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Global Product Placement Spending Grew 12.3% in 2023 to $29.6B, Slowing from 14.3% in 2022 Due to Impact of Strikes; Spending to Post Strong, But Slower, Growth in 2024

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Global product placement spending grew 12.3% in 2023 to $29.63 billion, decelerating from the 14.3% gain posted in 2023, caused primarily by the impact of the US writer and actor strikes, which shuttered production studios for months and delayed releases of new TV, film, videogame and music video content, according to new research released today by PQ Media.

STAMFORD, Conn., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Global product placement spending grew 12.3% in 2023 to $29.63 billion, decelerating from the 14.3% gain posted in 2023, caused primarily by the impact of the US writer and actor strikes, which shuttered production studios for months and delayed releases of new TV, film, videogame and music video content, according to new research released today by PQ Media. Product placement spending worldwide is on pace to grow at a slightly slower 12.1% to $32.98 billion this year, which would mark the fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth, following the worst decline ever in pandemic-struck 2020, according to the 10th edition of PQ Media’s Global Product Placement Forecast 2024-2028.

“Product placement has grown substantially during the past two decades because brand marketers have become more willing to invest in the creative integration of their products in storylines that will garner them strong brand awareness, while creating positive brand associations.”

While the US market was impacted the most by the Hollywood strikes, global markets were affected as well, due to the increase in international partnerships in recent years. Nevertheless, the four-year growth streak has placed product placement on a path to end 2024 nearly double the size it was back in 2018, as brand integration opportunities have greatly expanded across multiple media platforms and channels.

While the overall TV platform still commanded the lion’s share of product placement spending globally at 70.1% in 2023 and movies remain the second-largest platform (11.9%), various digital media and recorded music channels have driven the multi-year streak of double-digit growth – both in the overall global market and the US, which remains the world’s largest market – including social media & blogs, influencer sites, virtual (artificial intelligence) placements, music videos and podcasts, among others.

In the US, which accounted for 56.2% of the global market for product placement in all media, total spending rose 11.9% in 2023 to $16.54 billion, decelerating notably from the 15.1% growth posted in 2022. Five of the six media platforms grew at double-digit rates, with print media being the exception, while digital media grew the fastest at 15.1%, fueled, in part, by the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) placement opportunities from media companies like Amazon Prime and NBCUniversal’s Peacock, according to the new PQ Media report.

AI placements differ slightly from virtual brand integrations, like those placed via companies like Mirriad, as AI software allows viewers to click on integrated products and be sent to an e-commerce site to purchase the product. However, most brands are still hesitant to use the new AI tech because many of the product placements are cameos (appearing in the background), rather than brand integrations in which the actors hold the products towards the camera and/or discuss them favorably in the dialogue. There are also copyright issues if the original producers of the content are not contacted in advance for permission to use an AI placement.

The biggest issue to impact the product placement market in 2023 and 2024 were the concurrent writer and actor strikes, which led to production studios shutting down for months in the US, causing delays in domestic and international content releases that featured US-based actors and/or writers. In broadcast TV, for example, the annual new episode premiums of programs with product placements for the 2023-24 season were limited to reality shows during the important September-to-November time period, such as “The Golden Bachelor.”

New episodes of scripted programs with product integrations were pushed back to “mid-season” replacements in February 2024, such as “CSI: Las Vegas.” In the film business, studio shutdowns forced movies with product placements scheduled for release in 2023, such as “Challengers,” to be pushed back to 2024, impacting the distribution of movies with product integrations already scheduled for 2024 release, such as the sequel to “Dirty Dancing.” Production shutdowns also impacted the music video channel and actor commitments led to delays in the release of select videogame titles.

“Product placement has grown substantially during the past two decades because brand marketers have become more willing to invest in the creative integration of their products in storylines that will garner them strong brand awareness among target consumers, while creating positive brand associations and generating sales lift. While these key growth drivers will continue to favor product placement, some concerns have emerged, as expressed by PQ Media’s Global Opinion Leader Panel, that the number of placement opportunities will decline going forward, as evidenced by the 14% drop in the number of scripted programs produced for the 2023-24 season – only the second decline since ad-supported cable networks began producing original programming in 2007,” said PQ Media President & CEO Patrick Quinn. “While the strikes contributed to decrease, this downtrend was anticipated before the strikes because streaming services and cable nets had already begun to cancel low-performing programs, as profit margins dwindled due to cord-cutting and streaming video subscriptions appeared to be peaking.”

Product placement in TV remains, by far, the largest media platform category worldwide, valued at $20.62 billion in 2023. The hottest streaming TV series are driving the double-digit growth in product placement in the overall TV category, such as the 106 products placed in “The Brothers Sun” on Netflix. Meanwhile, movie integrations, the second largest platform category, generated $3.50 billion globally last year. While the number of new films produced in North America has increased from 333 in 2020 to 504 in 2023, this still pales in comparison to film production prior to the 2020 pandemic, as 792 films were released in 2019. Nevertheless, 25% of the 504 films released in 2023 featured 10 or more product placements, led by “Gran Turismo” and “Dumb Money.”

Digital media was the fastest-growing placement category in 2023, rising 15.1%, followed by films (up 13.1%), and music (up 13.0%). Brands have ratcheted up podcast integrations, such as “Electric Easy” often opening with placements like characters trying Bud Light. The print media and videogame categories posted decelerated single-digit growth in 2023.

While the US accounted for well over half of product placement spend in 2023, the rest of the world is gaining ground, with Brazil and Mexico both exceeding $2 billion in spending, Australia investing over $1 billion, and Germany and the United Kingdom approaching $1 billion.

About the Report:

PQ Media’s Global Product Placement Forecast 2024-2028, the 10th edition of the industry’s recognized performance benchmark. The Forecast is the only source to consistently define, size, analyze and project the growth of product placement spending in media. The new edition has expanded to cover 6 major media platforms and 19 media channels across all top 20 global markets. Below is a breakdown of the report’s expanded coverage of media platforms and channels:

Television/Video – Broadcast TV, Cable TV, Streaming TV;Filmed Entertainment – Theatrical Films, Streaming Films;Digital Media – Pure-Play Digital Sites, Social Media & Blogs, Influencer Sites, Virtual Placements;Videogames – Console/PC Games, Mobile Games, Internet Games;Print Media – Magazines, Newspapers, Books;Recorded Music – Music Videos, Broadcast & Streaming Radio, Podcasts, Lyrics

The Core PDF Report & Analysis delivers 264 slides of exclusive market data and insights, which is enhanced by the Deep-Dive Excel Databook that provides 5,625 datasets and over 250,000 datapoints by country, media platform and channel, covering the 2018-2028 period with five-year forecasts, exclusive rankings of the largest and fastest growing media platforms and global markets, and in-depth profiles of each major country. To Download a Free Executive Summary and Sample Datasets click: https://www.pqmedia.com/product/global-product-placement-forecast-2024-2028/.

About PQ Media:

PQ Media delivers strategic intelligence, data and analysis to the world’s leading media, entertainment and technology organizations through syndicated market intelligence reports, custom drill-down research services, and on-demand strategic consulting. PQ Media uses a proprietary econometric methodology to define, segment, size, analyze and project the growth of several hundred traditional, digital and alternative media by country, platform, channel and demographic. PQ Media also publishes the annual Global Media Forecast Series 2024 (10th edition), with each report covering one of the three aforementioned industry KPIs – Advertising & Marketing Spending; Consumer Media Usage & Exposure; and Consumer Spending on Media Content & Technology.

Media Contact

Patrick Quinn, PQ Media, 1 2039215249, pquinn@pqmedia.com, https://www.pqmedia.com

Leo Kivijarv, PQ Media, 1 2032737081, lkivijarv@pqmedia.com, https://www.pqmedia.com

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SOURCE PQ Media

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STARTRADER Launches SKHY as SK Hynix Makes Its US Market Debut, Giving Clients Timely Access to a Key AI Memory Name

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SKHY gives clients direct exposure to a key supplier of high-bandwidth memory at the heart of the AI acceleration market.

DUBAI, UAE, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — STARTRADER today announced the launch of SK Hynix Inc. (SKHY) as a US Stock CFD on its trading platform, available from July 22, 2026. Moving swiftly following SK Hynix’s recent US listing, which raised approximately $26.5 billion, STARTRADER is ensuring clients can engage with this name at the earliest opportunity.

This is precisely the type of occasion STARTRADER builds its product strategy around. As significant names enter the US market and begin drawing institutional attention, STARTRADER moves decisively to ensure clients have access when it carries the most relevance. For a company of SK Hynix’s standing in the AI memory supply chain, its US debut represents exactly that kind of opportunity.

The decision reflects a product philosophy centred on anticipation. As the boundary between global and US-listed equities continues to narrow, STARTRADER intends to remain consistently at that intersection, connecting clients to names the global investment community is beginning to follow closely and providing the access needed to engage with both confidence and context.

“Clients who follow the AI infrastructure story understand that the opportunity runs through the entire supply chain, including the memory and bandwidth that make large-scale AI possible. SK Hynix’s arrival on the US market made this the right moment to act, and acting early on behalf of our clients is exactly what we intend to keep doing.”

Peter Karsten, Chief Executive Officer, STARTRADER

SKHY marks the latest addition in a product offering designed to keep clients directly connected to the names and sectors defining the next phase of global market development, with the breadth and precision to engage with structural investment themes as they take shape.

Trading CFDs involves a significant risk of loss and may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks before trading.

About STARTRADER
STARTRADER is a global multi-asset broker empowering retail and institutional partners to access global markets through a range of platforms, including MetaTrader, STAR-APP, and STAR-COPY. Regulated infive jurisdictions (CMA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA, and FSC), STARTRADER combines strong governance with a client-first approach, serving both retail clients and partners with a commitment to transparency, reliability, and long-term growth.

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FORD AND GEELY AUTO JOIN FORCES IN EUROPE TO PRODUCE NEXT-GENERATION MULTI-ENERGY VEHICLES IN SPAIN

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The global automakers plan to form a manufacturing joint venture at Ford’s Valencia, Spain, plant, combining scale and factory utilization, to build Ford and Geely vehiclesThe partnership, built on a foundation of trust and shared business principles, secures the future of the Valencia plant, provides long-term stability and creates the potential for future high-tech manufacturing job growthThe joint venture addresses the new realities of the European market — intense global competition, relentless cost pressure and tightening regulation — resetting Valencia to build at the industry’s emerging cost benchmarkThe Valencia plant will produce a new generation of low- and zero-emission vehicles for European markets, offering customers an outstanding technology experienceThe joint venture is expected to produce an all-new multi-energy crossover for Ford, in addition to a new member of the Bronco family, plus two electric Geely SUVs, with production starting in 2028. Kuga production continues uninterruptedThe collaboration accelerates Geely Auto’s European expansion, and supports Ford’s product offensive to bring five new passenger vehicles to European showrooms by 2029

VALENCIA, Spain, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ford Motor Company and Geely Automobile Holdings (hereafter “Geely Auto”) today announced an agreement to form a Europe-focused joint venture (JV) at Ford’s Valencia, Spain, manufacturing hub.

The new JV will manufacture Ford and Geely multi-energy passenger vehicles for the European market, driving greater choice and value for European drivers.

Europe is home to one of the fiercest competitive battles in the global automotive industry today. Tightening regulation, high operating costs and a new generation of global competitors have reset the industry’s benchmark for manufacturing cost, vehicle technology and software experience.

By pooling production volume, Ford and Geely will maximize the capacity of the Valencia plant, lower the cost of every vehicle built there, and compete at this emerging cost standard while delivering world-class multi-energy vehicles and strengthening the local Valencia economy in the process.

Pending regulatory approvals, the joint venture will begin operations in the first half of 2027, with the first new vehicles scheduled to roll off the line in 2028. The Valencia plant will continue to produce the Ford Kuga in the meantime.

“This JV with Ford in Europe reflects our commitment to open, collaborative product development as part of our growth strategy, deepening our local presence and commitment to customers in Europe”, said Alex Nan, Vice President of Geely Auto Group. “We are dedicated to delivering vehicles that European customers will choose on merit: on industry leading features, on high-quality and on actively contributing to Europe’s green future. Put simply: we are building cars in Europe, for Europe, alongside a trusted partner.”

Ford’s partnership with Geely is built on a foundation of trust and respect stretching back to 2010 when Ford sold Volvo Cars to Geely and watched it protect and revitalize the brand. Both companies share a commitment to quality, cost-efficient sourcing and continuous improvement, as well as a belief that customers should be able to choose their own path through the energy transition.

Transforming Valencia into a Powerhouse for Low-CO2 Mobility

The JV will transform Ford’s Valencia facility – already one of Europe’s most productive and advanced plants, with a potential annual capacity of about 500,000 vehicles – into a shared, high-tech manufacturing hub built to compete at the industry’s new global cost standard. The plant has been at the leading edge of the European market since it opened in 1976, when it built the original Ford Fiesta, Ford’s first global front-wheel-drive car, and a major success. Ford was the first non-Spanish automaker to build in Valencia, the start of a partnership with Spain and its people that remains as strong today.

Under the proposed ownership structure, Ford will own 66% of the new entity and Geely Auto 34%.

An Exciting Vehicle Lineup

“For nearly 50 years, Valencia has built some of the most-loved cars in our history, and now this team will help build our future”, said Jim Baumbick, President, Ford of Europe. ” That’s why we’re building a flexible, cost-effective industrial system with a capable partner in Geely Auto. Together we can fully utilize a best-in-class plant with a great workforce and match the industry’s new cost benchmark. This is all part of Ford’s vision to give European drivers rally-bred handling, true off-road capability and multi-energy technology, with a distinct Blue Oval DNA.”

The JV will combine the engineering, manufacturing and development know-how of two of the world’s leading automakers to build both Ford and Geely low- and zero-emission passenger vehicles. The cars will be tailored for European drivers and will offer them choice in powertrain technology, as well as outstanding digital experiences.

Ford Models:

The Popular Ford Kuga: Production of the Ford Kuga — one of Europe’s favorite plug-in hybrids — will continue uninterrupted in Valencia.A Rugged New Bronco: Valencia will also produce a new member of the global Bronco family – a tough, compact, adventure-ready SUV built for European roads, with production starting in 2028.An All-New Crossover: A multi-energy family crossover, designed by Ford and jointly developed with Geely will arrive in 2028. Engineered with Ford’s signature capabilities and driving dynamics, it is part of an aggressive product offensive that will bring five new multi-energy vehicles to Europe by 2029.

Geely Models:

Sleek Electric SUVs: Geely Auto plans to produce two electric SUVs at the Valencia facility in full support of their European focus and growth strategy. The first Geely-branded models to be manufactured under this joint venture are scheduled to roll off the production line in 2028.

The venture supports Geely Auto’s international expansion, following overseas sales of 474,228 vehicles in the first half of the year, while advancing Ford’s strategy of using partnerships to compete with speed, efficiency and scale in Europe.

“This partnership shows how automakers are strengthening Europe’s industrial base, but we can’t do it alone,” said Jim Baumbick. “What we’ve achieved in Valencia, with the ongoing support of Spain’s national and regional governments, is a masterclass in public-private partnership that sets the benchmark for the rest of Europe.”

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities, and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services, including BlueCruise (ADAS) and security. The company offers freedom of choice through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles (“EVs”) along with embedded software that defines always-on digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, the company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 168,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Geely Auto Group

Geely Auto Group is a leading global automotive company headquartered in Hangzhou, China. Part of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Geely Auto Group develops and manufactures passenger vehicles under the Geely, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr brands.

Geely Auto achieved cumulative sales of 3,024,567 units in 2025, exceeding the full-year sales target with a year-on-year growth of 39%. New energy vehicle (NEV) sales reached 1,687,767 units, a year-on-year increase of 90%.

With a strong focus on technology innovation, electrification, and sustainable mobility, Geely Auto Group operates world-class R&D centers and manufacturing facilities across China, Europe, and key international markets. The Group is committed to delivering safe, high-quality, and intelligent vehicles enabled by advanced technologies such as hybrid powertrains, full-electric architectures, smart connectivity, and autonomous driving systems.

As a global company, Geely Auto Group continues to expand its international presence through strategic partnerships, localized operations, and industry-leading platforms. Geely strives to create mobility solutions that are greener, smarter, and more accessible, driving forward the future of sustainable transportation.

Ford news releases, related materials, photos and video, visit From the Road, www.fordmedia.eu or www.media.ford.com.
Follow www.linkedin.com/company/ford-in-europe, www.youtube.com/FordNewsEurope, www.instagram.com/FordNewsEurope,
www.threads.net/@fordnewseurope and www.tiktok.com/@FordNewsEurope

 

 

 

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SOURCE Ford

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K25.ai Secures Series A Investment with Strategic Support from Amber Group, Valuation Doubles to US$200 Million

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Series A follows K25.ai’s oversubscribed Pre-A round and accelerates its vision to make prediction markets native to live digital content

SINGAPORE, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — K25.ai, the AI-native prediction market transforming livestreams into real-time interactive markets, today announced the closing of its Series A investment round, with strategic support from Amber Group, at a post-money valuation of US$200 million, doubling the company’s valuation in under 60 days.

The Series A marks another major milestone for K25.ai as it builds a new category at the convergence of artificial intelligence, live digital content, creator economies and prediction markets.

K25.ai enables audiences to predict what happens next across live sports, esports, entertainment and creator content. Its proprietary AI infrastructure supports real-time market generation, content monitoring and outcome resolution, powering a seamless watch-to-predict experience.

The investment and strategic collaboration will accelerate K25.ai’s product development, global expansion, institutional liquidity infrastructure and creator ecosystem.

“We’re building the category where AI meets live content and real-money prediction. Amber Group’s backing — and the doubling of our valuation — confirms the market is ready. We’re moving fast,” said Andy Cheung, Founder and CEO of K25.ai.

Amber Group will support K25.ai across market infrastructure, liquidity strategy, ecosystem development and related digital asset expertise.

“K25.ai is creating a differentiated platform at the intersection of AI, real-time content and prediction markets,” said Haoyu, Portfolio Director of amber.ac. “We are excited to support its experienced team as it scales a new generation of interactive financial and entertainment experiences.”

The Series A follows K25.ai’s recently closed Pre-A round led by Nasdaq-listed NewGenIVF Group Limited (Nasdaq: NIVF). The Series A support from Amber Group doubles K25.ai’s valuation from its Pre-A round and adds a second institutional backer alongside NewGenIVF Group, extending K25.ai’s strategic support across both public markets and digital assets.

About K25.ai

K25.ai is an AI-native livestreaming prediction market transforming passive audiences into active participants. By combining live content, creator-led markets and AI-powered resolution, K25.ai is building the infrastructure for the next generation of interactive information markets.

About Amber Group

Amber Group is a global leader in digital assets, headquartered in Singapore. Amber Group is the parent company of Amber International Holding Limited (Nasdaq: AMBR), which operates as a separate publicly traded company. Since 2017, Amber Group has developed full-stack solutions that bridge traditional finance and digital assets, offering end-to-end services including wealth management, asset management, market making, advisory, investment, and infrastructure. These products and services are offered across various entities within Amber Group. Certain products, services, technologies, and initiatives described in this press release are developed or carried out by subsidiaries or affiliates of Amber Group other than Amber International Holding Limited, and are not necessarily conducted by or attributable to the listed entity.

Backed by top investors and equipped with deep expertise in both digital and traditional markets, Amber Group leverages AI, blockchain, and quantitative research to deliver personalized, cutting-edge solutions. The company focuses on servicing a diverse global clientele—comprising HNW individuals, institutions, funds, exchanges, and projects—to optimize returns safely across all market conditions.

Learn more at www.ambergroup.io.

Media and Investor Contacts

K25.ai Media Contact
media@k25.ai 

K25.ai Investor Relations Contact
ir@k25.ai 

K25.ai Partnership Contact
partnership@k25.ai 

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