Mystic Mike’s predictions: What does 2026 hold for paid media?
By Mike Sharp, Operations Director at Launch That time of year is here. The time when I confidently predict the…
By Ian Lewis, Head of Data and Analytics at Launch
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending Think Measurement 2025 at Google HQ in London – an event focused squarely on how data, AI, and modern measurement are unlocking growth for brands.
As Head of Data & Analytics at Launch, I’m always keen to see where things are heading, and this year’s event delivered a clear message: marketers who measure what matters will win.
Read my top takeaways from the day below.
Table of Contents
1. Privacy-First Measurement Is Now the Standard
Google is doubling down on privacy-first strategies – and rightly so. First-party data is the future, and their new First-Party Mode for Google Tag is a big step forward. It enhances data accuracy, improves conversion modelling, and strengthens security.
Early adopters are already seeing strong performance lifts:
- +8.5% uplift in conversions on Search
- +15% uplift on YouTube
With tools like Confidential Matching and Enhanced Conversions for Web, it’s clear that Google is investing heavily to future-proof measurement in a privacy-safe way.
2. AI Is Driving a New Era of Measurement
AI is no longer just about automation – it’s becoming the engine behind outcome-based measurement, connecting data points across the entire funnel.
Some eye-catching stats shared:
- Brands using AI effectively are seeing 60% higher revenue growth
- They’re reacting to market shifts twice as fast
The focus is shifting from vanity metrics to proving real ROI and long-term impact. AI is helping marketers show the true value of their work.
If you want to get started with First Party Data, our free guide might help.
3. Effectiveness > Efficiency
A strong theme throughout the day: brands are still over-prioritising short-term efficiency (ROAS, CPA, etc.) at the expense of long-term effectiveness (revenue, profit, lifetime value).
One stat really hit home:
“It takes $1.85 in reinvestment to recover every $1 cut.”
The message? Consistent investment in marketing and measurement isn’t optional – it’s essential.
4. YouTube Is Still Massively Underused
Despite being one of the highest-ROI platforms, YouTube remains underutilised:
- 66% of digital video media plans are under-invested
- YouTube delivers 2.1x higher long-term ROAS
Google shared impactful case studies from France, Spain, and the UK, all showing how full-funnel YouTube strategies can supercharge demand gen.
Big opportunity here for those ready to lean in.
5. Meridian and the Future of MMM
Google’s new Meridian platform is modernising Marketing Mix Modelling (MMM) with a Bayesian, experimentation-first approach.
Highlights include:
- Uses ROAS priors to calibrate models
- Alpha tested in 2023, release took place Jan 2025
- Supports both geo- and user-level incrementality testing
This has the potential to democratise MMM and make advanced modelling more accessible to more brands.
6. Mapping Connected Consumer Journeys
Google’s research shows that the average UK consumer now interacts with 130 mobile touchpoints, including:
- Streaming
- Scrolling
- Searching
- Shopping
Only Google and YouTube span all four behaviours – putting them in a unique position to support full-funnel, connected experiences.
7. Introducing Google’s ROI Hub
Google also announced the upcoming Data Manager – a centralised hub designed to unify data from:
- Google Ads
- GA4
- Search Ads 360
With plug-and-play APIs and connectors, it’s a major step toward streamlined reporting and decision-making. Definitely one to watch.
Final Thoughts
The message from Google was loud and clear:
Invest in measurement. Use AI wisely. Focus on effectiveness over efficiency.
From unlocking YouTube’s full potential to building modern, privacy-safe measurement stacks – this isn’t just about performance tracking. It’s about driving smarter, sustainable growth.
How Launch Can Help
Our Measurement & Analytics team at Launch is already helping brands adapt to this next era. Here’s how we can support your growth:
- First-Party Data Strategy
- Audits and roadmaps to future-proof your measurement
- GA4 configuration and First-Party Mode implementation
- Conversion & Attribution Modelling
- Enhanced Conversions setup
- Multi-touch attribution strategies
- ROI & LTV modelling across channels
- Full-Funnel Measurement
- YouTube strategy and performance tracking
- Marketing Mix Modelling (MMM) and incrementality testing
- Cross-channel journey mapping and visualisation
- Reporting & Visualisation
- Plug-and-play Looker Studio and BigQuery integrations
- Stakeholder-ready dashboards with automated storytelling
If you want to unpack what this means for your brand, drop us a line. We’d love to chat.
Let’s keep measuring what matters.
About the author
Ian Lewis, Head of Data and Analytics
Ian believes that the data you report is only as good as the data you feed it and loves trying to decipher what’s important and how we build on it. At Launch, he is responsible for the end-to-end data practice which feeds Google Ads and has a real passion for fostering the data and analytics team to be proactive and on the front foot in an ever changing measurement landscape. He’s worked with big name clients from Icelandair to Ordnance Survey, Jigsaw and Weird Fish.
