Publishers prepare 'liquid content' strategies

January 28, 2026 Publishers' adoption of generative AI is reducing the friction between content and format, making it easier for the same story to appear as shorter summaries, audio, or video, often in real time. Here’s an explainer on liquid content. TOP STORY Generative AI WTF is liquid content? AI is melting the article format, allowing publishers to reshape stories into liquid content and personalized in real time. Advertisement OTHER THINGS TO KNOW By offering continuing support and knowledge, like direct communication with journalists, publishers create an environment where readers and subscribers can find lifetime value, helping with sustained revenue. Partner insights from Zeta Global. The era of traditional search is changing. AI is reshaping how consumers discover brands online. As a result, businesses are rethinking every element of their digital strategy, including domain names. Partner insights from name.com. Every manual task, campaign setup, pacing, tagging and trafficking leaks margin. Agencies that lean into AI media agents as the first line of financial defense will find that their revenue isn't squandered to inefficiency. Partner insights from fullthrottle.ai. MARKETING Generative AI Facing 'AI slop' and a trust problem, AI platforms invest in Super Bowl-level brand ads To fight distrust and 'AI slop,' AI platforms are investing heavily in brand advertising. Retail Revolution Retailers, brands face a test: Oppose ICE or stay quiet while thousands protest Up until a few days ago, Target and other major employers in Minnesota had refrained from speaking out on ICE's presence in the state. PARTNER INSIGHTS FROM EXPERIAN How marketers are interpreting context in real time Context takes many forms, often operating beneath the surface of consumer activity. Marketers are increasingly using technology to interpret these micro-signals, enhancing predictive accuracy and creative alignment. PARTNER INSIGHTS FROM NAME.COM How custom domains help brands stand out in AI-generated search Domain relevance is critical to help brands improve their standings in AI-powered search results. Keyword-driven top-level domains like .studio signal industry relevance and ensure brands stand out in AI-generated search. Advertisement MARKETING Member exclusive Digiday+ Research: How publishers from Dow Jones and Business Insider to People Inc. are approaching AI in 2026 Publishers continuously assess how to use AI without compromising editorial standards. Here’s how they’re doing it. PARTNER INSIGHTS FROM CHANNEL FACTORY Three priorities that define the next stage of brand suitability The discussion around brand safety and suitability has matured. The industry is now entering a new phase, where brands expect more control, more extensibility into walled gardens and closer accountability to outcomes. Strategizing for the Future Forbes tests prediction platform as engagement strategies move past search  Instead of letting users bet real money on news, Forbes is gamifying predictions to boost onsite engagement, and foster reader loyalty as it shifts away from relying on traffic. DIGIDAY+ Member exclusive Future of TV Briefing: The creator's economy's 'very loud, dirty little secret' of brands' late, delayed payments This week's Future of TV Briefing looks at how lengthening payment windows and late payments from brands continue to roil the creator economy. Written by Jim Cooper and Sara Jerde Were you forwarded this email? Sign up to get it daily. Advertise | Digiday+ | Events | Awards Update your email | Unsubscribe | Privacy policy