This week’s FWD covers the latest from Amazon after the company saw advertising sales grow 22% year-over-year in the second quarter to $10.7 billion – a rate of growth that outstripped digital rivals, according to an earnings statement.

The double-digit gains were partially attributed to the implementation of new, more sophisticated machine-learning models that help brands engage previously unaddressed audiences.

Amazon believes its performance-based advertising capabilities are appealing due to signal loss stemming from the expected deprecation of cookies next year.

News:

Spotify’s AI-powered DJ feature goes global: The music streaming giant has now rolled out its DJ beta, which creates and commentates on an ever-updating personalized playlist, to 50 markets around the world.

Pinterest’s user growth slows yet engagement gains with Gen Z: While it may not be adding a heap of new users, those that are using the app are engaging for longer. Gen Z was the largest contributor to overall engagement growth and the fastest-growing cohort.

X is adding new option to sort user posts based on engagement: X is close to launching a new feature that will enable users to sort other users’ posts on their profile based on top-performing updates, likes, and replies, when viewing.

Uber crafts origami versions of its cars out of event tickets: The unique out-of-home activations, created as part of its ‘Go Anywhere’ campaign, feature images made from ticket stubs from the theater, football matches, and date nights.