Meta’s Q2 Shift: What Live Event Marketers Need to Know About AI and Automation
8/20/2025
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Meta is No Longer a Social Platform
From Connections to Algorithms
Two big stories this week highlight where Meta is headed — and why live event marketers should pay attention.
Ben Thompson’s Stratechery newsletter titled “Facebook is Dead; Long Live Meta” argues that Meta has fully shifted from being a social network to becoming an AI-powered entertainment and advertising platform.
Most time on Facebook and Instagram is now spent in short-form video feeds — recommended by AI, not shared by friends. “Connection” has quietly been replaced by algorithmic engagement.
Advertising Is Moving Toward Full Automation
The End of Granular Targeting
At the same time, MediaPost reports that Meta is further consolidating ad targeting options, shutting down detailed controls and nudging everyone toward Advantage+ automation.
Why This Hurts Live Event Marketing
The reaction we’re hearing from partners and prospects in the live entertainment world is almost universal: Meta’s default AI tools suck.
While automation may work for some industries, live events operate at “The Speed of Live” — where everything needs to happen yesterday, and there’s no way to perfectly forecast tomorrow.
At its core, these AI tools strip away much of the control, transparency, and nuance that live event marketers need to:
-Differentiate their brands
-Adapt quickly to demand shifts
-Protect long-term strategy
The Big Questions for Live Event Advertisers
This shift raises pressing questions for digital marketers:
-How do you ensure your brand message stays sharp when the platform optimizes for its own goals?
-What happens when your competitors are running on the same black-box automation?
-How do you balance automation’s efficiency with the need for control and creativity?
Storytelling as the Path Forward
Why Storytelling Wins in the AI Era
While the answers may differ across organizations, one common path to success is clear: storytelling.
Historically, live event marketers haven’t prioritized storytelling in their paid digital campaigns. But in a world of automated feeds and shrinking control, it’s essential to ensure you’re telling the right story to the right audience at the right time.
How FanIQ.One Helps Live Event Marketers Adapt
At FanIQ.One, we give live event marketers the tools to do exactly that — ensuring paid social and video campaigns engage and connect in authentic ways that drive real action.
Conclusion: Winning at the Speed of Live
Meta may no longer be a “social” network, but live event marketers don’t have to lose. By focusing on storytelling and audience connection — even within automated systems — brands can stay sharp, differentiated, and ready to win at the speed of live.
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