as much 10 percentage points.

While some consumers like to stick with what they know, others are more adventurous—even in the alcoholic beverage aisle. In February 2015, Nielsen fielded an English-only survey of more than two thousand adults in an attempt to determine which alcoholic beverage drinkers are the most open to trying new brands—beer, wine or spirit drinkers.

Starting the year positively, global consumer confidence saw an increase of one point from fourth-quarter 2014, with an index score of 97. After a slight dip at the end of last year, when all regional confidence scores declined, it was a more upbeat start to the year, as confidence increased slightly or remained stable in every region except Latin America.

Perception is everything, and that couldn’t be truer for radio advertisers whose goal, like most marketers, is brand lift and increased profit. Measuring key brand metrics that affect perception is vital, and for American Family Insurance, the power of radio to positively raise brand awareness was undeniable.

Social media can be a powerful tool for networks and agencies because it illuminates viewer engagement. Then there’s the connection between program buzz and tune-in. But can we identify what makes a program social? New research shows that we can.

With summer right around the corner, what format will jockey for the lead during this hot listening season? In March, we saw Pop Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) and Classic Rock bolt out of the gate strong, but with the release of Nielsen’s April portable people meter (PPM) results, Hot Adult Contemporary (AC) and Country are also looking to show in the race for summertime success on the airwaves.

There’s not just one thing that drives good advertising. In a sense, there’s really three things: reach, resonance and reaction. And while it’s critical that advertising reach the right audience, it’s just as important for messages to mean something to the audience when they’re delivered.

With over two billion active mobile phones users in countries like India and China, nonprofits can poll workers directly to get real-time data on whether they feel safe at work and are treated with respect. But getting quality data starts with asking the right questions.

In today’s world of growing content options across devices and platforms, reaching the audiences that matter most is paramount for both TV networks and advertisers. In an increasingly ROI-driven world, marketers are charged with generating revenue growth as efficiently as possible.

Spend more than a few minutes in a conversation with someone in the CPG industry and you’ll almost inevitably find yourself discussing the spiraling cost of trade promotion. In Europe, decent returns on trade promotion spend are increasingly hard to generate. So how can we turn things around?

For retailers, e-commerce is only one part of the digital picture. A complete digital strategy includes interaction at every point along the path to purchase. Digital touch points occur both in and out of stores, and consumers are increasingly using technology to simplify and improve the process.

While water doesn’t have the flair of a beverage that’s infused with super fruit nectar, it is after all, the drink of life. And with the right marketing campaign, research shows that water can stand out and generate thirst-quenching sales.

Myanmar’s booming economy, young population and rising disposable incomes represent a significant opportunity for any company looking for new growth markets. In addition to appealing to local and Asian companies, Myanmar’s allure is ripe for global multinationals as well, particularly consumer product and telecommunications companies.

While the appetite for buying groceries online is at high levels around the world—more than half of global respondents are willing to give it a try—digital natives are leading the charge. These consumers have an unprecedented enthusiasm for—and comfort with—technology, and online shopping is a deeply ingrained behavior.

Creating an ad is a complex process. But continual refinement throughout the life of an ad guarantees it lives up to its greatest potential with the least waste and the highest ROI.

While fresh meat is still a vital component of retail store health, accounting for 11% of store sales, consumers are shifting their purchasing behaviors and attitudes about meat as they adjust to recent price pressures. So what does the shift mean for retailers?

Imagine a grocery store where you can receive personal recommendations and offers the moment you step in store, your checkout takes seconds and you can pay for groceries without ever taking out your wallet. Sound far-fetched? It’s closer than you think.

From search engines to social networks, people around the globe mostly use electronic devices for three primary purposes: relationship building/maintaining, information gathering and entertainment viewing. But what does the future use of electronic devices look like, and where are the best opportunities for growth?

On May 2, 2015, six key sporting events will take place. And according to a recent study, over half (52%) of U.S. adults say they plan to watch, listen to or attend at least one of the events. We also looked at how they plan to celebrate—from the food they'll eat to the how they'll follow the lineup online.

Canadians are busy adjusting their shopping and buying habits as new channels and technologies emerge. And as they explore, they’re developing preferences about which products they want to buy and research online—preferences that will shape which types of online marketing outreach will resonate with them the most.

Advertisers try to make their ads hit home with audiences as much as possible—but there's room for improvement. Investing a little more heavily in determining how much ads resonate and working to improve campaigns accordingly have the potential to dramatically improve overall advertising effectiveness.

Globally, consumers largely favor TV as the device of choice for watching video programming. However, there are a few regional and generational differences in how we watch.

There are literally thousands of data providers out there who will likely tell you that using their insights will help you to find the perfect audience. But which choice will make you a winner? Assuming you don't have enough time or money to do try them all, here are 10 questions to ask before buying data.

In today’s connected world, where consumers can use social media to immediately share their experiences and opinions with friends and followers, a key objective for advertisers can be to turn paid media into earned media. For Microsoft, this meant optimizing its TV advertising to drive social activity around its brand.

More than 40% of U.S. TV homes have at least one SVOD service, clear evidence that consumers are taking advantage of burgeoning diversity of choice they have right at their fingertips. So who is the current SVOD consumer? Peter Katsingris offers some key insights.

We love our pets—perhaps even more than we love some of our human family members. And as the U.S. pet product industry may eclipse $60 billion this year, retailers and manufacturers are purring over rising sales in hot categories like pet medicine, pet grooming, cat litter, dog treats and pet houses.

Any multinational looking for solid growth should be taking a hard look at India. In 2015, India’s economy will grow faster than China’s for the first time in 16 years. In fact, the IMF forecasts India’s GDP growth to expand by 7.5% this year and next.

With spring in full bloom across the U.S., radio listening habits are beginning to fall in line with summertime trends. As the weather warms up and winter snowdrifts fade to memories, Nielsen’s March portable people meter results show how Pop Contemporary Hit Radio and Classic Rock continue their recent runs of success.

If there are any doubts that connectivity is increasingly affecting consumer behaviors and beliefs, the data should quickly put them to rest. But how important is our growing digital dependence? According to respondents in a recent Nielsen/IAB Canada study, the answer is very—and it’s only going to increase going forward.

First it was 8-track tapes, then cassettes, then compact discs and now, it’s digital. And for a long time, it looked like digital auditory advancements would ultimately kill off vinyl. But when we look at the music landscape, we see that vinyl is not only viable, but that sales are growing.

It’s easy to paint the U.S. media consumer with a broad brush. We know they enjoy hours of video content each day, but all the while more entertainment choices are seeping in—over the top, under the bottom and, really, from either side.

For most of us, Memorial Day unofficially marks the start of summer. For music fans, summer starts when music festival season gets under way—and this year’s roster is chock-full of variety. So who goes to these grand events, and how do they factor into fans’ overall music consumption diets?

What’s your go-to device of choice for watching your favorite show? Device proliferation has afforded more choice than ever before, but TV remains the preferred device—and by a wide margin according to global online respondents in Nielsen’s Digital Landscape Survey.

Gaming consoles are no longer just for gaming. In fact, console owners actively use their devices for a wide range of activities including viewing TV, streaming video, watching Blu-ray discs and exploring the Internet. In fact, gaming accounts for only half of the time they spend on their consoles.

Tax time is no picnic. It’s also a time when consumers take stock of their personal finances, begin to plan budgets for the rest of the year, and often look to banking tools for guidance. And today’s digital age puts those tools right in the palm of their hands.

How long has it been since you’ve heard the term programmatic? Probably not that long. You might even be tired of hearing about it. Even so, programmatic is here to stay and will continue to broaden its reach across the ad landscape going forward. The rub, however, is that programmatic alone isn’t equipped to tell advertisers who’s watching.

Chocolate bunnies, candy hearts, candy canes or candy corns—confections quickly bring to mind some of Americans' favorite holidays. When we look at sales, there's a good reason for this association. While everyday candy purchases lead in dollar sales, seasonal buys—those during the week of a national holiday—are growing.

From keeping tabs on friends via social media to skipping lines at the store by shopping online, technology continues to reshape our everyday habits. And it's changing when, where and how we watch video programming.

While the “big dance” in college basketball is winding down, even underdogs on the court can still win with fans. Knowing where engaged fans reside presents an opportunity for companies to show their own support—in the form of advertising, sponsorships and merchandise.

March is a basketball fan’s favorite month, but everyone is getting in on the madness. In your local grocery store, who are the reigning champions? Check out our Total Store Bracket for insights.

Advertisers have long believed in the power of radio advertising, but many struggle to justify their campaign metrics. The days of not being able to justify spending are over, however, and a top telco company recently garnered a $14 ROI for each dollar spent on a notable radio campaign.

What are today's Future Talent—students close to graduating or college-educated, newly working professionals—looking for when seeking employment or making purchases? A recent study on corporate reputation explores the factors these young future leaders consider.

As China began its meteoric rise, multinational companies from Europe and America established beachheads in the country, and did very well bringing Western products to the East.

TV advertising effectiveness is more important than ever. Advertisers must grab the viewer’s attention and give them a reason to watch the ad—as well as pay attention. Today, Nielsen announced the winners of its Ninth Annual Nielsen Automotive Advertising Awards, and Volkswagen’s "Wings" spot was recognized as the Automotive Ad of the Year.

We’re living in a world of 24/7 connectivity, accessing our content on our own terms, and we like it that way. Around the globe, 76% of respondents in a Nielsen online survey say they enjoy the freedom of being connected anywhere, anytime. While consumers love this flexibility, it represents a huge challenge for brands and content providers vying for our attention in a fragmented viewing arena.

Heavy viewers and listeners are often considered the ‘super fans’ of the media ecosystem. These power users devote significant hours of their lives to one medium or another and are the most likely to consistently engage with content and advertising found on those channels. But heavy radio listeners and heavy TV viewers are, for the most part, mutually exclusive.

For some, April Fools’ Day is a fun-filled 24 hours of pranks and mischief. But others dread gags gone wrong or believable bad news that turns out to be a poorly planned joke. To fool your friends with the truth, we've compiled a list of interesting facts that sound false but actually aren’t.

What traits lead to a strong corporate reputation? Is it thought leadership? A diverse product line? Innovation? Corporate social responsibility efforts? While many are divided on specifics, most would likely agree that reputation is built on a smattering of all of these, along with a few others as well. The one characteristic that might not be as expected, however, is location.

Advertising, although inherently a creative process, offers many opportunities for greater efficiency. Advertising Process Control highlights the many non-creative areas that advertisers, publishers and agencies could and should work to control better to consistently improve their performance across advertising campaigns.

Planning and buying advertising is no easy feat these days, thanks to a rapidly changing media landscape and a shifting population base. And no discussion about advertising would be complete without factoring in the evolving online landscape, particularly as topics like programmatic and viewability dominate so many of today’s conversations.

With the buying power of the U.S. Hispanic market now eclipsing $1.2 trillion annually, marketers are more focused than ever on attracting this lucrative consumer segment to their brands. However, as the number of payment options available increases, the connection between purchase and payment has far-reaching implications.

With the bevy of buzzwords trolling the beauty aisle, choice and variety can make it complicated for shoppers to zero in on just the right product. It can also be tough for brands to know which messages and claims matter most to consumers. So which messages do resonate?

From hedgehogs to soldiers and spies to princesses, many video games give players the chance to assume fantastical roles. However, sometimes players look for the option to be characters who reflect who they are IRL (in real life). But do video game characters reflect the diversity of players today?

Twitter has quickly become the modern water cooler for TV audiences across the U.S., but it’s also proven to be a viable gauge for things like tune-in and brand awareness. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, recent Nielsen research found that social TV can tell them more than just who’s tuned in—it can tell them how engaged audiences are with the shows they watch.

Many major radio formats across the country are tracking the seasonal changes in audience listening as winter winds down and spring begins to appear on the horizon. In looking at the tune-in over the past three months, we see changes—some subtle and some not—that have proliferated after Christmas programming went off the air.

Millennials comprise about one-third of “Opinion Elites,” an influential subset of the public who are highly informed, engaged and active when it comes to social and business issues. And just as Millennials' shopping, dietary and financial decisions differ from those of older generations, younger Opinion Elites (aged 18-34) focus on different qualities than their older peers when assessing a corporate reputation.

Nearly half (49%) of global respondents in Nielsen’s Global Health & Wellness Survey consider themselves overweight, and a similar percentage (50%) is actively trying to lose weight. But men and women are not necessarily aligned with the steps they take in the battle of the bulge.

The current state of the media universe is much like that of the cosmos. The rise in technology and TV-connected devices has given consumers—and thus programmers, marketers, agencies and advertisers—a vehicle for boundless choice.

Advertising Process Control is an advanced state to achieve. Before you can start managing your advertising production process, you need to accurately assess where your organization is on the Advertising Process Control continuum.

With expansive buying power and unique consumption habits, multicultural consumers are an emerging consumer force in the country. And multicultural consumers can fundamentally transform categories when you consider Super Consumers. But understanding the cultural essence that drives multicultural consumer behavior today will be key to building long-term relationships with these growing consumer bases.

Flavor is everywhere these days: It’s in everything from food to detergent to air fresheners. And when we look down the retail aisles, it can be tough to tell the difference between the adult beverage aisle and many others in the store. The reason is clear: Flavors are stirring up sales. And the trend seems to only be growing.

Reliable genius is what you really want from your advertising. Why aren't you getting it? Probably because you don't take your advertising production process as seriously as you take many of the other processes in your company.

People who are more informed, engaged and active when it comes to social and business issues around the world are increasingly inquisitive and knowledgeable about the companies they choose to buy from. In fact, there are signs that they’ve never been more interested in the reputation of companies they do business with.

As the U.S. economy perseveres from recession to potential resurgence, consumers continue to power a growth in subscription-based video on-demand services. And who knows, maybe the extra money lining viewers’ pockets is actually helping fuel the steady consumer adoption of these services.

In Africa’s complex retail environment, even companies poised with the right products can miss the mark if they don’t get them to the right place. But tailoring distribution choices—along with other factors—to specific products can help improve sales.

If we know that consumers are engaging more with brands that are going green, producing sustainable products and giving back, do we have insight into which causes resonate the most? And are there discernible preferences between men and women? The short answer is yes.

It’s no longer news that networks, agencies, and advertisers can better understand how audiences on Twitter are interacting with TV programming by delving into the endless conversations taking place there. What is news, however, is that Twitter TV activity can tell us just how engaged the general viewing population is with the programming it watches.

While the Academy Awards are all about the movies, they’ve grown to showcase much more than just actors playing out scripts on a big screen. And because they showcase the works of musicians, actors, screenwriters and many others, the Oscar effect has widespread implications, as nominations, victories and performances during the event often spark a flurry of sales and streaming activity across the entire entertainment landscape

In the U.S., smartphones are increasingly the devices consumers—especially multicultural ones—are choosing for their multitude of mobile activities. Asian/Pacific Islanders (86.6%), Black-African Americans (83%), and Hispanics (82.4%) are the top three groups with the highest rates of smartphone ownership, compared with 74.2% of non-Hispanic whites.

According to Nielsen’s new Audio Today report, Millennials hold the majority when it comes to the number of weekly radio listeners by generation in the U.S. Of the 243 million Americans (aged 12 or older) using radio each week, 66.6 million of them are Millennials.

While global sentiment about personal finances and the costs of living has been trending up for about two years now, men and women aren’t exactly on the same page when it comes to what’s in their pockets. Generally speaking, women see a bright side, but men are seeing an even brighter side.

For most parents, their kids grow up way too fast. They transform from diaper-wearing toddler to attachment-centric first-grader to a fickle teen in what seems like no time, quickly clamoring for independence, privacy and to make their own choices—and that spans into media.

Few markets show the immense potential for consumer products companies like Africa does, but that promise is mirrored by sizable challenges as well. Even with myriad complications, however, companies can overcome the challenge of distribution by getting close to the multitude of small retailers—that’s the true path to success.

Digital audience measurement is getting better: measurers are on the lookout for “fraudulent” views, are working to include only “viewable” impressions, and are measuring what percentage of people reached by a campaign actually belong to the group the advertiser was paying for. So what’s next?

Considering consumers’ strong interest in getting healthier, and recent purchasing trends, “good-for-you” products are positioned for continued growth. In fact, 40% of global respondents say they plan to buy more fruit (41%) and vegetables (39%) in the next six months. How can manufacturers and retailers reach consumers with health and wellness on their minds?

Who are the NBA's biggest fans? With on-court talent hailing from all parts of the globe—from Argentina to Australia—it stands to reason that the NBA has one of the most culturally and racially diverse followings of all sport leagues.

While beauty sales were stagnant last year, sales in several key beauty categories grew within Hispanic households. As a result, Latinos, who represent about 17% of U.S. population, are becoming more important to health care and beauty.

This holiday season also ushered in a transition to the latest generation of gaming consoles (Nintendo Wii U, Sony PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Xbox One). However, even though their devices are new, the vast majority of eighth gen owners are not newcomers to console gaming: nine in 10 have previously owned a seventh gen console.

When it comes to generating buzz for new movies, trailers and TV commercials remain king. That’s because, movie previews and TV spots are the top two ways Americans get their movie info, regardless of age or the ever-expanding list of devices and platforms competing for people’s attention.

As another historic winter grinds on in the northeast and football fans everywhere endure their own seasonal depression now that the NFL season has ended, the January portable people meter survey results come down to one thing for many leading radio formats: deflation.

Half of consumers around the world say they’re actively trying to lose weight, and 75% of them plan to achieve that goal by changing their diet. But the road to good health isn’t always paved with good intentions. So do desires materialize where it counts—at the point of sale?

There’s a wine retailing revolution taking place across America, and it’s happening in the supermarket. No longer confined to specialty shops and liquor marts, wine is carving out its own territory on the grocery floor, which is giving savvy retailers an opportunity to offer convenience and boosting their profits in the process.

These days, album and song sales are just a part of the fragmented music ecosystem. Music consumption today is more accurately measured by multiple metrics—sales, streams, airplay and social—providing the most accurate view of how an artist is truly resonating with fans.

Seeking opportunities to extend your brand’s reach to African-American consumers? A good place to start is inside the pantry and consumer pocketbooks. A recent survey highlights how health and wellness priorities and financial management are two areas where marketers can increase their reach and better connect with African-American consumers.

The 57th GRAMMYs kick-started award show season into high gear last Sunday. “Music’s Biggest Night” celebrated the year’s most popular music and provided the network and advertisers with the type of viewers few other programs can: engaged real-time viewers, and lots of them. An average of 24.8 million adults tuned in to the telecast last Sunday.

It used to be that private-label products were for consumers on a tight budget. However, a global shift has occurred in which consumer sentiment about store brands is overwhelmingly positive. So how can retailers help store brands compete with their more recognized name brand counterparts?

Not everyone agrees on the best methods to lose weight, but nearly three-fourths (74%) of global consumers believe they are what they eat. So what do we look for in the foods that fuel our bodies?

Consumer confidence continues to rise in Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana, the three sub-Saharan African countries in Nielsen’s fourth-quarter 2014 Consumer Confidence Survey.

Whether we’re pampering ourselves or our pets, we’re making a special trip to the store to do it, and that’s a big opportunity for retailers. That's where assortment comes in to play.

Nearly half of all American households plan to move at some point in the future. And because how many Americans move, and how they make their moving choices, is of enormous importance to the U.S. economy, it’s important to understand where future home and community demand is headed.

Mirroring consumer confidence declines seen around the world, sentiment in the Latin America region decreased three index points to a score of 88 in the fourth quarter, as scores fell in five of the seven countries measured. Peru was the only country in the region where confidence improved and remained above the 100-score optimism baseline.

From the latest nail polish trends to the hippest hair products or the toughest wrinkle fighters, women and men, young and old are shopping in the beauty aisle. In fact, 94% of all U.S. households buy beauty products. So getting the right message to the right customer is a crucial step to improve sales—but it's one that marketers in the industry aren't getting right.

Billed as “Music’s Biggest Night,” the annual GRAMMYs awards show has proved to be a boon to the network and artists alike in recent years. But what about this year's nominees?

With the rise of technology, consumers can connect with media across a variety of devices, anytime, anywhere. And sports fans, hungry for new content, have wholly embraced this newfound on-the-go convenience.

With the GRAMMYs right around the corner, it’s hard to deny the connection between tunes that resonate with audiences and the impact those songs can have when it comes to advertising—especially with critically-acclaimed music. But can that impact be measured?

After four consecutive quarters of slow and steady regional consumer confidence growth, the Asia-Pacific region ended 2014 with an index score of 106—down one point from the third quarter. While only three of 14 markets in the region registered quarterly confidence increases, nine of 14 countries remain at or above the 100-score optimism baseline.

Branded entertainment has grown into big business, and based on strong consumer sentiment, it’s going to continue growing. And when it comes finding an audience, Tatiana Simonian, VP of Branded Entertainment, says Millennials are at the top of the list for brands.

Despite our best intentions to eat healthily, the contents of our shopping carts don’t always align with our objectives. And when we look around the globe, not everyone places health attributes atop their list of important considerations when they shop for food.

Music streaming is hot, and not just in the U.S., where levels hit new highs in 2014. In fact, all of North America is tuning is, as new data shows that artists are finding big digital success in Canada as well.

African-Americans have a diverse approach to receiving content and information—they fully engage and connect through various mainstream and niche media outlets and platforms, and they consume more content than other groups on all fronts.

After three straight quarters of consumer confidence increases in the eurozone, clouds of pessimism returned in the fourth quarter of 2014, with scores declining in 20 of 32 markets. A silver lining could be found, however, in the fact that European consumer confidence was up three points from the previous year.

As everyone knows, the final game in every NFL season is the largest stage for advertisers, and viewers aren’t just sports fans. A quarter of last year’s viewers tuned in primarily to watch the commercials airing during the game—illustrating the uniqueness of the environment—one where viewers actually WANT to engage with ads.

The Super Bowl has become a national holiday of sorts, characterized by beer, Buffalo wings and boisterous parties. So have we gotten carried away with ourselves to the point where watching the game has become secondary to the party? According to a recent Nielsen analysis, we have not.

To get a broader view of how Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots fans will likely catch Super Bowl XLIX, we explored radio listening and TV watching habits in the home markets of the two participating teams from last year's big game.

For many Americans, Super Bowl Sunday is more than just a football game. It’s a yearly tradition where friends and family gather, eat deliciously indulgent snacks and catch some of the most unique advertisements to grace the small screen.

Consumer confidence in North America dropped one index point in the fourth quarter, but it rose a robust 11 points from the previous year. Within the region, U.S. consumer confidence decreased two index points in the fourth quarter to a score of 106, while confidence in Canada fell one point to an index level of 102.

Understanding the changing nature of global food insecurity—the state of lacking reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food—is no easy task. But rapidly evolving technology is helping nonprofits improve their reach to tackle tough issues and deploy resources in the midst of global crises.

The question that marketers and retailers in Russia need to answer is: How do I win with the new Russian consumer who suddenly has far less disposable income than a year ago? Winning today will definitely be difficult, given the environment, which means that assortment and price are more important than ever.

Though consumer confidence scores saw a slowdown between the third and fourth quarters of 2014, people are still finding reasons to see the glass as half full. Confidence scores improved in 39 of 60 markets year over year, meaning that progress is slow, but it is indeed taking place in more than half of global markets measured.

In the wake of New Year’s resolutions, it seems like every other person is actively trying to lose weight. And they are—50% of global respondents in Nielsen’s Global Health & Wellness Survey say they are taking steps to drop a few pounds this year. Among those, 75% are changing their diet. But are they willing to pay more for healthy foods?

As mobile tech continues to permeate the consumer landscape, car manufacturers are ramping up their efforts to help keep customers plugged in while they’re behind the wheel. So as the trend increases, which features are U.S. consumers looking for, which ones are they already using, and which ones could be left at the dealership?

Global consumer confidence has been slowly increasing since the fourth quarter of 2012 and ended 2014 with an index score of 96. While this score marks a decline of two index points from the third quarter, it's two points higher than in the fourth quarter of 2013. The index is still above a pre-recession level of 94 from third-quarter 2007.

With the release of the holiday portable people meter (PPM) survey results, radio programmers across the country are tallying the final results of the annual “all-Christmas” format and assessing how holiday music affected their station’s performance. So were there any surprises under the tree this year?

We’ve just completed a year of transformation in the retail industry, and looking at 2015, it looks like change will remain constant. But change brings opportunity, even within the familiar. Where to begin? Look to the shelf.

Music consumption has changed, but consumers’ appetite for music is as strong as ever. Ninety-three percent of the U.S. population listens to music, spending more than 25 hours each week jamming out to their favorite tunes. The difference from times past, however, is that the way we individually tune is as unique as the ear buds or headphones we sport while listening.

For retailers, getting assortment right—the mix of products available—is crucial to move products from store shelves to our shopping baskets. To do so, capturing people's attention is crucial, but knowing what your shoppers want is perhaps more important. Different consumers will shop channels and categories differently.

We live in a day and age when a Los Angeleno can wake up and check the weather in Wales and a Clevelander can log on and instantly see the news in Costa Rica. But while connectivity has made the world smaller in a lot of ways, U.S. consumers still want to keep up with the happenings in their own neighborhood—and they’re going digital to get that local experience!

On Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, President Barack Obama delivered his annual State of the Union address. The address was carried live from 9:00 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. on 13 networks and tape-delayed on Univision. The sum of the average audience for those networks was 31.7 million viewers with a combined household rating of 19.9.

When it comes to differentiation and standing out, brands that partner with a big-name music artist or sports figure are likely to have a notable advantage. And high-octane branded entertainment is a growing way for brands to raise awareness and boost their sales.

As we enter another new year, people all over the globe commonly vow to change the things in their lives that they feel need improvement from the previous year. Shedding some extra pounds was a common response in a recent global survey, and many say they’re actively trying to lose weight. So what diet methods are most popular?

In addition to going wearable, tech has gone drivable—and the connected car is rapidly transforming how people take to the roads. In fact, it’s also having an impact on the way they feel and act when they’re behind the wheel.

Consumers have a multitude of options when it comes to content, which means advertisers have myriad ways to reach them. So it stands to reason that connecting with consumers would be a veritable cakewalk. But as any marketer will attest, it’s not that simple. So which ads connected with viewers in 2014?

On Jan. 1, people around the world made resolutions to better themselves during the new year. But are consumers really—mentally—prepared to commit to change? Understanding how brains process our bad habits is the first step to success for consumers—and brands.

By most accounts, 2014 ended on a positive note for Americans. The employment rate approached pre-recession levels and consumer confidence continued to inch upward. But despite these positives, consumers remain cautious when it comes to spending, even though plummeting gas prices are padding their wallets.

The idea that consumers “engage” with brands is no doubt true for a small set of consumers and a small set of high involvement categories and brands, but for the vast majority of brands, consumers are not engaged to or with brands. They’re just buying them.

For media companies, the fall TV season is when the rubber meets the road. And amid the wealth of new shows, viewers hold all the cards, eagerly sampling the new shows, offering plenty of endorsement and critique along the way. So with so much commotion around fall TV, what role does Twitter activity play in it all?

The Baby Boomer generation continues to play a major role in the housing market, as well as the U.S. economy more generally. Older households are less likely to move and purchase homes, but their sheer size and relative wealth means this generation will account for $1 out every $4 spent on new home purchases or rent in the next five years.

Whether cheering at the game, screaming at their television or radio, buying player gear and wearing it proudly or trash talking on social media, fans are the everyday mouthpiece for their teams. To set the record straight about NFL fandom, a recent Nielsen study ranked each of the 32 NFL teams by “fans”—the share of adults in the respective markets who have watched, attended or listened to a team’s game in the last 12 months.

Similar to last year's most anticipated video games, franchises dominated the mind share of gamers for 2014. New offerings from gaming mainstays Call of Duty, Assassin’s Creed, Madden, FIFA and others were once again eagerly anticipated by their devoted fans. But over the course of the year, a handful of new titles captured consumers' interest to earn a spot on the lists of most anticipated games for 2014.

It’s January 2015, and that means many Americans are already several days into their New Year’s resolutions. But as each year brings its own personal goals and associated challenges, none ever carry as much weight (no pun intended) as the old standby: getting in shape.

While we’re quick to let devices around our wrists track our health, comfort levels vary when it comes to tech and mobile money management. In fact, many of us are still more at ease with seeing dollar signs on a printed statement than on a phone screen or in a mobile app.

The U.N. World Food Programme (WFP), the largest humanitarian agency addressing hunger around the world, faced the challenge of communicating its mission and driving people to action. But ad testing helped identify the messages that conveyed the organization's goals clearly and inspired viewers to take action.

Populations are shifting around the world. Globally, 2 billion people are estimated to be 60 years and older by 2050. But on the other end of the spectrum, more than one-fourth of some of the largest countries' populations are Millennials. Here’s a look back at our top five stories on population shifts from 2014.