Scale & Strategy
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This is Scale & Strategy, the newsletter that makes learning about business easier than forgetting the New Year’s resolutions you set a couple of days ago.
Here’s what we got for you today:
- New Ad Format Sparks Conversations with Niche Audiences
- How Netflix Dominated the Streaming Wars with AI
- Three AI Business Ideas for 2025
New Ad Format Sparks Conversations with Niche Audiences
Will the subreddit “Ask Me Anything” ever feature ads?
The answer is yes. AMA, Reddit’s popular space for candid Q&A sessions with experts and celebrities, is now ad-friendly.
Brands can promote their AMA events via the Reddit Ads Manager, leverage engagement features, and even track RSVPs. Sephora recently tested this format, generating over 1,000 RSVPs while sparking authentic conversations with users.
It’s not surprising—Reddit’s own research shows conversations play a big role in influencing purchases. In fact, 23% of recommendation posts on Reddit lead users to discover and choose brands or products they hadn’t considered before.
People chat. They explore. Then they buy.
For brands looking to engage with niche audiences in a meaningful way, this could be a game-changer.
TikTok: New Shopping Trends and the Fight for Survival
Reddit isn’t the only platform reshaping shopping habits. TikTok continues to cement itself as a key player in e-commerce.
A new report from Ipsos highlights some impressive stats:
- Two in three shoppers say TikTok helps them feel connected to a brand or its story.
- 81% value seeing real-life product usage on the platform.
- 82% believe TikTok stays ahead of the curve with trending brands and products.
The appetite for shopping directly through TikTok is growing, making it a one-stop shop for discovery and purchase.
However, TikTok faces a looming challenge: staying alive in the U.S. market.
The platform is pulling out all the stops to avoid a ban, even appealing directly to the President-elect by showcasing how well his content performs on TikTok. Given Trump’s prior support for TikTok, this strategic move could help secure its future in U.S. app stores.
For now, TikTok feels like it’s saying, “Help us, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re our only hope.”
How Netflix Dominated the Streaming Wars with AI
The streaming wars are over, and Netflix has emerged as the undisputed champion. No underdog tale here—just a clear and decisive victory. While competitors falter, Netflix continues to surge ahead, leaving others in the dust.
So, how did they pull it off?
Ever spent more time scrolling than watching, only to stumble upon a show you suddenly can’t resist? That’s not random—it’s Netflix’s AI working behind the scenes, an intricate mix of data science and machine learning that knows your preferences better than your closest friends.
The Power of AI-Generated Thumbnails
Those thumbnails that grab your attention? They’re not just random images—they’re personalised clickbait, carefully designed by Netflix’s AI to pull you in. Whether it’s spotlighting your favorite actor or hinting at a genre you can’t say no to, these visuals are crafted with precision.
Netflix’s machine learning algorithm doesn’t just pick a pretty image. It analyzes your viewing habits to create thumbnails tailored to your tastes. If you’re a fan of dark comedies, your thumbnail for BoJack Horseman might highlight its most sardonic moments. Love action? Expect explosions or gripping stares.
This isn’t just creative design—it’s data-driven psychology. By making sure the thumbnail resonates with your unique interests, Netflix ensures you’re always just one click away from your next binge-worthy obsession.
Personalisation at Scale
How does Netflix make it so personal? The secret lies in their ability to mine your data. Every show you watch, every pause, every skip—Netflix collects it all.
Their algorithm then predicts what you’ll want next. Been diving into fantasy worlds? Don’t be surprised when Shadow and Bone nudges you toward The Witcher or Cursed. Netflix’s AI is a master at connecting dots you didn’t even know existed.
This seamless experience isn’t just for show. It’s the result of a sophisticated system that combines data science with creative storytelling, ensuring you stay engaged with minimal effort.
Disney Waves the White Flag
The clearest sign of Netflix’s dominance? Even Disney, one of its fiercest competitors, has started licensing content back to Netflix.
That’s right—you no longer need Disney+ to stream Disney classics. Running a streaming service is expensive, and Disney’s decision to share its crown jewels with Netflix signals a major concession.
The message is clear: Netflix’s AI-driven strategy has made it the king of streaming, while others struggle to keep pace.
AI fuels our endless binge
Netflix's AI doesn't just stop at knowing what you want to watch; it makes sure the invitation to watch is as irresistible as possible.
So next time you find yourself drawn to a show by its captivating thumbnail, remember: it's not serendipity.
It's the result of Netflix's AI, meticulously crafting each aspect of your browsing experience to ensure you find exactly what you didn't know you were looking for.
Netflix's AI is the unseen guide, leading you through the vastness of its content, one personalised thumbnail at a time.
The golden age of streaming is over. How long can the smaller fish survive?
Three AI Business Ideas for 2025
As we dive into 2025, the potential for AI to simplify everyday life is more exciting than ever. While AI has already revolutionized industries, there’s still untapped potential for practical tools that address the challenges we face daily.
From managing massive video libraries to streamlining inbox chaos, here are three AI-powered ideas that could save time and solve real-world problems.
1. AI-Powered Tool for Finding Video Footage
The Problem:
Video creators—whether professionals, vloggers, or hobbyists—often drown in hours of footage. Hunting for the perfect clip is a time-consuming ordeal, whether it’s for a project, a personal montage, or a YouTube upload.
The Solution:
Imagine an AI tool that:
- Automatically scans and tags video files by people, locations, and objects.
- Recognizes landmarks, natural environments (like parks or beaches), and even interior spaces.
- Analyzes audio to locate specific words, phrases, or sounds.
- Generates timestamps, enabling quick access to specific moments.
While platforms like Google Photos and Apple Photos provide basic tagging, this tool would go beyond, offering advanced features tailored for professionals and creators.
Why It Matters:
By making video searches faster and organization seamless, this tool would empower creators to spend less time sorting and more time crafting compelling stories.
2. AI-Driven Email System That Understands You
The Problem:
Email filters have improved over the years, but they still rely on simplistic criteria like keywords or sender information. The result? Misplaced emails, cluttered inboxes, and users constantly tweaking settings to maintain order.
The Solution:
A smarter AI email system that filters based on intent, not just keywords. This system could:
- Categorize emails intuitively by purpose (e.g., “Work,” “Family,” “Bills”).
- Learn user behavior over time to refine categorization automatically.
- Reduce the need for manual sorting and flagging.
For instance, an email from another parent about a school event could go directly to a “Kids” folder—even if the sender wasn’t flagged as important.
Why It Matters:
With smarter filters and personalized organization, this tool would help users reclaim time spent managing their inboxes, turning email from a chore into a seamless experience.
3. A Unified Daily Media Digest
The Problem:
In today’s world, we’re inundated with newsletters, podcasts, articles, and videos. Keeping up with it all feels like an endless task, and most tools only focus on one medium at a time.
The Solution:
A single AI-powered daily digest that consolidates all your media into one concise overview. Features could include:
- Summarizing key points from newsletters, articles, podcasts, and videos.
- Personalized recommendations tailored to your interests.
- Links to explore topics further if desired.
Unlike existing tools like Jellypod (which converts newsletters into podcasts), this digest would work across formats, offering a holistic view of your media in one place.
Why It Matters:
Whether you’re a busy professional or a curious learner, this tool would make it easier to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed, giving you back control over your information flow.
The Practical Power of AI
As we embrace 2025, these ideas highlight AI’s potential to tackle everyday frustrations and make life more efficient. The next wave of AI innovation won’t just transform industries—it will solve the small but important challenges that consume our time and energy.
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