Discover media insights, from journalism to social trends.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Midjourney, one of the earliest and most popular AI-based image generators on the web, has just launched its first major model update in nearly a year. Dubbed V7, the new model began rolling out in alpha around midnight EST on Thursday, marking a significant milestone for the San Francisco-based company.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Runway, the generative AI startup behind some of the most advanced media creation tools in the industry, has closed a $308 million Series D funding round, pushing its total funding to $536.5 million. The round was led by General Atlantic, with support from major players like Fidelity Management &
Media
Substack is no longer just a home for long-form newsletters. The platform is taking another deliberate step into social media territory with the launch of a vertical video feed inside its mobile app. The new TikTok-style interface is technically a redesign of its existing Media tab, introduced in 2024—but
Media
In a headline that feels equal parts surreal and nostalgic, Napster — the once-infamous music-sharing renegade of the early 2000s — just sold for a staggering $207 million. The buyer? Infinite Reality, a company betting that the future of music lies somewhere between nostalgia and virtual reality. It’s a bold play:
Media
In the latest twist of tech media consolidation, Yahoo has sold TechCrunch to the private equity firm Regent, marking yet another ownership change for the pioneering tech news outlet. The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, but the move follows Regent’s recent acquisition of Foundry—the media group
Tech Insights
Messaging platform Telegram has officially surpassed 1 billion monthly active users, according to its founder and CEO Pavel Durov — marking a major milestone for the app known for its privacy-first approach and fiercely independent stance. The announcement, made on Durov’s personal Telegram channel, was more than just a victory
Decentralization
The open-source publishing platform Ghost, widely known as a privacy-respecting alternative to Substack, has officially joined the fediverse—a decentralized network of social platforms powered by the ActivityPub protocol. This integration marks a significant shift in how independent publishers can share, distribute, and interact with content across the broader social
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
OpusClip, a generative AI startup transforming how creators edit short-form video, has raised $20 million in fresh funding. The round was led by SoftBank’s Vision Fund 2, marking a strong vote of confidence in the company’s AI-first approach to content creation. Founded in 2022 and based in San
Marketing
Influencer marketing remains a powerful tool for brands looking to establish authentic connections with their audiences. However, success in this space requires more than just selecting influencers with high follower counts—it demands strategic planning, genuine relationships, and precise measurement. Here’s how to build an effective influencer marketing campaign.
Media
Netflix has always been a disruptor, revolutionizing the TV and film industry over the past two decades. Now, as it faces increased competition and the evolving nature of content consumption, the streaming giant is setting its sights on video podcasts—a market dominated by YouTube but rich with potential for
Marketing
Qatar Airways has unveiled Sama, the world’s first AI-powered virtual cabin crew member, who made her Instagram debut on January 20, 2025. Designed in collaboration with digital human technology company UneeQ, Sama will serve as an AI influencer, deepening Qatar Airways’ digital engagement with passengers and travel enthusiasts worldwide.
Media
Social media is at a crossroads. The explosive rise of platforms like TikTok has reshaped the way people connect, but recent years have seen the fall of once-promising apps like Clubhouse and BeReal. The question remains: what comes next? Alex Hofmann, former president of Musical.ly and founder of 9count,