DIGITAL BLOG

Discover how Netflix is using AI to create smarter, more personalized ads and what this shift means for the future of digital advertising.

Duolingo. The name conjures images of a quirky green owl, playful social media interactions, and the satisfying ding! of a completed lesson. They've built a massive following, not just for their accessible language learning app, but for their undeniably fun, interactive, and often hilariously trendy online presence. But things have taken a sharp turn. Earlier this year, Duolingo's CEO announced a significant shift in the company's core identity: they are now an AI-first company . For those unfamiliar, being "AI-first" means that an organization prioritizes artificial intelligence as the central driving force behind its business decisions, operations, and the very development of its products and services. AI isn't just a tool; it's the foundation upon which the company is built and innovates. On the surface, the benefits seem clear for the company. It promises increased efficiency and potentially a smoother, more streamlined user experience. However, this strategic pivot hasn't been met with open arms by Duolingo's loyal fanbase. In fact, it's stirred up a considerable amount of anger and disappointment. The core of the issue lies in the perception of authenticity. For a brand that cultivated such a vibrant and human-feeling online persona, the move towards AI-first feels like a cold, calculated decision. It signals to users that the company might prioritize algorithms over people, potentially sacrificing the very elements that made Duolingo so engaging and relatable. The reaction from longtime users has been swift and decisive. Reports are flooding in of individuals ending their hard-earned Duolingo streaks and deleting the app altogether. Others have left snarky remarks on Duolingo’s TikTok page comments . The emotional connection built over months and years of learning alongside the quirky owl now feels… less genuine.

As digital marketers, we're constantly seeking ways to sharpen our skills, whether it's diving into the latest SEO strategies, crafting compelling email campaigns, or mastering the intricacies of Google Analytics. But the rapid evolution of the digital universe demands we look beyond the traditional. The rise of AI is no longer a distant future; it's the present, and it's rapidly changing the game. That's why Google's recent announcement of free, in-depth AI courses is such a monumental development, offering a direct pathway to understanding and leveraging this powerful technology. The digital marketing arena is fiercely competitive, and continuous learning is the key to staying relevant. While certifications in SEO and analytics remain valuable, the next frontier lies in understanding and applying Artificial Intelligence. Recognizing this pivotal shift, Google has generously opened the doors to AI education with the release of its own free courses. This isn't just about adding another line to your resume; it's about gaining a fundamental understanding of the tools that will define the future of digital marketing. The diverse range of courses offered includes: " Introduction to Generative AI, " " Introduction to Large Language Models ," " Introduction to Responsible AI ," " Introduction to Image Generation ," " Encoder-Decoder Architecture ," " Attention Mechanism ," " Transformer Models and BERT Model ," " Create Image Captioning Models ," and " Introduction to Vertex AI Studio ."

The FTC's Case Against Meta The intense battle between the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Meta over allegations of monopolistic practices has the potential to reshape the landscape of social media and big tech as we know it. In a move that would later become central to the FTC's case, Meta purchased Instagram for $1 billion in April 2012, followed by WhatsApp for $19 billion . Then, in December 2020, the FTC, in conjunction with 46 states, filed a lawsuit against Meta alleging illegal monopolization. This lawsuit specifically focused on the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, arguing that Meta employed a "buy or bury" strategy to eliminate potential competitors. While the initial complaint faced difficulties and was dismissed, an amended complaint was subsequently filed, and the case eventually went to trial in April 2025.

Founded in 2012, PrettyLittleThing quickly became a go-to online fashion retailer for bold, trend-driven styles at affordable prices. The brand, a subsidiary of Boohoo Group, became a staple for Gen Z and millennial shoppers with its glam aesthetic, flashy campaigns, celebrity collaborations, and emphasis on inclusivity. Known for its bodycon dresses, bright colors, and head-turning designs, PLT made its mark by leaning into the fast-fashion space with unapologetic confidence and a strong, recognizable voice.  From Loud & Proud to Quiet & Confused PrettyLittleThing built its reputation on being loud, unapologetically fun, and fiercely Gen Z. Think neon bodysuits, rhinestones, and festival-ready fits that screamed “main character energy.” But in a surprising shift, PLT’s rebrand introduced minimalist designs, earthy tones, and a stripped-back website that looked more like a luxury boutique than a fast-fashion powerhouse. According to The Cut , the rebrand didn’t just confuse customers—it alienated them. PLT fans were quick to note the lack of size inclusivity, dramatic changes to product styles, and a tone that no longer felt “for them.” As one viral comment pointed out, “PrettyLittleThing is now PrettyConfusedCustomer.”

ChatGPT Search vs Google: Who's Winning the AI Search Battle? Towards the end of last year, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Search, a search tool designed to provide users with instant, concise answers while linking to sources. Unlike traditional search engines, ChatGPT Search eliminates the need to sift through multiple web pages. However, its biggest drawback is that it provides a limited number of sources, potentially leaving out valuable information. ( Source ) Google quickly responded by integrating its AI model, Gemini, into search results, offering "AI Overviews" that provide summarized responses with source links, while still keeping traditional SEO-driven results. ( Source ) Is ChatGTP Search a Google Killer? Despite its growing popularity, ChatGPT Search is nowhere near overtaking Google. Here’s how they compare: Google Search: Over 5 trillion searches in 2024 (about 14 billion per day ), with a 93.57% market share ( Source ) ChatGPT Search: Estimated 37.5 million queries per day , making up just 0.25% of the market ( Source ) For now, Google remains the dominant search engine, handling 373 times more searches than ChatGPT in 2024. The Challenges of AI-Powered Search While AI search tools offer fast and direct answers, they come with limitations: Lack of Multiple Sources: Unlike Google, ChatGPT often references just one source per answer, making it harder to verify information. Limited Location Accuracy: ChatGPT can infer general location from an IP address but doesn’t actively track users like Google Maps, leading to less accurate local search results.

Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand, Skims, isn’t just a fashion statement– it’s a marketing masterclass. Since its launch, Skims has skyrocketed to a $4 billion valuation , proving that smart marketing and strong branding can turn any company into a powerhouse. But what exactly makes Skims so successful? Let’s break it down and see how you can apply these genius tactics to your brand.

Chipotle just took marketing to a whole new level—literally—by dropping its first-ever national TV ad inside the Roblox metaverse!

Over the past few years, Duolingo has absolutely crushed the social media game, turning their brand into a viral sensation. Let’s break down how they did it and what businesses can learn from their success.

We are excited to share that our very own Digital Marketing Director at Performance Digital, Addy Combs, recently sat down with Luke Kramer and Nathan Magnussen on the Brick By Brick: Young Entrepreneurs Podcast to share her expertise on the secrets of digital marketing, business growth, and leadership. In this episode, Addy shares how she built a successful digital marketing agency in Omaha, NE, the most common marketing mistakes businesses make, and why education and transparency are essential. She also discusses the power of persistence in entrepreneurship and her journey into real estate investing. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or just curious about the digital world, this conversation is filled with valuable insights to keep you ahead of the curve. 

Meta is making some huge moves in the world of artificial intelligence, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg announcing last month that the company plans to invest up to $65 billion to build out its AI infrastructure. This would include creating a massive new data center. By the end of 2025, Meta expects to have over 1.3 million powerful GPUs (the hardware that helps run AI models) at its disposal. (Source: MSN Article on Zuckerberg's AI Investment ) 2025 will be a game-changing year for AI. Zuckerberg expects Meta's AI assistant to help over 1 billion people, and the company's new Llama 4 AI model is set to be a leader in the field.