When Instagram announced its new algorithm that would prioritise popular content in feeds, over 340,000 people signed a petition against it. Now, influencers are forming private ‘pods’ to support each other’s posts in defence against the change. But why is there such concern over online snaps?

While algorithms are designed to show users exactly what they want, too much personalisation can be stifling. By cracking the ‘echo chamber’ and combating boredom with positive surprises, how are brands injecting a much-needed dose of the unexpected into people’s everyday experiences?

How are brick-and-mortar stores being reimagined? How will voice searches impact what people choose to buy? And what is brand bypass? In this part of the 2018 Expert Outlook series, we speak to three shopping experts about what’s changing in the way people shop.

Social media platforms are imitating Snapchat's Stories feature in hopes of mirroring its success. YouTube's version, ‘Reels,' is available to those in YouTube Community – accounts with over 10,000 subscribers – aiming to bring audiences closer to their favourite influencers.