AI Search Tool Adoption at 50% According to McKinsey; Warmly Launches AI Marketing Ops Agent
Key Takeaways
- McKinsey: 50% of users now use AI search tools, brands must adapt content strategies.
- Warmly launched AI Marketing Ops Agent to build high-value account lists automatically.
- Jasper integrates with Salesforce Marketing Cloud, enabling AI content generation and optimization.
- AI-powered customer research startup Strella raised $14M to compress research timelines.
- EMARKETER: AI's role in digital advertising grows; digital ad triopoly losing share.
Top Stories
McKinsey report: AI search tools used by 50% of users.
A McKinsey report from October 15, 2025, revealed that 50% of users use AI search tools, posing a risk to traditional search traffic. The report highlights the need for brands to adapt by investing in Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and rethinking content strategies.
Warmly launches AI Marketing Ops Agent for lead generation.
On October 16, 2025, Warmly launched its AI Marketing Ops Agent to automatically build and prioritize high-value account lists. This tool aims to improve lead conversion rates and cost-effectiveness.
Jasper integrates with Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
On October 15, 2025, Jasper announced its integration with Salesforce Marketing Cloud, allowing marketers to use AI for content generation and optimization. This integration aims to speed up campaign delivery.
Strella, AI-powered customer research startup, raises $14M.
On October 16, 2025, Strella, an AI-powered customer research startup, announced a $14 million Series A funding. The platform uses AI-moderated interviews to compress research timelines.
E-commerce trends: AI's growing role in digital advertising.
On October 17, 2025, EMARKETER analysts discussed digital trends, noting the growing role of AI in digital advertising and search. The digital ad triopoly is losing share despite overall growth.
AI Chatbots
ByteDance's AI chatbot Cici gains popularity.
ByteDance's AI chatbot app, Cici, is gaining popularity in international markets. The app leverages ByteDance's expertise in creating engaging consumer products.
AI Marketing Tools
KAYAK launches AI-powered conversational travel search.
On October 15, 2025, KAYAK introduced AI Mode, a conversational travel search feature using ChatGPT. This allows users to plan trips using natural language, aligning with the trend of AI in search.
Salesforce launches AI-driven Marketing Cloud editions.
On October 16, 2025, Salesforce launched Marketing Cloud Growth and Advanced editions, using autonomous agents and Data Cloud for B2B marketing. These platforms aim to optimize marketing with AI-driven campaign creation and workflow orchestration.
Semrush launches AI SEO Toolkit to audit AI search visibility.
On October 15, 2025, Semrush launched its AI SEO Toolkit, a tool designed to help marketers audit their brand's visibility in AI search results. The toolkit tracks brand mentions and analyzes performance against competitors.
Haus releases Causal MMM for marketing investment.
On October 16, 2025, Haus released Causal MMM, a marketing mix model designed to provide clarity and drive smart marketing investments. The model combines predictive power with an experimentation platform.
Email marketing strategies: AI for testing hypotheses.
On October 16, 2025, Gary Drenik discussed the evolution of email marketing, highlighting the use of AI for testing hypotheses. Axle Agency's research shows significant improvements with AI-driven strategies.
AI-assisted content workflows for hospitality.
On October 17, 2025, Averi.ai published a guide on creating AI-assisted content workflows for hospitality and travel businesses. The guide highlights AI's role in enhancing speed, scale, and personalization.
AI Success Stories
Rokt: Effective e-commerce advertising powered by AI.
On October 17, 2025, Ashley Firmstone of Rokt stated that effective e-commerce advertising should be relevant and trust-based, powered by AI. Rokt prioritizes measurable performance metrics like CPA and ROAS.
Marketers advised to use AI for efficiency.
On October 17, 2025, Andy MacLeay advised marketers to use AI to scale channels more efficiently. He emphasized simplifying workflows and connecting fragmented ecosystems.
Future AI Trends
AI to transform all media channels.
Media leaders predict that AI will transform all media channels in 2026. Increased investment is expected in audio, and search is expanding beyond Google.
OOH Innovation
DCO unlocks new creative possibilities in OOH advertising.
On October 17, 2025, Broadsign explained how Dynamic Creative Optimization (DCO) is enhancing Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising. DCO uses real-time triggers and first-party data to deliver personalized messages.
Strategic AI Campaigns
Teriyaki Madness launches AI-generated ad campaign.
On October 15, 2025, Teriyaki Madness launched an AI-generated advertising campaign, 'What's with Bob?', in partnership with Genre.ai. The campaign uses AI for all visual elements to reduce production costs, showcasing innovative marketing.
MarTech: Strategic importance of vertical AI agents in martech.
MarTech published an article on October 17, 2025, detailing the importance of vertical AI agents for driving business value. The article outlines a six-step deployment process for these specialized agents.
Instacart's strategy to redefine retail media using AI.
On October 16, 2025, Instacart was highlighted for its strategy to redefine retail media using partnerships, AI, and creativity. The U.S. ad spend is projected to reach $100 billion by 2028.
AI and creativity essential for digital brand experiences.
On October 16, 2025, Jeremie Moritz discussed how AI and creativity are essential for creating 'human' digital brand experiences. He emphasized the shift from reactive to predictive marketing through AI.