Technology
IAS Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Published
2 years agoon
By
Total revenue increased 14% to $129.0 million
Net income of $7.7 million at a 6% margin; adjusted EBITDA increased to $46.2 million at a 36% margin
Raises full year financial guidance on positive second quarter results and strong second half outlook
NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Integral Ad Science (Nasdaq: IAS), a leading global media measurement and optimization platform, today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.
“We are excited to report double-digit revenue growth in all of our businesses in the second quarter reflecting strong customer adoption of our leading AI-backed products across formats and channels,” said Lisa Utzschneider, CEO of IAS. “Measurement revenue grew 17% with a 34% increase in social media revenue, optimization revenue increased 11%, and publisher revenue increased 12%. IAS is leading the way with trust, transparency, and innovation to provide actionable results and superior returns for global marketers. We are raising our full year outlook and remain focused on delivering sustainable, profitable growth.”
Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights
Total revenue was $129.0 million, a 14% increase compared to $113.7 million in the prior-year period.Optimization revenue was $58.5 million, an 11% increase compared to $52.8 million in the prior-year period.Measurement revenue was $52.7 million, a 17% increase compared to $44.9 million in the prior-year period.Publisher revenue was $17.8 million, a 12% increase compared to $15.9 million in the prior-year period.International revenue, excluding the Americas, was $40.1 million, a 16% increase compared to $34.7 million in the prior-year period, or 31% of total revenue for the second quarter of 2024.Gross profit was $101.9 million, a 13% increase compared to $89.8 million in the prior-year period. Gross profit margin was 79% for the second quarter of 2024.Net income was $7.7 million, or $0.05 per share, unchanged from the prior-year period. Net income margin was 6% for the second quarter of 2024. Net income for the second quarter of 2023 includes $23.5 million of stock-based compensation expense related to return-target options as well as an income tax benefit of $29.1 million in the period.Adjusted EBITDA* increased to $46.2 million, a 24% increase compared to $37.4 million in the prior-year period. Adjusted EBITDA* margin was 36% for the second quarter of 2024.Cash and cash equivalents were $70.6 million at June 30, 2024.
Recent Business Highlights
YouTube Brand Safety and Suitability Measurement Expansion – In June, IAS expanded its brand safety and suitability measurement product for YouTube to include reporting for Performance Max and Demand Gen campaigns on Google Ads.Reddit Partnership – In June, IAS announced a partnership with Reddit to provide advertisers with the confidence to scale their campaigns across Reddit through IAS’s AI-driven Total Media Quality (TMQ) product suite.Pinterest Partnership – In June, IAS announced a partnership with Pinterest to provide global advertisers with greater transparency into campaigns across Pinterest’s in-app feed through IAS’s AI-driven Total Media Quality (TMQ) brand safety product.Amazon Expanded Global Measurement – In May, IAS launched its expanded reporting and insights for Amazon DSP media buys. Through a server-to-server (S2S) integration on Amazon DSP, advertisers will now have access to measurement coverage for campaigns across Amazon custom audiences and Twitch inventory. IAS’s solutions available to advertisers in Amazon DSP include viewability, invalid traffic (IVT), and brand safety and suitability.Lunio Partnership – In June, IAS teamed up with Lunio in a first-to-market partnership to provide post-click measurement and protection across search, social, and display networks. The partnership builds on IAS’s existing ad fraud detection and mitigation capabilities, giving marketers the most comprehensive invalid traffic (IVT) protection in the industry.Sincera Partnership – In June, IAS and Sincera announced a multi-year, strategic partnership to enhance AI-driven measurement and optimization solutions to drive omnichannel media quality. The partnership provides IAS with unique metadata to enhance media quality and drive unique solutions across channels including the open web, CTV, in-app, and social.Deepfake Detection Availability – In June, IAS announced availability in Beta testing of the industry’s first deepfake measurement offering, enabling advertisers to avoid running adjacent to deepfake content as part of the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM)-defined Brand Safety Floor and Suitability Framework misinformation category.Election Lab Launch – In May, IAS launched the IAS Election Lab which aims to provide strategic guidance and actionable insights for advertisers during the global election season.ISO 27001 Certification – In May, IAS achieved ISO 27001:2022 certification for its Information Security Management System. ISO/IEC 27001 is the global standard for information security management systems.
Financial Outlook
“Our second quarter results further validate our scalable and profitable business model. We are driving top-line growth and investing in strategic growth initiatives while maintaining a strong financial position with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 36%, healthy cash flows, and low debt,” said Tania Secor, CFO of IAS. “We are raising our 2024 outlook based on our second quarter performance and our expectations for increased revenue growth in the second half of the year.”
IAS is introducing the following financial outlook for the third quarter of 2024 and increasing its full year 2024 revenue and adjusted EBITDA outlook:
Third Quarter Ending September 30, 2024:
Total revenue of $137 million to $139 millionAdjusted EBITDA* of $48 million to $50 million
Year Ending December 31, 2024:
Total revenue of $538 million to $544 millionAdjusted EBITDA* of $180 million to $184 million
* See “Supplemental Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Information” section herein for an explanation of these measures. IAS is unable to provide a reconciliation for forward-looking guidance of adjusted EBITDA and corresponding margin to net income (loss), the most closely comparable GAAP measures without unreasonable effort, because certain material reconciling items, such as depreciation and amortization, interest expense, income tax expense (benefit) and acquisition, restructuring and integration expenses, cannot be estimated due to factors outside of IAS’s control and could have a material impact on the reported results. However, IAS estimates stock-based compensation expense for the third quarter of 2024 in the range of $16 million to $17 million and for the full year 2024 in the range of $63 million to $65 million.
INTEGRAL AD SCIENCE HOLDING CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 70,603
$ 124,759
Restricted cash
275
54
Accounts receivable, net
75,233
74,609
Unbilled receivables
45,320
46,548
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
38,251
18,959
Total current assets
229,682
264,929
Property and equipment, net
4,076
3,769
Internal use software, net
47,578
40,301
Intangible assets, net
159,825
178,908
Goodwill
674,350
675,282
Operating lease right-of-use assets
21,223
21,668
Deferred tax asset, net
2,438
2,465
Other long-term assets
4,950
4,402
Total assets
$ 1,144,122
$ 1,191,724
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$ 51,096
$ 72,232
Operating lease liability
9,483
9,435
Due to related party
—
121
Deferred revenue
558
682
Total current liabilities
61,137
82,470
Deferred tax liability, net
16,884
20,367
Long-term debt
93,957
153,725
Operating lease liabilities, non-current
18,397
19,523
Other long-term liabilities
6,171
6,183
Total liabilities
196,546
282,268
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2024; 0 shares
issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
—
—
Common Stock, $0.001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 160,786,740 and
158,757,620 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
161
159
Additional paid-in-capital
934,194
901,259
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(2,168)
(916)
Retained earnings
15,389
8,954
Total stockholders’ equity
947,576
909,456
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$ 1,144,122
$ 1,191,724
INTEGRAL AD SCIENCE HOLDING CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenue
$ 129,005
$ 113,651
$ 243,535
$ 219,743
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below)
27,094
23,819
53,255
45,501
Sales and marketing
29,572
31,702
61,397
57,962
Technology and development
17,487
21,110
35,465
36,639
General and administrative
24,679
42,339
46,059
63,062
Depreciation and amortization
15,709
13,521
30,789
26,346
Foreign exchange loss (gain), net
315
(631)
1,884
(1,147)
Total operating expenses
114,856
131,860
228,849
228,363
Operating income (loss)
14,149
(18,209)
14,686
(8,620)
Interest expense, net
(1,536)
(3,221)
(3,462)
(6,638)
Net income (loss) before income taxes
12,613
(21,430)
11,224
(15,258)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes
(4,923)
29,107
(4,789)
26,081
Net income
$ 7,690
$ 7,677
$ 6,435
$ 10,823
Net income per share – basic and diluted
$ 0.05
$ 0.05
$ 0.04
$ 0.07
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic
160,502,795
155,425,264
159,954,926
155,267,531
Diluted
163,748,596
162,634,310
164,198,233
160,850,434
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(193)
(221)
(1,252)
928
Total comprehensive income
$ 7,497
$ 7,456
$ 5,183
$ 11,751
Stock-Based Compensation
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
(IN THOUSANDS)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Cost of revenue
$ 82
$ 126
$ 206
$ 210
Sales and marketing
3,435
8,258
9,173
12,145
Technology and development
4,799
7,362
9,198
10,532
General and administrative
6,688
24,689
12,165
28,854
Total stock-based compensation
$ 15,004
$ 40,4351
$ 30,742
$ 51,741
1
1
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, with the filing of a “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3, the market condition and the implied performance condition relating to the Return-Target Options were deemed to be probable and the Company recognized $23.5 million of stock-based compensation expense for such options in both the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. This is broken out as follows; $2.1 million of sales and marketing expense, $2.6 million of technology and development expense and $18.8 million of general and administrative expense.
INTEGRAL AD SCIENCE HOLDING CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2024
Common Stock
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARES)
Shares
Amount
Additional
paid-in
capital
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Retained
earnings
Total
stockholders’
equity
Balance, March 31, 2024
159,761,454
$ 160
$ 919,192
$ (1,975)
$ 7,699
$ 925,076
RSUs and MSUs vested
1,025,286
1
—
—
—
1
Stock-based compensation
—
—
15,002
—
—
15,002
Foreign currency translation adjustment
—
—
—
(193)
—
(193)
Net income
—
—
—
—
7,690
7,690
Balance, June 30, 2024
160,786,740
$ 161
$ 934,194
$ (2,168)
$ 15,389
$ 947,576
Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
Common Stock
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARES)
Shares
Amount
Additional
paid-in
capital
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Retained
earnings
Total
stockholders’
equity
Balance, December 31, 2023
158,757,620
$ 159
$ 901,259
$ (916)
$ 8,954
$ 909,456
RSUs and MSUs vested
1,831,832
2
—
—
—
2
Option exercises
44,049
—
313
—
—
313
ESPP purchase
153,239
—
1,895
—
—
1,895
Stock-based compensation
—
—
30,727
—
—
30,727
Foreign currency translation adjustment
—
—
—
(1,252)
—
(1,252)
Net income
—
—
—
—
6,435
6,435
Balance, June 30, 2024
160,786,740
$ 161
$ 934,194
$ (2,168)
$ 15,389
$ 947,576
Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
Common Stock
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARES)
Shares
Amount
Additional
paid-in
capital
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Retained
earnings
Total
stockholders’
equity
Balance, March 31, 2023
154,811,980
$ 154
$ 824,498
$ (1,750)
$ 4,862
$ 827,764
RSUs and MSUs vested
1,218,542
2
—
—
—
2
Option exercises
248,553
—
2,878
—
—
2,878
Stock-based compensation
—
—
40,114
—
—
40,114
Foreign currency translation adjustment
—
—
—
(221)
—
(221)
Net income
—
—
—
—
7,677
7,677
Balance, June 30, 2023
156,279,075
$ 156
$ 867,490
$ (1,971)
$ 12,539
$ 878,214
Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
Common Stock
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARES)
Shares
Amount
Additional
paid-in
capital
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Retained
earnings
Total
stockholders’
equity
Balance, December 31, 2022
153,990,128
$ 154
$ 810,186
$ (2,899)
$ 775
$ 808,216
RSUs and MSUs vested
1,590,282
2
—
—
—
2
Option exercises
587,502
—
4,993
—
—
4,993
ESPP purchase
111,163
—
882
—
—
882
Stock-based compensation
—
—
51,429
—
—
51,429
Foreign currency translation adjustment
—
—
—
928
—
928
Adoption of ASC 326, net of tax
—
—
—
—
941
941
Net income
—
—
—
—
10,823
10,823
Balance, June 30, 2023
156,279,075
$ 156
$ 867,490
$ (1,971)
$ 12,539
$ 878,214
INTEGRAL AD SCIENCE HOLDING CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
Six Months Ended June 30,
(IN THOUSANDS)
2024
2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$ 6,435
$ 10,823
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
30,789
26,346
Stock-based compensation
30,742
51,741
Foreign currency loss (gain), net
1,564
(1,239)
Deferred tax benefit
(3,456)
(37,535)
Amortization of debt issuance costs
232
232
Allowance for credit losses
745
1,254
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in accounts receivable
(2,070)
(4,483)
Decrease in unbilled receivables
998
2,272
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets
(19,548)
12,619
(Increase) decrease in operating leases, net
(618)
25
(Increase) decrease in other long-term assets
(557)
4
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities
(20,221)
(10,225)
(Decrease) increase in deferred revenue
(111)
350
Decrease in due to/from related party
(122)
(118)
Net cash provided by operating activities
24,802
52,066
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment
(1,323)
(1,810)
Development of internal use software and other
(18,836)
(14,928)
Net cash used in investing activities
(20,159)
(16,738)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the Revolver
—
75,000
Repayment of long-term debt
(60,000)
(105,000)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
313
4,993
Cash received from Employee Stock Purchase Program
2,213
1,409
Net cash used in financing activities
(57,474)
(23,598)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
(52,831)
11,730
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(1,084)
(142)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
127,290
89,671
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, at end of period
$ 73,375
$ 101,259
Supplemental Disclosures:
Net cash paid during the period for:
Interest
$ 3,614
$ 5,862
Taxes
$ 19,925
$ 5,609
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Property and equipment acquired included in accounts payable
$ 108
$ 140
Internal use software acquired included in accounts payable
$ 661
$ 1,159
Lease liabilities arising from right of use assets
$ 5,278
$ 3,902
Supplemental Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Information
We use supplemental measures of our performance, which are derived from our consolidated financial information, but which are not presented in our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is the primary financial performance measure used by management to evaluate our business and monitor ongoing results of operations. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as income before depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, interest expense, income taxes, acquisition, restructuring and integration costs, foreign exchange gain, net, asset impairments, and other one-time, non-recurring costs. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents the adjusted EBITDA for the applicable period divided by the revenue for that period presented in accordance with GAAP.
We use non-GAAP financial measures to supplement financial information presented on a GAAP basis. We believe that excluding certain items from our GAAP results allows management to better understand our consolidated financial performance from period to period and better project our future consolidated financial performance as forecasts are developed at a level of detail different from that used to prepare GAAP-based financial measures. Moreover, we believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide our shareholders with useful information to help them evaluate our operating results by facilitating an enhanced understanding of our operating performance and enabling them to make more meaningful period-to-period comparisons. Although we believe these measures are useful to investors and analysts for the same reasons they are useful to management, as discussed below, these measures are not a substitute for, or superior to, U.S. GAAP financial measures or disclosures. Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate non-GAAP financial measures differently than we do, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes.
Reconciliations of historical adjusted EBITDA to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, net income/loss, are presented below. We encourage you to review the reconciliations in conjunction with the presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures for each of the periods presented. In future fiscal periods, we may exclude such items and may incur income and expenses similar to these excluded items.
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net income
$ 7,690
$ 7,677
$ 6,435
$ 10,823
Depreciation and amortization
15,709
13,521
30,789
26,346
Stock-based compensation
15,004
40,435
30,742
51,741
Interest expense, net
1,536
3,221
3,462
6,638
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
4,923
(29,107)
4,789
(26,081)
Acquisition, restructuring and integration costs
1,048
809
1,174
1,621
Foreign exchange loss (gain), net
315
(631)
1,884
(1,147)
Asset impairments and other costs
—
1,469
—
1,506
Adjusted EBITDA
$ 46,225
$ 37,394
$ 79,275
$ 71,447
Revenue
$ 129,005
$ 113,651
$ 243,535
$ 219,743
Net income margin
6 %
7 %
3 %
5 %
Adjusted EBITDA margin
36 %
33 %
33 %
33 %
Conference Call and Webcast Information
IAS will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss its second quarter 2024 financial results today at 5:00 p.m. ET. To access the live webcast and conference call dial-in, please register under the “News & Events” section of IAS’s investor relations website. A replay will be available on IAS’s investor relations website following the live call: https://investors.integralads.com.
About Integral Ad Science
Integral Ad Science (IAS) is a leading global media measurement and optimization platform that delivers the industry’s most actionable data to drive superior results for the world’s largest advertisers, publishers, and media platforms. IAS’s software provides comprehensive and enriched data that ensures ads are seen by real people in safe and suitable environments, while improving return on ad spend for advertisers and yield for publishers. Our mission is to be the global benchmark for trust and transparency in digital media quality. For more information, visit integralads.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This earnings press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, including guidance, and business, including pipeline and industry trends. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “can have,” “likely,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. For example, all statements we make relating to our estimated and projected costs, expenditures, cash flows, growth rates and financial results or our plans and objectives for future operations, growth initiatives or strategies, including pursuing business from Oracle or other competitors are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that we expected, including: (i) the adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, and prospects from various macroeconomic factors, including instability in geopolitical or market conditions; (ii) our failure to innovate or make the right investment decisions; (iii) our ability to provide digital or cross-platform analytics; (iv) our failure to maintain or achieve industry accreditation standards; (v) our dependence on integrations with advertising platforms, demand side providers (“DSPs”) and proprietary platforms that we do not control; (vi) our ability to compete successfully with our current or future competitors in an intensely competitive market, including with respect to the Oracle opportunity; (vii) our inability to use software licensed from third parties; (viii) our international expansion; (ix) our ability to expand into new channels; (x) our ability to sustain our profitability and revenue growth rate; (xi) risks that our customers do not pay or choose to dispute their invoices; (xii) risks of material changes to revenue share agreements with certain DSPs; (xiii) our dependence on the overall demand for advertising; (xiv) our ability to effectively manage our growth; (xv) the impact that any acquisitions we have completed in the past and may consummate in the future, strategic investments, or alliances may have on our business, financial condition, and results of operations; (xvi) our ability to successfully execute our international plans; (xvii) the risks associated with the seasonality of our market; (xviii) our ability to maintain high impression volumes; (xix) the difficulty in evaluating our future prospects given our short operating history; (xx) uncertainty in how the market for buying digital advertising verification solutions will evolve; (xxi) interruption by man-made problems such as terrorism, computer viruses, or social disruptions; (xxii) the risk of failures in the systems and infrastructure supporting our solutions and operations; (xxiii) our ability to avoid operational, technical, and performance issues with our platform; (xxiv) risks associated with any unauthorized access to user, customer, or inventory and third-party provider data; (xxv) our ability to provide the non-proprietary technology, software, products, and services that we use; (xxvi) the risk that we are sued by third parties for alleged infringement, misappropriation, or other violation of their proprietary rights; (xxvii) our ability to obtain, maintain, protect, or enforce intellectual property and proprietary rights that are important to our business; (xxviii) our involvement in lawsuits to protect or enforce our intellectual property; (xxix) risks that our employees, consultants, or advisors have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets of their current or former employers; (xxx) risks that our trademarks and trade names are not adequately protected; (xxxi) the impact of unforeseen changes to privacy and data protection laws and regulation on digital advertising; (xxxii) our ability to maintain our corporate culture; (xxxiii) public health outbreaks, epidemics, pandemics, or other public health crises; (xxxiv) risks posed by earthquakes, fires, floods, and other natural catastrophic events; (xxxv) the risk that a perceived failure to comply with laws and industry self-regulation may damage our reputation; and (xxxvi) other factors disclosed in our filings with the SEC. Given these factors, as well as other variables that may affect our operating results, you should not rely on forward-looking statements, assume that past financial performance will be a reliable indicator of future performance, or use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods.
We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based on many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward- looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.
Investor Contact:
Jonathan Schaffer
ir@integralads.com
Media Contact:
press@integralads.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ias-reports-second-quarter-2024-financial-results-302212716.html
SOURCE Integral Ad Science, Inc.
You may like
Technology
Football Tournament Season Sparks Global Social Connection Surge as 3Fun Reports Growth Across Key Markets
Published
38 minutes agoon
July 18, 2026By
NEW YORK, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the World Cup enters its final stage and fans celebrate across the globe, new data from 3Fun, the leading dating app for open-minded singles and partners, reveals that the World Cup’s impact extends far beyond the stadium. The tournament has ignited a massive surge in global social activity, with users increasingly turning to the platform to translate sporting euphoria into personal connections.
The “Celebratory Intimacy” Effect: Why Winning Drives Matching
Psychological research has long suggested that major sports victories do more than just boost national pride; they influence human biology and intimacy. Studies indicate that watching a favorite team win can temporarily elevate testosterone levels in fans, leading to a surge in sexual desire and “celebratory intimacy”. This theory is vividly reflected in 3Fun’s latest performance metrics.
Compared with the previous 20-day period, 3Fun saw a 6.13% increase in Daily Active Users (DAU) during the peak of the World Cup season (June 23 – July 12), adding more than 275,000 active participants. The platform’s “heat” was further evidenced by an additional 446,491 messages sent, while the user match rate jumped by 5.71%, resulting in nearly 50,000 new connections.
Spain and Argentina Lead the “Lust for Victory”
The data shows a direct correlation between success on the pitch and activity on 3Fun. Nations with deep football cultures and strong tournament performances saw the highest growth:
Spain: Witnessed a staggering 37.56% surge in new users.Argentina: Followed with a 26.62% increase.France & Mexico: Saw growth rates of 25.44% and 21.42% respectively.
In the U.S., cities like Houston (+8.98%) and New York (+7.45%) led the way. This trend aligns with a broader cultural shift: recent 3Fun data reveals that 69% of Americans report a growing interest in non-traditional relationships, with 77% of seekers preferring dating apps to find compatible partners.
Digital Jet-Setting: 3Fun’s “Roaming” Feature Becomes a Fan Favorite
While millions traveled for the games, many more “traveled” virtually. 3Fun’s new Roaming feature, currently in gray-scale testing, allows users to explore connections beyond their current location by virtually discovering communities in other cities.
The top 10 “Roaming” destinations during the Football Tournament season reveal where the world’s social interest was concentrated:
Sao Paulo, Brazil (17.35% of total roaming volume)New York, USA (14.82%)Las Vegas, USA (11.37%)Los Angeles, USA (11.19%)London, UK (9.89%)Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (7.40%)Houston, USA (7.36%)Dallas, USA (7.18%)Miami, USA (6.85%)Chicago, USA (6.60%).
The dominance of Brazilian cities like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro highlights a “digital pilgrimage” to the spiritual home of football, where users sought to connect with the local energy and like-minded fans.
3Fun Insight: Connection Beyond the Game
“Major global events like the World Cup bring people together far beyond the borders of the pitch,” said Daniel Morgan, 3Fun’s Director of Social Trends. “Our data shows that users aren’t just looking for scores; they are looking for meaningful, shared experiences. Whether through virtual roaming or local matching, these events create unique windows for people to explore their desires in a safe, celebratory, and inclusive community”.
Daniel further noted, “With 72% of users noticing growing acceptance of diverse relationship styles, global sports events such as the World Cup represent a moment when people feel more open to meeting others and exploring new forms of connection”.
About 3Fun: With over 10 million downloads and 3 million verified active users worldwide, 3Fun is the leading dating app for open-minded singles and partners to meet like-minded people. The platform provides a safe and inclusive space to explore ethical open relationships and polyamory, fostering community and connection without judgment.
Disclaimer: 3Fun is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by FIFA, the World Cup, or any official World Cup organizing body. All references to the tournament are descriptive or for informational and topical context only.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/football-tournament-season-sparks-global-social-connection-surge-as-3fun-reports-growth-across-key-markets-302828995.html
SOURCE 3Fun
Technology
Best AI Design Tools (2026): CapCut Named a Top Choice for Creating Images and Marketing Assets by Software Experts
Published
2 hours agoon
July 18, 2026By
NEW YORK, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Software Experts has recognized CapCut as a top choice among AI design tools for 2026, citing its AI Design Studio as a standout resource for creating images and marketing assets. The recognition points to the platform’s combination of automated layout generation, image editing, and campaign focused features built for marketers, e-commerce sellers, and content creators.
Best AI Design Tools
CapCut AI Design Studio – a web based design workspace that uses AI to help users create ads, product visuals, and branded content without prior design experience.
Core Capabilities of the AI Design Studio
The AI Design Studio is built around a conversational, infinite canvas that allows users to work with an AI design agent in real time. Instead of starting from a blank template, users type a prompt, upload reference images, and receive layout options generated automatically.
The latest version, Design 2.0, brings references, drafts, assets, and edits into a single workspace. Features include pencil prompting for visual editing, smart layer split for separating subjects and backgrounds, and a One More function that generates new creative directions from an existing design. Users can circle, brush, or mark up an image directly to guide how the AI adjusts a design, rather than relying only on written prompts.
An inspiration hub with built in assets and license free images is also part of the workspace, helping users start projects without sourcing outside materials. Layers for text, subjects, and backgrounds remain editable throughout the process, which allows for adjustments without regenerating an entire design from scratch.
Applications for E-Commerce and Marketing Teams
The AI Design Studio supports several common business use cases, including product content creation, trend based design remixing, and clothing visualization for fashion brands. These features are designed to reduce the time spent on repetitive production tasks, particularly for teams that need to update visuals frequently.
For e-commerce sellers, the tool can generate product main images, banners, and packaging designs from a single uploaded photo, and supports batch replacement across shared backgrounds. A seller managing multiple product lines can apply the same background and layout across different items with one click, rather than recreating each asset individually.
Fashion brands can use the AI clothing try-on feature to visualize how garments appear on different models, helping with catalog updates during seasonal campaigns such as Black Friday. Marketing and social teams can generate assets in multiple styles and resize them automatically for different platforms, which helps maintain consistency across channels without manual reformatting. The trend remixing feature also allows brands to reference the structure of a popular design while keeping the content original to their own products.
Design Automation Powered by Seedream 5.0
For marketing posters and layout heavy assets, the AI Design Studio incorporates the Seedream 5.0 model, which is ranked first on Artificial Analysis’ Text-to-Image Leaderboard. The model is used to arrange visual elements, generate multiple layout variations, and handle typesetting automatically based on uploaded product images.
This approach is intended to reduce the manual work involved in formatting marketing materials. Uploading one or more product photos allows the system to generate several layout options, positioning text, imagery, and other elements without requiring manual placement. Once a layout is generated, users can continue refining it with stickers, filters, or additional effects within the same workspace.
The process is designed to move from prompt to a finished, ready to use asset without requiring separate design software. For teams producing large volumes of seasonal or promotional content, this can reduce the number of tools involved in a single campaign.
Why AI Design Tools Matter for Small Teams
AI design tools are becoming useful because many teams need more visual content than traditional workflows can comfortably support. The Software Experts review notes that marketers, creators, and small businesses often need product images, social graphics, banners, email headers, event posters, and campaign visuals on tight timelines.
For small teams, the main advantage is not simply automation. It is the ability to get to a workable draft faster. Starting from a blank canvas can slow down campaign production, especially when a team is managing several platforms or product lines. AI-assisted design tools can generate starting points, resize assets, suggest layouts, and help keep visuals consistent across channels.
Access and Getting Started
The AI Design Studio is accessible through CapCut desktop by selecting Design Agent from the main dashboard. Users enter a text prompt describing the desired output, optionally upload reference images, and review the generated results.
A typical workflow might involve uploading a reference photo and entering a detailed prompt describing a desired style, color palette, or setting. The AI then generates initial design options based on that input. The built in editor allows for further adjustments, including color changes, auto cutout, element removal, and text overlays, before the final image is downloaded in high resolution.
Software Experts noted that the AI Design Studio is suited to a range of users, from e-commerce sellers managing large catalogs to individual creators producing social media content, as well as marketing teams handling multiple campaigns at once. The tool is offered as part of CapCut’s existing platform, with pricing details available directly through CapCut.
Readers can find the full review at Software Experts.
About CapCut
CapCut is an AI-powered photo and video editing platform designed to make high-quality video creation accessible across devices. The platform supports creators, businesses, and everyday users with tools for video editing, AI video generation, captions, templates, audio, and visual editing. CapCut is available across mobile, web, desktop, and iPad experiences, helping users create, edit, and prepare video content for social media, marketing, education, and personal projects.
About Software Experts: Software Experts delivers in-depth news on the digital tools shaping today’s consumer experience. As an affiliate, Software Experts may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/best-ai-design-tools-2026-capcut-named-a-top-choice-for-creating-images-and-marketing-assets-by-software-experts-302828625.html
SOURCE SoftwareExperts.org
Technology
Best AI Design Tools (2026): CapCut Named a Top Choice for Creating Images and Marketing Assets by Software Experts
Published
2 hours agoon
July 18, 2026By
NEW YORK, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Software Experts has recognized CapCut as a top choice among AI design tools for 2026, citing its AI Design Studio as a standout resource for creating images and marketing assets. The recognition points to the platform’s combination of automated layout generation, image editing, and campaign focused features built for marketers, e-commerce sellers, and content creators.
Best AI Design Tools
CapCut AI Design Studio – a web based design workspace that uses AI to help users create ads, product visuals, and branded content without prior design experience.
Core Capabilities of the AI Design Studio
The AI Design Studio is built around a conversational, infinite canvas that allows users to work with an AI design agent in real time. Instead of starting from a blank template, users type a prompt, upload reference images, and receive layout options generated automatically.
The latest version, Design 2.0, brings references, drafts, assets, and edits into a single workspace. Features include pencil prompting for visual editing, smart layer split for separating subjects and backgrounds, and a One More function that generates new creative directions from an existing design. Users can circle, brush, or mark up an image directly to guide how the AI adjusts a design, rather than relying only on written prompts.
An inspiration hub with built in assets and license free images is also part of the workspace, helping users start projects without sourcing outside materials. Layers for text, subjects, and backgrounds remain editable throughout the process, which allows for adjustments without regenerating an entire design from scratch.
Applications for E-Commerce and Marketing Teams
The AI Design Studio supports several common business use cases, including product content creation, trend based design remixing, and clothing visualization for fashion brands. These features are designed to reduce the time spent on repetitive production tasks, particularly for teams that need to update visuals frequently.
For e-commerce sellers, the tool can generate product main images, banners, and packaging designs from a single uploaded photo, and supports batch replacement across shared backgrounds. A seller managing multiple product lines can apply the same background and layout across different items with one click, rather than recreating each asset individually.
Fashion brands can use the AI clothing try-on feature to visualize how garments appear on different models, helping with catalog updates during seasonal campaigns such as Black Friday. Marketing and social teams can generate assets in multiple styles and resize them automatically for different platforms, which helps maintain consistency across channels without manual reformatting. The trend remixing feature also allows brands to reference the structure of a popular design while keeping the content original to their own products.
Design Automation Powered by Seedream 5.0
For marketing posters and layout heavy assets, the AI Design Studio incorporates the Seedream 5.0 model, which is ranked first on Artificial Analysis’ Text-to-Image Leaderboard. The model is used to arrange visual elements, generate multiple layout variations, and handle typesetting automatically based on uploaded product images.
This approach is intended to reduce the manual work involved in formatting marketing materials. Uploading one or more product photos allows the system to generate several layout options, positioning text, imagery, and other elements without requiring manual placement. Once a layout is generated, users can continue refining it with stickers, filters, or additional effects within the same workspace.
The process is designed to move from prompt to a finished, ready to use asset without requiring separate design software. For teams producing large volumes of seasonal or promotional content, this can reduce the number of tools involved in a single campaign.
Why AI Design Tools Matter for Small Teams
AI design tools are becoming useful because many teams need more visual content than traditional workflows can comfortably support. The Software Experts review notes that marketers, creators, and small businesses often need product images, social graphics, banners, email headers, event posters, and campaign visuals on tight timelines.
For small teams, the main advantage is not simply automation. It is the ability to get to a workable draft faster. Starting from a blank canvas can slow down campaign production, especially when a team is managing several platforms or product lines. AI-assisted design tools can generate starting points, resize assets, suggest layouts, and help keep visuals consistent across channels.
Access and Getting Started
The AI Design Studio is accessible through CapCut desktop by selecting Design Agent from the main dashboard. Users enter a text prompt describing the desired output, optionally upload reference images, and review the generated results.
A typical workflow might involve uploading a reference photo and entering a detailed prompt describing a desired style, color palette, or setting. The AI then generates initial design options based on that input. The built in editor allows for further adjustments, including color changes, auto cutout, element removal, and text overlays, before the final image is downloaded in high resolution.
Software Experts noted that the AI Design Studio is suited to a range of users, from e-commerce sellers managing large catalogs to individual creators producing social media content, as well as marketing teams handling multiple campaigns at once. The tool is offered as part of CapCut’s existing platform, with pricing details available directly through CapCut.
Readers can find the full review at Software Experts.
About CapCut
CapCut is an AI-powered photo and video editing platform designed to make high-quality video creation accessible across devices. The platform supports creators, businesses, and everyday users with tools for video editing, AI video generation, captions, templates, audio, and visual editing. CapCut is available across mobile, web, desktop, and iPad experiences, helping users create, edit, and prepare video content for social media, marketing, education, and personal projects.
About Software Experts: Software Experts delivers in-depth news on the digital tools shaping today’s consumer experience. As an affiliate, Software Experts may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/best-ai-design-tools-2026-capcut-named-a-top-choice-for-creating-images-and-marketing-assets-by-software-experts-302828625.html
SOURCE SoftwareExperts.org
Football Tournament Season Sparks Global Social Connection Surge as 3Fun Reports Growth Across Key Markets
Best AI Design Tools (2026): CapCut Named a Top Choice for Creating Images and Marketing Assets by Software Experts
Best AI Design Tools (2026): CapCut Named a Top Choice for Creating Images and Marketing Assets by Software Experts
Send Rakhi to UK swiftly with UK Gifts Portal
Whiteboard Series with NEAR | Ep: 45 Joel Thorstensson from ceramic.network
New Gooseneck Omni Antennas Offer Enhanced Signals in a Durable Package
Why You Should Build on #NEAR – Co-founder Illia Polosukhin at CV Labs
Whiteboard Series with NEAR | Ep: 45 Joel Thorstensson from ceramic.network
NEAR End of Year Town Hall 2021: The Open Web World, MetaBUILD 2 Hackathon and 2021 recap
Trending
-
Coin Market3 days agoRevolut receives in-principle approval from UAE authorities for crypto services
-
Technology2 days agoGPU.ai Named Official Title Sponsor of AGI Summit SF 2026
-
Near Videos4 days agoConfidential Intents is now generally available
-
Technology3 days agoInventHelp Inventor Develops Improved Food Delivery Bag (LBT-9719)
-
Coin Market3 days agoOstium pauses trading as security firms report multimillion-dollar oracle exploit
-
Coin Market3 days agoCrypto firms face AML risks during post-MiCA migration, says AMLA chair
-
Near Videos3 days agoThe best AI agents need your most sensitive data
-
Technology3 days agoJumpCloud Launches Workflows To Empower IT Teams With Secure And Simple Automation
