Daily August 17

Niche is a decentralized online marketplace and social networking platform rolled into one. Unlike other social apps, it doesn’t carry ads and it doesn’t harvest user data. Here’s why it matters.

Additional coverage:

• Ad agency Fitzco has weathered several hiccups since returning to the office. But ultimately, as we learn in the final episode of The Return podcast, it’s been a smooth transition.
• This week’s Digiday+ Future of TV Briefing looks at how Netflix’s advertising plans are shaping up — or not — based on its recent conversations with ad buyers and show producers.
• In this Digiday+ Research deep dive, we looked at how publishers are investing time and money on YouTube — and how that’s translating to their revenues and brands.
• ANA released a guide on programmatic media buying that aims to save marketers billions of dollars a year.
• Meal kit brand HelloFresh is investing in TikTok as the new school year begins, teaming with Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka to develop a new recipe series.
• WWE Superstars Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose are growing their DTC brand DaMandyz Donutz by utilizing their own established social following.