Mashable

Is the dislike button on replies coming back to Elon Musk's social media platform X? It seems like it, according to posts from X head of product Nikita Bier.

Last night on X, Bier hinted that the dislike button on replies may be making its return and even shared a screen recording of the feature on the platform. The feature would inform the platform's algorithm of what type of content a user doesn't want to see on their feed.

SEE ALSO: Is X down? Thousands of users report outage.

"they should have a dislike button on twitter too" posted one X user on Tuesday.

"Give me 60 seconds," Bier replied.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

A few hours later, Bier posted about the spam problems on X, an issue Musk originally pledged to fix when acquiring the company in October 2022.

"The financial incentive to spam on X will decline enormously over the next 30 days and soon be negative," Bier said.

Like clockwork, a spammer sent a seemingly AI-generated reply to Bier's post. Bier responded with a screen recording showing how the dislike button will work on mobile.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The dislike button in Bier's video appears as a thumbs-down icon. The icon is visible on a reply between the "like" and bookmark buttons. Upon pressing the dislike button, a "Reply feedback" prompt pops up asking a user for more information.

"Tell us what is wrong with this reply," the prompt states. "Your feedback is private."

The user is then given five options to choose from: Not interested in this post, incorrect or misleading, AI-generated, spam, or report post.

X's dislike button does not have a public dislike counter. The purpose of the button appears strictly to inform the platform of the type of content you'd prefer not to see.

"Are you actually shipping the dislike button it looks great," replied one user to the screen capture.

"I’m afraid that there is only one path forward," responds Bier.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

A dislike button on X does not currently exist, but it may seem familiar. Much like Community Notes and X Premium, Musk's social media platform is taking ownership of yet another feature that was built by the old Twitter prior to Musk's acquisition of the company.

In 2017, then-Twitter rolled out a system that allowed users to tell the platform if they didn't like a tweet. Then, in 2020, Twitter first started exploring the implementation of a proper dislike or downvote system on the platform.

A version of a dislike button was previously rolled out as a global test feature in February 2022. Instead of a thumbs-down button, though, this test version utilized a downvote arrow similar to what appears on Reddit. However, the feature test was eventually discontinued, and the feature faded away. 

In July 2024, an app researcher discovered code in X's iOS app that pointed towards a potential revival of the downvote system.

It appears that X is now flirting with the idea again. Unlike last time, the company's head of product is publicly talking about it, so it seems likely some version of the dislike button will roll out eventually.

A powerful, anonymous AI model quietly appeared on the developer platform OpenRouter last week and promptly sent the tech world into a speculative frenzy that it's a stealth test run from Chinese AI startup DeepSeek.

The model, called Hunter Alpha, surfaced on March 11 with no developer attribution attached. According to Reuters, when tested directly, the chatbot described itself as a Chinese AI model with a training data cutoff of May 2025 — the same cutoff as DeepSeek's own chatbot. When asked who built it, the system declined to answer. Neither DeepSeek nor OpenRouter has claimed it, and neither responded to Reuters' request for comment.

SEE ALSO: Siri bug reportedly delays Apple's smart home lineup

The company released its latest models this past December: DeepSeek-V3.2 and DeepSeek-V3.2-Speciale, both free to use. The company positioned V3.2 as an everyday AI assistant on par with OpenAI's GPT-5, while V3.2-Speciale was aimed at more advanced reasoning tasks, with DeepSeek claiming the model posted gold-medal results on the International Math Olympiad.

The main fuel for the speculation is the model's specs. Hunter Alpha is advertised on Open Router as a one-trillion-parameter model with a context window of up to one million tokens — a combination that, according to Reuters, lines up closely with what Chinese outlets have been reporting about DeepSeek's forthcoming V4 model, expected as early as April.

"Reasoning style is hard to disguise and tends to reflect how a model was trained," AI engineer Daniel Dewhurst told Reuters, pointing to the model's chain-of-thought patterns as the strongest signal pointing toward DeepSeek.

Not everyone is convinced. Independent benchmark tester Umur Ozkul told Reuters that his analysis suggests Hunter Alpha is unlikely to be DeepSeek V4, citing architectural differences from DeepSeek's existing systems.

Whatever it is, the model has already processed more than 160 billion tokens since appearing on the platform, so anonymous or not, people are using it.

TL;DR: Live stream Barcelona vs. Newcastle United in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is back this week with a number of huge second-leg matchups, including Barcelona vs. Newcastle United. These sides are tied 1-1 after a competitive first-leg contest. Lamine Yamal equalized from the penalty spot with almost the last kick of the game at St James' Park, and now the attention turns to the Camp Nou.

Barcelona will be favorites to advance into the quarter finals, but Newcastle United have the talent to give any side problems. We're expecting an entertaining clash between two attacking sides. The winner will face either Spurs or Atletico Madrid in the next round.

If you want to watch Barcelona vs. Newcastle United in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Barcelona vs. Newcastle United?

Barcelona vs. Newcastle United in the Champions League kicks off at 5:45 p.m. GMT on March 18. This fixture takes place at the Camp Nou.

How to watch Barcelona vs. Newcastle United for free

Barcelona vs. Newcastle United is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Barcelona vs. Newcastle United for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Barcelona vs. Newcastle United for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Barcelona vs. Newcastle United without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch Barcelona vs. Newcastle United in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

As much as we try to deny it, working out is apparently really, really good for overall health. That doesn't mean everyone should immediately sign up for a marathon, but it does mean that most of us would benefit from some movement, whether that's weight training, dog walking, or stepping onto the treadmill. However, if you want the most bang for your buck (results for your effort), you might want to consider a rowing machine. And as of today, there's a new kid on the block who's worthy of some attention.

Hydrow has been a leader in the rowing machine market for years now, making some of the most sophisticated and sleek-looking machines around. The brand's latest model, the Hydrow Arc Rower, is truly something to admire. Keep in mind it comes with a $2,295 price tag, but some people will find that well worth the money. Afterall, health is a pretty important part of life.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hydrow Hydrow Arc Rower $2,295 at Hyrdow
  Get Deal What's new with the Hydrow Arc Rower

The Hydrow Arc is now the newest model Hydrow makes, dethroning the Hydrow Wave Rower. The Arc comes with the largest screen (24 inches), powerful speakers, and AI features that don't make us wish AI would simply disappear. There's also fitness tracking that caters to monitoring rowing stats that'll be useful over time.

Hydrow uses electromagnetic resistance which is useful for offering a quiet workout experience. There's also the padded ergonomic seat and a comfortable handle for a slip-free workout. Here are some overview specs about the Hydrow Arc Rower:

• Dimensions: 25 inches W x 48 inches H x 86 inches L

• Weight: 147 pounds

• Weight capacity: up to 375 pounds

• Screen: 24-inch HD

A 24-inch display for taking yourself out on the water for workouts, but in the living room. Credit: Hydrow Advanced metrics for novice to Masters rowers

One of the biggest differences between the Hydrow Arc and the brand's previous models is the introduction of HydroMetrics. This encompasses three important aspects of rowing: precision, power, and endurance. After each workout, the Arc will pop out a HydroMetrics Index score which gives insight into how that workout went. It also gives tips on how to improve next time and highlights what went well during the workout.

While some people find the motion of rowing intuitive, everyone could use some guidance on nailing correct form. Not only does correct form impact power, it's so important for avoiding any injuries. HydroMetrics aims to help everyone with perfect form on each workout.

SEE ALSO: We tested the best headphones and earbuds for working out

In the brand's press release about the new Arc Rower, John Stellato, the president and CEO of Hydrow said, "The Hydrow Arc Rower introduces a smarter way to build strength. We call it Fluid Strength — full-body training, designed to meet members exactly where they are, with every movement challenging more than muscle. HydroMetrics allows us to analyze and distill a wealth of data to guide members to perform better, and delivers the feedback today’s consumer craves to measure progress and achieve results."

Personally, I've been rowing for almost 25 years and I always welcome a check on my form, so the HydroMetrics is an exciting feature to see. Not only will it be great for Masters, it's damn near essential for those new to rowing.

A gym membership, but in the comfort of your living room

All Hydrow models, including the Arc, really shine with the brand's fitness membership. This is an add-on that comes with a $44 price tag per month and gives users access to over 5,000 live and on-demand workouts. Since all Hydrows come with a screen, these workouts take you out on the water to waterways around the globe. On non-rowing days, the membership gives access to yoga, strength training, and mobility sessions. Plus, the Hydrow membership allows users to create multiple profiles per household.

Other Hydrow models worth attention

If you're not in the mood to drop $2,300 on the new Hydrow Arc Rower, the Hydrow Origin Rower is on sale at Amazon for $1,895, which is a 14% discount compared to the normal price of $2,195. You'll miss out on some of the new features found on the Arc Rower, but you'll still be in for a full-body workout at home.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hydrow Hydrow Origin Rower $1,895 at Amazon
$2,195 Save $300   Get Deal

Best early Amazon Big Spring Sale outdoor deals at a glance: Best outdoor speaker deal JBL Charge 6 $129.95 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal Best portable power station deal Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $489.99 at Amazon (save $309.01) Get Deal Best hydration deal Owala FreeSip (32 ounce, select colorways) $29.99 at Amazon (save $5) Get Deal Best camping deal Rumpl Original Puffy National Park Blanket (select colorways) $74.95 at Amazon (save $25) Get Deal Best cooler deal Ninja FrostVault Cooler (30 quart) $149.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best camping furniture deal Helinox Chair One $82.46 at Amazon (save $27.49) Get Deal Best backyard deal Solo Stove Bonfire $249.99 at Amazon (save $79.01) Get Deal

We're finally dethawing from winter. Later sunsets and warmer temps have us thinking about the weekends we'll spend at the campground later this spring and into summer. As part of the spring cleaning routine, it's worth taking a peek at your outdoor gear.

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is the perfect time to upgrade outdoor gear that deserves to retire. Amazon sales tend to bring significant discounts to some of our favorite outdoor items like Ninja coolers, portable power stations, Owala bottles, outdoor-worthy speakers, and plenty more.

While the Amazon sale if officially launching on March 25, we're already seeing nice deals across many outdoor categories. Grab a new tent, a better sleeping bag, some fun toys, and you'll be on your way to a fantastic camping season. Here are some of the best early Amazon Big Spring Sale outdoor deals to shop ahead of the event.

Best portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $489.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $309.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Anker Solix C100 Gen 2 portable power station.

If your campsite could use some extra power, consider the major upgrade to a portable power station. The Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 is well worth inviting along on your weekend in the outdoors. It'll keep phones and tablets charged up, as well as giving you the ability to hang fairy lights and even pack along the air fryer.

Anker went super lightweight with this model and it comes in at just under 25 pounds, making it easy to pack and carry around the campsite. There's also the quick recharging capability. Just 49 minutes of AC wall charging will get the Solix C1000 Gen 2 up to 100% charged.

Best outdoor speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Charge 6 (Squad) $129.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $70   Get Deal Why we like it

Every camping adventure deserve some tunes. In Mashable's review of the best portable Bluetooth speakers, the JBL Charge 6 earns top marks as the best for most people. Its IP68-rated water- and dust-proof rating makes it espeically worthy of adventure and the battery can give it up to 28 hours of playtime. JBL also added a study handle strap for easier transportation. Plus, the speaker doubles as a portable charger, so you can keep your phone from going dead while also hosting a dance party.

Best cooler deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja FrostVault Cooler (30 quart) $149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

Ninja makes some of our favorite kitchen appliances to use at home, but the brand is also a go-to for keeping food chilled at the campground. The 30-quart Ninja FrostVault Cooler can hold 26 cans while loaded up with 15 pounds of ice or 48 cans with no ice. The handles and lockable latch make this model espeically user-friendly. Ninja also added a dry-zone drawer to the design of the FrostVault which is the perfect place to store road-trip snacks with the assurance they won't end up getting squished or soggy.

More early Amazon Spring Sale outdoor deals to shop today

• LifeStraw Go Series Water Filter Bottle (1 liter) — $37.05 $49.95 (save $12.90)

• Helinox HeliDrop Ultralight, Portable Bean Bag Toss Game — $59.96 $79.95 (save $19.99)

• RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler (22 quart) — $127.49 $149.95 (save $22.50)

SAVE ALMOST $50: As of March 18, Apple AirPods Pro 3 are on sale for $199.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $49.01   Get Deal

Amazon's Spring Sale isn't here just yet, but we're already seeing strong deals across a number of key categories. And yes, that includes Apple.

AirPods deals are always some of the most popular offers to drop during major shopping events, and the best Amazon Spring Sale deal on AirPods Pro 3 might already be live. As of March 18, Apple AirPods Pro 3 are on sale for $199.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price. This rare discount won't stick around for long.

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AirPods Pro 3 offer next-level noise cancellation, removing twice as much background noise as the previous generation of this model. The sound is reliably stellar thanks to a redesigned acoustic system that improves clarity, bass, and overall detail, creating more immersive sound for your favorite playlists and podcasts.

AirPods Pro 3 also have built-in heart rate monitoring that lets you track workouts and calories through your iPhone. Battery life has also been improved, delivering up to eight hours of juice with noise cancellation or up to 10 hours in transparency mode with the Hearing Aid feature. That's enough for even the most gruelling of commutes.

Get this great AirPods deal ahead of the Amazon Spring Sale.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale sex toy deals 2026: Best overall Satisfyer Pro 2 $48.40 (save $21.55) Get Deal Best budget pick plusOne vibrating bullet $8.99 (save $6) Get Deal

It’s almost springtime (regardless of what the weather might suggest), and Amazon’s Big Spring Sale will be here before we know it. This year, it’s running from March 25 to March 31 (the same dates as last year's sale), and shoppers can expect discounts on tons of products across just about every category.

SEE ALSO: I've tested 100+ sex toys. Here are the 15 most mind-blowing toys I've ever owned.

One category you won’t see Amazon advertising, however, is sex toys. They’re literally not allowed to promote these items in their major sale pushes (I'm so done with the censorship), but that’s OK — because I know exactly where to look to find the best deals.

Wait, I thought buying sex toys on Amazon wasn’t a good idea?

OK, so you all probably already know how I feel about buying sex toys on Amazon: it’s usually a bad idea. BUT, there are ways to get legit deals on premium sex tech without compromising on product safety or quality.

Here are a few quick pointers:

• Never buy from sketchy third-party sellers (that’s where I come in!).

• Always, always check for official brand storefronts to double-check product authenticity and warranty info.

• Do NOT buy anything that’s made with “jelly” or “rubber.” Anything porous is a no-go.

• Read the reviews! If a product has zero reviews or the reviews look suspiciously generic, move on.

When in doubt, buy directly from the manufacturer’s website.

The best Amazon Big Spring Sale sex toy deals you can buy right now

To help you out, I went through hundreds of pages of products and hand-selected a list of high-quality sexual wellness items that are not only on sale but also safe for you to use.

Best overall Opens in a new window Credit: Satisfyer Satisfyer Pro 2 $48.40 at Amazon
$69.95 Save $21.55   Get Deal Why we like it

Satisfyer is famous for its suction toys and right now you can get the Satisfyer Pro 2 for just $48.40 (a 31% discount). This brand also leans into just about every holiday sale, so you’ll usually see its top vibes discounted during these promotional periods (especially Prime Day and Black Friday).

This toy looks like a face massager/cleaner, but it's actually a super-powerful suction toy designed to provide clitoral stimulation through non-contact pressure waves. (The company is pretty much known for its suction/airpulse tech.) This particular toy (which I own) has more than 61K reviews and a 3.9-star rating.

At under $50, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re into indirect clitoral stimulation. It’s also really easy to hold (which is always a plus).

Best budget pick plusOne vibrating bullet $8.99 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $6   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

As far as the best “deal” goes, you can’t go wrong with the plusOne vibrating bullet. PlusOne is a well-known (more affordable) sex toy brand that’s widely recognized for its no-frills toys. (I own a ton of plusOne toys.) They lack bells and whistles, but they’re reliable, and I haven’t had any complaints about the orgasm-inducing efficacy of their vibrators.

I chose the bullet vibe because it’s only $8.99. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal elsewhere. Plus, it has more than 7K reviews — one of which says, “For such a compact toy, it's surprisingly powerful and definitely worth having.” Can’t argue with that.

More Amazon Big Spring Sale sex toy deals worth considering

• Tracy's Dog OG Dual-vibe — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10)

• plusOne dual rabbit vibrator — $33.97 $39.99 (save $6.02)

• Tracy's Dog Bumpa 3-in-1 anal vibrator — $44.99 $49.99 (save $5)

• Tracy's Dog Passion Kit — $45.99 $49.99 (save $4)

Looking for lube? Check out LubeLife, Astroglide, and pjur.

We really can't remember a better time for finding free food deals.

First we got a wide range of Pi Day food deals, then came the St. Patrick's Day offers, and now we've got a load of March Madness deals to consider. These deals are live throughout the big NCAA Division I tournament, so even if your bracket is completely busted, you can at least score some free or heavily discounted food. In fact, some deals actually require a busted bracket.

We've checked out everything on offer from the likes of TGI Fridays, Buffalo Wild Wings, Grubhub, and more. Check out our favorite deals below.

March Madness 2026 food deals7-Eleven

7-Eleven is running a number of March Madness promotions:

• BOGO bone-in or boneless wings for $3

• Dunkable $35.99 meal deal — get eight-piece breaded tenders, 16-piece meaty wings, and a 16-piece order of golden potato wedges or crisp-fried onion rings served with four creamy dipping sauces for $35.99

• Buy one whole pizza, get one for 50% off via the 7NOW Delivery app.

Applebee’s

Get $0.50 boneless wings between March 17-22 and April 4-6. To qualify, order to-go or for delivery.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Score a 20 Wing Value Bundle on tournament days. This includes 20 boneless wings, large fries, four dips ranging for $17.99-19.99, or the same bundle with traditional wings for $21.99-24.99. These bundles are available for takeout or delivery online or via the Buffalo Wild Wings app.

Dave & Buster’s

Score $1 wings for orders of 10 throughout the tournament. For the first round on March 19-20, you can also get $5 Lime Time ‘Ritas and $5 drafts.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Until April 6, customers can get $10 off packs when they use the code DRIBBLE online or in the mobile app.

Grubhub

Grubhub has a number of March Madness deals:

• Buffalo Wild Wings — $15 off $50+orders (March 24 to April 6)

• KFC — $5 off $15+ orders (March 26-31) and $5 off $15+ orders (April 3-7) 

• Little Caesars: — free Extra MostBestest Pizza on $50+ orders (now through April 30) 

• Taco Bell — free Chalupa Supreme on $20+ orders (March 20-21), free Chicken or Cheese Quesadilla on $22+ orders (March 27-29), free Beefy 5-Layer Burrito on $22+ orders (April 4), and free Regular Nacho Fries with purchase of any taco on $20+ orders (April 6) 

• Wendy’s — free Jr Bacon Cheeseburger Biggie Bag on $20+ orders (March 17-23) and free Dave's Single on $20+ orders (April 4-6) 

Huddle House

From March 19-22, rewards members who spend $20 will get a free Fried Waffle Wedge Basket.

Hungry Howie’s

Hungry Howie’s is offering a Large 4-Topping Pizza for just $9.99. This offer is available exclusively online using the promo code BBALLPZ from March 23 to April 6.

Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Rewards members can score a buy-one, get-one-free warm Classic cookie with any purchase. To qualify, simply turn up in-store wearing college apparel between March 17-20.

Lazy Dog Restaurant

Until April 6, use the code MARCH with online orders of a Wings Party Pack for $5 off.

Little Caesars

Until April 5, Uber Eats customers can get a tournament bundle from Little Caesars that includes two ExtraMostBestest Pizzas and a 2-liter PepsiCo beverage for $15.

Round Table Pizza

Between March 26-29, get 16% off any Large or XL Pizza using the code RTP444. From March 28-31, use the code RTP588 for $8 off any Large or XL Pizza. From April 2-7, use the code RTP699 for $4 off a Large or XL Pizza.

Smashburger

From March 17-22 and April 4-7, get BOGO burgers and Big Dog. Between March 26-29, get any single burgers or Big Dogs for $6.

TGI Fridays

Until April 6, bring your busted March Madness bracket to get a free six-pack of wings (boneless or traditional). If you have a 100% perfect bracket on April 7, bring it to score a year of free wings (limited to a single redemption per month).

At a SXSW panel titled "Your First 90 Days as a Creator," leaders from the creator partnership teams at Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube shared best practices for creators just starting out. They also shared common mistakes made by new creators, along with insider tips on how to get the almighty algorithm's attention.

The panel was hosted by Antonia Alakija, a creator economy strategist and Meta and TikTok alum herself, and featured advice from:

• Julia Hamilton Trost, head of creator partnerships at YouTube

• Brooke Berry, head of creator development at Snapchat

• Katie Sollenberger, head of the Scaled Partner Activation team at Meta

All the experts work with early-career creators to help them grow their following and careers.

So, based on their advice, here are the biggest mistakes creators should avoid in their first 90 days and beyond.

Chasing trends can be cringe

“I think it's understanding right out of the gate, don't hop on every trend just because it's a trend. And just because it's trending, it doesn't mean you need to make something about it,” Berry said.

“You need to identify trends that make sense for you to participate in, and that you feel confident that you can execute with a unique perspective or execute in a certain way that's different.”

Trost also urged creators to use AI and other tools to monitor the life cycle of viral trends.

SEE ALSO: The Mashable 101: The creators shaping the internet in 2025

“Where are you in the life cycle? Are you going to come in at the end and kind of be cringey because, you know, the trend is over? Does it really make sense for your audience?”

Finally, Sollenberger urged creators to follow the 70/30 rule.

"So we say [at Instagram], like 70/30. Seventy percent of your content should be original, and then roughly 30 percent [should be] trends... For the most part, you need to move fast with a trend, like, within the first 24 hours. If it's everywhere, it’s already too late.”

Not planning ahead for brand deals

You probably won't get any brand deals in your first 90 days, but it's never too early to start planning for success.

"Your public profile, for example, is your home on Snapchat," Berry said. "If a brand is looking to hire you for an opportunity, and you don't have, say, Stories, and there's nothing to showcase the consistency of the type of content or formats they can see themselves plugging into, they're going to move on to the next person.

So you want to make sure that you have content that supplies the type of opportunity you're trying to attract. - Brooke Berry, head of creator development, Snapchat

"So if you were someone who [says], ‘I want to do more travel brand deals,’ but there's no travel content on your profile, they're going to go to the next person. So you want to make sure that you have content that supplies the type of opportunity you're trying to attract."

Not knowing which metrics really matter in 2026

This is something I heard over and over again at SXSW: follower counts aren’t as important as they used to be. What really matters now? Engagement metrics. How many views does your average video or Reel get? On YouTube, how long are people watching your videos before dropping out? How do they find your content?

For Instagram and Reels, Sollenberger also had some specific advice for new creators.

“First, make sure that you switch to a professional or creator account if you haven't already. That's free, but it unlocks a range of insights at both the account and content level. And then I would say, take a look at the past month and look at your top three best- and worst-performing posts. Understand commonalities across those and then also look at when your audience is most active and make sure that you're posting then.”

All the panelists agreed that knowing how to read the data will be key to growing your audience.

Crucially, Sollenberger had some advice on influencing the Instagram algorithm.

“Send and share rate is a really good metric, because if your audience is sending your content, reposting your content, that's a signal to the algorithm to distribute it to non-followers,” Sollenberger said. “And then I also think it's good to similarly look at reach for non-followers, so you can understand how well the algorithm is distributing your content.”

On Snapchat, Berry said watch time is also a critical metric for getting the Discover feed to notice you.

“The creators and the Snap stars you see surface on that page, it's going to be heavily attributed to watch time, so that is the metric that you guys want to pay attention to as you guys are evaluating your Snap content," Berry said.

Misunderstanding consistency

"Post consistently!" This is probably the most common advice for new creators, but it means different things to different people and on different platforms.

“The algorithm rewards consistency, and so any breaks really kill momentum,” Sollenberger said about Instagram. She also shared the best advice I’ve heard yet on consistency as a creator: “​​Specifically, pick a posting cadence that you can sustain on your worst week, not your best week.”

For Snapchat, where you can post shorter, unedited clips, Berry said consistency is crucial as well. “You're not going to find success on your public stories posting one or two Snaps, and then that's kind of it. People who are getting service on the Discover feed are posting anywhere between 20, 60, 100 times a day, sometimes. But they are posting consistently.”

Berry did clarify that creators don’t need to post 20-100 Snaps a day to break through the algorithm, and that consistency will look different creator to creator. The key, she said, is to train your audience so they know when to expect your new content.

“​​Specifically, pick a posting cadence that you can sustain on your worst week, not your best week.” - Katie Sollenberger, Scaled Partner Activation, Meta

Trost echoed that advice.

“The cadence of when you post is more important than how often you're posting. So with YouTube, if you want to do it once a week, you pick that, and your audience starts to learn. ‘OK, I'm going to come on Thursdays for new content.’" She added, "That cadence is more important than having a huge volume of content.”

Not using Trial Reels and other tools

The big social platforms all have tools and features that let creators try out new content formats or poll their audiences. On Instagram, Trial Reels in particular are a good tool for testing new topics and formats.

SEE ALSO: Meta creates tool to prevent rampant Reels content theft

“So I hear consistently from newer creators that they're hesitant to experiment because they don't want their family or their friends to see certain topics or see them testing in new areas. And that's literally why we built this product. So with Trial Reels, the content goes to your non-followers first, and if you hit, you can convert it to your grid. If it doesn't work, it's just a learning," said Sollenberger.

Start with Shorts and Reels, not long-form videos

Multiple creators have told me that in today’s oversaturated creator space, beginners should start with short, vertical videos. That’s especially true of YouTube, where audiences expect long-form videos to be highly polished.

“I talked a lot of creators here this week at SXSW, who came in and said, ‘OK, Shorts is how I came into YouTube,” Trost said. “You might want to start with Shorts, and that's easier to create. Long-form takes time and more of a commitment.”

One of the biggest YouTubers of all time shared the same advice at another SXSW panel on the creator economy.

“I think that you have to have a short-form presence to begin with now,” Rhett McLaughlin, of Rhett & Link fame, said. “I mean, even we rely on discovery and rediscovery via TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts…So I think that the discovery process for a lot of creators I know who have kind of started in the past couple of years is: You pop on TikTok or Reels, then figure out how to translate that into long-form. That makes a lot of sense.”

And McLaughlin’s advice echoes exactly what Mrwhosetheboss, aka Arun Maini, told me last year when I interviewed him: Start with Shorts until you see some success.

"Make [YouTube] Shorts in your spare time, and you'll realize very quickly, either this isn't for you, it's too time-consuming, you hate editing, you hate being on camera, or you've got something here, and you love the feedback cycle, and you can get better very quickly," he said.

Trying to be a general lifestyle creator We have bad news for the aspiring Alix Earles of the world. Credit: Cindy Ord/VF26/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

The era of the generalist influencer is over, Berry believes. “I cannot stress it enough,” Berry said at the panel.

"I feel like, really strongly about this. I'm actually gonna kind of yell at everybody because I feel strongly about this, but I do think the internet is oversaturated. We are. We are moving away from being a generalist creator. Even saying you're a travel creator is generalist; saying you’re a food creator is generalist. Tell me you’re a travel creator who specifically spends 24 hours in cities. So, niche wins, specificity wins. It's OK to have multiple interests, but you need to have defined lanes within those interests and developed formats within those interests.”

SEE ALSO: There's never going to be another Alix Earle, creator experts say

However, new creators may need to experiment until they identify their niche.

Sollenberger and Instagram call this the T-shaped approach. Cast a wide net at first, then narrow in on what works.

So, is all hope lost for the next aspiring Alix Earle? Not quite, Alikaja told me in an interview after her panel.

“My theory is that once you go really deep, then you can become kind of like that Alix Earle personality. But to just become a personality, I think that might be a little bit different process now," she said.

Honing in on a specific niche has other benefits, too.

“You have to start with what you love and branch from there," Berry said.

The best Amazon Big Spring Sale Amazon device deals at a glance: Best subscription deal Amazon Music Unlimited $0/month for 3 months (save up to $38.97) Get Deal Best Echo device deal AmazonEcho Studio $189.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best Fire TV deal Amazon 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV $279.99 (save $180) Get Deal Best Fire TV Stick deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 (save $22) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is upon us. It officially kicks off on March 25 and runs through March 31 this year, but as always, many deals have arrived a bit early to the party. Specifically, some of Amazon's own devices are already down to record lows that match Black Friday.

It only makes sense that Amazon would drop the biggest deals on its own devices, given that it's an Amazon sale, after all. While Echo devices, Fire TVs, and Blink cameras are already seeing steep discounts, Kindle, Fire tablet, and subscription deals are still pretty scarce. We're excited to see what else the mega retailer has in store as the official sale nears.

For now, we've rounded up all the best Amazon device deals ahead of the Big Spring Sale 2026. Stay tuned for more to come.

Best Amazon subscription deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Music Unlimited free for 3 months (save $11.99/month or 12.99/month) Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon's major sales are always an excuse for the retailer to offer extended free trials or discounted prices for its membership subscriptions. While there will likely be a Kindle Unlimited and Audible trial deal during the Big Spring Sale, the only live subscription deal so far is on Amazon Music Unlimited. Through April 16, you can get three free months to test the waters. Beyond unlocking a massive music catalog that you can listen to on-demand and ad-free, you'll also get access to ad-free podcasts and one free audiobook per month. It auto-renews at $11.99 per month for Prime members and $12.99 per month for non-Prime members unless you cancel.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale Echo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Studio $189.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon dropped four new Echo devices last fall specifically built for Alexa+, including the new super-powered Echo Studio smart speaker. This is technically the Studio's first update in six years, though it's a much different design than its predecessor. According to Amazon, you "can't find any smart speaker that sounds this amazing at this size." It packs Dolby Atmos and spatial audio into a Death Star-like orb that fits in the palm of your hand. It's even powerful enough to give your TV a boost. The speaker saw its first-ever discount during Black Friday, and that same discount is back ahead of the Big Spring Sale.

More Echo deals

• Amazon Echo Pop Kids — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20)

• Amazon Echo Spot — $49.99 $79.99 (save $30)

• Amazon Echo Show 5 — $69.99 $89.99 (save $20)

• Amazon Echo Dot Max — $74.99 $99.99 (save $25)

• Amazon Echo Show 8 — $139.99 $179.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Echo Show 11 — $169.99 $219.99 (save $50)

• Amazon Echo Show 15 — $254.99 $299.99 (save $45)

• Amazon Echo Show 21 — $349.99 $399.99 (save $50)

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale Fire TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV $279.99 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $180   Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon's 4-Series Fire TVs aren't the most advanced in the brand's lineup, but they are the most popular. These TV models are for those who don't require a ton of bells and whistles. If you just want a decent looking TV that's great for streaming, the 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV is an excellent value — especially now that it's back down to its best price ever. It was redesigned in 2025 to sport an ultra-slim bezel, a new quad-core processor for speedy navigation, and Alexa+. It also packs 4K UHD picture quality with support for HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Sound, and Omnisense technology that wakes up the TV when you enter the room to show you artwork or your favorite comfort show.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale Fire TV Stick deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon practically gave away the Fire TV Stick 4K Select during Black Friday season, so we're hoping to see a return of the $9.99 discount price during the Big Spring Sale. Even if we don't, its current discount price of $17.99 is still pretty dang great. It's the newest Fire TV Stick in Amazon's lineup and delivers 4K quality with HDR10+ support, the plug-and-play design you know and love, and a new operating system called Vega. It also offers support for Alexa+, Amazon Kids+, Amazon Luna, Xbox Game Pass, and NordVPN.

More Fire TV deals

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $34.99 $59.99 (save $25)

• Amazon Fire TV Cube — $99.99 $139.99 (save $40)

• Amazon 43-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV — $199.99 $329.99 (save $130)

• Amazon 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV — $279.99 $459.99 (save $180)

• Amazon 55-inch Omni Mini LED QLED 4K Fire TV — $719.99 $819.99 (save $100)

• Amazon 65-inch Omni QLED 4K Fire TV — $749.99 $849.99 (save $100)

• Amazon 75-inch Omni Mini LED QLED 4K Fire TV — $1,249.99 $1,499.99 (save $250)

Fire tablet deals

• Amazon Fire 7 Kids — $59.99 $99.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids — $175.99 $219.99 (save $44)

Kindle deals

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Bundle — $202.97 $222.97 (save $20)

• Like-new Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition — $206.99 $279.99 (save $73)

Blink deals

• Blink Mini 2K+ — $25.99 $39.99 (save $14)

• Blink Video Doorbell — $35.99 $69.99 (save $34)

• Blink Outdoor 4 — $43.99 $79.99 (save $36)

There's never going to be another Alix Earle. That's what creator experts told Mashable at SXSW 2026.

That's not because Earle has an especially unique personality or brand. It's because discovery algorithms on apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have dramatically changed. On top of that, the market is wildly oversaturated with aspiring creators, inspired by the likes of Earle, MrBeast, and streamer IShowSpeed.

And that means the next Earle will lose out as more niche creators get picked up by algorithms. That's according to creator economy expert Arthur Leopold.

SEE ALSO: How content creators are redefining Hollywood's power structure

“If you think about platform algorithms four years ago — very different from where they are today. I don't believe there will ever be another Alix Earle-type short-form creator who reaches mega, mega, mega celebrity status.

Leopold sat down with us at a diner in downtown Austin during SXSW to talk about the creator economy. Leopold co-founded Agentio, a programmatic creator advertising platform, and he works closely with big creators like Rhett & Link.

"In this diner, four years ago, five years ago, if we all picked up TikTok, probably every single person in this diner would have seen an Alix Earle-type piece of content, right? But now the algorithms have gotten so good that you look at everyone in this diner, you could all scroll TikTok and Reels and probably no one here would see anything the others see.”

Brooke Berry, head of creator development at Snapchat (and a popular creator herself), said something very similar at a panel on what new creators should do in their first 90 days.

The era of the generalist influencer is over, she believes. “I cannot stress it enough,” Berry said at the panel.

"I feel really strongly about this. I'm actually gonna kind of yell at everybody because I feel strongly about this, but I do think the internet is oversaturated. We are. We are moving away from being a generalist creator. Even saying you're a travel creator is generalist; saying you’re a food creator is generalist. Tell me you’re a travel creator that specifically spends 24 hours in cities."

In an oversaturated creator market, having a unique niche or voice is key, Berry said.

"So, niche wins, specificity wins. It's OK to have multiple interests, but you need to have defined lanes within those interests and developed formats within those interests.”

And at a SXSW panel with Rhett & Link, Leopold explained why it's not easy to shift from niche to mainstream content.

“And now the algorithms have gotten so good that it is so rich. It's like the vegan chicken nugget maker in Iowa, and she has a great community, I'm sure, but the MrBeast-ification of that, I think, is going to be very, very hard [to break through to the mainstream]," Leopold said.

SXSW 2026 ends on Wednesday, but you can still catch up on our coverage from Austin, where our reporters have been talking to Caleb Hearon on the red carpet, trying weird AI VR games, and trying out Darth Vader chambers.

A quick look at the best Amazon Shark deals ahead of the Big Spring Sale Best stick vacuum deal Shark Clean & Empty $249.00 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal Best beauty deal Shark FlexStyle (6 attachments) $399.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best spot cleaner deal Shark StainForce $149.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

There are few home categories that Shark doesn't have a stake in. Floor care has been its bread and butter for a while, of course. But skincare, hair care, and and air care, too? It's Dyson-level variety at this point. And when it comes to deals during major Amazon sale events, there are typically more good Shark deals than good Dyson deals.

SEE ALSO: The Shark vs. Roomba debate is stale in 2026, but at least Shark is trying to revive its robot vacuum line

Amazon's 2026 Big Spring Sale is no different. We're tracking all of the best early deals on Shark vacuums, carpet cleaners, hair stylers, air purifiers, and more live ahead of the sale's March 25 kickoff — and the list is already pretty massive. We'll be updating this story as more deals on Shark devices trickle in. (Fingers crossed for a legit CryoGlow red light mask deal.)

Best Shark vacuum deal Shark Clean & Empty BU3521 $249 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $150.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

It'll be hard for any spring vacuum deal to beat this Shark Clean & Empty model as the best affordable stick vacuum setup. It automatically empties itself and charges every time you hang it back up on the dock (which also acts as built-in storage). That means you're starting every cleaning session with an empty dustbin, and that means you'll have unmistakeable visible proof of the gunk that's been sucked up in the room at hand.

It's not Shark's most powerful self-emptying stick vacuum, but it is currently half the price of Shark's most powerful self-emptying stick vacuum. Weighing in at just under six pounds, this Clean & Empty model is lighter than most cordless vacuums out there — including 30 percent lighter than the popular Shark Vertex Pro, which doesn't come with an auto-empty dock.

What about Shark robot vacuum deals?

The Shark robot vacuums on sale so far are decent if you really want a Shark, but I hesitate to hit full send on recommending one unless it's the PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1: The best Shark robot vacuum right now. The $1,299.99 robot vacuum and mop combo with blacklight stain detect hasn't even been out for a month, and the chances of it seeing a discount this soon are iffy. If you have $300 or $600 to spend on a robot vacuum this spring, there are more value-packed robot vacuum deals from other brands live at Amazon.

More early Shark Big Spring Sale deals

Robot vacuums

• Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 with Self-Empty Base — $299.99 $699.99 (save $400)

• Shark Stratos 2-in-1 with NeverTouch Base — $549.99 $999.99 (save $450)

Cordless vacuums

• Shark Pet Cordless IX141 — $149.99 $299.99 (save $150)

• Shark PowerDetect Pet Plus with Auto-Empty System — $399.99 $599.99 (save $200)

• Shark Stratos IZ862H — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)

• Shark Vertex Pro IZ662H — $269.99 $449.99 (save $180)

Hair tools

• Shark Glossi — $129.99 $179.99 (save $50)

• Shark SpeedStyle — $159 $229 (save $70)

• Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex (4 attachments) — $189 $229 (save $60.99)

• Shark FlexStyle (3 attachments) — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

Skincare devices

• Shark FacialPro Glow with DePuffi — $349 $399 (save $50)

Upright and portable carpet and upholstery cleaners

• Shark StainForce Cordless Stain System — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Shark StainStriker + Chemical Tool — $109.99 $149.99 (save $40)

• Shark StainStriker HairPro — $129.99 $159.99 (save $30)

• Shark CarpetXPert Upright Carpet Shampooer — $199.99 $249.99 (save $30)

Air purifiers

• Shark NeverChange (250 sq. ft.) — $139.99 $179.99 (save $40)

• Shark NeverChange (650 sq. ft.) — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50 plus get $10 Amazon credit)

• Shark NeverChange (1,400 sq. ft.) — $319.99 $399.99 (save $80 plus get $16 Amazon credit)

The best early Amazon Big Spring Sale Apple Watch deals: Best Apple Watch Series 11 Deal Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] $299.00 (save $100) Get Deal Best Apple Watch SE 3 Deal Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] $219.00 (save $30) Get Deal

We're just a few days away from Amazon's Big Spring Sale — which kicks off on March 25 and runs all the way to March 31 — but quite a few deals have already begun to appear. For Apple users, this includes some very nice discounts on Apple Watches. If you've been hoping to pick up one of these sleek smartwatches, without dropping the full amount on them, both Series 11 and SE 3 models are on sale right now.

We've gathered up just a few of our favorite early Apple Watch deals available at Amazon right now, so you can save on the ones that catch your eye. As we get closer to the sale's official start, we'll update this with more deals and price adjustments as they happen, too.

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Note: You don't need to be a Prime member to shop the sale, but Prime members will receive exclusive deals on a variety of items.

Best early Apple Watch Series 11 deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch Series 11 is a smartwatch we think very highly of, earning a spot on our list of the best smartwatches as the 'Best Apple Upgrade', and this $100 discount on the 42mm with GPS model is well worth taking advantage of. It marks its lowest-ever price point at the retailer, so what better time to grab it?

Mashable's Stan Schroeder, who reviewed it, said its worth upgrading to for the battery life alone. He said, "Even if you already have a Series 10, which has nearly all the same features, the new Apple Watch Series 11 doesn’t require you to charge it mid-day in order to keep it going through the night. With the new Sleep Score feature, this is more important than ever." Multiple versions of this smartwatch are on sale right now as well, which you can see below.

More Apple Watch Series 11 deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS + Cellular 42mm] $399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS + Cellular 46mm] $429 at Amazon
$529 Save $100   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] $329 at Amazon
$429 Save $100   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS + Cellular 46mm] Smartwatch with Slate Titanium Case with Slate Milanese Loop $699 at Amazon
$799 Save $100   Get Deal Best early Apple Watch SE 3 deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] $219 at Amazon
$249 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch SE 3 is a great choice for those who just want the basics of a smartwatch. It landed on our list of the best smartwatches as the 'Best for most people' because, "In addition to its gorgeous OLED display, it has the same S10 chip inside the Ultra 3, the same water resistance as the Series 11, and all the necessary features you're looking for in a smartwatch — all for $150 less than the Series 11."

Ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, its 40mm model has dropped down to $219. That saves you $30. It's not the only one on sale right now, though. Below we've included a few more versions of the SE 3 that have been discounted at the retailer, so you can scoop up your preferred model and save some cash.

More Apple Watch SE 3 deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 44mm] $249 at Amazon
$279 Save $30   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS + Cellular 40mm] $269 at Amazon
$299 Save $30   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS + Cellular 44mm] $299 at Amazon
$329 Save $30   Get Deal

BMW put all the electric vehicle makers on notice with the near-universally loved BMW iX3, its first "Neue Klasse" electric car. The mid-sized SUV wowed reviewers with best-in-class range, slick entertainment, and smooth driving, prompting more than 50,000 people to pre-order it without even trying it out.

But many car enthusiasts love BMW for its sporty sedans, meaning that the BMW i3, the first "Neue Klasse" electric sedan, is equally as important for the company.

(Note that this BMW i3 is an electric counterpart to the BMW 3 series, and not a successor to the original BMW i3, a compact, electric city-dweller that BMW stopped selling a few years ago).

The headlights are very recognizably "Neue Klasse", but this is a far sportier car than the BMW iX3. Credit: BMW

At first glance, the BMW i3 doesn't disappoint. Unveiled on Wednesday in just one configuration (for now), the BMW i3 50 xDrive has dual electric motors with a power output of 469 hp. BMW's sixth-generation eDrive tech, with BMW's Heart of Joy computer fine-tuning the driving experience, should provide a smooth and sporty ride (BMW hasn't shared performance figures yet).

Credit: BMW

But the BMW i3's biggest highlight is the range, which is up to 440 miles per EPA standards, and up to 900 kilometers per Europe's WLTP standards, handily beating every Tesla out there. Equally impressive is the 400 kW charging enabled by the 800-volt architecture, which can get you up to 400 km of range in just 10 minutes.

The interior is very similar to that of the BMW iX3, with a 17.9-inch, oddly shaped central display, and the Panoramic Vision display stretching along the entire length of the windshield. Credit: BMW

At 187.4 inches in length and 73.4 inches in width, the BMW i3 is pretty close to the BMW 3 (and Tesla's Model 3, which is probably its biggest electric rival). The look, however, is very much "Neue Klasse" and a pretty big departure from BMW's current ICE lineup (though, also, a nod to BMW's original Neue Klasse models from the 1960s).

This means you can forget about BMW's oversized radiator grille; instead, the grille is near invisible, blending into the two angry-looking black strips that also host the headlights. In the rear, BMW thankfully stops just a few centimeters short of blending the taillights into a horizontal line which appears to be everywhere these days.

SEE ALSO: BMW launches 'Neue Klasse' iX3 EV with massive range, new infotainment system

Inside, it's very similar to the iX3; you get a 17.9-inch central display, a full-length Panoramic Vision display stretching along the entire bottom of the windshield, plus an optional 3D head-up display. And yes, the steering wheel has the ultra-techy, four-spoke design, though you can also get an optional M Sport, 2-spoke wheel.

The BMW i3 goes into production this August, with deliveries starting in the fall. We don't know anything about the price, though; for reference, the BMW iX3 starts around $60,000 in the U.S.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 NRL for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are few other sports that can compete with rugby league when it comes to physicality and skill. It's clever handling and outrageous trickery combined with absolute brutality, and that's why we all love it.

And if you're looking for all of that and more on a weekly basis, you should check out the NRL. It's an electric competition featuring some of the best players and teams in the world. We're definitely not knocking what you get in the Northern Hemisphere, but there's something special about the National Rugby League. It feels like something wild happens every week.

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If you want to watch the 2026 NRL for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the NRL?

The National Rugby League (NRL) is a professional rugby league competition in Australasia, including clubs from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and New Zealand.

Each team plays 24 matches in the regular season, with the first-placed team at the end awarded the minor premiership. This is followed by a finals series contested between the eight highest-placed teams from the regular season, culminating in the NRL Grand Final.

The defending champions are the Brisbane Broncos.

When is the 2026 NRL?

The 2026 NRL season is the 119th edition of professional rugby league in Australia and the 29th season run by the National Rugby League. This season runs from Feb. 28 to Sept. 5.

How to watch the 2026 NRL for free

Select fixtures from the 2026 NRL season are available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the NRL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 NRL from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Live stream the 2026 NRL for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 NRL without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select NRL fixtures before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you will need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live streaming sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 NRL for free with ExpressVPN.

Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan's outstanding crime-comedy Deadloch earned every last skerrick of high praise for its debut season. Described by Caitlin Welsh for Mashable as "the feminist Australian buddy-comedy-murder-noir you didn't know you needed" and "Broadchurch crossed with Letterkenny, but with way more lesbians," Deadloch carved out its own glorious TV niche in 2023.

In Season 2, directed by Beck Cole and Gracie Otto, polar opposite detective duo Dulcie Collins (Kate Box) and Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami), trade in Lutruwita (Tasmania) for the crocodile-populated waters of Australia's Top End, with a second season that’s just as consistently hilarious, sharply constructed, and deeply Australian as its first. With more twists and turns than a Viennetta, McCartney and McLennan's series spins overused murder-mystery tropes into something new: a breath of fresh, hot, thick, mid-summer air, if you will.

SEE ALSO: 34 bloody excellent Australian horror movies that'll mess you up (and where to watch them)

Deadloch once again proves it's one of the best crime-comedies on TV, with new overlapping cases, suspicious locals, and impeccable insults you’ll scramble to write down. Ultimately, thank fuck for this show.

What’s Deadloch Season 2 about? Dream team. Credit: Prime Video

Having solved the murder investigation in the titular town of Deadloch in Season 1, Eddie and Dulcie decided to head north, all the way to Garramilla (Darwin), Larrakia country. Here, in Season 2, Eddie seeks answers for the fate of her former partner, Bushy, whose death doesn’t sit right with her. 

However, there’s quite literally something in the water in the small Northern Territory town of Barra Creek — no really, it's a dead crocodile with a body part in its mouth. Whose is it? Which locally famous and/or pet croc is it? Does it have anything to do with missing backpackers who a local tour guide says "got Wolf Creeked"? Dulcie and Eddie head to the one-pub, one-caravan park town, where crocodile-based tourism is a territorial business and where Eddie just happened to grow up.

Their investigation won't be easy though, with hurdles including zero resources, sexist and showy detectives running their own dodgy investigation, as well as the diabolically dominant Darrell family (led by the scene-stealing Nikki Britton as Amber Darrell) and their croc tour rivals, Land of Crocs, led by a Hemsworth in extremely small shorts as schmucky celebrity wildlife presenter Jason Wade.

Good grief. Credit: Prime Video

Working out of a storage space filled with snakeskins, Eddie and Dulcie will also need help from new faces including deadpan local journalist Leo Lee (a hilariously understated Jean Tong) who is "dangerously bored in my job," and old friends including Deadloch gem Abby Matsuda (the ever-delightful Nina Oyama), who thankfully has made it to the Top End's forensics team.

Madeleine Sami and Kate Box serve up comedy excellence, leading an impeccable cast The gang's back together! Credit: Prime Video

Supercharging Deadloch with their signature sharp comedy writing, McCartney and McLennan once again contrast Redcliffe and Box as sublime buddy cops. 

With the fish-out-of-water factor flipped this season, Dulcie sweats through her new environment — through brash conversations, unbridled sexism, Eddie's unconventional police work, and heat that’s "thicker than Clag." While Eddie was the sore thumb sticking out in Deadloch, Dulcie’s the odd one out this time, supported by her sanguine wife Cath (a delightfully funny Alicia Gardiner), who is frankly bored out of her brain in Barra Creek.

As the core dynamic of the show, Box's level-headed agitation once again clashes with Sami's audacious candor, and it's TV gold. Eddie wrestles with her return to her hometown "full of shitcunts," facing old nemeses and a profanity-charged family reunion. Sami's comedic excellence remains top tier, bringing depth and heart to Eddie beneath her abrasive personality, whether they're getting mad at someone for not knowing a Neil Diamond song, seeing blood over croc poachers, or dropping clangers like "he's not my boss and neither are you so stiff clitties."

Shari Sebbens in everything, please. Credit: Prime Video

Newcomers to Deadloch this season are also a welcome bunch, from the ever-talented Shari Stebbins as no-nonsense ranger Miki Evans to Hemsworth perfectly cast as Jason Wade, a Steve Irwin-meets-Bear Grylls-channelling showman who, along with his "Boys," made me want to jump into a croc-filled river.

Talijah Blackman-Corowa is a deadpan delight as Gen Z-staring shop attendant Alira; Ling Cooper-Tang and Ursula Yovich don't miss a beat as bar owners Lynn and Mary; and Genevieve Morris and Steve Bisley seem to have a great ol' time as local cop Pat and cranky local Frank, respectively. Plus, musician Kira Piru makes momentary cameos which had me in stitches.

Deadloch remains extremely, specifically, gloriously Australian *plays "Agadoo" and instantly remembers the dance (yes, there's a dance)* Credit: Prime Video

No doubt about it, Deadloch remains a deeply Australian show — from killer king python lollies only available in bulk to the country's undying love for Black Lace's 1984 hit "Agadoo," place names like Dickie's Knob and the incessant small talk about how bloody hot it is ("I could steam a dumpling in my cooch," Eddie (obviously) says). This level of specificity in the show's comedy hopefully doesn't feel alienating as much as intriguing to viewers outside the country, but it might help to have an Australian around to explain the Blue Heelers references.

However, it's not just McCartney and McLennan's superb writing and the cast's comedic excellence that makes Deadloch so wonderfully Australian. Stunning landscape shots from director of photography Rob Marsh and cinematographers Katie Milwright and Simon Ozlins showcase the extreme beauty of Larrakia country, across red earth and eucalyptus trees. In addition, the season's core pub, the Barra Creek Tavern, is a masterpiece of production design from Helen O'Loan, right down to the coaster.

Having Deadloch back on our screens makes me want to air punch through the thickest Top End air. If you're not watching this show, as Eddie would say, "you're up shit creek without a snorkel."

Deadloch is streaming on Prime Video March 20.

Perhaps we should change the title of Spider-Man: Brand New Day to Spider-Man: Mental Health Day, because goodness knows Peter Parker (Tom Holland) needs one.

At the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) cast a spell that made everyone forget Peter's existence. The spell saved the multiverse, but it left Peter completely isolated, even from his girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) and his best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon).

SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Part Three' teaser is here to get you back on the Timothée Chalamet train

Spider-Man: Brand New Day picks up four years after the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home, and it's clear that isolation has never gotten easier for Peter. In the trailer, he watches social media videos of MJ and Ned's first day at MIT and continues to yearn for their company — especially when they become his neighbors.

As if the crushing loneliness weren't enough, Spider-Man: Brand New Day also sees Peter going through some serious physical mutations including developing organic webs. For help on that matter, he goes to another expert on painful superhero transformations: Dr. Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo).

Bruce isn't the only MCU favorite to make an appearance in the trailer. Frank Castle/The Punisher (Jon Bernthal) is also in the mix, sassing Peter in a high-stakes car fight. Plus, villain Scorpion (Michael Mando) from Spider-Man: Homecoming is back, just one of many frightening bad guys Peter faces off with in the trailer.

Notably missing? Sadie Sink, who's confirmed to star in an as-yet undisclosed role. IGN speculates that she appears briefly in the trailer as a character in a long coat and grey hoodie, who seems to be a powerful psychic. Could this be our first look at the MCU's take on Jean Grey?

Will Peter find his way back into MJ and Ned's lives? What is happening to his powers? And how will Spider-Man: Brand New Day set up Avengers: Doomsday? We've got to wait until July to find out.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits theaters July 31.

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on March 18-21. This Romance Book Blast, hosted by Indie Author Hive, is offering free romance books for your e-reader.

The Stuff Your Kindle Day schedule was completely wild at the start of this year, to the point where we needed a break. We got exactly what we wanted, and now we're ready to jump back into a busy period after weeks of nothing.

The latest Romance Book Blast, hosted by Indie Author Hive, is offering participants the chance to download romance books without spending anything. And everything that you download is yours to keep forever, so this is your best opportunity to stock up ahead of the summer. We're sure you've got some serious reading planned for the coming weeks and months, so you'll need some material.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Kindles to help you find the perfect e-reader

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

This Romance Book Blast takes place on March 18-21. Unlike a lot of 24-hour giveaways, this event gives you the opportunity to properly take stock of your options and download the titles you know you want to read. There's no need to panic.

Which ebooks are free?

This Romance Book Blast offers free (or heavily discounted) romance books from a number of sub-genres, including dark romance, small-town romance, fantasy, paranormal, romcom, sports romance, and more. Anyone can participate in this event: Kindle and Kobo readers can download these romance books for free.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + Kindle Unlimited (3 Months) $109.99 at Amazon
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These popular e-readers let you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. Plus, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free with your purchase.

The fact that there's still an active Lord of the Rings group chat after 25 years is a testament to the close bond of hobbits.

In the Late Show clip above, Elijah Wood reveals to Stephen Colbert that he still speaks to his fellow cast members every day, and that their group is called "Shire Folk".

"Dom [Monaghan] retitled it 'Shire Folk'. It was 'The Hobbits', but he was like, 'Ah, it's too on the nose.' And we text each other every day," says Wood. "We do the New York Times Mini Crossword, so we share our scores on there."

Deeply wholesome.

The pendulum isn’t shifting. It’s shifted.

As we enter year two of the second Trump administration, mainstream brands are becoming more comfortable working with conservative creators and shifting ad dollars to apolitical creators. That’s what several experts on the creator economy told me at SXSW 2026.

Last year, Business Insider reported that blue-chip advertisers were embracing right-wing outlets like Fox News and The Daily Wire. Fox News told Business Insider at the time it had onboarded 125 new large advertisers following Trump’s election. The publication reported that companies feared that “avoiding conservative platforms [was] a risk to their brands,” while others wanted to avoid “signaling a political allegiance on either side of the aisle.”

Now, experts say the same shift is happening in the fast-growing creator economy, where advertisers spent an estimated $37 billion in 2025, according to IAB.

“There’s certainly a level of comfortability with conservatives, no doubt. Look at the mainstream brands who support all the channels today, right?” said Arthur Leopold, CEO and co-founder of Agentio, a programmatic creator advertising startup, in an interview at SXSW.

“If you even consider how much the pendulum has swung, five years ago, if you were a brand and you didn't have the pride flag during June...” Leopold told me, "There would be little boycotts and national news would be covering that X, Y, Z brand doesn't have a pride flag. But now you think back to last year, and you barely saw that, right? So there's been a desensitization to politics and how brands respond to it on social. And because of that, brands care a little bit less about whether they are working with a Ben Shapiro or Meidas Touch.”

Conservative media is home to hundreds of proudly right-wing podcasters, YouTubers, and streamers. And let’s not forget about the right-leaning manosphere. While these creators have always received deals from conservative-aligned brands like Black Rifle Coffee, many are no longer off-limits to mainstream brands.

At the same time, that means proudly progressive creators are sometimes losing out on dollars they used to count on.

Creators often earn limited income from monetization programs on platforms like YouTube or TikTok. Typically, brand deals are essential to building a sustainable career as a creator. So, if progressive creators who are outspoken on LGBTQ+ rights or climate change can’t secure partnerships, their voices could disappear from your feed.

SEE ALSO: The unseen risks creators face when they get political

“These are amazing, amazing people. Incredible freaking people, but there are brands that feel like they shouldn’t be supporting them. Whereas, two years ago, everyone did,” Leopold said.

Antonia Alakija, a creator economy strategist and Meta and TikTok alum, told Mashable she’s definitely seeing brands seek out more apolitical creators.

“I think before it was OK to have more of a social perspective or moral perspective. I'm seeing brands choose creators who don't really speak to those topics and don't have a brand aligned with either side, just because of the polarization and opinions going on right now. So, I would say, in terms of creator selection, I'm definitely seeing that," Alakija said.

Brooke Berry, head of creator development at Snapchat, told Mashable that creators who are having a hard time finding deals because of their political beliefs shouldn’t feel like they need to silence themselves. Instead, they should find other formats and topics to create alongside their more outspoken content.

“I had one of my reality TV star creators say, you know, on another platform, it's hard for him to sometimes find deals, because he does speak out a lot and has very specific views," Berry said. "But that's when I told him, you don't have to necessarily stop what you're speaking about, but you need to identify content formats within other areas. Like, he's into fitness, he's on the spectrum, he has high-functioning autism, and he talks a lot about those. Find the formats within that that brands can plug into.”

However, being too outspoken can still impact a creator’s ability to secure deals, as Mashable has reported before.

“Even sometimes when you do do the apolitical stuff, if you do even have a roster of any political stuff, that could get in the way of opportunities, in this era specifically,” Alakija warned.

Leopold told me there are, of course, hard lines for companies. Whether on the right or left, extreme opinions or controversies are often unattractive to brands, for obvious reasons.

“If there are creators who might be way too controversial or have said something that could be damaging for a brand, we have to be honest with that, and we wouldn't onboard them. We are a closed platform, right?” Leopold told me. “And the brands can also say, ‘Hey, we want to work with creators that are more aligned to certain causes, political or otherwise. You know, we are a brand looking for a highly male audience and success on channels like Ben Shapiro's. So, OK, well, there are similar channels, like maybe outdoor lifestyle channels or apolitical channels that have a similar audience.”

The trend to support apolitical and conservative creators is troubling for left-wing creators trying to carve out a living in the increasingly crowded creator economy.

However, that’s the thing about pendulums.

They always swing back eventually.

The quotes in this story have been lightly edited for clarity and grammar.