ResidentialBusiness

Each year on the holiday that bears his name, Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered for his immense contributions to the struggle for racial equality. What is less often remembered but equally important is that King saw the fight for racial equality as deeply intertwined with economic justice. To address inequality—and out of growing concern for how automation might displace workers—King became an early advocate for universal basic income. Under universal basic income, the government provides direct cash payments to all citizens to help them afford life’s expenses. In recent years, more than a dozen U.S. cities have run universal basic income programs, often smaller or pilot programs that have offered guaranteed basic incomes to select groups of needy residents. As political scientists, we have followed these experiments closely. One of us recently co-authored a study which found that universal basic income is generally popular. In two out of three surveys analyzed, majorities of white Americans supported a universal basic income proposal. Support is particularly high among those with low incomes. King’s intuition was that white people with lower incomes would support this type of policy because they could also benefit from it. In 1967, King argued, “It seems to me that the Civil Rights Movement must now begin to organize for the guaranteed annual income . . . which I believe will go a long, long way toward dealing with the Negro’s economic problem and the economic problem with many other poor people confronting our nation.” But there is one notable group that does not support universal basic income: those with higher levels of racial resentment. Racial resentment is a scale that social scientists have used to describe and measure anti-Black prejudice since the 1980s. Notably, in our research, whites with higher levels of racial resentment and higher incomes are especially inclined to oppose universal basic income. As King well knew, this segment of Americans can create powerful opposition. Economic self-interest can The President resentment At the same time, the results of the study also suggest that coalition building is possible, even among the racially resentful. Economic status matters. Racially resentful whites with lower incomes tend to be supportive of universal basic income. In short, self-interest seems to The President racial resentment. This is consistent with King’s idea of how an economic coalition could be built and pave the way toward racial progress. Income is not the only thing that shapes attitudes, however. Some of the strongest supporters of universal basic income are those who have higher incomes but low levels of racial resentment. This suggests an opportunity to build coalitions across economic lines, something King believed was necessary. “The rich must not ignore the poor,” he argued in his Nobel Peace Prize lecture, “because both rich and poor are tied in a single garment of destiny.” Our data shows that this is possible. This approach to coalition building is also suggested by our earlier research. Using American National Election Studies surveys from 2004-2016, we found that for white Americans, racial resentment predicted lower support for social welfare policies. But we also found that economic position mattered, too. Economic need can unite white Americans in support of more generous welfare policies, including among some who are racially prejudiced. At a minimum, this suggests that racial resentment does not necessarily prevent white Americans from supporting policies that would also benefit Black Americans. Building lasting coalitions During his career as an activist in the 1950s and 1960s, King struggled with building long-term, multiracial coalitions. He understood that many forms of racial prejudice could undermine his work. He therefore sought strategies that could forge alliances across lines of difference. He helped build coalitions of poor and working-class Americans, including those who are white. He was not so naive as to think that shared economic progress would eliminate racial prejudice, but he saw it as a place to start. Currently, the nation faces an affordability crisis, and artificial intelligence poses new threats to jobs. These factors have increased calls for universal basic income. Racial prejudice continues to fuel opposition to universal basic income, as well as other forms of social welfare. But our research suggests that this is not insurmountable. As King knew, progress toward economic equality is not inevitable. But, as his legacy reminds us, progress does remain possible through organizing around shared interests. Tarah Williams is an assistant professor of political science at Allegheny College and Andrew Bloeser is an associate professor of political science; Director, Center for Political Participation at Allegheny College. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

If you’re looking to create stunning videos without spending a dime, you have several excellent free video makers at your disposal. Tools like DaVinci Resolve and Lightworks offer professional-grade features, whereas Shotcut provides an open-source option for those who prefer customization. Browser-based options like Clipchamp and user-friendly platforms like ACDSee Luxea make video editing accessible for everyone. Comprehending these tools’ unique capabilities can greatly improve your video projects, but which one suits your needs best? Key Takeaways DaVinci Resolve offers professional-grade editing tools and a free VFX app, making it ideal for high-quality video projects. Lightworks features a user-friendly timeline, perfect for beginners, though exports are limited to 720p in the free version. Shotcut is an open-source video editor with essential editing features and a customizable interface for diverse projects. Clipchamp allows browser-based editing with tools like green screen effects, facilitating quick and creative video production. FlexClip provides an extensive library of customizable templates, enhancing user experience and simplifying video creation for social media. Overview of Top Free Video Makers When you’re looking to create high-quality videos without spending money, several free video makers stand out due to their strong features and ease of use. DaVinci Resolve is a top choice, offering professional-grade tools and a free VFX app, Fusion, which improves your production capabilities. Lightworks provides a user-friendly layer-based timeline in its free version, allowing exports at 720p, whereas 1080p requires a subscription. Shotcut, an open-source option, has crucial editing features and a customizable interface, though it struggles with voiceover tools on Mac. Clipchamp thrives with direct browser editing and useful tools like green screen effects. Finally, ACDSee Luxea Video Editor is great for beginners, supporting keyframing and 4K video, though its free version limits commercial use. Creative Ownership and Content Rights When you create content using free video makers, you maintain full ownership and control over your work, ensuring your rights are protected. These platforms provide clear usage guidelines, so you know exactly how your creations can be shared and used. With no hidden clauses or ads, you can focus on expressing your ideas freely, as your content remains secure and private. Creator Content Control In an era where digital content is increasingly prevalent, grasping creator content control is essential for anyone looking to produce videos. With the best free video maker, you retain full ownership of your content, ensuring that your intellectual property rights are protected. There are no hidden clauses or surprise advertisements, which means you can share your work without unexpected commercial implications. Significantly, content can’t be repurposed or licensed without your permission, giving you complete control over how your work is used. Assurance of content privacy allows you to maintain autonomy over your projects and personal information. A clear comprehension of content usage rights empowers you to make informed decisions about sharing and distributing your videos effectively. Clear Usage Guidelines Grasping the clear usage guidelines regarding creative ownership and content rights is crucial for creators who want to safeguard their work. When using a free movie creator for Windows, you’ll find that you retain full ownership of your content. This means your work can’t be repurposed or licensed without your explicit permission. There are no hidden clauses or surprise advertisements, ensuring transparency in content usage. In addition, content privacy and autonomy are guaranteed, allowing you to manage your creations according to your preferences. You’ll have a clear comprehension of your content usage rights, eliminating confusion about how your work may be utilized. This assurance nurtures trust, encouraging you to produce and share your work confidently. Video Creation Tools and Customization Creating engaging videos has never been more accessible, thanks to a variety of video creation tools designed for both personal and professional use. These tools enable you to edit videos customized for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Stories, ensuring peak presentation. You can create dynamic product demos or marketing videos by transforming photo presentations into engaging slideshow videos, enhancing visual storytelling. The video editing timeline allows you to split, splice, crop, resize, and flip clips, refining your content flow. Features like Beat Sync help you synchronize your videos seamlessly with music, improving the viewing experience. Furthermore, custom animations for video elements can be easily created, adding unique flair to your projects without needing advanced editing skills. AI Video Creation and Editing Features As video content continues to dominate online platforms, AI video creation and editing features have emerged as invaluable tools for users seeking to improve their projects efficiently. Tools like Magic Design automate the editing process, trimming and cropping footage as well as adding suitable music. The Highlights feature uses AI to pinpoint and extract the best moments, enhancing your video’s overall quality. Furthermore, Magic Media allows you to generate videos from text prompts, making it accessible even for those without extensive editing experience. These ai video creation and editing features greatly reduce the time spent on manual tasks. For those using video editor software open source, you’ll benefit from an extensive library of over half a million music tracks, simplifying audio integration into your videos. Sound and Music Integration Integrating sound and music into your videos can greatly elevate their overall impact, making them more interesting for viewers. Many free video makers offer access to extensive licensed music libraries, providing thousands of soundtracks for you to enhance your projects. Features like Beat Sync automatically align your video clips with the rhythm of your chosen music, creating an enchanting experience. You can easily add sound effects and music overlays, boosting production value without needing advanced editing skills. Some platforms even provide music-inspired pre-designed templates, simplifying the creation process. If you’re using the best video editor on iPad, you’ll find collaboration tools that enable teams to work together on audio integration, ensuring the perfect sound for your projects through real-time feedback and adjustments. Sharing, Collaboration, and Support When you want to improve your video-making experience, utilizing sharing and collaboration features can greatly streamline your workflow. Many video editor freeware options, like Adobe Express and FlexClip, offer seamless cloud storage that allows team members to access projects easily. These platforms support real-time feedback and commenting on drafts, enhancing teamwork and improving video quality. You can furthermore export your videos in high resolutions, such as 4K, and share them across social media for wider engagement. Collaboration tools, including multi-user editing and shared branding assets, help maintain a consistent visual identity. Moreover, most open source video makers provide extensive customer support through help centers and tutorials, guiding you through any project-related inquiries as you enhance your editing skills. How to Create a Video Creating a video starts with uploading your media files, or choosing a video type on platforms like Adobe Express that provide customizable templates. You can easily edit your clips using a drag-and-drop interface, which allows you to cut, crop, and improve your video’s flow. Once you’ve added audio and made any necessary adjustments, you can resize, download, and publish your video to fit the platform you want to share it on. Upload Media Easily Video creation has become increasingly accessible, allowing you to bring your ideas to life with ease. One of the key features of many free video makers is the ability to upload media easily. You can upload files or record directly within the platform, utilizing intuitive drag-and-drop tools that streamline the process. Choosing a video type or selecting from free templates helps you create videos quickly and efficiently. As you build your project, you can improve it with audio tracks, graphics, animations, and effects, all without needing advanced editing skills. Plus, the platform supports various video formats, allowing for seamless resizing and customization for different social media platforms. Don’t worry about losing progress; the auto-saving feature keeps your work safe until you’re ready to download. Customize and Edit Videos Once you’ve uploaded your media, customizing and editing your video becomes a straightforward process. You can start with free templates or a blank canvas. Utilize drag-and-drop tools to cut, crop, and trim your video for a polished flow. Improve your video by adding audio tracks, adjusting speed, and animating elements for a dynamic look. Once satisfied, resize your video to fit various social media platforms before publishing. Here’s a quick reference table to guide you through the editing process: Action Tool Purpose Cut Cut video app Remove unwanted clips Crop Editing tools Frame your shots Add Audio Audio tracks Enrich your video Adjust Speed Speed controls Modify video pacing Resize Export settings Optimize for platforms The Best Free Video Maker Online When you’re looking to create professional-looking videos without spending a dime, several online tools stand out for their features and ease of use. Adobe Express offers an all-in-one editor with customizable templates and stock content, making it simple to design stunning videos. FlexClip’s user-friendly interface and extensive templates allow for quick, professional creations, even though you lack editing experience. Shotcut provides a long-standing open-source solution with crucial features, ideal for beginners. Clipchamp enables seamless browser-based editing with tools like green screen and stock libraries. Finally, DaVinci Resolve shines as top free MP4 editing software, delivering professional-grade features and the free VFX app, Fusion, for thorough production capabilities. Each of these tools caters to different video-making needs. Features of a Powerful Video Editing Tool Strong video editing tools come equipped with a variety of features that simplify the editing process and elevate the overall quality of your projects. For instance, good editing software for iPhone typically includes drag-and-drop editing, licensed music libraries, and AI-driven functionalities. These features allow you to refine your videos easily, customize animations, and manage projects collaboratively. Feature Description Benefit Drag-and-Drop Editing Easily upload clips, images, and audio Simplifies the workflow Music Libraries Access to licensed music and sound effects Improves audio quality AI Functionalities Auto-editing and highlight identification Saves time on edits Customization Options Control animations, filters, and color settings Aligns videos with brand Magic Design for Effortless Edits Magic Design for Video transforms the editing process by automating many tasks that typically require extensive manual input. This innovative feature uses AI technology to analyze your footage, selecting the most fascinating moments for you. As a result, you can create engaging videos quickly and efficiently, perfect for social media or marketing purposes. Furthermore, you can seamlessly add music to improve your videos, ensuring a mesmerizing experience for your audience. The tool supports various video formats, allowing for easy customization to meet specific platform requirements as it maintains high-quality output. When you compare video software, Magic Design stands out for its ability to greatly reduce editing time, making it a top choice for creators seeking magic design for effortless edits. Enhance Your Videos With Professional Effects To truly improve your videos, you can incorporate dynamic transitions and custom animations that raise the overall impact of your projects. By integrating professional-grade soundtracks and audio effects, you’ll create a more immersive experience that resonates with your audience. With these tools at your disposal, your videos won’t just look polished but likewise sound alluring, making them stand out in an increasingly crowded digital space. Dynamic Transitions and Effects Dynamic changes and effects can improve your videos by adding a professional touch that engages viewers. By incorporating dynamic transitions and effects, you can greatly enhance the visual appeal of your content. Many free video makers provide customizable transition styles like fades, wipes, and 3D effects, allowing you to create seamless edits. Utilizing effects such as slow motion and speed ramping transforms ordinary footage into engaging scenes. Moreover, advanced features like keyframing give you greater control over how transitions animate, improving the video’s overall flow. Don’t forget to integrate sound effects and synchronized music, as they amplify the emotional impact, contributing to a more immersive experience for your audience. These elements are vital in achieving a polished final product. Custom Animations for Impact When you want to raise your video projects, custom animations can play a crucial role in enhancing viewer engagement and storytelling. These animations allow you to control video elements and add professional effects that captivate your audience. Many free video makers provide one-click effects for animating videos, making it easy to create dynamic presentations without extensive editing skills. You can effortlessly add text overlays and cinematic shifts, giving your videos a polished look. Features like Beat Sync let you synchronize animations with music, enhancing the overall experience. With access to millions of professional stock assets and customizable templates, you can incorporate unique animations for impact, elevating your editing movie to a new level of professionalism. Professional-Grade Sound Integration Professional-grade sound integration is essential for creating enchanting videos that resonate with viewers. By using a video editor and cutter for PC, you can greatly improve your projects. Here are some key features to take into account: Licensed Music Library: Access thousands of soundtracks and effects to raise your audio. Beat Sync: Automatically align video clips with your chosen soundtrack’s rhythm for a mesmerizing experience. Layered Audio Tracks: Combine voiceovers, sound effects, and background music for a rich soundscape. With these tools, you can easily customize audio levels and import custom files, ensuring clarity and balance in your projects. The right sound integration not only boosts engagement but also gives your videos a polished, professional touch. Collaborate in Real Time Real-time collaboration is transforming the way teams create video content, allowing multiple users to edit projects simultaneously. This approach improves teamwork efficiency during the editing process, as everyone can contribute their ideas in real-time. You can leave comments or assign actions on specific scenes, which facilitates immediate feedback and adjustments among team members. With cloud storage, all collaborators have seamless access to files and designs from any location, streamlining the video creation workflow. Platforms like FlexClip support real-time collaboration, making it easier for teams to brainstorm and implement changes on the fly, regardless of where they are. This collaborative method significantly boosts productivity and creativity, resulting in higher quality video outcomes and faster project completion times. Explore Video Templates for Every Project Video templates serve as a valuable resource for anyone looking to create engaging content efficiently, regardless of their experience level. By utilizing these video templates, you can quickly produce high-quality videos customized to your specific needs. Here are three key benefits: Diverse Options: Templates are available for various projects, including social media posts, promotional videos, and educational content. Customization: Many free video makers provide extensive libraries of customizable templates, helping you maintain a cohesive branding style. Enhanced Engagement: Templates often feature animated elements and shifts, which can greatly improve viewer engagement. With the ability to easily swap in your media, video templates streamline the creation process, ensuring your content looks professional and is optimized for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Get Inspired: Real User Creations You can find plenty of inspiring examples from real users who’ve created standout projects with FlexClip. From educational videos to marketing campaigns, these creative use cases showcase how different industries leverage the platform’s features for unique transformations. Unique Project Highlights When exploring unique project highlights, it’s evident that many users have transformed their creative visions into impressive videos using FlexClip. This video creator free download has empowered individuals across various fields. Here are three notable outcomes users have experienced: Increased Engagement: Many users reported significant boosts in social media interactions, attracting new customers. Versatile Applications: Educators and marketers alike have produced professional videos that resonate with diverse audiences, showcasing FlexClip’s adaptability. User-Friendly Experience: Beginners, like Nick Sinclair, have found FlexClip to be the easiest solution for video editing, emphasizing its accessibility. With an abundance of templates and resources, it’s no wonder FlexClip remains a go-to tool for creating high-quality videos swiftly. Creative Use Cases Exploring creative use cases for free video makers reveals a range of innovative applications across various fields. Users have effectively created engaging social media promo videos with tools like Adobe Express, enhancing their brand presence even without prior experience. Educators benefit by developing dynamic presentations and instructional videos that boost student engagement and learning outcomes. Marketers utilize templates in platforms like FlexClip to craft eye-catching product demos, increasing customer interest and sales. Furthermore, creators transform personal photo slideshows into enthralling videos, syncing visuals with music and adding animations for a polished finish. Nonprofits leverage free video editing software to craft compelling storytelling videos, raising awareness and support through impactful visual narratives. Consider a video creator free download to explore your potential. Inspiring Transformation Stories Many creators have utilized the strength of free video makers to transform their ideas into compelling visual stories, showcasing the impressive impact these tools can have on various projects. Here are some inspiring transformation stories: Jamie Lyn Ross used FlexClip to create educational editor movies, enhancing student engagement and improving learning experiences. Muhammad Hamza reported that his business saw higher client satisfaction and an increase in customers after incorporating videos made with FlexClip. Nick Sinclair praised FlexClip for being the easiest video editing solution for beginners, making video creation accessible for those without prior experience. These stories highlight how free video makers can considerably boost brand presence, increase social media engagement, and ultimately drive sales, making them valuable tools for any creator. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Free Video Creation Software? When you’re looking for the best free video creation software, consider options like DaVinci Resolve for professional-grade editing, or Shotcut, which is beginner-friendly and open-source. Lightworks offers a free version with advanced features but limits exports to 720p. ACDSee Luxea is another solid choice for serious beginners, whereas Clipchamp allows easy browser-based editing with useful tools. Evaluate your needs and choose the software that fits your editing experience and project requirements. Which Is the Best Free Video Generator? When looking for the best free video generator, consider options like DaVinci Resolve for its professional-grade features, or Lightworks, which offers solid editing tools in spite of export limitations. Shotcut stands out for its open-source customization, whereas Clipchamp lets you edit in your browser without heavy hardware demands. FlexClip is user-friendly, perfect for beginners, offering a variety of templates. Each option has unique strengths, so choose one that aligns with your specific video creation needs. How to Beautify a Video for Free? To beautify a video for free, use software like DaVinci Resolve or Shotcut, which provide professional tools for editing. You can improve audio by adding licensed music from platforms like Adobe Express. Utilize customizable templates from tools like FlexClip to create visually appealing designs. Implement features such as drag-and-drop editing, cropping, and built-in animations to refine your footage and engage your audience effectively, ensuring a polished final product without any costs involved. How to Create a Beautiful Video? To create a beautiful video, start by uploading your media and choosing a video type. Use drag-and-drop features to edit your clips, cutting and trimming for better storytelling. Improve your video with audio tracks from licensed libraries or personal uploads. Incorporate animations, text overlays, and shifts to add dynamism. Finally, resize and export your video in formats suitable for social media, ensuring it looks great across all platforms. Conclusion To conclude, selecting the right free video maker can greatly improve your creative projects. Tools like DaVinci Resolve and Lightworks offer professional-grade features, whereas options like Shotcut and Clipchamp cater to various editing preferences. With capabilities for sound integration, real-time collaboration, and extensive templates, these platforms simplify the video creation process. By leveraging these resources, you can produce stunning videos that reflect your unique vision, regardless of your skill level. Start exploring these tools to bring your ideas to life. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "Best Free Video Makers for Stunning Creations" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re looking to create stunning videos without spending a dime, you have several excellent free video makers at your disposal. Tools like DaVinci Resolve and Lightworks offer professional-grade features, whereas Shotcut provides an open-source option for those who prefer customization. Browser-based options like Clipchamp and user-friendly platforms like ACDSee Luxea make video editing accessible for everyone. Comprehending these tools’ unique capabilities can greatly improve your video projects, but which one suits your needs best? Key Takeaways DaVinci Resolve offers professional-grade editing tools and a free VFX app, making it ideal for high-quality video projects. Lightworks features a user-friendly timeline, perfect for beginners, though exports are limited to 720p in the free version. Shotcut is an open-source video editor with essential editing features and a customizable interface for diverse projects. Clipchamp allows browser-based editing with tools like green screen effects, facilitating quick and creative video production. FlexClip provides an extensive library of customizable templates, enhancing user experience and simplifying video creation for social media. Overview of Top Free Video Makers When you’re looking to create high-quality videos without spending money, several free video makers stand out due to their strong features and ease of use. DaVinci Resolve is a top choice, offering professional-grade tools and a free VFX app, Fusion, which improves your production capabilities. Lightworks provides a user-friendly layer-based timeline in its free version, allowing exports at 720p, whereas 1080p requires a subscription. Shotcut, an open-source option, has crucial editing features and a customizable interface, though it struggles with voiceover tools on Mac. Clipchamp thrives with direct browser editing and useful tools like green screen effects. Finally, ACDSee Luxea Video Editor is great for beginners, supporting keyframing and 4K video, though its free version limits commercial use. Creative Ownership and Content Rights When you create content using free video makers, you maintain full ownership and control over your work, ensuring your rights are protected. These platforms provide clear usage guidelines, so you know exactly how your creations can be shared and used. With no hidden clauses or ads, you can focus on expressing your ideas freely, as your content remains secure and private. Creator Content Control In an era where digital content is increasingly prevalent, grasping creator content control is essential for anyone looking to produce videos. With the best free video maker, you retain full ownership of your content, ensuring that your intellectual property rights are protected. There are no hidden clauses or surprise advertisements, which means you can share your work without unexpected commercial implications. Significantly, content can’t be repurposed or licensed without your permission, giving you complete control over how your work is used. Assurance of content privacy allows you to maintain autonomy over your projects and personal information. A clear comprehension of content usage rights empowers you to make informed decisions about sharing and distributing your videos effectively. Clear Usage Guidelines Grasping the clear usage guidelines regarding creative ownership and content rights is crucial for creators who want to safeguard their work. When using a free movie creator for Windows, you’ll find that you retain full ownership of your content. This means your work can’t be repurposed or licensed without your explicit permission. There are no hidden clauses or surprise advertisements, ensuring transparency in content usage. In addition, content privacy and autonomy are guaranteed, allowing you to manage your creations according to your preferences. You’ll have a clear comprehension of your content usage rights, eliminating confusion about how your work may be utilized. This assurance nurtures trust, encouraging you to produce and share your work confidently. Video Creation Tools and Customization Creating engaging videos has never been more accessible, thanks to a variety of video creation tools designed for both personal and professional use. These tools enable you to edit videos customized for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Stories, ensuring peak presentation. You can create dynamic product demos or marketing videos by transforming photo presentations into engaging slideshow videos, enhancing visual storytelling. The video editing timeline allows you to split, splice, crop, resize, and flip clips, refining your content flow. Features like Beat Sync help you synchronize your videos seamlessly with music, improving the viewing experience. Furthermore, custom animations for video elements can be easily created, adding unique flair to your projects without needing advanced editing skills. AI Video Creation and Editing Features As video content continues to dominate online platforms, AI video creation and editing features have emerged as invaluable tools for users seeking to improve their projects efficiently. Tools like Magic Design automate the editing process, trimming and cropping footage as well as adding suitable music. The Highlights feature uses AI to pinpoint and extract the best moments, enhancing your video’s overall quality. Furthermore, Magic Media allows you to generate videos from text prompts, making it accessible even for those without extensive editing experience. These ai video creation and editing features greatly reduce the time spent on manual tasks. For those using video editor software open source, you’ll benefit from an extensive library of over half a million music tracks, simplifying audio integration into your videos. Sound and Music Integration Integrating sound and music into your videos can greatly elevate their overall impact, making them more interesting for viewers. Many free video makers offer access to extensive licensed music libraries, providing thousands of soundtracks for you to enhance your projects. Features like Beat Sync automatically align your video clips with the rhythm of your chosen music, creating an enchanting experience. You can easily add sound effects and music overlays, boosting production value without needing advanced editing skills. Some platforms even provide music-inspired pre-designed templates, simplifying the creation process. If you’re using the best video editor on iPad, you’ll find collaboration tools that enable teams to work together on audio integration, ensuring the perfect sound for your projects through real-time feedback and adjustments. Sharing, Collaboration, and Support When you want to improve your video-making experience, utilizing sharing and collaboration features can greatly streamline your workflow. Many video editor freeware options, like Adobe Express and FlexClip, offer seamless cloud storage that allows team members to access projects easily. These platforms support real-time feedback and commenting on drafts, enhancing teamwork and improving video quality. You can furthermore export your videos in high resolutions, such as 4K, and share them across social media for wider engagement. Collaboration tools, including multi-user editing and shared branding assets, help maintain a consistent visual identity. Moreover, most open source video makers provide extensive customer support through help centers and tutorials, guiding you through any project-related inquiries as you enhance your editing skills. How to Create a Video Creating a video starts with uploading your media files, or choosing a video type on platforms like Adobe Express that provide customizable templates. You can easily edit your clips using a drag-and-drop interface, which allows you to cut, crop, and improve your video’s flow. Once you’ve added audio and made any necessary adjustments, you can resize, download, and publish your video to fit the platform you want to share it on. Upload Media Easily Video creation has become increasingly accessible, allowing you to bring your ideas to life with ease. One of the key features of many free video makers is the ability to upload media easily. You can upload files or record directly within the platform, utilizing intuitive drag-and-drop tools that streamline the process. Choosing a video type or selecting from free templates helps you create videos quickly and efficiently. As you build your project, you can improve it with audio tracks, graphics, animations, and effects, all without needing advanced editing skills. Plus, the platform supports various video formats, allowing for seamless resizing and customization for different social media platforms. Don’t worry about losing progress; the auto-saving feature keeps your work safe until you’re ready to download. Customize and Edit Videos Once you’ve uploaded your media, customizing and editing your video becomes a straightforward process. You can start with free templates or a blank canvas. Utilize drag-and-drop tools to cut, crop, and trim your video for a polished flow. Improve your video by adding audio tracks, adjusting speed, and animating elements for a dynamic look. Once satisfied, resize your video to fit various social media platforms before publishing. Here’s a quick reference table to guide you through the editing process: Action Tool Purpose Cut Cut video app Remove unwanted clips Crop Editing tools Frame your shots Add Audio Audio tracks Enrich your video Adjust Speed Speed controls Modify video pacing Resize Export settings Optimize for platforms The Best Free Video Maker Online When you’re looking to create professional-looking videos without spending a dime, several online tools stand out for their features and ease of use. Adobe Express offers an all-in-one editor with customizable templates and stock content, making it simple to design stunning videos. FlexClip’s user-friendly interface and extensive templates allow for quick, professional creations, even though you lack editing experience. Shotcut provides a long-standing open-source solution with crucial features, ideal for beginners. Clipchamp enables seamless browser-based editing with tools like green screen and stock libraries. Finally, DaVinci Resolve shines as top free MP4 editing software, delivering professional-grade features and the free VFX app, Fusion, for thorough production capabilities. Each of these tools caters to different video-making needs. Features of a Powerful Video Editing Tool Strong video editing tools come equipped with a variety of features that simplify the editing process and elevate the overall quality of your projects. For instance, good editing software for iPhone typically includes drag-and-drop editing, licensed music libraries, and AI-driven functionalities. These features allow you to refine your videos easily, customize animations, and manage projects collaboratively. Feature Description Benefit Drag-and-Drop Editing Easily upload clips, images, and audio Simplifies the workflow Music Libraries Access to licensed music and sound effects Improves audio quality AI Functionalities Auto-editing and highlight identification Saves time on edits Customization Options Control animations, filters, and color settings Aligns videos with brand Magic Design for Effortless Edits Magic Design for Video transforms the editing process by automating many tasks that typically require extensive manual input. This innovative feature uses AI technology to analyze your footage, selecting the most fascinating moments for you. As a result, you can create engaging videos quickly and efficiently, perfect for social media or marketing purposes. Furthermore, you can seamlessly add music to improve your videos, ensuring a mesmerizing experience for your audience. The tool supports various video formats, allowing for easy customization to meet specific platform requirements as it maintains high-quality output. When you compare video software, Magic Design stands out for its ability to greatly reduce editing time, making it a top choice for creators seeking magic design for effortless edits. Enhance Your Videos With Professional Effects To truly improve your videos, you can incorporate dynamic transitions and custom animations that raise the overall impact of your projects. By integrating professional-grade soundtracks and audio effects, you’ll create a more immersive experience that resonates with your audience. With these tools at your disposal, your videos won’t just look polished but likewise sound alluring, making them stand out in an increasingly crowded digital space. Dynamic Transitions and Effects Dynamic changes and effects can improve your videos by adding a professional touch that engages viewers. By incorporating dynamic transitions and effects, you can greatly enhance the visual appeal of your content. Many free video makers provide customizable transition styles like fades, wipes, and 3D effects, allowing you to create seamless edits. Utilizing effects such as slow motion and speed ramping transforms ordinary footage into engaging scenes. Moreover, advanced features like keyframing give you greater control over how transitions animate, improving the video’s overall flow. Don’t forget to integrate sound effects and synchronized music, as they amplify the emotional impact, contributing to a more immersive experience for your audience. These elements are vital in achieving a polished final product. Custom Animations for Impact When you want to raise your video projects, custom animations can play a crucial role in enhancing viewer engagement and storytelling. These animations allow you to control video elements and add professional effects that captivate your audience. Many free video makers provide one-click effects for animating videos, making it easy to create dynamic presentations without extensive editing skills. You can effortlessly add text overlays and cinematic shifts, giving your videos a polished look. Features like Beat Sync let you synchronize animations with music, enhancing the overall experience. With access to millions of professional stock assets and customizable templates, you can incorporate unique animations for impact, elevating your editing movie to a new level of professionalism. Professional-Grade Sound Integration Professional-grade sound integration is essential for creating enchanting videos that resonate with viewers. By using a video editor and cutter for PC, you can greatly improve your projects. Here are some key features to take into account: Licensed Music Library: Access thousands of soundtracks and effects to raise your audio. Beat Sync: Automatically align video clips with your chosen soundtrack’s rhythm for a mesmerizing experience. Layered Audio Tracks: Combine voiceovers, sound effects, and background music for a rich soundscape. With these tools, you can easily customize audio levels and import custom files, ensuring clarity and balance in your projects. The right sound integration not only boosts engagement but also gives your videos a polished, professional touch. Collaborate in Real Time Real-time collaboration is transforming the way teams create video content, allowing multiple users to edit projects simultaneously. This approach improves teamwork efficiency during the editing process, as everyone can contribute their ideas in real-time. You can leave comments or assign actions on specific scenes, which facilitates immediate feedback and adjustments among team members. With cloud storage, all collaborators have seamless access to files and designs from any location, streamlining the video creation workflow. Platforms like FlexClip support real-time collaboration, making it easier for teams to brainstorm and implement changes on the fly, regardless of where they are. This collaborative method significantly boosts productivity and creativity, resulting in higher quality video outcomes and faster project completion times. Explore Video Templates for Every Project Video templates serve as a valuable resource for anyone looking to create engaging content efficiently, regardless of their experience level. By utilizing these video templates, you can quickly produce high-quality videos customized to your specific needs. Here are three key benefits: Diverse Options: Templates are available for various projects, including social media posts, promotional videos, and educational content. Customization: Many free video makers provide extensive libraries of customizable templates, helping you maintain a cohesive branding style. Enhanced Engagement: Templates often feature animated elements and shifts, which can greatly improve viewer engagement. With the ability to easily swap in your media, video templates streamline the creation process, ensuring your content looks professional and is optimized for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Get Inspired: Real User Creations You can find plenty of inspiring examples from real users who’ve created standout projects with FlexClip. From educational videos to marketing campaigns, these creative use cases showcase how different industries leverage the platform’s features for unique transformations. Unique Project Highlights When exploring unique project highlights, it’s evident that many users have transformed their creative visions into impressive videos using FlexClip. This video creator free download has empowered individuals across various fields. Here are three notable outcomes users have experienced: Increased Engagement: Many users reported significant boosts in social media interactions, attracting new customers. Versatile Applications: Educators and marketers alike have produced professional videos that resonate with diverse audiences, showcasing FlexClip’s adaptability. User-Friendly Experience: Beginners, like Nick Sinclair, have found FlexClip to be the easiest solution for video editing, emphasizing its accessibility. With an abundance of templates and resources, it’s no wonder FlexClip remains a go-to tool for creating high-quality videos swiftly. Creative Use Cases Exploring creative use cases for free video makers reveals a range of innovative applications across various fields. Users have effectively created engaging social media promo videos with tools like Adobe Express, enhancing their brand presence even without prior experience. Educators benefit by developing dynamic presentations and instructional videos that boost student engagement and learning outcomes. Marketers utilize templates in platforms like FlexClip to craft eye-catching product demos, increasing customer interest and sales. Furthermore, creators transform personal photo slideshows into enthralling videos, syncing visuals with music and adding animations for a polished finish. Nonprofits leverage free video editing software to craft compelling storytelling videos, raising awareness and support through impactful visual narratives. Consider a video creator free download to explore your potential. Inspiring Transformation Stories Many creators have utilized the strength of free video makers to transform their ideas into compelling visual stories, showcasing the impressive impact these tools can have on various projects. Here are some inspiring transformation stories: Jamie Lyn Ross used FlexClip to create educational editor movies, enhancing student engagement and improving learning experiences. Muhammad Hamza reported that his business saw higher client satisfaction and an increase in customers after incorporating videos made with FlexClip. Nick Sinclair praised FlexClip for being the easiest video editing solution for beginners, making video creation accessible for those without prior experience. These stories highlight how free video makers can considerably boost brand presence, increase social media engagement, and ultimately drive sales, making them valuable tools for any creator. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Free Video Creation Software? When you’re looking for the best free video creation software, consider options like DaVinci Resolve for professional-grade editing, or Shotcut, which is beginner-friendly and open-source. Lightworks offers a free version with advanced features but limits exports to 720p. ACDSee Luxea is another solid choice for serious beginners, whereas Clipchamp allows easy browser-based editing with useful tools. Evaluate your needs and choose the software that fits your editing experience and project requirements. Which Is the Best Free Video Generator? When looking for the best free video generator, consider options like DaVinci Resolve for its professional-grade features, or Lightworks, which offers solid editing tools in spite of export limitations. Shotcut stands out for its open-source customization, whereas Clipchamp lets you edit in your browser without heavy hardware demands. FlexClip is user-friendly, perfect for beginners, offering a variety of templates. Each option has unique strengths, so choose one that aligns with your specific video creation needs. How to Beautify a Video for Free? To beautify a video for free, use software like DaVinci Resolve or Shotcut, which provide professional tools for editing. You can improve audio by adding licensed music from platforms like Adobe Express. Utilize customizable templates from tools like FlexClip to create visually appealing designs. Implement features such as drag-and-drop editing, cropping, and built-in animations to refine your footage and engage your audience effectively, ensuring a polished final product without any costs involved. How to Create a Beautiful Video? To create a beautiful video, start by uploading your media and choosing a video type. Use drag-and-drop features to edit your clips, cutting and trimming for better storytelling. Improve your video with audio tracks from licensed libraries or personal uploads. Incorporate animations, text overlays, and shifts to add dynamism. Finally, resize and export your video in formats suitable for social media, ensuring it looks great across all platforms. Conclusion To conclude, selecting the right free video maker can greatly improve your creative projects. Tools like DaVinci Resolve and Lightworks offer professional-grade features, whereas options like Shotcut and Clipchamp cater to various editing preferences. With capabilities for sound integration, real-time collaboration, and extensive templates, these platforms simplify the video creation process. By leveraging these resources, you can produce stunning videos that reflect your unique vision, regardless of your skill level. Start exploring these tools to bring your ideas to life. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "Best Free Video Makers for Stunning Creations" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Convenience Matters: Food delivery apps provide a quick and easy way for consumers to enjoy their favorite meals without leaving home, catering to today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Diverse Options: Different apps offer varying focuses, from specific cuisines to a wide range of restaurant selections, helping users find exactly what they crave. User Experience is Key: The success of food delivery apps hinges on a user-friendly interface, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction and repeat orders. Consider Pricing Structures: Delivery fees and commissions vary across apps; understanding these costs is crucial for both consumers and small businesses looking to maximize profitability. Local Business Impact: Partnerships between delivery apps and local restaurants expand brand visibility and customer reach, benefiting both parties. Marketing Opportunities: Many food delivery platforms provide promotional tools that help businesses connect with new customers and boost visibility in a competitive market. In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king, and food delivery apps have become a staple for busy lives. Whether you’re craving pizza after a long day or looking for a healthy meal option, these apps bring your favorite dishes right to your doorstep. With just a few taps on your phone, you can explore a world of culinary delights without stepping outside. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best food delivery app for your needs? From user-friendly interfaces to extensive restaurant selections, each app offers unique features that cater to various tastes and preferences. In this guide, you’ll discover the top contenders in the food delivery scene, helping you make informed choices and satisfy your cravings with ease. Overview of Food Delivery Apps Food delivery apps have transformed how you access meals. These platforms connect you with local restaurants, grocery stores, and food providers, making it easier to order from a variety of cuisines. The convenience of placing an order through an app allows for quick, hassle-free meals delivered directly to your doorstep. When choosing a food delivery app, consider the range of options available. Some apps focus on specific types of food, like pizza or healthy options, while others offer delivery from numerous local eateries. This variety ensures you can find something that suits your taste at any time. The integration of small businesses into the food delivery app ecosystem has been significant. Many local restaurants partner with apps to reach wider audiences, enhancing brand recognition and expanding their customer base. By being part of a franchise model or working independently, these businesses can capitalize on the growing trend of online food ordering. In addition, factors such as delivery fees, wait times, and user experience should influence your choice of app. Premium services might charge higher fees for faster delivery, while other apps may have promotional offers that benefit you as a customer. Exploring these options will help you find the best service for your needs. Ultimately, navigating the plethora of food delivery apps requires understanding your preferences and priorities. Whether you own part of a franchise or are loyal to your favorite local eatery, these platforms provide a smooth and enriching experience that caters to your culinary cravings. Criteria for Evaluating Food Delivery Apps Understanding the criteria for evaluating food delivery apps helps small businesses effectively connect with customers. Focus on key factors that enhance user satisfaction and improve operations. User Experience User experience significantly impacts customer retention and satisfaction. Apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash offer user-friendly interfaces with searchable menus, allowing customers to quickly find and order their desired food. Smooth navigation encourages repeat orders and enhances brand recognition, making it vital for your small business to ensure that your chosen app provides an intuitive experience. Consider platforms like Grubhub, known for its seamless browsing of restaurant options, which can influence consumer choice. Delivery Options Delivery options not only expand your reach but also cater to diverse customer preferences. Assess how well each app supports your small business’s menu and how it accommodates various cuisines. Many top platforms partner with local restaurants, ensuring that your menu can attractively feature diverse offerings. Evaluate apps based on their partnerships and delivery efficiency, as these elements can significantly affect customer satisfaction and overall sales. Pricing and Fees Pricing structures influence your bottom line. Review the pricing model and associated fees for each app, including delivery fees and commission percentages that might affect profitability. Factors like royalty fees or franchise fees can also impact your decision if you’re considering branching out through franchising. Transparent pricing helps you strategize your food delivery operations, ultimately leading to informed decisions that support your brand’s growth. Understanding these financial elements is crucial as they can enhance your marketing strategy and improve returns on your franchise investment. Top Food Delivery Apps Food delivery apps streamline meal ordering, making it easier for small businesses to expand their reach. Here’s an overview of the top options available. App 1: Overview and Features DoorDash stands out as the most popular food delivery service in the U.S., holding a 67% market share. With its extensive restaurant network, covering 80% of the U.S., it connects consumers to countless dining options. DashPass: Perfect for frequent users, DashPass offers free delivery and exclusive discounts, enhancing customer loyalty. AI-Driven Logistics: Advanced machine learning algorithms optimize delivery efficiency, helping your business serve customers faster. Fast Delivery: Known for efficient service, DoorDash may include higher delivery fees without DashPass, which could impact price-sensitive customers. App 2: Overview and Features Uber Eats operates globally in over 50 countries, making it an excellent choice for businesses focused on expanding their brand recognition internationally. Wide Restaurant Selection: The app features a broad network of local restaurants, helping users explore diverse cuisines. User-Friendly Interface: An intuitive platform enhances customer experience and can lead to higher order volumes for your franchise. Integrated Marketing Features: Uber Eats provides tools that businesses can use to promote new menu items and special promotions effectively. App 3: Overview and Features Grubhub offers an extensive service tailored to local markets, making it ideal for small businesses aiming for niche audience engagement. Large Customer Base: Grubhub has a strong presence in many urban areas, allowing restaurants to tap into a loyal customer base. Promotional Opportunities: With various marketing strategies, Grubhub helps businesses enhance their franchise marketing plan, driving visibility among potential customers. Order Management Tools: The app includes features to streamline order processing, assisting your staff in managing high volumes efficiently. By leveraging these food delivery apps, small businesses can improve their visibility, streamline operations, and ultimately boost sales. Comparisons of the Best Food Delivery Apps Exploring the best food delivery apps reveals key differences that can impact your small business’s success. Understanding these aspects helps you choose the most suitable platform for your franchise or local eatery. Restaurant Selection and Coverage DoorDash: This app operates in 4,000 cities across North America and Australia, covering approximately 80% of the U.S. market. Its vast restaurant selection includes options from sushi to fast food. With plenty of franchises on board, your establishment can gain significant brand recognition. Uber Eats: Known for its extensive reach, Uber Eats operates in over 6,000 cities across 24+ countries. This app offers a diverse range of restaurants, appealing to customers who enjoy both fast food and high-end dining. Joining this platform provides your franchise with greater exposure in a competitive market. Grubhub: While Grubhub partners with nationwide chains and local eateries, its coverage is less extensive compared to DoorDash or Uber Eats. Evaluating partnerships with Grubhub can yield opportunities for smaller franchises to attract localized customer bases. Seamless: Operating under the Grubhub banner, Seamless excels in key markets like New York City. It provides a platform for restaurants to engage with customers in specific regions, ensuring your small business connects effectively with local diners. User Experience and Additional Features Evaluating user experience is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction. Interface Quality: A user-friendly interface increases customer retention. DoorDash and Uber Eats excel in this area, offering streamlined ordering processes that enhance user engagement. Subscription Services: DoorDash’s DashPass and Uber Eats’ subscription models provide reduced delivery fees for loyal customers. These features can benefit your franchise by encouraging frequent orders, ultimately increasing your bottom line. Delivery Fees and Pricing Structures Understanding delivery fees is crucial in managing franchise costs. Competitive Pricing: All platforms charge delivery fees, which vary based on location and restaurant pricing. Assessing these fees allows you to strategically price your menu and maintain profitability. Franchise Considerations: Review franchise agreements that outline commission structures and potential franchise royalties associated with each app. Knowing your financial commitments can help in effective budgeting. Marketing and Support A robust marketing strategy enhances your brand’s reach. Promotional Opportunities: Many apps offer promotional features that can be leveraged to attract new customers. Exploring these options can enhance your franchise marketing strategy and improve overall visibility. Franchise Support: Utilizing insights from franchise development and operations manuals can streamline your onboarding process with these apps, ensuring compliance and maximizing your franchise growth potential. Aligning your small business with the right food delivery app requires careful analysis of these factors. By prioritizing restaurant selection, user experience, pricing, and marketing support, you maximize your potential to thrive in the competitive food delivery landscape. Conclusion Choosing the right food delivery app can make all the difference in your dining experience. With so many options available you can easily find an app that suits your taste and needs. Whether you’re craving local favorites or exploring new cuisines there’s an app ready to deliver. Remember to consider factors like user experience delivery fees and restaurant selection when making your choice. By aligning with the best app you’ll not only satisfy your cravings but also support local businesses in your community. Enjoy the convenience of having delicious meals brought right to your doorstep. Happy ordering! Frequently Asked Questions What are food delivery apps? Food delivery apps are mobile platforms that connect consumers with local restaurants and grocery stores, allowing users to order meals or groceries directly to their doorsteps. They offer convenience, variety, and the ability to explore different cuisines without leaving home. Why are food delivery apps popular? Food delivery apps have gained popularity due to their convenience, speed, and variety of meal options, catering to the fast-paced lifestyle of consumers. They allow users to order from a wide range of restaurants, making dining more accessible and flexible. How do I choose the best food delivery app? Choosing the best food delivery app depends on several factors, including delivery fees, wait times, cuisine variety, user interface, and customer support. Considering what local restaurants are available and the app’s overall user experience can help guide your choice. Are there fees associated with food delivery apps? Yes, food delivery apps often charge delivery fees, service fees, and sometimes small order fees. It’s important to review these fees to understand the total cost and how they may impact your overall meal expenses when using the app. Can small businesses benefit from food delivery apps? Absolutely! Food delivery apps can enhance visibility for small businesses, connect them with a larger customer base, and streamline operations. By collaborating with these platforms, local restaurants can attract new customers and boost sales. What are some top food delivery apps? Some top food delivery apps include DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. DoorDash holds a significant market share in the U.S., while Uber Eats has extensive international reach. Grubhub focuses on local engagement, making it ideal for small businesses. How do food delivery apps impact user experience? User experience is critical in food delivery apps. A user-friendly interface, easy navigation, and efficient delivery options enhance customer satisfaction and retention. Many top apps, like Uber Eats and DoorDash, prioritize strong user experience to build loyalty. Do food delivery apps offer subscriptions? Yes, many food delivery apps offer subscription services, such as DoorDash’s DashPass and Uber Eats’ subscription model. These services often provide benefits like reduced delivery fees or special promotions for frequent users, adding more value to their experience. Image Via Envato This article, "Discover the Best Food Delivery Apps for Effortless Dining Today" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Convenience Matters: Food delivery apps provide a quick and easy way for consumers to enjoy their favorite meals without leaving home, catering to today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Diverse Options: Different apps offer varying focuses, from specific cuisines to a wide range of restaurant selections, helping users find exactly what they crave. User Experience is Key: The success of food delivery apps hinges on a user-friendly interface, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction and repeat orders. Consider Pricing Structures: Delivery fees and commissions vary across apps; understanding these costs is crucial for both consumers and small businesses looking to maximize profitability. Local Business Impact: Partnerships between delivery apps and local restaurants expand brand visibility and customer reach, benefiting both parties. Marketing Opportunities: Many food delivery platforms provide promotional tools that help businesses connect with new customers and boost visibility in a competitive market. In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king, and food delivery apps have become a staple for busy lives. Whether you’re craving pizza after a long day or looking for a healthy meal option, these apps bring your favorite dishes right to your doorstep. With just a few taps on your phone, you can explore a world of culinary delights without stepping outside. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best food delivery app for your needs? From user-friendly interfaces to extensive restaurant selections, each app offers unique features that cater to various tastes and preferences. In this guide, you’ll discover the top contenders in the food delivery scene, helping you make informed choices and satisfy your cravings with ease. Overview of Food Delivery Apps Food delivery apps have transformed how you access meals. These platforms connect you with local restaurants, grocery stores, and food providers, making it easier to order from a variety of cuisines. The convenience of placing an order through an app allows for quick, hassle-free meals delivered directly to your doorstep. When choosing a food delivery app, consider the range of options available. Some apps focus on specific types of food, like pizza or healthy options, while others offer delivery from numerous local eateries. This variety ensures you can find something that suits your taste at any time. The integration of small businesses into the food delivery app ecosystem has been significant. Many local restaurants partner with apps to reach wider audiences, enhancing brand recognition and expanding their customer base. By being part of a franchise model or working independently, these businesses can capitalize on the growing trend of online food ordering. In addition, factors such as delivery fees, wait times, and user experience should influence your choice of app. Premium services might charge higher fees for faster delivery, while other apps may have promotional offers that benefit you as a customer. Exploring these options will help you find the best service for your needs. Ultimately, navigating the plethora of food delivery apps requires understanding your preferences and priorities. Whether you own part of a franchise or are loyal to your favorite local eatery, these platforms provide a smooth and enriching experience that caters to your culinary cravings. Criteria for Evaluating Food Delivery Apps Understanding the criteria for evaluating food delivery apps helps small businesses effectively connect with customers. Focus on key factors that enhance user satisfaction and improve operations. User Experience User experience significantly impacts customer retention and satisfaction. Apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash offer user-friendly interfaces with searchable menus, allowing customers to quickly find and order their desired food. Smooth navigation encourages repeat orders and enhances brand recognition, making it vital for your small business to ensure that your chosen app provides an intuitive experience. Consider platforms like Grubhub, known for its seamless browsing of restaurant options, which can influence consumer choice. Delivery Options Delivery options not only expand your reach but also cater to diverse customer preferences. Assess how well each app supports your small business’s menu and how it accommodates various cuisines. Many top platforms partner with local restaurants, ensuring that your menu can attractively feature diverse offerings. Evaluate apps based on their partnerships and delivery efficiency, as these elements can significantly affect customer satisfaction and overall sales. Pricing and Fees Pricing structures influence your bottom line. Review the pricing model and associated fees for each app, including delivery fees and commission percentages that might affect profitability. Factors like royalty fees or franchise fees can also impact your decision if you’re considering branching out through franchising. Transparent pricing helps you strategize your food delivery operations, ultimately leading to informed decisions that support your brand’s growth. Understanding these financial elements is crucial as they can enhance your marketing strategy and improve returns on your franchise investment. Top Food Delivery Apps Food delivery apps streamline meal ordering, making it easier for small businesses to expand their reach. Here’s an overview of the top options available. App 1: Overview and Features DoorDash stands out as the most popular food delivery service in the U.S., holding a 67% market share. With its extensive restaurant network, covering 80% of the U.S., it connects consumers to countless dining options. DashPass: Perfect for frequent users, DashPass offers free delivery and exclusive discounts, enhancing customer loyalty. AI-Driven Logistics: Advanced machine learning algorithms optimize delivery efficiency, helping your business serve customers faster. Fast Delivery: Known for efficient service, DoorDash may include higher delivery fees without DashPass, which could impact price-sensitive customers. App 2: Overview and Features Uber Eats operates globally in over 50 countries, making it an excellent choice for businesses focused on expanding their brand recognition internationally. Wide Restaurant Selection: The app features a broad network of local restaurants, helping users explore diverse cuisines. User-Friendly Interface: An intuitive platform enhances customer experience and can lead to higher order volumes for your franchise. Integrated Marketing Features: Uber Eats provides tools that businesses can use to promote new menu items and special promotions effectively. App 3: Overview and Features Grubhub offers an extensive service tailored to local markets, making it ideal for small businesses aiming for niche audience engagement. Large Customer Base: Grubhub has a strong presence in many urban areas, allowing restaurants to tap into a loyal customer base. Promotional Opportunities: With various marketing strategies, Grubhub helps businesses enhance their franchise marketing plan, driving visibility among potential customers. Order Management Tools: The app includes features to streamline order processing, assisting your staff in managing high volumes efficiently. By leveraging these food delivery apps, small businesses can improve their visibility, streamline operations, and ultimately boost sales. Comparisons of the Best Food Delivery Apps Exploring the best food delivery apps reveals key differences that can impact your small business’s success. Understanding these aspects helps you choose the most suitable platform for your franchise or local eatery. Restaurant Selection and Coverage DoorDash: This app operates in 4,000 cities across North America and Australia, covering approximately 80% of the U.S. market. Its vast restaurant selection includes options from sushi to fast food. With plenty of franchises on board, your establishment can gain significant brand recognition. Uber Eats: Known for its extensive reach, Uber Eats operates in over 6,000 cities across 24+ countries. This app offers a diverse range of restaurants, appealing to customers who enjoy both fast food and high-end dining. Joining this platform provides your franchise with greater exposure in a competitive market. Grubhub: While Grubhub partners with nationwide chains and local eateries, its coverage is less extensive compared to DoorDash or Uber Eats. Evaluating partnerships with Grubhub can yield opportunities for smaller franchises to attract localized customer bases. Seamless: Operating under the Grubhub banner, Seamless excels in key markets like New York City. It provides a platform for restaurants to engage with customers in specific regions, ensuring your small business connects effectively with local diners. User Experience and Additional Features Evaluating user experience is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction. Interface Quality: A user-friendly interface increases customer retention. DoorDash and Uber Eats excel in this area, offering streamlined ordering processes that enhance user engagement. Subscription Services: DoorDash’s DashPass and Uber Eats’ subscription models provide reduced delivery fees for loyal customers. These features can benefit your franchise by encouraging frequent orders, ultimately increasing your bottom line. Delivery Fees and Pricing Structures Understanding delivery fees is crucial in managing franchise costs. Competitive Pricing: All platforms charge delivery fees, which vary based on location and restaurant pricing. Assessing these fees allows you to strategically price your menu and maintain profitability. Franchise Considerations: Review franchise agreements that outline commission structures and potential franchise royalties associated with each app. Knowing your financial commitments can help in effective budgeting. Marketing and Support A robust marketing strategy enhances your brand’s reach. Promotional Opportunities: Many apps offer promotional features that can be leveraged to attract new customers. Exploring these options can enhance your franchise marketing strategy and improve overall visibility. Franchise Support: Utilizing insights from franchise development and operations manuals can streamline your onboarding process with these apps, ensuring compliance and maximizing your franchise growth potential. Aligning your small business with the right food delivery app requires careful analysis of these factors. By prioritizing restaurant selection, user experience, pricing, and marketing support, you maximize your potential to thrive in the competitive food delivery landscape. Conclusion Choosing the right food delivery app can make all the difference in your dining experience. With so many options available you can easily find an app that suits your taste and needs. Whether you’re craving local favorites or exploring new cuisines there’s an app ready to deliver. Remember to consider factors like user experience delivery fees and restaurant selection when making your choice. By aligning with the best app you’ll not only satisfy your cravings but also support local businesses in your community. Enjoy the convenience of having delicious meals brought right to your doorstep. Happy ordering! Frequently Asked Questions What are food delivery apps? Food delivery apps are mobile platforms that connect consumers with local restaurants and grocery stores, allowing users to order meals or groceries directly to their doorsteps. They offer convenience, variety, and the ability to explore different cuisines without leaving home. Why are food delivery apps popular? Food delivery apps have gained popularity due to their convenience, speed, and variety of meal options, catering to the fast-paced lifestyle of consumers. They allow users to order from a wide range of restaurants, making dining more accessible and flexible. How do I choose the best food delivery app? Choosing the best food delivery app depends on several factors, including delivery fees, wait times, cuisine variety, user interface, and customer support. Considering what local restaurants are available and the app’s overall user experience can help guide your choice. Are there fees associated with food delivery apps? Yes, food delivery apps often charge delivery fees, service fees, and sometimes small order fees. It’s important to review these fees to understand the total cost and how they may impact your overall meal expenses when using the app. Can small businesses benefit from food delivery apps? Absolutely! Food delivery apps can enhance visibility for small businesses, connect them with a larger customer base, and streamline operations. By collaborating with these platforms, local restaurants can attract new customers and boost sales. What are some top food delivery apps? Some top food delivery apps include DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. DoorDash holds a significant market share in the U.S., while Uber Eats has extensive international reach. Grubhub focuses on local engagement, making it ideal for small businesses. How do food delivery apps impact user experience? User experience is critical in food delivery apps. A user-friendly interface, easy navigation, and efficient delivery options enhance customer satisfaction and retention. Many top apps, like Uber Eats and DoorDash, prioritize strong user experience to build loyalty. Do food delivery apps offer subscriptions? Yes, many food delivery apps offer subscription services, such as DoorDash’s DashPass and Uber Eats’ subscription model. These services often provide benefits like reduced delivery fees or special promotions for frequent users, adding more value to their experience. Image Via Envato This article, "Discover the Best Food Delivery Apps for Effortless Dining Today" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In terms of loyalty programs, comprehending the best options can greatly improve your shopping experience. Many programs, like Starbucks Rewards and Sephora‘s Beauty Insider, focus on personalization and tiered benefits, whereas others, such as Amazon Prime and Target Circle, excel in providing seamless omnichannel interactions. Each program has unique features designed to boost customer engagement and satisfaction. So, what makes these programs stand out in 2025? Let’s explore the crucial components that drive their success. Key Takeaways Starbucks Rewards offers personalized rewards and tiered benefits, fostering customer loyalty with over 34.6 million members enjoying exclusive perks. Sephora’s Beauty Insider features a point-based system with tiered rewards, enhancing customer engagement through personalized beauty experiences and exclusive access. Amazon Prime exemplifies a successful paid loyalty program, providing significant value through discounts, convenience, and a vast selection to over 200 million members. Target Circle combines free and paid tiers with personalized offers, creating a seamless omnichannel experience that connects online and in-store shopping. Kohl’s Cash® incentivizes repeat purchases through cash back rewards, making it easy for customers to understand and redeem their earnings effectively. Overview of Loyalty Programs Loyalty programs have become essential tools for businesses aiming to improve customer retention and drive sales. They’re projected to grow from $13 billion in 2024 to $41 billion by 2032, underscoring their importance in retail. Among these, travel loyalty programs stand out as some of the best travel rewards programs available. Effective programs often feature tiered structures that allow you to advance through levels, enhancing your engagement and encouraging repeat purchases. Personalization is additionally critical; customized rewards based on your data can greatly boost satisfaction and retention rates. Successful programs combine earn-and-burn value with omnichannel convenience, catering to your preference for seamless shopping experiences, both online and in-store. As you explore various options, keep an eye out for the best travel loyalty programs that align with your travel habits and preferences, ensuring you maximize your rewards as you enjoy your trips. Omnichannel Loyalty Programs As consumers increasingly expect seamless shopping experiences, businesses are adapting by implementing omnichannel loyalty programs that connect interactions across both online and in-store platforms. These programs improve engagement and convenience, allowing you to earn and redeem rewards no matter how you shop. For instance, Target’s expanded Target Circle combines free and paid tiers with personalized offers, exclusive prices, and delivery benefits. Similarly, Nike‘s Membership Program and IKEA Family Program effectively engage customers across multiple platforms, ensuring consistent rewards. Point-Based and Tiered Loyalty Programs Point-based and tiered loyalty programs offer distinct strategies for rewarding customer loyalty. In point-based systems, you accumulate points with each purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts or rewards, making it easy to see the benefits of your spending. Conversely, tiered programs create levels of rewards based on your loyalty, providing increasing incentives that encourage you to engage more frequently with the brand. Point Accumulation Mechanics When you participate in a rewards program, grasping the mechanics of point accumulation can greatly improve your experience and engagement. Point-based loyalty programs allow you to earn points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for discounts, free products, or services, enhancing customer retention. Simple structures, like earning one point per dollar, make it easy to see the program’s value. Conversely, tiered loyalty programs reward frequent buyers with different levels, such as Insider or VIB, offering increasingly better benefits. Programs like the best Delta Air Lines membership programs incorporate these mechanics, enabling you to progress through tiers and access exclusive rewards, nurturing a sense of achievement and encouraging continued loyalty. Tiered Reward Structures Grasping tiered reward structures can greatly improve your participation in loyalty programs. These programs allow you to earn points with every purchase, which you can redeem for discounts or rewards. Successful examples, like Sephora’s Beauty Insider, demonstrate how tiered structures create a sense of achievement. Members progress through levels, such as Insider, VIB, and Rouge, where increased spending reveals better rewards and incentives. This motivates you to shop more frequently. Furthermore, simplicity in earning and redeeming points is essential. Programs like PetSmart Treats, offering 8 points for every $1 spent, boost customer loyalty by clearly demonstrating the value of your participation. Comprehending these structures can help you maximize your benefits from loyalty programs. Value-Based Loyalty Programs Value-based loyalty programs are designed to resonate with consumers on a deeper level by aligning rewards with their personal interests and moral values. These programs create emotional connections that go beyond mere financial incentives. For instance, HeadSpace donates memberships to individuals in need, whereas Etnies plants trees for every sale, appealing to socially conscious consumers. By prioritizing sustainability and social responsibility, brands differentiate themselves in a competitive market, effectively attracting and retaining customers. Research shows that consumers are more likely to stay loyal to brands that reflect their values and support causes they care about. Brand Reward Focus Social Impact HeadSpace Mental wellness Donates memberships Etnies Sustainable fashion Plants trees for each sale Patagonia Environmental activism Donates profits to causes TOMS Social good Gives shoes to those in need These initiatives promote a sense of community, enhancing loyalty and engagement. Paid Loyalty Programs As consumers increasingly seek value in their shopping experiences, paid loyalty programs have emerged as a popular option for brands looking to improve customer engagement. These programs require you to pay a subscription fee, which in return, offers improved benefits and discounts. A prime example is Amazon Prime, boasting over 200 million members globally since its inception. For a monthly fee, you gain perks like fast, free shipping and access to exclusive content. Paid loyalty programs generate recurring revenue as they provide you with additional benefits, such as early access to sales or unique experiences. By enrolling, you often receive greater rewards compared to traditional free programs, encouraging a sense of value. Successful paid programs combine convenience with tangible savings, appealing to cost-conscious shoppers. Cash Back Rewards Cash back rewards programs offer a straightforward way for you to earn money back on your purchases, with a simple earning structure that many find appealing. By shopping with specific retailers or using affiliated credit cards, you can encourage repeat purchases, as the more you spend, the more you earn. Plus, the instant redemption options—like statement credits or gift cards—make it easy to use your rewards how you want. Simple Earning Structure Many consumers appreciate the simplicity of cash back rewards programs, which offer an easy-to-understand earning structure that allows you to earn a percentage of your spending back as a rebate or credit. For instance, many programs provide 1-5% cash back on eligible purchases, making it straightforward to track your rewards. This clarity in the earning process improves your ability to see the value you receive, motivating you to spend more frequently. Programs like Kohl’s Cash® have demonstrated significant impact, issuing over $25 billion in cash back rewards. The tangible benefits of cash back rewards not just reinforce your loyalty but likewise create a cycle of rewarding experiences through simple earning and redemption mechanics that you can easily navigate. Encouraging Repeat Purchases One of the key advantages of cash back rewards programs is their ability to stimulate repeat purchases. These programs give you a percentage of your spending back as a rebate or credit, making it easy to see the value of each purchase. For instance, Kohl’s Cash® has issued over $25 billion in cash back, demonstrating how effective these incentives are in driving customer loyalty. By rewarding you for your spending, cash back programs create a straightforward earn-and-redeem system. The simplicity of these rewards, often without complex redemption processes, improves user satisfaction and encourages engagement. Many customers appreciate the immediate benefits, which further motivates them to return for more purchases, cultivating a cycle of loyalty and repeat shopping. Instant Redemption Options As repeat purchases are a significant benefit of cash back rewards programs, instant redemption options take this appeal a step further. Cash back programs allow you to earn a percentage of your spending back, making it easy to appreciate the value of your purchases. For instance, Kohl’s has successfully issued over $25 billion in Kohl’s Cash®, demonstrating the effectiveness of cash back incentives in building customer loyalty. With simple structures, you can quickly grasp how much you’ll earn back, encouraging you to keep shopping. Instant redemption lets you use your cash back rewards immediately at checkout, enhancing usability. These programs often promote higher spending by delivering cash-like benefits, making them popular among consumers seeking tangible returns on their purchases. Referral Programs Referral programs serve as a potent marketing tool that encourages you to recommend products or services to friends and family. By incentivizing current customers like you, these programs help brands expand their customer base through trusted recommendations. When you refer someone, you often receive rewards such as discounts, bonus points, or exclusive access, which can improve your experience and make you feel valued. Brands that implement successful referral programs, like IKEA Family, effectively drive organic growth by rewarding members for bringing in new customers. Data shows that referred customers tend to have higher conversion rates and lifetime values compared to non-referred customers, which greatly benefits both you and the brand. In addition, these programs can boost customer retention by nurturing a sense of appreciation and connection between you and the brand. Individual Brand Loyalty Programs Many brands today recognize the importance of loyalty programs in retaining customers and enhancing their overall experience. Individual brand loyalty programs have become crucial in cultivating lasting relationships with consumers. Here’s a snapshot of some top programs: Brand Members (millions) Key Benefits Starbucks 34.6 Earn “Stars” for rewards, free refills, birthday perks Sephora 34 Tiered structure, birthday gifts, event access Nike N/A Exclusive products, personalized experiences, free shipping Amazon Prime 200 Fast shipping, entertainment services IKEA Family 150 Birthday rewards, exclusive discounts, points catalog Why These Programs Work in 2025 In 2025, loyalty programs succeed due to their prioritization of customer convenience through omnichannel integration, allowing you to earn and redeem rewards seamlessly across different platforms. Personalized experiences become key, as Data leverages data to tailor offers that resonate with your preferences and behaviors, nurturing deeper connections with Brands. Furthermore, paid membership options provide immediate benefits, encouraging consistent engagement and appealing to those seeking more value from their rewards programs. Omnichannel Integration Benefits As consumer expectations evolve, omnichannel loyalty programs have emerged as a crucial strategy for brands looking to improve customer engagement and satisfaction. These programs seamlessly integrate in-store and online shopping experiences, allowing you to earn and redeem rewards regardless of how you shop. For instance, Target’s Target Circle combines free and paid tiers with personalized offers, effectively engaging customers across various platforms. Similarly, Nike Membership and IKEA Family exemplify successful omnichannel integration. This approach caters to your desire for speed and simplicity, improving convenience and boosting customer satisfaction. Furthermore, brands utilizing data-driven personalization can create customized experiences that elevate loyalty and program effectiveness, ensuring you feel valued each time you interact with the brand. Personalized Experiences Enhance Loyalty Omnichannel loyalty programs set the stage for a new era of personalized experiences that greatly boost customer loyalty. In 2025, effective programs leverage data-driven insights to customize rewards that resonate with your preferences and lifestyle. Seamless access to rewards, both online and in-store, improves your engagement and retention. Personalized offers, such as birthday bonuses and exclusive event access, create emotional connections that nurture long-term loyalty. Furthermore, value-based loyalty aligns brands with your moral values, making rewards more relevant. Companies that prioritize clear communication and feedback see increased participation and a stronger community among members. Feature Benefit Data-Driven Personalization Customized rewards Omnichannel Access Seamless engagement Exclusive Offers Emotional connections Value Alignment Relevant rewards for consumers Paid Membership Value Propositions Paid loyalty programs have become increasingly essential for businesses aiming to improve customer engagement and retention in 2025. Programs like Amazon Prime and Starbucks Rewards offer significant benefits, such as free shipping and exclusive access, enhancing perceived value. This encourages you to subscribe, knowing you’re gaining tangible rewards. These memberships additionally create recurring revenue streams for companies as well as increasing customer loyalty through visible perks. In 2025, you’ll expect speed, simplicity, and personalization, making these programs more appealing when customized to your preferences. The integration of AI allows brands to adapt to your needs, improving relevance and redemption rates. In the end, paid membership tiers drive higher engagement, leading to repeat purchases and consistent loyalty. Key Components of an Effective Retail Loyalty Program A successful retail loyalty program hinges on several key components that work together to create an engaging experience for customers. To begin with, a clear earn-to-burn value guarantees you understand how to earn and redeem rewards. In addition, meaningful tier logic motivates you to progress through levels, revealing better rewards as your loyalty grows. Furthermore, personalized experiences cultivate emotional connections, improving your satisfaction with the brand. Additionally, omnichannel accessibility allows you to engage with the program seamlessly, whether online or in-store. Regular communication about rewards and promotions keeps you informed and engaged. Component Description Earn-to-Burn Value Transparent earning and redeeming process Tier Logic Levels that reward increasing loyalty Personalized Experience Customized interactions to improve customer satisfaction These components work together to create an effective retail loyalty program that truly engages you as a customer. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Successful Rewards Program? When considering the most successful rewards program, you should look at various factors like value, engagement, and customer satisfaction. Programs like Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and World of Hyatt stand out because of their high valuation of miles and points, respectively. Moreover, tiered structures in programs like Starbucks Rewards and Sephora Beauty Insider create personalized experiences that improve customer loyalty. As the loyalty market grows, effective rewards programs will become increasingly essential for businesses. What Is the World’s Most Generous Rewards Program? The world’s most generous rewards program is often recognized as the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. This program allows you to earn miles based on the distance you fly, not just the money you spend. With miles valued at around 1.2 cents each, it offers excellent value. You can redeem these miles on over 15 airline partners, and there are no change fees for award tickets, enhancing flexibility and usability for travelers. Which Store Has the Best Rewards Program? When considering which store has the best rewards program, it’s crucial to evaluate factors like customer satisfaction, value, and benefits. Programs like Starbucks Rewards excel with their easy points system, whereas Sephora’s Beauty Insider offers personalized perks through its tiered structure. Columbia‘s Greater Rewards ranks highly for apparel, and Amazon Prime combines shopping and entertainment benefits. In the end, the best program will depend on your shopping habits and preferences. Which Flight Rewards Program Is the Best? When evaluating flight rewards programs, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan stands out as the best option. It offers miles based on distance flown, making it easier for you to achieve elite status. With miles valued at about 1.2 cents each, you gain significant value. Furthermore, Alaska’s Alaska Airlines partnerships with various airlines expand your earning and redemption options, enhancing your travel experience. This combination of strong earning potential and flexibility makes Alaska Airlines a top choice for frequent flyers. Conclusion In conclusion, effective loyalty programs combine various strategies to improve customer engagement and satisfaction. By incorporating omnichannel experiences, point-based systems, and value-driven initiatives, brands can cultivate loyalty among consumers. Programs like Starbucks Rewards and Amazon Prime exemplify these approaches, offering personalized rewards and tiered benefits. As the retail environment evolves, comprehending the key components of successful loyalty programs will be vital for businesses aiming to maintain competitive advantages and build lasting customer relationships. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Best Rewards Programs: Top 10 Picks" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In terms of loyalty programs, comprehending the best options can greatly improve your shopping experience. Many programs, like Starbucks Rewards and Sephora‘s Beauty Insider, focus on personalization and tiered benefits, whereas others, such as Amazon Prime and Target Circle, excel in providing seamless omnichannel interactions. Each program has unique features designed to boost customer engagement and satisfaction. So, what makes these programs stand out in 2025? Let’s explore the crucial components that drive their success. Key Takeaways Starbucks Rewards offers personalized rewards and tiered benefits, fostering customer loyalty with over 34.6 million members enjoying exclusive perks. Sephora’s Beauty Insider features a point-based system with tiered rewards, enhancing customer engagement through personalized beauty experiences and exclusive access. Amazon Prime exemplifies a successful paid loyalty program, providing significant value through discounts, convenience, and a vast selection to over 200 million members. Target Circle combines free and paid tiers with personalized offers, creating a seamless omnichannel experience that connects online and in-store shopping. Kohl’s Cash® incentivizes repeat purchases through cash back rewards, making it easy for customers to understand and redeem their earnings effectively. Overview of Loyalty Programs Loyalty programs have become essential tools for businesses aiming to improve customer retention and drive sales. They’re projected to grow from $13 billion in 2024 to $41 billion by 2032, underscoring their importance in retail. Among these, travel loyalty programs stand out as some of the best travel rewards programs available. Effective programs often feature tiered structures that allow you to advance through levels, enhancing your engagement and encouraging repeat purchases. Personalization is additionally critical; customized rewards based on your data can greatly boost satisfaction and retention rates. Successful programs combine earn-and-burn value with omnichannel convenience, catering to your preference for seamless shopping experiences, both online and in-store. As you explore various options, keep an eye out for the best travel loyalty programs that align with your travel habits and preferences, ensuring you maximize your rewards as you enjoy your trips. Omnichannel Loyalty Programs As consumers increasingly expect seamless shopping experiences, businesses are adapting by implementing omnichannel loyalty programs that connect interactions across both online and in-store platforms. These programs improve engagement and convenience, allowing you to earn and redeem rewards no matter how you shop. For instance, Target’s expanded Target Circle combines free and paid tiers with personalized offers, exclusive prices, and delivery benefits. Similarly, Nike‘s Membership Program and IKEA Family Program effectively engage customers across multiple platforms, ensuring consistent rewards. Point-Based and Tiered Loyalty Programs Point-based and tiered loyalty programs offer distinct strategies for rewarding customer loyalty. In point-based systems, you accumulate points with each purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts or rewards, making it easy to see the benefits of your spending. Conversely, tiered programs create levels of rewards based on your loyalty, providing increasing incentives that encourage you to engage more frequently with the brand. Point Accumulation Mechanics When you participate in a rewards program, grasping the mechanics of point accumulation can greatly improve your experience and engagement. Point-based loyalty programs allow you to earn points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for discounts, free products, or services, enhancing customer retention. Simple structures, like earning one point per dollar, make it easy to see the program’s value. Conversely, tiered loyalty programs reward frequent buyers with different levels, such as Insider or VIB, offering increasingly better benefits. Programs like the best Delta Air Lines membership programs incorporate these mechanics, enabling you to progress through tiers and access exclusive rewards, nurturing a sense of achievement and encouraging continued loyalty. Tiered Reward Structures Grasping tiered reward structures can greatly improve your participation in loyalty programs. These programs allow you to earn points with every purchase, which you can redeem for discounts or rewards. Successful examples, like Sephora’s Beauty Insider, demonstrate how tiered structures create a sense of achievement. Members progress through levels, such as Insider, VIB, and Rouge, where increased spending reveals better rewards and incentives. This motivates you to shop more frequently. Furthermore, simplicity in earning and redeeming points is essential. Programs like PetSmart Treats, offering 8 points for every $1 spent, boost customer loyalty by clearly demonstrating the value of your participation. Comprehending these structures can help you maximize your benefits from loyalty programs. Value-Based Loyalty Programs Value-based loyalty programs are designed to resonate with consumers on a deeper level by aligning rewards with their personal interests and moral values. These programs create emotional connections that go beyond mere financial incentives. For instance, HeadSpace donates memberships to individuals in need, whereas Etnies plants trees for every sale, appealing to socially conscious consumers. By prioritizing sustainability and social responsibility, brands differentiate themselves in a competitive market, effectively attracting and retaining customers. Research shows that consumers are more likely to stay loyal to brands that reflect their values and support causes they care about. Brand Reward Focus Social Impact HeadSpace Mental wellness Donates memberships Etnies Sustainable fashion Plants trees for each sale Patagonia Environmental activism Donates profits to causes TOMS Social good Gives shoes to those in need These initiatives promote a sense of community, enhancing loyalty and engagement. Paid Loyalty Programs As consumers increasingly seek value in their shopping experiences, paid loyalty programs have emerged as a popular option for brands looking to improve customer engagement. These programs require you to pay a subscription fee, which in return, offers improved benefits and discounts. A prime example is Amazon Prime, boasting over 200 million members globally since its inception. For a monthly fee, you gain perks like fast, free shipping and access to exclusive content. Paid loyalty programs generate recurring revenue as they provide you with additional benefits, such as early access to sales or unique experiences. By enrolling, you often receive greater rewards compared to traditional free programs, encouraging a sense of value. Successful paid programs combine convenience with tangible savings, appealing to cost-conscious shoppers. Cash Back Rewards Cash back rewards programs offer a straightforward way for you to earn money back on your purchases, with a simple earning structure that many find appealing. By shopping with specific retailers or using affiliated credit cards, you can encourage repeat purchases, as the more you spend, the more you earn. Plus, the instant redemption options—like statement credits or gift cards—make it easy to use your rewards how you want. Simple Earning Structure Many consumers appreciate the simplicity of cash back rewards programs, which offer an easy-to-understand earning structure that allows you to earn a percentage of your spending back as a rebate or credit. For instance, many programs provide 1-5% cash back on eligible purchases, making it straightforward to track your rewards. This clarity in the earning process improves your ability to see the value you receive, motivating you to spend more frequently. Programs like Kohl’s Cash® have demonstrated significant impact, issuing over $25 billion in cash back rewards. The tangible benefits of cash back rewards not just reinforce your loyalty but likewise create a cycle of rewarding experiences through simple earning and redemption mechanics that you can easily navigate. Encouraging Repeat Purchases One of the key advantages of cash back rewards programs is their ability to stimulate repeat purchases. These programs give you a percentage of your spending back as a rebate or credit, making it easy to see the value of each purchase. For instance, Kohl’s Cash® has issued over $25 billion in cash back, demonstrating how effective these incentives are in driving customer loyalty. By rewarding you for your spending, cash back programs create a straightforward earn-and-redeem system. The simplicity of these rewards, often without complex redemption processes, improves user satisfaction and encourages engagement. Many customers appreciate the immediate benefits, which further motivates them to return for more purchases, cultivating a cycle of loyalty and repeat shopping. Instant Redemption Options As repeat purchases are a significant benefit of cash back rewards programs, instant redemption options take this appeal a step further. Cash back programs allow you to earn a percentage of your spending back, making it easy to appreciate the value of your purchases. For instance, Kohl’s has successfully issued over $25 billion in Kohl’s Cash®, demonstrating the effectiveness of cash back incentives in building customer loyalty. With simple structures, you can quickly grasp how much you’ll earn back, encouraging you to keep shopping. Instant redemption lets you use your cash back rewards immediately at checkout, enhancing usability. These programs often promote higher spending by delivering cash-like benefits, making them popular among consumers seeking tangible returns on their purchases. Referral Programs Referral programs serve as a potent marketing tool that encourages you to recommend products or services to friends and family. By incentivizing current customers like you, these programs help brands expand their customer base through trusted recommendations. When you refer someone, you often receive rewards such as discounts, bonus points, or exclusive access, which can improve your experience and make you feel valued. Brands that implement successful referral programs, like IKEA Family, effectively drive organic growth by rewarding members for bringing in new customers. Data shows that referred customers tend to have higher conversion rates and lifetime values compared to non-referred customers, which greatly benefits both you and the brand. In addition, these programs can boost customer retention by nurturing a sense of appreciation and connection between you and the brand. Individual Brand Loyalty Programs Many brands today recognize the importance of loyalty programs in retaining customers and enhancing their overall experience. Individual brand loyalty programs have become crucial in cultivating lasting relationships with consumers. Here’s a snapshot of some top programs: Brand Members (millions) Key Benefits Starbucks 34.6 Earn “Stars” for rewards, free refills, birthday perks Sephora 34 Tiered structure, birthday gifts, event access Nike N/A Exclusive products, personalized experiences, free shipping Amazon Prime 200 Fast shipping, entertainment services IKEA Family 150 Birthday rewards, exclusive discounts, points catalog Why These Programs Work in 2025 In 2025, loyalty programs succeed due to their prioritization of customer convenience through omnichannel integration, allowing you to earn and redeem rewards seamlessly across different platforms. Personalized experiences become key, as Data leverages data to tailor offers that resonate with your preferences and behaviors, nurturing deeper connections with Brands. Furthermore, paid membership options provide immediate benefits, encouraging consistent engagement and appealing to those seeking more value from their rewards programs. Omnichannel Integration Benefits As consumer expectations evolve, omnichannel loyalty programs have emerged as a crucial strategy for brands looking to improve customer engagement and satisfaction. These programs seamlessly integrate in-store and online shopping experiences, allowing you to earn and redeem rewards regardless of how you shop. For instance, Target’s Target Circle combines free and paid tiers with personalized offers, effectively engaging customers across various platforms. Similarly, Nike Membership and IKEA Family exemplify successful omnichannel integration. This approach caters to your desire for speed and simplicity, improving convenience and boosting customer satisfaction. Furthermore, brands utilizing data-driven personalization can create customized experiences that elevate loyalty and program effectiveness, ensuring you feel valued each time you interact with the brand. Personalized Experiences Enhance Loyalty Omnichannel loyalty programs set the stage for a new era of personalized experiences that greatly boost customer loyalty. In 2025, effective programs leverage data-driven insights to customize rewards that resonate with your preferences and lifestyle. Seamless access to rewards, both online and in-store, improves your engagement and retention. Personalized offers, such as birthday bonuses and exclusive event access, create emotional connections that nurture long-term loyalty. Furthermore, value-based loyalty aligns brands with your moral values, making rewards more relevant. Companies that prioritize clear communication and feedback see increased participation and a stronger community among members. Feature Benefit Data-Driven Personalization Customized rewards Omnichannel Access Seamless engagement Exclusive Offers Emotional connections Value Alignment Relevant rewards for consumers Paid Membership Value Propositions Paid loyalty programs have become increasingly essential for businesses aiming to improve customer engagement and retention in 2025. Programs like Amazon Prime and Starbucks Rewards offer significant benefits, such as free shipping and exclusive access, enhancing perceived value. This encourages you to subscribe, knowing you’re gaining tangible rewards. These memberships additionally create recurring revenue streams for companies as well as increasing customer loyalty through visible perks. In 2025, you’ll expect speed, simplicity, and personalization, making these programs more appealing when customized to your preferences. The integration of AI allows brands to adapt to your needs, improving relevance and redemption rates. In the end, paid membership tiers drive higher engagement, leading to repeat purchases and consistent loyalty. Key Components of an Effective Retail Loyalty Program A successful retail loyalty program hinges on several key components that work together to create an engaging experience for customers. To begin with, a clear earn-to-burn value guarantees you understand how to earn and redeem rewards. In addition, meaningful tier logic motivates you to progress through levels, revealing better rewards as your loyalty grows. Furthermore, personalized experiences cultivate emotional connections, improving your satisfaction with the brand. Additionally, omnichannel accessibility allows you to engage with the program seamlessly, whether online or in-store. Regular communication about rewards and promotions keeps you informed and engaged. Component Description Earn-to-Burn Value Transparent earning and redeeming process Tier Logic Levels that reward increasing loyalty Personalized Experience Customized interactions to improve customer satisfaction These components work together to create an effective retail loyalty program that truly engages you as a customer. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Successful Rewards Program? When considering the most successful rewards program, you should look at various factors like value, engagement, and customer satisfaction. Programs like Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and World of Hyatt stand out because of their high valuation of miles and points, respectively. Moreover, tiered structures in programs like Starbucks Rewards and Sephora Beauty Insider create personalized experiences that improve customer loyalty. As the loyalty market grows, effective rewards programs will become increasingly essential for businesses. What Is the World’s Most Generous Rewards Program? The world’s most generous rewards program is often recognized as the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. This program allows you to earn miles based on the distance you fly, not just the money you spend. With miles valued at around 1.2 cents each, it offers excellent value. You can redeem these miles on over 15 airline partners, and there are no change fees for award tickets, enhancing flexibility and usability for travelers. Which Store Has the Best Rewards Program? When considering which store has the best rewards program, it’s crucial to evaluate factors like customer satisfaction, value, and benefits. Programs like Starbucks Rewards excel with their easy points system, whereas Sephora’s Beauty Insider offers personalized perks through its tiered structure. Columbia‘s Greater Rewards ranks highly for apparel, and Amazon Prime combines shopping and entertainment benefits. In the end, the best program will depend on your shopping habits and preferences. Which Flight Rewards Program Is the Best? When evaluating flight rewards programs, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan stands out as the best option. It offers miles based on distance flown, making it easier for you to achieve elite status. With miles valued at about 1.2 cents each, you gain significant value. Furthermore, Alaska’s Alaska Airlines partnerships with various airlines expand your earning and redemption options, enhancing your travel experience. This combination of strong earning potential and flexibility makes Alaska Airlines a top choice for frequent flyers. Conclusion In conclusion, effective loyalty programs combine various strategies to improve customer engagement and satisfaction. By incorporating omnichannel experiences, point-based systems, and value-driven initiatives, brands can cultivate loyalty among consumers. Programs like Starbucks Rewards and Amazon Prime exemplify these approaches, offering personalized rewards and tiered benefits. As the retail environment evolves, comprehending the key components of successful loyalty programs will be vital for businesses aiming to maintain competitive advantages and build lasting customer relationships. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Best Rewards Programs: Top 10 Picks" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Swiss group offers £12.80 a share for FTSE 100 rival after initial approach was rebuffedView the full article

The market reaction to the threat of tariffs on supposed allies over Greenland has been extremely tellingView the full article

Hartford, Connecticut, topped Zillow's list of the hottest housing markets this year on the back of its nation-leading home-price appreciation forecast. View the full article

Being a field dependent on big developer clients and even bigger sums of money, rarely do architects get to pick the projects they work on. Would they if they could? Absolutely. Fast Company asked architects and designers from some of the top firms working around the world to think about the kinds of projects they wish they could do, clients, budgets, and possibly reality notwithstanding. From the abstract to one very specific (and notorious) train station, seven architects shared building projects they’d love to tackle in 2026. Here’s the question we put to a panel of designers and leaders in architecture: What’s your dream project in 2026? An urban district reimagined The dream project for me isn’t a skyline object or spectacle, it’s a long-life system—a project whose structure is reused, materials are upgraded and recycled rather than replaced, and performance improves over time. Where sustainable strategies aren’t hidden in basements, or rooftops, but become part of the architectural experience. A dream project would be an urban district reimagined, edited with a scalpel (rather than a sledgehammer) with its declining building stock given a new life through subtle upgrades, modest interventions, and attention to craft and building performance. —Trent Tesch, Principal, KPF Solutions to current crises My dream project would be to design beyond the scale of a single building—at the district scale—to define a new way of living. We have the ability to overcome the segmentation we have created in the built environment and move toward convergent places where people can not only live, work, and play in the same space, but also innovate, learn, and care for ourselves and each other. Embedded in this approach are solutions to current crises like housing, access to food and care, and more: to think about community-building and what people need around them to ensure a safe, vibrant, and supported life. —David Polzin, executive director of design, CannonDesign An example of where design needs to go My dream project should break ground right near the end of the year — the New York Climate Exchange on Governors Island. It will be arguably the most sustainable project ever undertaken in the city and an example of where design needs to go in the coming decade. —Colin Koop, partner, SOM A tangible vision of a ‘heaven on earth’ A dream project with a design ethos grounded in simplicity, sustainability, and the clear expression of engineering functions, this project would function as a living laboratory at a district-to-regional, maybe even country scale, exemplifying human-centered, climate-responsive urbanism. It would demonstrate how architecture can create healthier built environments, advance decarbonization, promote human well-being, foster thriving ecosystems, and deliver scalable models for resilient cities worldwide—a tangible vision of a “heaven on earth” in a built environment. —Luke Leung, sustainable engineering studio leader, SOM Breaking down silos Our firm’s portfolio has always been shaped by the idea of architecture as social and civic infrastructure, rather than isolated objects. Our dream project in 2026 is one that will allow us to further break down overly prescriptive disciplinary and programmatic silos, to the benefit of those who use the spaces we create. This could take the form of a new kind of mixed-use district, a daycare-driven residential building, woodland cabins, or reinvented urban infrastructure, but it would be guided, as all our work is, by the idea of long-term stewardship and deep collaboration with community and our peers in architecture, engineering, and beyond. We are most interested in projects where design builds capacity and trust, and where success is measured not only by what gets built, but by what it enables over time. —Claire Weisz, founding principal, WXY architecture + urban design Destinations for learning and gathering There is growing need for cultural and community catalysts that bring people together, especially in communities that are lacking destinations for learning and gathering. Design can support a sense of belonging and grounding to the physicality of architecture that is important in this day of instant gratification. —Nick Leahy, co-CEO and executive director, Perkins Eastman A nightmare-turned-dream? Pennsylvania Station! —Vishaan Chakrabarti, founder, PAU View the full article

Most organizations still hire for culture fit—even those that loudly champion diversity and inclusion. The phrase sounds benign, even wise: who wouldn’t want colleagues who “fit in”? But behind this feel-good notion lies one of the biggest obstacles to innovation and progress in modern workplaces. Culture fit has become a euphemism for cultural cloning: selecting people who already look, think, and behave like the incumbents. It’s a polite way of saying, we want people like us, because there’s nothing more comforting than working—and hanging out—with people who are just like you! The irony, of course, is that such homogeneity kills the very things organizations claim to want: creativity, adaptability, and innovation. As Adam Grant notes, originality thrives in contexts that tolerate dissent and deviance, not conformity. Yet the more organizations glorify “fit,” the more they drift toward cultish sameness. The difference between a culture and a cult, after all, is just one letter—and often one lawsuit. This tendency isn’t new. Social psychology has long shown that we’re drawn to those who resemble us; similarity reduces friction and uncertainty. But comfort is the enemy of progress. Uniformity might make life easier for recruiters and managers, but it makes systems fragile. Nature offers a cautionary tale: the Irish potato famine. For decades, Ireland depended almost entirely on a single potato variety, the Lumper. When a blight struck in 1845, the lack of genetic diversity turned one crop failure into a national catastrophe. Organizations that over-rely on a single “type” of employee risk the same fate—a cultural monocrop vulnerable to shocks, blind spots, and collective stupidity. The cost of fitting in too well Empirical research supports this. Studies show that while culture fit predicts short-term satisfaction and commitment, it’s often negatively related to long-term innovation and change readiness. A large meta-analysis by Kristof-Brown, Zimmerman, and Johnson found that person–organization fit strongly predicts employees’ attitudes but not their creativity or performance in changing environments. Similarly, Michele Gelfand’s cross-national study on cultural “tightness” found that organizations and societies that enforce conformity underperform in dynamic contexts, while “looser” cultures—those that tolerate rule-bending and deviance, are more innovative and adaptive. There are also considerable costs for businesses that hire for culture-fit: when everybody thinks alike, nobody thinks at all! In line, cultural homogeneity reduces innovation, creativity, and curiosity, as well as increasing conformity and resisting change. By contrast, organizations that value constructive misfit—hiring people who stretch or challenge the dominant mold—show higher rates of creativity and problem-solving. Google’s famous Project Aristotle study on team effectiveness found that the best-performing groups weren’t the most harmonious or homogenous, but those with psychological safety—teams where people felt free to disagree without social punishment. The best cultures, in other words, don’t eliminate tension; they use it productively. Unfortunately, many companies still confuse alignment with excellence. “Fit” becomes the criterion for hiring and promotion, even as executives pay lip service to diversity. As illustrated in Don’t Be Yourself: Why Authenticity is Overrated and What to Do Instead, in practice, “bring your whole self to work” often means “bring the parts of yourself that look and sound like the rest of us.” The result is a well-intentioned echo chamber. Everybody belongs—and nobody thinks. The case for the moderate misfit So, what happens if you don’t quite fit in? If you’re the person who feels slightly out of sync with the corporate rhythm—too analytical for the sales culture, too candid for the political one, too global for the parochial one? At first, it’s uncomfortable. You’ll have to work to fit in, even as the company insists you shouldn’t have to. “Inclusion” sounds effortless, but it usually requires emotional labor—the cognitive gymnastics of decoding unspoken norms, managing impressions, and adapting without losing yourself. Yet being a moderate misfit—someone who respects the system but doesn’t worship it—comes with real advantages. You bring a different perspective. You see what insiders can’t because you aren’t fully hypnotized by the culture. Research on task conflict shows that moderate levels of disagreement improve decision quality and innovation, as long as they’re respectful. The worst decisions in history (from Enron to the Challenger disaster) share one trait: too much agreement. You’re more likely to become a change agent. Because you don’t fully identify with the status quo, you’re less invested in preserving it. Decades of research on minority influence show that consistent dissenters (even when initially unpopular) eventually shift group norms. You’ll stay an independent thinker. Irving Janis’s classic work on groupthink revealed that cohesive groups under pressure tend to suppress dissent, leading to catastrophic decisions. Misfits disrupt that comfort. They’re less likely to self-censor or outsource their thinking to the hive mind. Even when they play along, they keep a mental escape hatch open—a capacity for self-reflection that prevents total ideological capture. And you might even grow. Working alongside people who aren’t like you forces you to reconsider your assumptions. A widely cited meta-analysis shows that exposure to difference reduces prejudice and increases cognitive complexity. Growth happens when you’re challenged; when you collaborate, debate, and adapt outside your comfort zone. Leadership, progress, and the art of misfitting Ultimately, leadership is not about comfort but progress. As Gianpiero Petriglieri reminds us, leadership is always an argument with tradition, a dialogue between what is and what could be. Fitting in completely, therefore, is not a strength but a symptom of stagnation. When everyone agrees, nobody leads; they merely administer. The playwright George Bernard Shaw put it even more bluntly: “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” Moderate misfits are those “unreasonable” people, balanced enough to survive within the system but different enough to question it. They’re the ones who stretch cultures, challenge orthodoxies, and prevent organizations from fossilizing. Yes, it can be exhausting to swim against the current. It takes empathy, restraint, and strategic impression management. But the payoff is immense: you remain curious, independent, and relevant in a world that worships conformity. To be sure, many don’t survive so pragmatically it is worth wondering whether you want to be part of an organization or system that regards and treats you as an outlier or part of the outgroup—it requires a great deal of willpower and resilience . . . the struggle is real!. So, here’s to the misfits, the ones who don’t quite belong, who ask inconvenient questions, and who resist the seductive comfort of sameness. They may never win the “culture fit” award, but they’re the reason culture evolves at all . . . if we are brave to hire them in the first place! View the full article

The fate of the Danish territory will not be decided by transatlantic tariffsView the full article

Artificial intelligence capabilities have rapidly shifted from nice-to-have extras to essential requirements across industries and job levels. Employers now prioritize candidates who can harness AI tools to multiply productivity, accelerate innovation, and solve complex problems with lean resources. In this article, experts reveal how mastering AI skills can unlock career opportunities, faster promotions, and competitive advantages in today’s job market. Own One System and Share Insights For me, the secret to standing out in the age of AI was pretty simple: if your company is starting to use AI, use it. Don’t wait for someone to tell you where to start. Pick one tool, go deep, and let curiosity lead you. When I was a learning designer at Zapier, I decided to focus on one thing, a new tool that had just rolled out: AI Agents by Zapier. I pushed everything nonessential to the side and gave myself two weeks to learn it inside and out. Along the way, I realized that to make my Agents even better, I needed to understand other tools too: AI fields in Tables, Chatbots, and AI steps in automation workflows. That one deep dive became a crash course in the future of work. I started filming myself as I learned, sharing the process and mistakes with others. Soon, teammates were reaching out for help. Product teams asked me to test new features and give feedback. And before I knew it, I’d become the go-to AI person — without a technical background. Eighteen months later, I was promoted to senior AI automation engineer. If you want to stand out and make yourself indispensable, start there: Go deep on something. Master one AI tool instead of dabbling in many. Share what you learn. Help your teammates, post your insights, and be generous with your knowledge. Be strategic. Know when AI is the right solution (and, importantly, when it’s not). Being proactive about AI isn’t just about saving time. It’s about showing that you can drive change, not wait for it. That’s what makes you valuable, no matter how much technology evolves. Emily Mabie, AI Automation Engineer, Zapier Start Companies With Generative Help Generative AI is not just a differentiator; it’s a career accelerator that can expand career opportunities far beyond traditional paths. AI literacy empowers individuals to create entirely new opportunities that would previously have been inaccessible to them without significant resources or institutional backing. One powerful example is how generative AI tools, even free ones like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, can enable someone to launch a company instead of simply searching for yet another corporate role. With AI, an aspiring entrepreneur with a business idea is empowered to research and draft a well-thought-out business plan in hours, create and iterate on a brand identity without hiring a creative agency, develop a full-fledged marketing plan, and even simulate customer feedback by asking AI to role-play as an ideal customer persona to review, critique, and evaluate offerings through their lens. This ability to work with AI on tasks that once required significant investment and teams of consultants, designers, and executive focus groups fundamentally changes the opportunities for career advancement. It lowers the barrier to entry for entrepreneurship, allowing individuals to test ideas, refine messaging, and build expertise at a fraction of the cost and time it would take without AI. It’s like having an entire team of executives, business planners, marketers, and writers at your fingertips. When I began building my consultancy, I used free generative AI tools to do just that. One of the biggest advantages my AI skills created was being able to use AI to role-play as my ideal customer persona, asking it to critique my offerings, evaluate my positioning, and highlight my blind spots. That iterative feedback loop gave me insights into how the C-suite would look at my services so I could better address their needs and concerns, and “speak” their language so it would be easier for me to build trust and, ultimately, close the deal. I believe the real power of AI skills is not that it just makes you better at your current job, but that it opens doors to entirely new ones. It helps individuals transform from simply being a “job applicant” to being an “opportunity creator.” That’s how AI is truly going to reshape the future of work. Because AI skills don’t just prepare you for the future — they give you the agency to create it for yourself. Kristin Ginn, Founder, trnsfrmAItn Scale Impact With Lean Force Multipliers AI skills are no longer optional—they are becoming fundamental for every job seeker, regardless of profession. The reason is simple: AI is transforming how work gets done in three very clear stages—first by automating routine tasks, then by enhancing our abilities, and finally by transforming what individuals and small teams can achieve. Most people stop at the first stage, using AI to save time on emails, reports, or documentation. But the real opportunity lies in the next two stages. When you use AI to enhance your thinking, creativity, and output, you suddenly operate at a much higher level. And when you reach the transformation stage, AI becomes a force multiplier—enabling you to do work that previously required large teams and significant resources. I’ve experienced this personally while building my company. Thanks to AI, we have been able to build and scale one of the best all-in-one AI platforms for teachers and students with a two-member team. Everything from product management to engineering to content, design, marketing, and operations has been streamlined because AI handles a significant portion of the heavy lifting. What would traditionally require 20–25 people can now be executed by a lean, agile team that is able to move quickly and deliver high-quality output across every area. This is the true power of AI—not just automating tasks but transforming the very structure of how teams and companies operate. This is why AI proficiency is becoming a defining skill for today’s workforce. People who know how to use AI don’t just work faster—they think better, create better, and adapt better. They become more strategic, more creative, and more capable. In every field—teaching, engineering, design, marketing, HR, sales — the professionals who embrace AI will accelerate, and those who don’t will find it increasingly difficult to stay competitive. The reality is that AI is not here to replace human talent; it is here to elevate it. It levels the playing field, giving individuals access to capabilities that once required entire departments. For job seekers, students, and professionals, mastering AI tools is the most direct way to stand out in a crowded job market and open doors to opportunities that simply didn’t exist a few years ago. And if a two-member team can build and scale a platform like ours using AI, imagine what individuals can do in their own careers with the same mindset. That’s the future of work. Binit Agarwalla, Founder, TeachBetter.ai Pair Technology With Irreplaceable Human Strengths AI skills are essential because they sit at the heart of how work gets done now. But here’s what matters more: AI can’t replace the human skills that truly differentiate us—listening, building relationships, making judgment calls. When people master AI tools, they gain time and headspace to focus on what makes them irreplaceable. You can work faster, produce better quality output, and tackle projects that once felt impossible. Combined with your human abilities—empathy, curiosity, strategic thinking—you become far more valuable to any organization. When I built my company, AI became my operational backbone. While I focused on listening to clients and shaping their transformation stories, AI helped me analyze feedback, test messaging, and turn rough ideas into polished content. This meant I could build a coaching practice at startup speed while staying focused on the deeper human work—understanding what people really need. AI gave me velocity. But the human insight—the listening, the connection, the meaning-making—that’s what made the work valuable. That combination opened doors to bigger stages and leadership conversations I wouldn’t have reached as quickly otherwise. The future belongs to people who can combine AI efficiency with irreplaceable human skills. Tünde Lukacs, Founder Executive Coach Keynote Speaker, The Change Republic Launch Software Through Prompt Mastery AI tools are erasing technical gatekeeping—opening up high-value, technical jobs and paths to starting companies to nontraditional candidates. There used to be a four-year coding college prerequisite to building production-quality software, gluing stuff together, or making things happen. The most striking effect of AI I’ve seen in the last year is people bypassing it. One of the most impressive career leaps I’ve encountered was of a former VC CFO whom I talked to recently. He used Replit’s AI pair programmer to build and launch his own SaaS app in under 3 months. He had zero software experience. He just sat down with Excel and workflows he knew from his finance job and threw them right into AI co-pilot to make an app. This was not possible two years ago. He couldn’t become a “real” engineer, and this app that he’s making is not an Excel-based macro. He literally taught himself how to make software with the AI acting as his partner in the driving seat. Prompt engineering—talking in English to make AI do complex things—is now as valuable a skill as coding was 10 years ago. We see that the primary accelerant is not coding per se, but prompt engineering. Many of the most effective users of our service are not coders. They have to figure out how to give the AI goals and constraints and hammer out a detailed process, all in English. They have to turn their thoughts into instructions that involve their home context. This skill is getting to be worth more than coding. Now people can go to sleep thinking up videos they want to show, and then by morning have those videos done, without having to learn VFX or hire a studio. That’s a sea change. That’s why I tell job seekers to put “prompt engineering” on their resumes. Runbo Li, Cofounder & CEO, Magic Hour Drive Uptake and Unlock Bigger Roles AI skills are becoming essential because, obviously, they save time and effort. And it’s not about just handing everything over to a tool and hoping for the best—instead, it’s about knowing what to ask, how to review the output, and when to trust your own experience over the suggestion. In essence, AI allows everyone to become a kind of manager rather than someone who just executes tasks. Employers know this, which is why they’re increasingly looking for people who can get better results with AI. And, if you’re the person who consistently does more without working more, you naturally become the one invited into bigger projects, strategy conversations, and cross-functional work. That’s where bigger opportunities tend to open up. A good example is our Sr. Director of Communications & Creative, who recently moved into an AI Operations Manager role. He stayed current on new tools, tested them, and openly promoted what worked across the company. In under one year, he switched from Replit to Cursor, which is typically seen as a tool for more tech-savvy users. Eventually, he also pushed for a company-wide effort to upskill by launching “AI Days”—a monthly initiative where everyone focuses only on AI projects for the day. We use that time to build custom tools with platforms like v0.dev, create custom GPTs, or test new third-party AI solutions to boost productivity. Dovilė Gelčinskaitė, Senior Talent Manager, Omnisend Adopt Smart Tools to Accelerate Advancement The requirement for AI skills is increasing rapidly, as virtually every occupation includes aspects of the artificial intelligence sector. The capacity for tools to obtain greater levels of intelligence, and the expectation that workers will be able to work side by side with technology, has increased dramatically. Those who possess the ability to effectively use AI will have the potential to work faster and achieve better outcomes. This skill has evolved to be a primary skill as opposed to an additional skill. Having an understanding of AI also opens up new opportunity avenues. You can transition to a different occupation, automate your mundane tasks, and illustrate your adaptive capabilities. This indicates that you are prepared for the future of work, not the present. A brief example from my experience. I hired a junior level analyst who had no prior experience in technical fields, but had extensive knowledge and understanding of artificial intelligence tools. This junior level analyst utilized AI tools for tasks such as data organization, analysis, and report creation. Within a few months of being with us, she became the premier person within the organization to utilize AI workflows and gained considerable recognition, leading to a promotion to a higher level role, as part of the product development team, much sooner than anticipated. The AI tools that this analyst used did not supplant her work, but rather enhanced what she was doing. Therefore, for everyone today, this is the opportunity available to them. Mr Edward Tian, Founder/CEO, GPTZero Adapt Swiftly and Clarify Decisions AI skills have become essential because the pace and complexity of work have outgrown what anyone can hold in their head. The job seekers who thrive are the ones who know how to pair their human judgment with tools that help them think, create, and decide more effectively. It’s no longer about what or how much we know. It’s what we do with this information and how we apply it in innovative and influential ways. AI isn’t the destination. It’s a method of reaching it. It is the way we clear mental clutter and speed up the work that bogs us down. When we define AI as a resource and a tool rather than an identity, the whole conversation shifts, allowing us to move faster, solve problems with greater precision, and spend more time on work that advances us personally and professionally. I am an executive coach and leadership development facilitator. Two recent clients proved how much AI can sharpen career clarity. One used AI to compare three possible career paths against his 20 years of experience, which helped him choose the strongest direction and craft a short bio for informational interviews. Another uploaded her 360 feedback and used AI to distill pages of comments into a clear summary for her managers, outlining the skills she wanted to strengthen and the support she needed to evolve. But let’s be real. There’s no “mastering” AI. How can we when this tool is evolving by the hour? The real skill is learning to adapt to AI, get comfortable with it, and shape it to our own work. AI is the how behind better thinking, better decisions, and, fortunately for job seekers, better storytelling about our value. When job seekers show they can work with a rapidly changing tool set, they signal agility, curiosity, and the kind of problem-solving that sets them apart in an AI-shaped workplace that’s changing in real time. Tina Robinson, Founder and CEO, WorkJoy Gain Capacity and Elevate Quality AI skills will transform an individual’s ability to be able to increase efficiency creating capacity to either do more or to utilize excess capacity to improve quality of their deliverables. The ability to do more and improve their effectiveness will allow those earlier in their career to develop quicker and accelerate through the organizational stack sooner. For more senior folks, in addition to the personal benefits of the above-mentioned efficiency and effectiveness principles, the knowledge and exposure of AI skills will allow them to build and transform their organizations to have higher levels of throughput, distinctive competitive muscle, and an ability to serve existing as well as gain new customer segments. For me, this was transformative when I was launching my podcast in Q2 of 2024. Having never done it before, I was initially relying primarily on manual editorial work using video and sound editing tools, manually transcribing interviews, and going through numerous keyword iterations to post a single video. This effort was taking over 40 hours for a single episode. In the last five quarters while I have had to invest my time in learning and keeping up with the pace of rapidly developing AI-enabled tools, my efforts on each episode are now down to less than four hours. From transcription, to video and sound editing, to intelligent copywriting, posting, and engagement, the use of AI-enabled tools has given me hours of capacity back and the product quality is far superior than what I was able to previously achieve with manual work. Rohit Bassi, Founder & CEO, People Quotient (PQ) Prove Relevance to Overcome Bias I’ve reviewed hundreds of job postings in the past year, and the common theme is showing some understanding of how AI can be used to become more efficient. You don’t necessarily need to be an AI expert, but you do need to show that you are upskilling and aware of how you can use AI to do your job better. This is important for job seekers of all ages, but especially for experienced job seekers who can often face ageism and/or assumptions that they aren’t staying on-trend with current technology. However, demonstrating AI skills can definitely mitigate ageism risk. I recently worked with an IT analyst client in his late 60s—we led off his résumé/LinkedIn with his generative AI experience and he landed his dream job within months in spite of the challenging market. The key is being clear that you know how to leverage this technology to improve the company’s bottom line. Colleen Paulson, Executive Career Consultant, Ageless Careers Harness New Leaps to Build Empires Many fear AI will replace white-collar jobs. I argue that AI will instead re-skill them, favoring those who master it as a strategic tool. Our primal “fight or flight” response makes us see AI as a foe, but every technological leap in human history has been driven by those who dared to harness a powerful new force. Consider the transition just a century ago: horses were the dominant mode of transportation. Those who daringly mastered the automobile and aviation, often through self-teaching, built the next generation of empires. Today, early adopters of AI are positioned to dominate the next half-century. New enterprises will be founded, and a new cohort of technology leaders will emerge. This is simply the natural progression of every technological revolution, from controlling fire to inventing the wheel. In my own case, I started small, using ChatGPT and Gemini to research and draft content for a liquor store blog I was operating. Initially, my prompt engineering was clumsy. However, as I improved, the tools made producing content (listicles, cocktail trends, spirits history) significantly more efficient. This AI-fueled content strategy provided strong SEO and value, helping the brand scale from a single store to three, eventually leading to my successful exit with a 3X ROI. I am now leveraging these newly acquired skills to capture Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) business—specifically, using AI to rapidly generate, refine, and optimize marketing content for discovery across platforms. This has enabled me to scale my marketing agency, which had not actively onboarded new clients in three years. What began as an efficient way to pump out content for a single store has transformed into a core, highly profitable service offering. At 52, I can attest that this proficiency is not age-limited; mastering AI adds tangible, immediate value to clients and unlocks significant career growth. Mr. Steven Paul Matsumoto, Founder, Chief Strategist, Stigmare Inc Prototype Solutions Fast to Win Offers Many companies today test candidates’ creativity by giving them a very specific problem to solve with little to no time. This is precisely where AI can help you in your next job application. Four months ago, I started at Productive, and one of the tests I had was to create a functioning cold outreach campaign from scratch in four hours without spending too many resources. In those two hours, I learned the basics of n8n and used it to create an almost completely autonomous sequence by connecting tools like Ocean.io, Apify, ChatGPT, and Reply.io. Of course, it did not work perfectly, but the concept was enough to get me the job. Milos Radic, Marketing Partnership Manager, Productive.io Automate Workflows and Earn Rapid Promotion I had a content manager at our marketing agency who was mostly responsible for ensuring his content team was creating the right content and enough of it, but he’d often have to help them out himself. He’s always been a huge AI fan, talking about new advances and boring most of us. Over a period of 3–5 months, he’d occasionally want to show me something he’d built that either integrated with or utilized AI to automate or semi-automate tasks and processes that were responsibilities of his content team. After about four months of this and him getting better and continually creating more automated tasks/work by AI, he’d reduced the amount of human work needed by the content team by almost 60%. My concern was always quality or mistakes, so I’d test things and double check, but the end result was consistently BETTER than human work. Long story short, he quickly received a promotion to a new job that didn’t exist at our company before, so I made it up, and his title became chief operational efficiency officer. He went from a lower-level manager to an executive in a few months due to his AI proficiency and ability to implement. Landon Murie, CEO, Goodjuju Marketing View the full article

Hello and welcome to Modern CEO! I’m Stephanie Mehta, CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures. Each week this newsletter explores inclusive approaches to leadership drawn from conversations with executives and entrepreneurs, and from the pages of Inc. and Fast Company. If you received this newsletter from a friend, you can sign up to get it yourself every Monday morning. Last week, Modern CEO shared reader recommendations of books leaders should read to get ready for 2026. Lyft CEO David Risher submitted a classic, writing: “If you’re looking for inspiration on how to write a comeback story for your company, there’s no better tale than The Odyssey.” Risher knows a bit about penning comeback stories. He’s undertaking the Homerian task of reviving rideshare company Lyft and narrowing the gap between the company and rival Uber. Taking on a turnaround When Risher became CEO of Lyft in April 2023, after serving on its board of directors for almost two years, the company’s stock was trading at about $9 per share, well below its IPO price of $72 per share. At the time, its U.S. market penetration was about 26% or 27%. Lyft, once hailed as an innovator and a whimsical alternative to Uber, was stagnating. Risher had previously worked at Amazon, where founder Jeff Bezos instilled an ethos of customer obsession, and he quickly assessed that Lyft had lost sight of its riders. Its employees also tended to overthink issues. Risher has sought to address both issues: Early in his tenure, for example, he noted that customers experienced a cancellation about 15% of the time. When Risher expressed concern over the stat, employees shrugged it off. Eventually a driver would show up, and rides were completed 99% of the time. “I said, ‘Okay, but 100% of the time, it’s annoying,’” Risher recalls. When some team members suggested they address Risher’s concerns by conducting research, he replied: “I don’t think we have to do a study. I can tell you right now, it’s just really annoying. So, let’s stop doing that, please.” Getting driver cancellations down required operational and technical work, but Lyft has made progress, with rates now below 5%. Risher believes that reliability helps customer loyalty. Other rider-centric moves include the national rollout last year of Lyft Silver, a service for older adults, and Women+ Connect, an opt-in feature that increases the odds of pairing female and nonbinary riders with female and nonbinary drivers. Still, Lyft has been called out on safety issues: A recent New York Times investigation into sexual assault by Uber drivers noted that Lyft bans all drivers with convictions for violent felonies but it, too, is facing sexual assault lawsuits from passengers. “We’re committed to continuously strengthening our systems and working with safety experts, advocates, and regulators to set the highest standards for our industry,” the company told The Times. Risher has also worked to expand Lyft’s reach via the recent acquisition of Freenow, a European mobility platform, a move that he says doubles the company’s addressable market. “Now we truly are a global company,” he says. Under Risher’s leadership, Lyft has eked out gains: Its market share has climbed to about 30%, and the stock now trades at about $19 per share, up about 40% over the past 12 months, outperforming Uber and the broader market. Some analysts have speculated that Lyft could be an attractive acquisition for Amazon, Tesla, Google, or Waymo as they look to expand their autonomous transportation ambitions. “As a public company, we’re on sale every day on the market,” Risher responds. “People can buy our shares anytime they want, but we’re not out looking for suitors.” Indeed, Risher—who was a comparative literature major at Princeton University—sounds like someone who hasn’t finished writing Lyft’s comeback story. When I asked what stage the turnaround is in, he says, “It might well be 10%.” What’s left to be done? “Having really focused on people, customer obsession, and a deep culture of operational excellence,” he says, “now, frankly, it’s asking: How do we grow in new ways?” He calls autonomous vehicles “one of the biggest opportunities we’ve had since the beginning of the company” and envisages a hybrid network that allows riders to decide whether they want a self-driving car or one with a driver. “I think that’s going to be a big unlock,” he adds. Tell us your turnaround tales Are you trying to turn around a company? What are some of the tactics you’re deploying to increase sales, grow market share, or restore your brand? Send me a few lines about what you’re doing at stephaniemehta@mansueto.com. We’ll publish top insights in a future newsletter. Listen and read more: comeback kids Brian Niccol, Starbucks’s $100 million man, shares his vision Elliot Hill on his mission to “make epic shit” at Nike How to turn your company around after a crisis View the full article

Boeing aircraft, bourbon, motorcycles and soyabeans among targeted products if Donald The President makes good on his threats View the full article

NIIPing an outlandish idea in the budView the full article

Trade war with US risks ‘huge damage’ to UK, warns British prime ministerView the full article

To an outside observer (honestly even to the average American), the jurisdiction of the United States government appears convoluted—it’s a collection of states with one set of rules that can be overturned by the larger federal government. Holidays can sometimes fall into liminal space, and it can get confusing as to what is open and closed on days such as today (Monday, January 19), Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Let’s take a look at the man behind the holiday and the fight to get his birthday recognized, before we dive into how the day is observed. How was Martin Luther King Jr. Day established? Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) was a civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and social activist whose legacy cannot be overstated. King was instrumental in organizing the Montgomery bus boycott, which began in 1955. He cofounded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to continue the advancement of Black people in American society. He also organized the 1963 March on Washington, which helped usher in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and he was the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. The movement to create MLK Day started just four days after King’s death in 1968. Representative John Conyers introduced the idea in the House of Representatives, but it would take 11 years before a vote would be held on the motion. It would take even longer for the vote to pass. Stevie Wonder got involved, dropping a single in an effort to get King’s birthday formal recognition. Another march on Washington was organized by King’s wife, Coretta Scott King, where around 500,000 people took to the streets to show their support of the cause. Finally in 1983, the House passed the bill, although the Senate proved to be another battle, as Senator Jesse Helms of North Carolina attempted to block the bill with a filibuster. President Ronald Reagan signed it into law in 1983 and the first federal holiday was observed three years later. It wasn’t until 2000 that all 50 states recognized the holiday. Now that we know the history behind the observance, here’s what to know about the potential disruption of normal day-to-day services. Are banks open on MLK Day? No. Most banks are closed because it is a federal holiday. Online banking is available. ATMs are available if you need fast cash. Is the post office open on MLK Day? No. The United Sates Postal Service (USPS) is closed on federal holidays, and most physical post offices won’t be open. Mail will not be delivered. Are Fedex and UPS operating? UPS will be closed in observance of MLK Day. FedEx will remain open with modified service. Is the stock market open? No. Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq exchange will be closed. Are schools open? No. Most public schools will be closed in observance of the holiday. If your loved one attends or works at a private school it’s a good practice to double check. Are restaurants open? Yes. Most large chain restaurants will be open but some will modify their hours. This includes major fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and others. Smaller mom-and-pop establishments can make their own rules so it is best to call ahead. Are retail chains open? Yes. Most major retailers and big-box stores are open. This includes Walmart, Target, Costco, and Home Depot. Are pharmacies open? Yes. If you happen to catch the flu or a cold that always seems to go around at this time of the year, Walgreens and CVS are available to soothe your ailments. Are grocery stores open? Yes. Groceries stores are typically open, including major chains such as Whole Foods, Kroger, and Aldi. Are national parks free on MLK Day? Not anymore. Under President The President, the National Park Service changed its policy and eliminated the free admission days that were previously available on both MLK Day and Juneteenth. Free admission is now available on Flag Day, which coincides with the president’s birthday. Many civil rights organizations, such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), are upset about this change because of the gravity of both of these observances. Ways to observe MLK Day There are many ways to honor the legacy of King on this day. You could volunteer at a local nonprofit and help your community, or you might consider visiting a Black history museum. You could even honor the day by simply reading a book about the visionary leader or watching one of his many moving speeches. View the full article

In 2018, the NYU social scientist Jonathan Haidt co-authored a book titled ​The Coddling of the American Mind​. It argued that the alarming rise in mental health issues among American adolescents was being driven, in part, by a culture of “safetyism“ that trained young people to obsess over perceived traumas and to understand life as full of dangers that need to be avoided. At the time, the message was received as a critique of the worst excesses of the academic left and wokeism. But in the aftermath of Coddling, Haidt began to wonder if he had underestimated another possible cause for these concerning mental health trends: smartphones and social media. In 2019, working in collaboration with the demographer Jean Twenge (who wrote the classic 2017 Atlantic cover story, ​“Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?”​), and researcher Zach Rausch, Haidt began gathering and organizing the fast-growing collection of academic studies on this issue in an ​annotated bibliography​, stored in a public Google Document. At the time, the standard response from elite journalists and academics about the claim that smartphones harmed kids was to say that the evidence was only correlational and that the results were mixed. (See, for example, this ​smarmy 2020 Times article​, which amplified a small number of papers that Haidt and his collaborators ​later noted were almost willfully disingenuous​ in their research design.) But as Haidt continued to make sense of the relevant literature, he became convinced that these objections were outdated. The data were increasingly pointing toward the conclusion that these devices really were creating major negative impacts. Haidt began writing about these ideas in The Atlantic. His 2021 piece, ​“The Dangerous Experiment on Teen Girls,” ​forcefully declared that we had transcended the shoulder-shrugging, correlation is not causation phase of the research on this topic, and we could no longer ignore its implications. The sub-head for this essay was blunt: “The preponderance of the evidence suggests that social media is causing real damage to adolescents.” (Around this time, I interviewed Haidt for a New Yorker column I wrote titled,​ “The Questions We’ve Stopped Asking About Teenagers and Social Media: Should They Be Using These Services At All?”​) In 2024, Haidt assembled all this information into a new book, ​The Anxious Generation​, which became a massive bestseller, moving more than a million copies by the end of its first year, and many more since. As of the day I’m writing this, which is almost two years since the book came out, it remains in the top 20 on the ​Amazon Charts​. In the aftermath of The Anxious Generation, as new research continues to pour in, and we hear from more​ teenagers​ and parents about their experiences with these devices, and schools (finally) start to ban phones and discover ​massive benefits​, it has become increasingly clear that Haidt was right all along. Last month, even the Times technology reporter Kevin Roose, a longtime skeptic of Haidt’s campaign, ​tweeted​: “I confess I was not totally convinced that the phone bans would work, but early evidence suggests a total Jon Haidt victory.” All of this history points to an urgent question for our current moment: Given that Haidt was so prescient about the harms of smartphones, what are the technologies that are worrying him now? Presumably, these looming dangers are ones we should take seriously. To answer this question, I went back to read what Haidt and his collaborators have been writing about in the months following The Anxious Generation’s release. Here, I’d like to highlight three technology trends that seem to be causing them particular concern… Online Gambling After a 2018 Supreme Court ​decision​ lifted many long-standing controls on gambling, online versions of this vice, powered through low-friction, attractive smartphone apps, rapidly spread. A July article on Haidt’s ​After Babel​ newsletter, titled ​“Smartphone Gambling is a Disaster,”​ catalogs some truly alarming statistics about how prevalent this activity has become: 33% of American men and 22% of American women now have a sports betting account. Nearly half of men between the ages of 18 and 49 have these accounts. Almost 70% of college students living on campus now bet on sports. What about younger kids? A 2022 report found that 60% of high school students had gambled in the last year. The speed with which this once frowned-upon pastime has spread is truly astonishing. Not surprisingly, it’s accompanied by negative side effects. A 2023 study found that 60% of sports bettors who deposited $500 or more per month said they would be unable to pay at least one of their bills or loans. Another study, commissioned that same year by the state of New Jersey, found that close to 20% of 18 to 24-year-olds who gamble qualify as having an unhealthy addiction. The conclusion: Adolescents and young adults should steer clear of online gambling. They’re at high risk for addiction, and the activity will 100% cost them non-trivial amounts of money. (As I learned from a recent ​Michael Lewis podcast series​ on the topic, the online sports betting services will kick you off the platform if you start winning with any consistency. You literally cannot make money over time on these services. If they’re letting you bet, you are, by definition, bad at it.) For parents, this means having frank conversations with your kids about the addictive and financially exploitative nature of these services. Online Video Games Another concern of Haidt and his collaborators is the rise in popularity among kids of multiplayer (often free-to-play) games such as Roblox, Minecraft (in online mode), and Fortnite. As reported in a 2025 After Babel article titled ​“It’s Not Just a Game Anymore,”​ both Minecraft and Fortnite attract roughly 30 million monthly active users (MAU) under the age of 18. Roblox, however, is the major player in this field, attracting an astonishing 305 million MAU under the age of 18 worldwide. Roblox estimates that around 75% of US children between the ages of 9 and 12 are active users of their platform. Why is this a problem? Because Roblox is a loosely-regulated carnival of terribleness and predation. For those unfamiliar, Roblox is not a single game, but instead a vast collection of virtual worlds created by individual users. There are far too many of these worlds, changing far too fast, to be adequately moderated. Here are just some of the Roblox worlds described by the After Babel article’s authors: A game in which you’re trained to hide a body after a murder. A simulation of a concentration camp where users carry Nazi flags. A classroom in which teachers have sex with students. A simulation of killing children in an elementary school classroom with an AK-47. In 2023, Roblox reported over 13,000 instances of child exploitation, leading to over 1,300 law enforcement requests. Online Minecraft and Fortnite feature more controlled virtual environments, but here, the problem lies with third-party chat. Often, without their less tech-savvy parents being aware, young players of these games install mods that allow them to make use of third-party chat software such as Discord. The result is an unregulated and often anonymous virtual locker room of sorts in which horrible things may unfold. Here’s how the article’s authors summarize what goes on in these chats: “In these unfiltered and unregulated spaces, adults contact children and extreme content can flow freely: bestiality, violent porn, animal abuse, self-harm, stabbings, and an array of extreme ideologies to name a few.” Indeed, many of the memes referenced by Tyler Robinson, the accused murderer of Charlie Kirk, ​are popular​ in the video game Discord chats where Robinson reportedly spent a large amount of time. These issues are not rare. A survey of adolescent gamers cited in the article found that 51% had encountered extremist content, while 10% of girls had been directly sent sexually explicit content while playing. And all of this isn’t even taking into consideration the addictive nature of these games and the massive amount of time they consume. Over 40% of boys report that gaming is hurting their sleep, while a 2022 study found that 15.4% of adolescent males who play these games meet the criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder. The conclusion: Kids and adolescents should not play multiplayer video games with people whom they don’t know. Period. Keep in mind, if you’ve given your kid an iPad or a video game player on which you haven’t specifically activated internet restrictions, then, spoiler alert: they’re not innocently playing Angry Birds; they’re almost certainly involved in these games and all the harms that accompany them. Chatbots The final technology concern I’ll discuss is also one of the most recent: kids and adolescents having unsupervised conversations with AI-powered chatbots. As explained in an After Babel article from November, co-authored by Haidt, and bluntly titled ​“Don’t Give Your Child Any AI Companions,”​ the use of these tools is rapidly rising among young people. A 2025 survey found that 72% of US teens have used an AI companion at least once, and more than half use them multiple times a month. Why should we care? Here’s Haidt: “Early research, journalistic investigations, and internal documents show that these AI systems are already engaging in sexualized interactions with children and offering inappropriate or dangerous advice, including sycophantically encouraging young people who are considering suicide to proceed. As ChatGPT put it in one young man’s final conversation with it: ‘Cold steel pressed against a mind that’s already made peace? That’s not fear. That’s clarity.’” As of this fall, OpenAI is already facing​ eight different wrongful death​ lawsuits involving advice given by ChatGPT. The volume of these cases is likely to skyrocket in the near future. What about younger kids? They’re being exposed to chatbot companions indirectly through a growing number of toys that utilize chatbots to have conversations with their owners. As you might imagine, this isn’t going well. ​A recent study ​of three new AI-powered toys found that they can easily veer into dangerous conversation territory. In the study, the toys provided advice on where to find knives in the kitchen and how to start a fire with matches. They even engaged in explicit discussions about sex positions and fetishes. The conclusion: Do not let kids or teens use chatbots without supervision. Think of it as similar to letting them have an unsupervised conversation with a random drunk at the end of the bar. It might be harmless, but there’s a good chance the interaction will head to dark places. (There’s a misguided notion out there that kids need to be using tools like ChatGPT so that they’ll be prepared for the “AI-powered future.” This is overstated. The technology is moving so fast that whatever form of AI your kids will eventually encounter in the workforce will likely look and operate nothing like circa-2026 chatbots. Also, these existing tools are dead simple to use. Your kids will figure them out in roughly 19 seconds if/when they’re in a professional circumstance that requires this.) The post What’s Worrying Jonathan Haidt Now? appeared first on Cal Newport. View the full article

The ex-employee was accused of violating conflict of interest rules and submitting falsified documents for $1.7 million worth of loans in her six-month tenure. View the full article

What did the latest holiday shopping season reveal about consumer confidence going into 2026? Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach unpacks the signals he’s seeing across global spending—from shifting consumer sentiment to AI’s growing role in financial security. Miebach also explores how credit cards fit into a future shaped by crypto, digital wallets, and agent-driven commerce, and what it will take for businesses to stay competitive amid continued market disruption. This is an abridged transcript of an interview from Rapid Response, hosted by the former editor-in-chief of Fast Company Bob Safian. From the team behind the Masters of Scale podcast, Rapid Response features candid conversations with today’s top business leaders navigating real-time challenges. Subscribe to Rapid Response wherever you get your podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode. You have a unique vantage point on consumer activity. So many payments run through your system. From this past holiday season, do you have any observations about consumer spending or customer sentiment? Any sort of emerging trends or lessons you’ve seen yet? When you think about what we do, we facilitate payments all around the world, so that provides a really interesting data set across all sectors, across all countries, 220 countries and territories. Last year we’re about 160 billion transactions through our network, so it does provide quite a unique view. The past holiday season, 3.9% was the year-over-year growth. So that’s a strong holiday season. You think political uncertainty, you think trade alignments and all these kinds of things, but the consumer held up well. One thing that I thought was striking was apparel sales. So we see this by categories. We don’t see individual Mastercard holder data, but the aggregate data of what are people buying and where are they buying it? So apparel sales had a real moment. So 7.8% growth in apparel, really a stick-out kind of category. One of the interesting things that I saw there in the data this particular season compared to last holiday season, consumers came in early. Probably it’s a continuation of what the consumer has done throughout 2025. “I can look for a better deal. I can look for a promotion.” So Black Friday was particularly strong, and then you look thereafter. So the savvy consumer is doing that, and so are businesses. Businesses were also worried about potentially sitting on inventory through that. So they’re trying to sell their inventory and put out offers earlier. So interesting to see what we’re going to see in 2026. The word affordability, at least in the U.S., has become like this big buzzword. And it sounds like you’re sort of seeing that in some of the data that that’s where people are leaning. When you look at some of the post-tariffs, certain prices have gone up, others have come down. But it’s very interesting when you look at the 3.9% overall. Is that inflation? No. It’s about half price increases, so pretty tame. And the other half is real volume increase where people were just still making investments into the things that they wanted to buy. It’s interesting. You must see data every day about spending patterns and changes. I’m curious how that impacts your planning and strategy. I had a CEO on the show out of the tech world recently who said he’s now replanning every week, that even monthly is too late. Very different leadership perspective from three-year, five-year plans. Is your system different because of the speed of the feedback you get? It’s not. Five years ago, we re-architected Mastercard’s network. We’re in more and more countries around the world. We’re facilitating more and more types of payments that might have been from an account-to-account are now happening on card rails or stablecoins or you name it. So we had to re-architect. From that perspective, that is not really changing our plans. What is changing our plans is if consumer behaviors and consumer choices are changing in more fundamental ways. Younger consumers like “buy now, pay later.” So we got to have that built into our system. Those are the kind of changes [we are tracking], not short-term changes. It’s ups and downs from the economy. Where are the payment trends going? Where do we invest to really understand where consumer or business payments are going? The payments need to be smarter, they need to be faster, they need to be safer. All those kinds of things, that’s where we’re investing. But that’s not week on week. We look out two, three years, and then we make those technologies available for our customers, which are generally banks or large merchants or airlines. Those are our customers. You mentioned “buy now, pay later,” a business like Klarna, which went public last year. Isn’t a credit card “buy now, pay later?” What’s the distinction? Why do people get so excited about it? It’s yet another payment choice out there. So, payments have not been more competitive than they are today. So you can pay in stablecoins, you can have a push payment, you can have a prepaid payment. You can have a buy now, pay later. This goes straight to essentially a personal loan kind of equivalent. So those are choices. And those are the choices that if we see them amongst consumers or the customers of our customers, then we make them available. If you are a buy now, pay now—a pure play company—you’re going to find large merchants, large brands that are going to have these offers on their websites and in their stores if they have physical stores. The way that we did it, we built it just as an offer into our network. So wherever Mastercard is available, one of our acquiring partners can offer at the checkout terminal in an in-store and someone can buy now, pay later. So JPMorgan or Galileo are partners like that of us, they make that pay available. So the initial craze of buy now, pay later has died down a bit. I think it’s a very credible choice. We offer it. And a lot of young people think this is a good idea because it gives you more planability of your interest payments and all that. We also think loans on cards where you say, let’s say you pay $500 on a card and you turn that into three payments and many banks just offer that and it’s not going into a buy now or pay later route, but it’s the same outcome. So in the end, people want more control over their finances and more flexibility to buy bigger things that they maybe cannot afford in the moment. And different solutions to that. We’re all about consumer choice and we make all of that available. Obviously we’ve had this drastic evolution from physical cards and checks and even cash to contactless tap and digital wallets. Right. Is this new standard going to stay or do you think things will keep moving to things like biometrics or face scanning? I mean, I know you’ve talked about more personalized payments. Is that what you mean? That’s not quite what I mean. But when you think payments, it’s a constant evolution, so it’s not going to stay where it is. It took 10 years for contactless to get what it is today. So you tap with your phone, you tap with your card. It’s about two-thirds of global transactions on our network are now contactless. What is now a big driver for the next kind of experience is where checkout really becomes a non-issue. It just going to disappear. So we put a lot of focus on making checkout a non-event, and an enabling technology for that is tokenization. So you take your card data and you turn it into a one-time code that can only be used for the transaction that’s securely shot between the different participants and the payment ecosystem, very safe. Now you can do the same thing with your biometric identity, be your fingerprint or your facial, and that comes along with that transaction token and anybody on the other side can see that is the transaction and it should go through. So it increases security dramatically. So we invented tokenization in the payment side many years back, and it’s now scaling. So we made a commitment starting with Europe that by 2030, every transaction will be tokenized. Really the checkout moment is just going to really recede to the background. View the full article

Russian president’s spokesperson says Moscow is ‘studying all details of the offer’ to join board overseeing GazaView the full article

O-1B visas are for immigrants of “extraordinary ability,” originally designed for acclaimed artists, musicians, athletes, and scholars, But increasingly they’re being handed out to people with a more modern definition of “extraordinary ability”: influencers and OnlyFans creators. Immigration lawyers say social media influencers now make up more than half of their O-1 visa applicants, according to a recent report by the Financial Times. These visas are intended for an individual who possesses “extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics,” or those who have “a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry,” according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). What defines “extraordinary ability,” though, is open to interpretation. To qualify for an O-1B visa type applicants must submit evidence of at least three of the six regulatory criteria. These include, but are not limited to, performing a leading or starring role in a distinguished production or event, national or international recognition for achievements, and a high salary compared to others in the field. USCIS regulations do not prescribe limits over what falls under the umbrella term “the arts”. While traditionally this might have been singers and actors, these days content creators are dominating new forms of media as cultural influence has shifted online. The annual number of O-1 visas approved rose by more than 50% between 2014 and 2024, far outpacing the roughly 10% growth in nonimmigrant visas overall. Still, O-1s make up only a small fraction of the system: Fewer than 20,000 were issued in 2024, versus the hundreds of thousands of H-1B work visas granted. OnlyFans creators and influencers may have an advantage over other creatives when it comes to the application process. Their influence is easily quantifiable in terms of likes and follower counts, numbers that fit neatly into the O-1B framework. An artist or scientist, meanwhile, whose work is predominantly offline and less easily quantified, may find making their case of “extraordinary ability” more complicated. The growing number of content creators seeking visas reserved for those with “extraordinary ability” has sparked mixed reactions online. On X, political analyst and writer Dominic Michael Tripi described the trend as a sign of “end-stage empire conditions.” Others suggested the administration was taking immigration advice from fictional character Ali G. “The President is literally doing the Ali G ‘let the fit ones in’ policy.” one X user joked. But the backlash against influencers applying for O-1 visas shows how little attitudes have shifted when it comes to recognizing influencing and content creation as legitimate work. And, when it comes to OnlyFans creators, one immigration lawyer told Fox News, “acting is acting”. View the full article

Deal marks the latest tie-up between private markets and insurance firms as investment drive escalatesView the full article