• A proper snow sled is an entertaining (and exciting) way to spend a snow day, no matter if you're playing hooky from work or just looking to pass some time on the weekend. 
• The best sleds should all have these three things in common: Enough surface area for one to two people to ride comfortably, a design that allows a smooth (and fast) ride, and some form of steering wheel or rope for added stability. 
• Our top pick, the Slippery Racer Downhill Xtreme Toboggan Snow Sled, is a swift and stable sled that's large enough for both an adult and child to share a ride together. 

Sledding is a winter pastime that's as thrilling as it is fun. Not only is it a popular recreational activity for people of all ages but variations of sledding (i.e. the luge, skeleton, and bobsled) are beloved Olympic sports. Regardless of whether you're gunning for a gold medal or just want to see how fast you can go careening down a snow-filled hill, you'll always need that one thing that gets you from Point A to wherever you land on Point B: A sled. 

But not all sleds are created equal, and you don't even need a genuine, by-the-book sled to get downhill. In addition to those classic metal and wood sleds, you can also use a plastic toboggan-style sled, an inflatable intertube, and even a round saucer (and who hasn't just used a garbage lid?). 

If you crave the thrill of downhill snow sledding but aren't sure which sled variant is best, we have you covered: The following guide includes some helpful tips and info on the best sleds for a range of use cases. With one of these sleds, you'll be able to turn any normal snow day into a snow sled day. They're also suitable for use with your kids.

Here are the best sleds you can buy:

• Best sled overall: Slippery Racer Downhill XTreme Toboggan Snow Sled
• Best inflatable snow tube: A-DUDU Inflatable Snow Tube
• Best classic runner sled: Flexible Flyer Steel Runner Sled
• Best saucer sled: Lucky Bums Powder Coated Metal Saucer

Updated on 12/23/2020 by Rick Stella: Updated the introduction for relevancy, revised the copy for each pick, checked the availability of all recommended sleds, and updated the prices and links where necessary. 

Best sled overall

The Slippery Racer Downhill XTreme Toboggan Snow Sled was designed for top speeds, but it's also stable enough for a parent and child to safely enjoy together.

Pros: Fast on most types of snow, fits adult and child, durable plastic body

Cons: Bottom scratches and loses slickness over time

The Slippery Racer Downhill XTreme Toboggan Snow Sled is the closest adult-sized approximation to the sled I used as a kid. It has the classic plastic toboggan shape with a few upgrades I would've been glad to see as a kid but that is certainly enjoyable today.

These include cutout handles for a secure grip and easy carrying, a proprietary IceVex cold-resistant coating that helps prevent cracking and scratching, and construction using such a durable yet flexible plastic that the sled can bend to 90 degrees without breaking.

The bottom of the 48-inch long Slippery Racer toboggan is smooth and slick, helping it to glide over all sorts of snow, from soft, fresh powder to heavier, wetter packed snow. The sled features a slight taper toward the front that increases its dynamic performance and also serves to accommodate a smaller rider during an adult-child tandem ride.

While you should always avoid rocks, trees, and other solid objects during a sled ride, should you endure an impact with some such obstacle, know that the sled can take the abuse without breaking. That's backed up by a yearlong warranty Slippery Racer throws in with each purchase.

And while the Slippery Racer Downhill XTreme Toboggan is an adult-sized sled, it's also more than suitable for kids. The site ToyTruckToys.com recommends it for kids over the age of four, calling it a "beginner to intermediate" sled.

Best inflatable snow tube

The A-DUDU Inflatable Snow Tube gives a swift, comfortable ride down the hill, and its air-filled design cushions riders against the jolts and bumps along the way.

Pros: Smooth and comfortable ride, supports up to 250 pounds, easy to store when not in use

Cons: Requires inflation prior to use, cannot be steered or controlled

One of the best things about an inflatable snow tube is the fact that when it's not being used, it can be deflated, folded up, and stored in a cabinet or drawer. That makes the A-DUDU Inflatable Snow Tube a great choice for the apartment-renter for whom free space is at a premium.

This tube can zip riders up to 250 pounds down a snowy hill at great speed. The A-DUDU Inflatable Snow Tube measures 47-inches in diameter, easily supporting larger, taller adults, and is suitable for use by two kids at the same time, provided they're ready to share those handles.

The rugged PVC exterior of the tube resists tears and punctures and resists cracking even in temperatures as cold as negative 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The tube inflates quickly by mouth or with an air pump and stays sealed shut thanks to a double-locking valve.

Snow tubes might be nearly impossible to control, but they do absorb many of the bumps and jumps along the way, thanks to that huge cushion of air. And besides, less control means more excitement.

Best classic runner sled

The Flexible Flyer Steel Runner Sled is a timeless classic made with a birch wood deck and red steel runners.

Pros: Steering bar controls direction, beautiful classic style, last for years

Cons: Rather expensive, greater risk of injury than with other sled types

You could easily be forgiven for buying the Flexible Flyer Steel Runner Sled as a piece of faux-vintage decoration. It would look great beside the fireplace, above the mantle, or among the collection of wacky tchotchkes on the wall of a casual dining restaurant. But where this sleigh-style sled truly belongs is flying down a snowy hill at high speed.

Though a wood and steel runner sled may look antiquated, there's a reason they've been produced since the late 1880s: They flat-out work. While not suitable for use on fresh powdery snow, in the right conditions, this sled is as fast as almost any modern option while also allowing you to control your ride. With a flexible steering bar at the front of the sled, you can steer right or left and enjoy the ideal route down, avoiding obstacles and people and hitting jumps and drifts, if that's your thing.

The sled is recommended for ages five and older and can accommodate most adults. I'd probably recommend you wait until the kids are a bit older than five, personally, as the chance for injury is a bit higher with this sled than with a plastic toboggan or inflated snow tube. Wood and steel just hurt more than plastic.

Best saucer sled

The Lucky Bums Powder Coated Metal Saucer might be impossible to steer, but it's also basically impossible to ride without a smile on your face.

Pros: Works on most types of snow, built to last for years, suitable for wide age range

Cons: Impossible to steer

If you've seen the classic comedy "Christmas Vacation," starring Chevy Chase, then you know a flying saucer style sled can potentially lead to a tragicomic tableau. Skip the extra grease on the bottom, and you should be able to enjoy this saucer without quite as much risk of personal injury as Chase's Clark Griswold while still having lots of fun this winter.

The lightweight but virtually indestructible Lucky Bums Powder Coated Metal Saucer is fun for kids and adults alike thanks to the simplicity and durability of its design. Even a smaller child or a larger adult should be able to fit on this sled thanks to its 25-inch diameter. You'll just have to sit cross-legged, of course. And despite being made of metal, the saucer only weighs six pounds, so even a younger child can carry it back up the hill.

You can't steer a saucer — that much is important to know going in — but they also tend to work well on all sorts of snow, from slush to ice to powder to those perfect large, downy flakes. While a runner sled bogs down on lighter, fluffier snow and a toboggan can sink into slushier snow under a larger rider's weight, this smooth disc will slip along over all sorts of wintry precipitation with ease.

Check out more Insider Reviews winter gear guides

The best snowshoes

The best ski gear for resort riding

The best base layers

The best space heaters

The best thermal gloves

Almost a year ago, on December 31, 2019, the Chinese government notified the World Health Organization about a cluster of 41 patients with a mysterious pneumonia in Wuhan.

Now, over 78 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University. More than 1.7 million have died.

The US has the highest total number of cases and deaths of any country: The virus has killed more than 323,000 Americans and sickened more than 18 million. Since October, the country's daily death toll has soared from about 700 to over 2,600. 

Below are some the most striking images photographers have captured of the pandemic's impact around the world. 

SEE ALSO: These are the 20 days in the past 100 years when America saw the most deaths from a single catastrophe. Over half are in the past 2 weeks.

China recorded its first coronavirus death on January 11.

Two months later, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak to be a pandemic. In Italy, an early hotspot, grim images emerged of severely ill patients in hospitals. Videos also showed people singing from balconies during lockdown.

By late March, 2.6 billion people were under lockdown worldwide. New York City quickly became the first US epicenter.

Images showed city workers preparing mass graves for unclaimed bodies of people who'd died of COVID-19.

New York City saw so much death that excess bodies had to be stored in temporary refrigerated tractor trailers.

Cases rose more slowly in San Francisco. Visitors to Dolores Park gathered within drawn circles to maintain social distancing.

The virus has proved deadliest when it spreads among people living or working in crowded, enclosed spaces, like nursing homes.

As hospitals restricted visitors, and in some cases banned them, relatives of dying COVID-19 patients had to say goodbye via phones and iPads.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, quickly emerged as the authoritative face of the US government's COVID-19 response.

President Donald Trump drew criticism for refusing to wear a mask in public and downplaying the threat of the virus.

As statewide lockdowns led to soaring unemployment, Americans lined up in droves at food banks.

When a Minneapolis police officer killed George Floyd in May, an estimated 26 million people protested in the streets. The mostly masked protesters didn't drive a major COVID-19 surge, according to researchers.

By June, nations like Spain had begun to ease lockdown restrictions. On its first day of reopening, a Spanish opera house played to a crowd of nearly 2,300 plants.

In the US, 93% of households with school-aged children reported they engaged in some form of remote learning. Some students still graduated in person, though.

In July, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announced he'd tested positive for COVID-19. By then, Brazil had become a coronavirus epicenter.

By October, more than 27,000 Indigenous Brazilians had contracted COVID-19. An article in The Lancet criticized the government's inaction and failure to provide indigenous tribes with adequate masks and medical supplies.

President Trump announced he'd contracted COVID-19 at the beginning of October, less than a week after he hosted a nomination ceremony for Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett. A reception was held indoors.

Coronavirus cases began to surge anew in the US in early October. To avoid crowds on Election Day, millions of Americans voted early or by mail.

Despite mounting cases worldwide, many people continued to congregate for holiday festivities throughout the fall and winter, like this crowd in India.

The Hasidic Jewish community in New York City continues to gather in groups for funerals and religious services. One indoor Hasidic wedding had thousands of guests.

As hospitals filled with patients in December, a survey found that 76% of healthcare workers reported exhaustion and burnout.

By December 17, almost 20% of US hospitals with intensive-care units had reported that ICU beds were 95% full or more.

On that same day, the US death toll topped 300,000, according to the COVID Tracking Project.

Hope came earlier this month, however, as nations began vaccinating their most vulnerable residents. England was the first Western nation to authorize a vaccine.

By mid-December, the US had authorized two coronavirus vaccines: one from a Pfizer-BioNTech collaboration, and the other from Moderna.

• Communicating ideas in a clear, confident way is a crucial life skill no matter which field you work in.
• Writing a personal essay can help perfect your storytelling and presentation skills. Below are 15 online classes, books, podcasts, and resources to start with.
• Read more: At the start of this year, I could barely sell my writing. These 10 online classes, books, and podcasts helped me get published in The New York Times and land 2 literary agents.
• Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals.

Everyone has a story, but not everyone knows how to tell their story. One place to start is finding the perfect container for your experiences and insights. Enter: the personal essay. 

Well-crafted essays mark the difference between a meandering group of paragraphs and a clear, resonant idea. Almost every occupation can benefit from stronger communication, research, and persuasion skills — all of which can be sharpened from essay writing classes.

Think about the application prompts you've muddled through or the chances for publication you've felt too intimidated to attempt. The confidence to explore a topic, land on a perspective, and express it effectively is universally valuable, whether you're writing a personal statement for college, crafting a cover letter for a new job, or giving a presentation at work. 

The essay writing resources below range from 200-page books to eight-week online courses. Some require submitting original work to receive feedback, while others are prompts meant to inspire new ideas. 

15 essay writing online courses, workshops, and books to strengthen your storytelling skills: 

For the basics

How to Write a Personal Essay (CreativeLive)

Joyce Maynard is a celebrated memoirist and personal essayist who knows what it takes to get an essay noticed for publication. In five hours of video instruction, students will learn how to identify ideas that could become pieces, how to build an outline, create an interesting character, and even end an essay to emphasize the final discovery. With a review rating of 100% from former students, this course is the perfect place to start your next essay. 

How to Write an Essay (edX)

This UC Berkeley class hones in on the hidden mechanisms of essays. The five-week course is more academic than creative, but ideal for those hoping to write with immaculate grammar and rigorous self-editing habits. The course (which is free to audit) provides both instructional videos and readings, and students will produce one essay as a takeaway from the class. 

Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself Specialization (Coursera)

Presented by Wesleyan University, this four-month specialization is instructed by four published essayists and memoirists. Through 16 writing assignments across four courses, students develop an approach to their own storytelling skills. And for those looking to take their writing out of the classroom, this course leaves you with a portfolio of work upon completion. 

"The Situation and The Story" by Vivian Gornick 

Drawing on her experience from teaching MFA programs, Vivian Gornick challenges the writer to step back and evaluate their role in relation to the work. Are they the same person as the narrator? What details matter to the story? It's an invitation to look below the surface of life as it unfolds and ask questions of larger significance. The book is short, but explores diverse greats of the genre, from Joan Didion to Oscar Wilde. 

For sudden inspiration

Creative Writing for All: A 10-Day Journaling Challenge (Skillshare)

Seasoned journalist, novelist, and publisher Emily Gould only wants ten minutes of your time a day. In a 10-day course described as "perfect for writers and enthusiasts eager to rekindle creativity in a personal and artful way," she packs in countless creative prompts and revision tricks. It's great for writers who are crunched for time and looking to discover a new topic right under their nose.

The New York Times' Writing Prompts

This archive of questions inspired by the NYT's own stories is a perfect place to start, since jumping in can often feel like the hardest part. The Learning Network is targeted towards students, but the conversations following each prompt can be helpful for writers of all ages. After all, many essays begin as questions. Why not borrow some from the Times? 

Personal Essay Independent Study: Generating Fresh Ideas for the Personal Essay (Catapult)

Writing from life can make it difficult to be objective. What's interesting? What could become a full length essay? Led by essayist and editor Lilly Dancyger, this independent study is the perfect place to start coming up with fresh ideas. Self-guided, with three separate lessons ranging in topics from perspective to conversation, is an ideal fit for new writers looking to demystify the craft of storytelling via essays.  

"Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg 

The best writers are always avid readers and this book is a great start. With over one million copies sold and translations in 12 languages, it's hard to deny the creative jumpstart writers find from "Writing Down the Bones." The tone of the book is conversational and approachable, and it's full of compelling personal narratives and prompts. Goldberg integrates tenets of Zen meditation with writing in order to create what she coins a "Writing Practice." The practice includes self-interrogation, creating a specific space, and carving out time to read. 

For developing style

Creative Writing: Crafting Personal Essays with Impact (Skillshare)

Let The New York Times bestselling author and revered professor Roxane Gay inspire your writing to ask questions of deep resonance. Her one-hour masterclass is an insightful lesson on transforming your personal essay with cultural context. Learn how to take yourself (and your essay) seriously by expanding your story and connecting with the audience you want to reach. The class comes with a downloadable worksheet and links to additional resources. 

David Sedaris Teaches Humor and Storytelling (MasterClass)

No one writes humor like David Sedaris. With 10 bestselling essay collections under his belt, there's hardly a more qualified teacher. In his MasterClass, he explores how to pull meaning out of the mundane, how humor helps us move through the dark subjects of our stories, and how everything depends on an attention-grabbing opening. Prepare to learn, laugh, and be charmed for over three hours of his beautifully shot video lessons.

Begin with the Body (Skillshare)

Chelsea Hodson's essays have been described as, "anchors for the themes  —  identity, sexuality, loss  —  we so often see reflected back at us." In under 45 minutes, you'll be inspired to examine a strong starting point for any essay — your own body. Plus, Hodson's demonstration of her editing process in real time and analysis of other creative works leaves you with no excuse but to, as she says, "write without expectation." She also occasionally offers feedback on essays submitted through the class.

For practice and feedback

8-Week Personal Essay & Memoir Writing (Sackett Street Writers)

For writers with some experience or an essay ready to be workshopped, writing workshops like Sackett Street's are an excellent option. This particular class is taught by published author Anna Qu, exploring the responsibility of nonfiction writing while learning literary techniques to create a compelling story. On top of Qu's guidance, the comradery with fellow students, even online, can lead to new perspectives and creative inspiration through in-class writing prompts.

"Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life" by Anne Lamott

Few books reign supreme when it comes to authors' favorites "books on books" like "Bird by Bird." Lamott's down-to-earth, homespun advice on life and writing has sold over a million copies. Simultaneously practical and profound, the book leans on the basic tenet that the most important practice is sitting down every day and simply writing. As Lamott writes: "One of the gifts of being a writer is that it gives you an excuse to do things, to go places and explore. Another is that writing motivates you to look closely at life, at life as it lurches by and tramps around."

Memoir Monday (Substack)

Every Monday, a collection of the best essays published the previous week on sites like Granta, Longreads, and Literary Hub are mailed directly to your inbox. A monthly reading series, plus interviews with notable authors provide a dose of inspiration and a curated look at up and coming work. 

WMFA Podcast hosted by Courtney Balestier

"Writing can be lonely work," and this podcast sees conversation as a combatant to that problem. Writers across all genres and walks of life are interviewed by writer Courtney Balestier, and talks range from craft practices to book recommendations. There's also a minisode (around five minutes) on a single topic, like paying attention or restraint, released every other week. The conversation continues in a monthly newsletter featuring links, news, and recommendations. 

• With the COVID-19 vaccine beginning to roll out, there's hope on the horizon for travelers eager to get away next year.
• In anticipation of a better, brighter year ahead, we rounded up the best new hotels across the US to book for 2021. 
• From a resplendent lakeside inn in North Carolina to an all-inclusive adventure lodge in New Mexico, these noteworthy new stays should go right to the top of your bucket list.
• Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals.

It's been a tough and uncertain year, to say the least. That was especially true for travel, with international trips having to be postponed or canceled, many hotels closing their doors, and airlines furloughing staff. But now, on the precipice of a new year, with two promising vaccines and the prospect of traveling finally on the horizon, it's time to start thinking big and dreaming even bigger about the future.

Hopefully, that future will soon involve staying in beautiful hotels of the extraordinary and awe-inspiring variety. While the hotel industry took a massive hit this year due to COVID-19, that isn't stopping big chains or boutiques from planning new openings for 2021.

The Aman New York will be opening its Gilded Age doors in New York City's illustrious Crown Building this spring, complete with a garden terrace overlooking Central Park. Meanwhile, more intrepid travelers can soon spend a week at Canyon Madness Ranch, an all-inclusive adventure lodge that sits on a cliff overlooking 14,000 acres of canyons in the middle of Northeast, New Mexico. For some bonafide laid back luxury, consider sipping on handcrafted cocktails in a secluded Mediterranean style garden like the one at Palihouse Santa Barbara starting in April. Of course, lounging in a cozy robe after an arduous day of wine tasting and vineyard yoga in Sonoma's newly opened Montage Healdsburg is another worthy option.

With so many amenities available to travelers at each of these hotels, it's entirely possible to suggest that hotels will now serve as a destination in their own right next year. We certainly wouldn't blame you for never wanting to step foot off these stunning properties. And it's wise to start planning early. However, it's important to keep in mind that there is still no guarantee of safety when it comes to travel currently. Until the vaccine has been widely rolled out and we have more information on how that's affecting the spread of COVID-19, it's vital to continue to follow CDC guidelines, maintain social distancing, wash hands frequently, and wear masks in public areas. 

With that said, we can also begin to look forward to a hopeful return to normalcy in the near future. From a beach resort in Encinitas, California to a resplendent lakeside inn in North Carolina, these bucket list-worthy hotels at a range of price points have just opened their doors in the last few weeks, or will soon be welcoming guests in the new year.

Here are 18 of the best new US hotels to book for 2021, sorted by price from low to high.

Margaritaville Palm Springs - Palm Springs, California

Book the Margaritaville Palm Springs starting at $105 per night 

The first Margaritaville property to open on the West Coast, this sprawling 398-room desert oasis had a soft opening at the end of 2020 with plans to be fully open to sun-seeking travelers eager to get a little R&R in the new year.

Featuring panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountain, the resort includes six Margaritaville-inspired dining and bar options with plenty of outdoor seating, as well as two pools complete with tiki-hut inspired cabanas and a 10,000-square-foot St. Somewhere Spa.

It includes a variety of accommodations, from King and Double Queen bedrooms to premium Latitude, Chill Out, Hemisphere, and Paradise Suites. But the crown jewel of Margaritaville Palm Springs is undoubtedly the Jimmy Buffet Suite, a two-level, 1,761-square-foot sanctuary that fully embodies the laidback luxury spirit of Margaritaville.

Opening date: The hotel is currently open for California residents and accepting reservations.

COVID-19 protocols: In accordance with state guidelines, the hotel is not open to out of state reservations. You can learn more about the current policies and protocols here.

The Beatnik - Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Book The Beatnik starting at $150 per night

Featuring four modern, "floating" cabins complete with wet bars and outdoor showers, The Beatnik just opened in the coastal Mississippi town of Ocean Springs. From the icy cool plunge pool to outdoor showers, native gardens, and fire pits, the hotel is ready for the next wave of travelers in the new year.

Inspired by both the beatnik culture and adventure seekers of the '50s and '60s, each standalone cabin in this micro-hotel is raised above the ground and has been constructed to help guests disconnect from modern day noise and excess while discovering a different side of Mississippi's "Secret Coast."

Ideal for family's or small groups, the interiors of each cabin draw heavily on the elements found in nature, while also including modern amenities like wet bars, spa-like bathrooms, and plush King-sized beds. Two of the cabins also offer a separate room with bunk beds while the other two cabins offer a separate space complete with couch, bookshelf, and reading nook area.

Opening Date: The hotel is now open and accepting reservations.

COVID-19 protocols: The cabins are standalone (each with their own screened-in porch) and you do not have to come into any contact with others if you so wish. Check-in is contactless using a keypad on the door.

Hotel Drover - Fort Worth, Texas

Book Hotel Drover starting at $189 per night 

Set in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas' "Mule Alley" district, Hotel Drover, an Autograph Collection Hotel, opens in February and promises all the upscale Western meets modern you could hope for. The hotel's location within the 130-year-old Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District only adds to the charm.

With 200 rooms ranging from rustic-luxe suites complete with oversized soaking tubs and fireplaces to modern bunkhouse rooms with vintage-inspired furnishings, this place promises simple pleasures with one-of-a-kind experiences to boot.

Drovers signature eatery, 97 West Kitchen & Bar, will feature a menu of contemporary Texas fare, elevated ranch classics, and reimagined Southern comfort foods. Additionally, the property will offer two "one-of-a-kind" retail shops, including Lucchese Custom Collection, a bespoke experience offering custom and made-to-fit boots, as well as Little White Lies, a hand-curated artisan shop with a decidedly feminine yet rustic flare.

Opening Date: The hotel opens in February and is accepting reservations for February 15 and beyond.

COVID-19 protocols: As they gear up for opening Hotel Drover is dedicated to the safety and well-being of its team and future guests. All staff is trained on CDC guidelines regarding personal hygiene and safety during COVID-19, staff members' temperatures are checked daily and every measure is taken to ensure guests' safety. Since Hotel Drover is an Autograph Collection hotel, they will follow Marriott International's Commitment to Clean.

Saranac Waterfront Lodge - Saranac Lake, NY

Book Saranac Waterfront Lodge starting at $192 per night

Inspired by the surrounding lake and mountains, Saranac Waterfront Lodge, found in upstate New York's Adirondack High Peaks, wholly embraces the lake lifestyle. Featuring 93 guestrooms, each outfitted with "Adirondack modern" decor, every room offers views of the surrounding lake, mountains, and town.

With the outdoors woven into every aspect of the hotel experience here, guests are encouraged to take in all the area has to offer, including family-friendly events, attractions, and activities from downhill and cross-country skiing to snowshoeing, tubing, and fishing.

While the hotel was soft-opened in November, additional amenities, including two more food and beverage venues, an indoor heated pool and hot tub, lakeside fire pit, and a private marina boasting lake access are all slated to open in the new year.

Opening Date: The hotel is now open and accepting reservations.

COVID-19 protocols: Health and safety features have been designed into the hotel's spaces, including the layout and furnishing of the bar, restaurant, and ballroom. The dining room of the Boathouse was designed to allow for natural physical distancing between tables, and the hotel's ventilation system uses the most updated technology available. The hotel now offers contactless check-in and BIOPROTECT antimicrobial technology in its "Peace of Mind" cleaning program.

Gordon Hotel - Eugene, Oregon

Book Gordon Hotel starting at $209 per night 

One of the most creative new hotel openings to keep an eye out for in 2021, the Gordon Hotel in Eugene, Oregon is an 82-room, art-centric boutique that's part of the newly expanded 5th Street Public Market. A cultural touchstone of the Eugene community, the hotel will showcase local artisans and makers while also allowing guests to take part in some of the fun.

Starting with the Gordon's lobby Art Bar, guests will have a chance to create their own masterpiece using supplies like pencils, watercolors, and clay, along with an industrial sink for cleaning up after fits of inspiration.

Throughout the hotel, 200 pieces of local art will adorn the hotel's walls and, in partnership with Eugene-based Harmonic Laboratory, an award-winning art collective, the lobby will include a large-format digital art installation called the Great Wall.

The property will also include two new restaurants by Oregon native Mark Byrum, a chef and sommelier who grew up in neighboring Springfield. A Mexican-inspired eatery called Carlita's Rooftop on the hotel's seventh floor and fresh Oregon fare at The Gordon Tavern on the ground floor will serve as the hotel's two dining outlets.

Opening Date: Opening in February 2021

COVID-19 protocols: Housekeeping team does a thorough clean ensuring all surfaces are cleaned utilizing hospital-grade disinfectant, paying special attention to high-touch areas such as phones, door, cabinet, and bathroom handles, light switches, coffee maker buttons, and countertops. Frequently utilized items (TV remote, pen, ice tongs, wine bottle opener) sanitized and placed in a sealed plastic bag before use. All deliveries will be made via the contactless butler pantry in each guestroom. Hand sanitizing stations abound.

ADERO Scottsdale - Scottsdale, Arizona

Book ADERO Scottsdale starting at $259 per night

Perched above the Sonoran Desert, ADERO Scottsdale opened in November with 177 rooms and 16 signature suites, this luxe desert oasis features an expansive private balcony for guests to enjoy starry skies, blazing sunsets, and views of the city lights in the distance.

Named after the canyon that surrounds the property, ADERO's elevated escape is spread out over 17 wide-open acres and offers guests endless opportunities to indulge in the great outdoors from sunrise yoga in the canyons to picturesque hikes and mountain biking along 55,000 acres of desert terrain.

At its core, health and wellness is a major offering here, and guests can turn to ADERO's world-class fitness club and desert-inspired spa. A destination in itself, ADERO's signature restaurant CIELO, meaning "sky," offers an elevated dining experience and one of the best views in Arizona with ample outdoor seating overlooking the Sonoran Desert. The menu features a curated selection of tequila and Mezcal cocktails and inventive fare infused with regionally sourced ingredients. 

Opening Date: The ADERO is now open and accepting reservations.

COVID-19 protocols: As part of Marriott International's family of brands, ADERO Scottsdale has implemented a multi-pronged approach to meet the health and safety requirements of the "Commitment to Clean" standards. Here is a link to the changes and enhancements guests can expect during their stay - including changes to their amenities, services and facilities. You can read more about it here.

Kimpton Key West - Key West, Florida

Book Kimpton Key West starting at $295 per night

Key West will always be a popular bucket list destination. Located in the heart of Old Town, Kimpton Key West will soon be opening as an eclectic new collection of five historic homes turned Kimpton hotels. Including a mix of villas, bungalows, and historic buildings each designed in the traditional Key West style and bohemian sensibility, together, they comprise Kimpton Key West.

The five individual hotels will include Winslow's Bungalows, Lighthouse Hotel, Ridley House, Fitch Lodge, and Ella's Cottages. With the official launch of Kimpton Key West planned for early 2021, four of the five within the collection are complete and currently bookable with the final hotel, Ridley House, expected to be completed in early 2021.

While each of the five hotels has a history all of its own, before booking, guests might want to read up about the story behind each one here.

Opening Date: Four of the five hotels within the Kimpton Key West collection are complete and currently bookable except for Ridley which is due to be completed in 2021.

COVID-19 protocols: Kimpton Key West is continuing to monitor developments and following guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the State of Florida. To help safeguard our guests' health, the hotel has made necessary modifications to its amenities and services. In addition to rigorous standards in its housekeeping routines, they have increased the frequency of their cleaning procedures and have put additional measures in place to enhance their disinfection protocols in public areas. Face coverings are required in all public spaces at each of the hotels, and they have temporarily modified some of their signature amenities including Turkish Robes now available upon request; and Yoga Mats, also available upon request only.

Daxton Hotel - Birmingham, Michigan

Book Daxton Hotel starting at $305 per night 

 Just 30 minutes north of Detroit, Daxton Hotel opens in January and will breathe new life and modern luxury into the delightful Michigan suburb of Birmingham, an area known for its walkability and beloved for its upscale shopping and boutiques. The 151-key hotel is set in a striking new building on the city's main drag and will feature a minimalist-meets-luxe design aesthetic at every turn.

With more than 400 pieces curated by world-famous Saatchi Art, each guestroom will include a custom piece of artwork from 160 artists representing 32 countries spanning multiple mediums including painting, photography, collage, drawing, and sculpture. The property's sleek glass walls and avant-garde furniture will frame public spaces while pops of color will permeate throughout.

At the core of Daxton's culinary offerings, you'll find Madam. Serving "enlightened American" fare under lush greenery hanging from high ceilings, chef Garrison Price will serve an ever-evolving menu that focuses on seasonality and the freshness emblematic of California cuisine.

On the wellness front, Daxton will have their very own personal trainer on hand in conjunction with Michigan's own Lean Body Studio, offering a variety of private sessions, weekly workout classes, and interactive events. The property will also have its own running club through Gazelle Sports, a specialty running boutique with a deep community connection.

Opening Date: Daxton Hotel officially opens in February and is now accepting reservations from February 24 and beyond.

COVID-19 protocols: You can find more information about the Daxton's forthcoming COVID and cleaning protocols here.

Palihouse - Santa Barbara, California

Book Palihouse Santa Barbara Starting at $325 per night

Tucked away in Santa Barbara's historic Presidio neighborhood, Palihouse Santa Barbara is every bit as quaint and cozy of a getaway as you could hope for next year.

Set in the former home of The Santa Barbara School of the Arts, when this charming boutique opens for guests in April, it will feature a total of 24 Spanish Colonial-inspired rooms, each decked out with SMEG refrigerators, private patios, and fireplaces.

From its charming residential-style rooms to complimentary bikes for exploring, this home away from home's design scheme will be vintage preppy meets American Riviera. Add to that a sparkling pool, delightful garden cafe, cocktail bar and lobby lounge, and this is sure to appeal to the tastemakers and discerning travelers, eager to get away from it all without having to compromise on location, style, or amenities.

One of the most unique features to the Palihouse brand is its signature "Pawlisociety Package," a bespoke pet-friendly program that includes perks ranging from organic dog treats to dog walking services arranged by the front desk.

Opening Date:  Now taking reservations starting in April 2021

COVID-19 protocols: The hotel is taking a number of precautions, including using touchless Emist electrostatic spraying system and daily temperature checks. You can read more about the hotel's protocols here.

Thompson San Antonio - San Antonio, Texas

Book Thompson San Antonio starting at $349

A new modern retreat on the banks of the San Antonio River, Thompson San Antonio will open in March and introduce some southern sophistication to Texas Hill Country. Located in the creative Arts District near the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts and within walking distance to the Alamo, the 162 guestrooms, including 33 suites, will offer sweeping views over the city and surrounding area.

Touted as a lifestyle hotel, guests at Thompson will enjoy the signature restaurant and soaring rooftop bar inspired by the Greek goddess of the moon as well as the expansive pool deck with a bar and cabanas and full-service spa.

Opening Date: The Thompson San Antonio is now accepting reservations for stays starting March 1, 2021, and beyond.

COVID-19 protocols: Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatt's multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhances its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind. More information on Hyatt's commitment can be found here.

High Hampton - Cashiers, North Carolina

Book High Hampton starting at $395 per night

Located in western North Carolina near the Nantahala National Forest, High Hampton– a long-beloved mountain retreat in Cashiers – will reopen this spring after undergoing major renovations that started back in 2018.

Set at 3,600-feet, the motto "removed, but not remote, social, but not stuffy," is very much alive and well today. While completely revamped, this storied property's rich heritage and traditional yet rustic interiors have all been upgraded to include modern amenities suited for the next generation of travelers.

With 18-rooms in the Inn, as well as 40 cottages along the hotel's privately owned Hampton Lake, there are plenty of options. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can even opt to stay in one of three lake-side cottages that offer refined, camp-like comfort with spectacular views of the surrounding property. Included in a stay here is access to club amenities from golf, tennis, pickleball, fitness center, swimming pool, nature trails, and the lake, as well as breakfast and dinner.

Surrounded by 15-miles of hiking with breathtaking mountain views, a swimming pool and hot tub, activities here range from canoes and kayaks to tennis and pickleball. There's even a kid's camp with supervised activities and programs as well as an 18-hole Golf Course.

Opening Date: High Hampton is currently accepting reservations for stays from April 22 and beyond.

COVID-19 protocols: Official protocols will be addressed and updated at the time of opening to coincide with state, local and federal agency guidelines.  We can confirm that social distancing will be enforced throughout the property (dining establishments, public spaces, golf, etc.), along with mask wearing, a wide spectrum of cleaning and sanitation procedures. 

Alila Marea Beach Resort - Encinitas, California

Book the Alila Marea Beach Resort starting at $499 per night

One of the most anticipated hotel openings in California next year, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas will officially open its beachy front doors in January. Set in one of SoCal's coolest surf towns, the hotel will not only usher in a new level of luxury to the area, but will also include innovative and sustainable design elements, an oceanfront pool, and sprawling Alila spa. 

Featuring 130 rooms and 16 suites, this is the Alila's first new-build resort in the US and the second property to be operated under the World of Hyatt's vast network of hotels.

The hotel will also offer a coffee shop, signature restaurant helmed by San Diego-based James Beard Award semifinalist Claudette Zepeda, as well as wellness-inspired experiences that will infuse the hotel's ocean setting with healing elements and programming.

Opening date: The hotel officially opens February 28, 2021 and is currently accepting reservations. 

COVID-19 protocols: As a Hyatt property, Alila Marea will closely follow Hyatt's Covid-19 protocols. Detailed information on Hyatt's Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment can be found here.

Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences - Singer Island, Florida

Book Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences starting at $525 per night

Spanning seven beachfront acres along Palm Beach's Singer Island, Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences is already one of the most talked about wellness resorts to open in the new year.  Spread across the property's two towers – aptly named Peace and Happiness – the hotel will offer 155 rooms and residences in all.

The concept here fuses eastern wellbeing philosophies with western technology and every guest will be invited to work with a personal wellness coach. With more than 100,000 square feet of wellness amenities on offer, it's myriad options include a Hydrothermal water therapy circuit, a plant-centric restaurant, float tanks, sound and light therapies, acupuncture, an array of fitness classes, and yoga programs.

In addition to the wellness offerings, a nightly Satsang gathering that allows residents and guests to form a community and discuss their daily (and long term) wellness journeys is another uniquely Amrit experience.

Opening Date: The hotel is now accepting reservations for stays starting April 1, 2021. 

COVID-19 protocols: Protocols will be established closer to opening depending on state and local guidelines and with optimum health and safety of guests and employees in mind. 

Bishops Lodge - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Book Bishops Lodge starting at $625 per night

Nestled on 317-acres in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Range just outside of Santa Fe, Bishop's Lodge has a long storied history that dates back to the 1920s. Now managed by Auberge Resorts Collection, the lodge was shut down in 2015 and after undergoing a near-complete demolition of all of its rooms and public spaces, today this southwestern gem has been completely transformed into a dreamy-ranch style resort of yesteryear.

Bordering New Mexico's Santa Fe National Forest, there's plenty of room for activities to keep you busy from trail riding and fly fishing to spending some time in the on-site wellness sanctuary. Rooted in rituals from crystal sound baths to private meditation, finding balance at Turquesa Healing Arts Studio is sure to be a major draw for the wellness seekers among us.

With four accommodation types ranging from guestrooms and suites to casitas and a spacious 12-room Bunkhouse, the 126 rooms in all embrace the spirit of the south. Finally, the much-anticipated opening of SkyFire, a southwestern inspired restaurant helmed by "the godfather of Southwestern cuisine," Chef Dean Fearing, will draw its inspiration from the diverse ingredients and textures found in Mexico and will certainly be a crowd-pleaser for travelers to the area next year. 

Opening Date: The hotel is currently accepting reservations starting March 15 and beyond.

COVID-19 protocols: Policies will be released closer to the hotel's official opening date.

Canyon Madness Ranch - Northeast New Mexico

Book Canyon Madness Ranch starting at $700 per night

Flanked by the Enciero Canyon on one side and red sandstone cliffs of the Canadian River Canyon on the other, Canyon Madness Ranch in northeast New Mexico is one of the most exhilarating hotels to open in the US next year.

An outdoor luxury lodge set on 14,000 acres, adventure seekers will find everything from equestrian sports and wilderness activities to a sport-shooting complex, ATV adventures, and more.

With a max of just 16 guests at a time, accommodations here are spread across eight suites in the hotel's Teepee Lodge, each of which will offer private living rooms, ensuite baths, King beds, and sliding doors that access the balcony and the river canyon views below.

Canyon Madness Ranch cuisine focuses on culinary experience serving dishes using healthy, organic, farm-raised, and more exotic meats including buffalo and ostrich, spices, and tastes. The ranch will house an ostrich farm with two adults producing fresh eggs for the menu.

While the prices are steep, it helps that it will be an all-inclusive stay.

Opening Date: Opening in April 2021

COVID-19 protocols: Protocols have not been announced yet.

Montage Healdsburg - Healdsburg, California

Book Montage Healdsburg starting at $845 per night

A 258-acre resort in the hills of Northern California, Montage Healdsburg opened in December with 130 luxurious bungalow-style guestrooms. It is sure to be a wine country staple for years to come.

Guests can discover the craft of winemaking through partnerships with elite local vineyards, experience personalized wine tastings and tours, or join the resort's talented winemaker, Jesse Katz, at his highly anticipated Aperture Cellars winery a few minutes away from the property.

A yoga garden in the middle of the vineyard, treatments enhanced by the land at the 11,500-square-foot Spa Montage, and a zero-edge infinity pool are also available to guests when the going gets tough.

Opening Date: The hotel opened in December 2020 and is now accepting reservations.

COVID-19 protocols: To promote guest confidence and reassurance, Montage developed its Peace of Mind Commitment, which outlines the property's COVID-19 safety measures and protocol.

Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley - Napa, California

Book Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley starting at $1,600 per night

Napa Valley's first resort to be set within a working winery, Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley promises to deliver an authentic luxury retreat when it opens early next year.

Delivering the best of wine, wellness, and culinary experiences, the property features 85 rooms and suites. It will also include a signature restaurant by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Erik Anderson, a spa inspired by Calistoga's 150-year history, and a seven-acre organic vineyard led by world-class winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown.

Other notable amenities will include Four Seasons' acclaimed "Kids For All Seasons" program, two outdoor pools nestled amid the vineyards, the open-air Campo Poolside restaurant, a bocce ball court, and more.

Opening Date: Early 2021

COVID-19 protocols: Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley's unique layout and open-air environment are well-suited for physical distancing, including stairwell accessibility, no corridors or hallways, and private entrances to every room. The property experience will include ample opportunities for outdoor dining, leisure, and activities. The resort will open with reduced occupancy to control the volume of guests and ensure the highest levels of safety. Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley will follow Four Seasons' enhanced global health and safety program, Lead With Care. 

Aman New York - New York City, New York

Book Aman New York (starting rates coming soon)

Set on Fifth Avenue and 57th Street in New York's illustrious Crown Building, Aman New York opens its Gilded Age-inspired doors this spring. Featuring 83 guest rooms and suites, each one will come with a functioning fireplace. The property also includes a 65-foot indoor swimming pool, jazz club, three dining options, and a 25,000-square-foot spa. 

In true Aman fashion, everything here will be over the top. The Technogym training equipment and yoga studio will be complemented by a full hydrotherapy facility including saunas, steam rooms, ice fountains, and sensory showers. There will also be a classic gentlemen's barber and a hair and nail salon to provide professional grooming and other beauty services.

Last, but definitely not least, the Wine Library, Aman's wine cellar, will sit adjacent to Nama, the hotel's authentic omakase restaurant, and will be available for private wine tastings and events. Of course, because of the hotel's unique location within New York City, dining will be available within the airy restaurant and on the wraparound garden terrace which claims views over Central Park.  

Opening Date: Opening in Spring 2021

COVID-19 protocols: Protocols have not been announced yet.

Big media's massive restructurings and pandemic-driven business troubles have thrust experienced talent in the TV and film industries onto the job market in 2020.

Across the US media landscape, a staggering 28,637 jobs were slashed this year through October, compared with around 9,198 during the same period last year, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.

Yet, companies inside and outside the media industry are still searching for talent with media skillsets, top headhunters told Business Insider earlier this year. Apple and Disney each recently hired key former execs from shuttering streaming startup Quibi, as an example.

Read more: Quibi poached top talent from Netflix, Snap, and Hulu. Meet 9 leaders and content execs who are now free agents as the startup winds down.

One of the headhunters also told Business Insider in December that recruiting was picking up across the TV and film industries for operational roles like distribution and legal, and that hiring for those positions tends to precede creative jobs.

For many in those sectors, however, the reality is they won't end up in the same jobs they had before. Some may return to traditional media companies in different capacities, after management has reassessed its needs and started hiring again.

Others may try to transition to different industries. The cliché that every company is a content company now seems to be a reality, particularly as more consumer brands build their own content operations and advertisers whose budgets were squeezed by the pandemic look for others ways to connect with consumers. Brands like job-search platform The Muse and healthy food startup Daily Harvest are blurring the lines between consumer and content companies.

In the past year, some TV, film, and streaming execs have successfully jumped to jobs in other industries. TikTok hired former Hulu exec Nick Tran to head up marketing, former Disney exec Kevin Mayer also went to TikTok for a stint before hopping to an investment firm, and Adidas snapped up former Disney and BET marketer Vicky Free. 

Business Insider identified 21 respected TV, film, and streaming-video execs on the job market who leaders should know as they revamp their media and content leadership in 2021. All have helped their companies through transformational moments, or transitioned in the industry themselves. 

The list is based on our reporting and nominations we received. It includes industry veterans and rising stars, like Blair Rich, Kay Madati, Jane Wiseman, Joe Marchese, Kevin Reilly, and more. 

Some were laid off in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic or as part of ongoing consolidation among big media, others recently left their jobs for different reasons, and some are independents looking for their next opportunity.

SEE ALSO: Quibi poached top talent from Netflix, Snap, and Hulu. Meet 9 leaders and content execs who are now free agents as the startup winds down.

Derek Chang

Derek Chang was the chief executive of the NBA's China business until he left the league in May. 

At the NBA, Chang was responsible for growing basketball and the league's business development in China, where the sport has become very popular. He helped expand the league's retail presence and struck more deals with Chinese media partners on the job. He also presided over the NBA's relationship with China during a challenging period that included a fallout with the Chinese government over a tweet by former Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey backing anti-government protesters in Hong Kong, and the coronavirus pandemic that halted live sports.

Chang was a prominent cable exec before he joined the NBA in 2018. He was the head of Scripps Networks Interactive's international lifestyle channels and led the expansion of those brands. He also oversaw until 2012 content strategy and development at DirecTV, where he managed the cable company's sports business and its relationship with the NBA.

Chang held exec roles at Charter Communications and regional-sports network YES Network as well. 

Brian Colbert

Brian Colbert is a rising star in the sports and entertainment sectors, coming up at companies like ESPN, Pandora, About.com, and Viacom. 

Colbert was mostly recently a senior VP at the NHL team the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he was responsible for all the team's revenue streams, including ticket sales, corporate deals, TV, rights, licensing, and more. Colbert exited the team this year after three years on the job. 

He was an early mover into the digital sector after marketing gigs at the NBA and MTV as well as an ad-sales job at MusicChoice. Colbert joined ESPN in 2007 and led its mobile-advertising strategy during his five years at the cable network. He was also music-streamer Pandora's first head of mobile strategy, and was the chief revenue officer at About.com for six years.

Randy Freer

Randy Freer was most recently at the helm of Hulu as its star rose in streaming and joint ownership structure shifted.

Freer joined Hulu as CEO in the fall 2017, just after the company won its first Emmy and started selling a streaming live-TV package that grew to become one of dominant offerings in its category. During his time there, Freer reorganized the management structure, doubled Hulu's employee base to 2,500, and negotiated deals with talent like Elizabeth Moss and J.J. Abrams. He exited in March, after Disney took full control of Hulu's operations and moved to bring the company closer to its other streaming endeavors.

Before Hulu, Freer spent nearly 20 years at Fox, where his most recent role was president and operating chief of the Fox Networks Group, which included FOX, Fox Sports, FX, and National Geographic. He also led Fox Sports and held other leadership positions at the media group's sports networks.

Since leaving Hulu, Freer has been running his own consultancy, The Freer Company, and advising clients on streaming, ad tech, sports betting, as well as working with private-equity companies.

Sophie Goldschmidt

Sophie Goldschmidt has spent much of her career in roles that blend sports with media. 

As CEO of the World Surfing League, she pushed the league to expand into original content and events, and aggressively grew its distribution around the world. The league inked live broadcast deals with Fox Sports and Facebook Watch under her leadership, and sold an upcoming reality show to ABC called "Ultimate Surfer," which is produced by Pilgrim Media.

Goldschmidt was previously chief strategy and commercial officer at UK-based marketing group Chime, and the chief commercial and marketing officer at the Rugby Football Union in England before that.

She also managed the NBA's Europe, Middle East, and Africa business; oversaw marketing and sponsorships at Women's Tennis Association Tour; and worked in soccer sports marketing at Adidas earlier in her career.

Cindy Holland

Besides Ted Sarandos, no one has left a larger mark on Netflix's content business than Cindy Holland.

Holland, who was Netflix's vice president of original content up until recently, helped build the streamer into a sought-after creator of TV and film, as Sarandos' top deputy. She exited as Sarandos began restructuring the content team this year.

Holland joined Netflix in 2002, when its main business was hawking DVDs. She took the lead on its original programming strategy as Netflix launched its early slate of exclusives that would come to set the streamer apart, shows like "House of Cards" and "Orange Is the New Black." She also oversaw later hits like "The Crown" and "Stranger Things."

Before Netflix, the Stanford-educated exec worked at the internet startup Kozmo, as well as a few film and production companies. 

She's currently on the board of Horizon Acquisition Corporation, a special-purpose acquisition company focused on media and entertainment.

David Levy

David Levy ran Turner Broadcasting's sports and entertainment networks as president until shortly after the company was acquired by AT&T through its acquisition of Time Warner.

Levy was president of Turner Sports for a decade before taking on the bigger job in 2013.

During his tenure at Turner, Levy led deals like Turner Sports' acquisition of Bleacher Report, which became the company's first digital sports destination. He spearheaded a pact with CBS that brought the March Madness finals to cable TV. And the company launched new niche streaming services that leveraged the classic catalogs Turner owned, such as Boomerang for traditional animation and FilmStruck, which was popular among cinephiles for streaming the Criterion Collection before it was shuttered in 2018. He left Turner in March 2019, after 33 years at the company. 

Since then, Levy has advised firms including The Raine Group, an investment bank in the media, tech, and telecom sectors, and founded Back Nine Venture, which invests in early-stage startups.

Blossom Lefcourt

Blossom Lefcourt's expertise lies in production legal.

Her most recent post was at ViacomCBS, where she led business and legal affairs for the development and production businesses at ViacomCBS's entertainment and youth networks, including Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Paramount Network, and Smithsonian Channel. Lefcourt took on the executive VP and deputy general counsel post in March, and left the company in November.

She was previously a senior VP at Viacom, where she spent five years handling similar duties for entertainment brands Comedy Central, TV Land, Paramount Network, and Bellator.

Lefcourt also spent nearly a decade before Viacom climbing the business and legal affairs ranks at Lorne Michaels' Broadway Video Entertainment, where she was most recently an exec VP.

Chris Linn

Chris Linn put WarnerMedia's reality network truTV on the map as president of the cable network. 

Under his leadership, the reality-focused network that used be Court TV found its lane with hit franchises like "Impractical Jokers," which helped it reach a younger and more affluent audiences. Linn left truTV in May 2019, after its operations were merged with Turner's other entertainment networks TBS and TNT.

He joined truTV from Viacom, where he oversaw programming and production for eight years, and developed reality shows like "Jersey Shore" and "Catfish." He also worked at Spike TV and Nickelodeon. 

John Martin

Former Turner chief and chairman John Martin ran the cable-network group for four years, as the traditional TV landscape was being upended. His tenure at Turner ended after parent Time Warner was acquired by AT&T in 2018.

During his time at the helm, Martin oversaw Turner's full suite of news, sports, and entertainment brands, including CNN, TNT, TBS, Cartoon Network, and Turner Sports, and helped kicked start their digital transitions. He also vocally defended the AT&T-Time Warner deal as the Department of Justice was moving to block it. 

Martin spent more than two decades at Time Warner, even as the company spun off cable business Time Warner Cable in 2009 and print division Time Inc. in 2014. He was chief financial officer of Time Warner, from 2008 to 2013, under former chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes. Martin was the financial chief of Time Warner Cable before that.

Martin joined Time Warner in 1993, and left for a two-year stint at the equity-research firm ABN AMRO Securities. He was a senior accountant at Ernst and Young earlier in his career.

Kay Madati

Kay Madati was a key Twitter exec, steering its content deals for more than two years as global vice president and head of content partnerships, before departing at the end of 2019.

Madati drove Twitter to avoid the fray of tech companies building their own content operations like Facebook and Snap, and leaned into partnerships with publishers like BuzzFeed, Bloomberg, and MTV to bring more clips, highlights, and live events onto the platform. 

He brought in news, sports, and entertainment deals including a pact with NBC to air some live coverage and highlights of the 2020 Summer Olympics and special streams of live events like the MTV's Video Music Awards.

Madati was a seasoned media and advertising exec before Twitter. He was BET Networks' digital chief, and he previously oversaw digital for CNN. He also led Facebook's media and entertainment business and worked in marketing at  BMW of North America. 

Joe Marchese

Joe Marchese has focused his career on finding where consumer attentions are shifting next. 

The former Fox executive has spent the past five or so years running his own ventures, including media-and-tech holding company Attention Capital and venture fund and startup studio Human Ventures, both of which he cofounded.

While Human Ventures focused on early-stage companies and Attention Capital on later-stage ventures, both had an eye toward businesses centered around community and how people spend their time, including investments in Tribeca Film Festival parent Tribeca Enterprises and women-focused media company GirlBoss.

During that time, Marchese was also an executive at Fox Networks Group, most recently as president of advertising revenue. He exited in March 2019 when Disney bought the company. 

Marchese, a serial entrepreneur, founded in 2007 ad-tech company TrueX, which let people watch interactive ads instead of standard ads in exchange for content. He sold it to Fox for $200 million in 2014.

Christina Miller

Christina Miller was a top Turner Broadcasting exec.

She most recently led Turner's kids and young adults networks as president of Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and Boomerang for five years. She took on oversight of Turner Classic Movies during that time, as well.

She helped build shows like "Rick and Morty,""Steven Universe," and "Adventure Time" into blockbuster franchises during her run there, which ended in late 2019.

Over her 15 years at Turner, Miller was also digital manger of the NBA digital portfolio and senior VP in charge of Turner Sports' marketing programming an strategy. She started her career at the company at Cartoon Network, where she built the network's first global consumer products business. 

She was also an executive at children's TV distributor HIT Entertainment, where she was responsible for brand management and licensing, before Turner.

Gary Newman

Gary Newman knows how to find and foster TV hitmakers.

Newman presided over the Fox's TV studio and broadcast network operations with partner Dana Walden during a plum period for traditional TV.

During his 20 years co-running the TV-studio division, Newman led longstanding relationships with key creators including "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane and "Simpsons" scribe Jim Brooks. He ushered in groundbreaking hits like Ryan Murphy's first big series, "Glee," and Steve Levitan and Chris Lloyd's "Modern Family." He and Walden also grew the studio into a major producer of content for streamers including Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu toward the end of his tenure.

Newman exited Fox in March 2019, after the TV studio was acquired by Disney.

He's since done consulting work in media and entertainment with the firm Attention Capital.

Newman also practiced real-estate law earlier in his career. 

Steve Pamon

Steven Pamon had a hand in some of the biggest entertainment moments of the last decade.

Pamon was president and chief operating officer of Beyonce's Parkwood Entertainment for nearly five years, during which time he worked on projects such as the halftime show at Super Bowl 50, the visual album for "Lemonade," The Formation World Tour, and Netflix's "Homecoming" documentary.

Pamon was previously head of sports and entertainment marketing at Chase, where he led the bank's sponsorship of Beyonce and Jay-Z's 2014 "One the Run" Tour, and handled other corporate sponsorships and helped secure exclusive access to marquee events and rights. 

He also held senior executive roles at the NFL, HBO, and Time Warner during his career. 

Recently, Pamon joined the board of the WWE, and has advised startups like ed-tech company Encantos.

D'Angela Proctor

D'Angela Proctor is an entertainment industry consultant, exec, and entrepreneur.

She runs, as CEO, Wayfarer Entertainment, a production company cofounded by "Jane the Virgin" star Justin Baldoni that's focused on projects aiming to create social change. She's overseeing its asset sale to Baldoni's new TV and film company Wayfarer Studios, which formed after he sold a majority stake in the entertainment company to a private investor.

Last year, Proctor also consulted Ava DuVernay's Array Filmworks as it prepared for its production pact with Warner Bros. TV, and she led production and business development for Lionsgate's CodeBlack Films. She previously consulted for BET's original programming lead and executive produced projects for the cable network. 

Proctor was head of original programming and production at cable network TV One for five years. And she cofounded and ran her own production company, Strange Fruit Media, earlier on.

Kevin Reilly

Kevin Reilly developed HBO Max's early content strategy before exiting WarnerMedia in August as part of the legacy-media company's ongoing management shakeup.

Reilly, the former chief content officer at HBO Max, ushered in projects for the fledgling streaming service including its first successful original,"The Flight Attendant."

He also led Turner's entertainment networks, TBS and TNT, during his time at Turner and later added truTV to his purview. Reilly spearheaded an effort to cut back on the number of commercials in shows when he was president of TNT and TBS, and chief creative officer of Turner Entertainment.

Before Turner, Reilly headed up entertainment programming at major TV networks including Fox, FX, and NBC, for several years each. He oversaw the launch of shows like "Glee,""Brooklyn Nine-Nine," and "Empire" at Fox; championed series like "The Office" at NBC; and shepherded in series like "The Shield" and "Nip/Tuck" at FX.

Blair Rich

Warner Bros. marketing exec Blair Rich is exiting at the end of this year the Hollywood studio where she spent much of her career. 

Rich oversees worldwide marketing for Warner Bros. Pictures Group's theatrical and home entertainment divisions in the current post of president. She helped boost some of the studio's biggest recent successes, like "The Joker" and "Crazy Rich Asians," since taking on that role in 2018.

As live events stalled this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, Rich also helped launch the virtual DC fan convention, DC FanDome, which included star-studded panels and new details about "Wonder Woman 1984," the upcoming Synder Cut of the "Justice League," and other DC titles.

Rich helped drive franchises like Harry Potter and the DC film universe during her more than 20-year tenure at the studio. She began her career at Warner Bros. as a marketing trainee in international marketing.

Rich, based in Los Angeles, is also on the board of the non-profit LA Family Housing.

David Tochterman

David Tochterman consults on content strategy and digital marketing in the consumer and tech sectors.  

He began his career in TV, producing network shows for The Carsey-Werner Company including "That 70s Show" and "3rd Rock From The Sun," and then for Will Smith's Overbrook Entertainment.

Tochterman pivoted to digital early on, as YouTube was exploding in the mid-2000s. He launched a branded-entertainment startup in 2006, and went on to build a digital practice for talent agency Innovative Artists. He also consulted networks like PBS and ABC on their digital strategies. 

In 2016, Tochterman raised venture-capital funding to start Canvas Media Studios, which creates content mainly for media and tech companies, as well as major advertisers like P&G and Maybelline NY.

Rosemary Tarquinio

Rosemary Tarquinio is a former senior content executive who spent 16 years developing shows for CBS before departing the broadcaster earlier this year.

Tarquinio was most recently senior VP, overseeing current programming at CBS Entertainment. She managed dramas, comedies, and late-night talk show series in that role, including the Dick Wolf-produced crime dramas "FBI" and "FBI: Most Wanted." 

In earlier posts at CBS, she supported shows like "The Good Wife," and championed series including "The Mentalist."

Before joining CBS in 2013, Tarquinio was a TV exec at Wolfgang Petersen's Radiant Productions, the Kushner-Locke Company, and NBC Studios.

Jane Wiseman

Former Netflix content exec Jane Wiseman led the scripted-comedy team that launched shows like "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,""Grace and Frankie,""BoJack Horseman," and "Dead To Me" during her nearly seven years at the streaming company. 

Wiseman, who joined in January 2014, built Netflix's scripted-comedy department, which tallied more than 20 people by the time she left in October.

She also developed and managed dramas including "Narcos" and "Ozark" during her run. She served as vice president of original programming for much of her time at the company. 

Before Netflix, Wiseman worked on "New Girl" as an exec at Chernin Entertainment, developed shows such as "Parks and Recreation" at NBC, and developed "Arrested Development" at Fox.

Nina Wolarsky

Nina Wolarksy, a former vice president of original series at Netflix, led a drama team at the streaming company that was responsible for hits like "The Crown,""Orange Is the New Black," and "When They See Us."

Her focus at Netflix was on non-genre dramas. She also worked on high-profile production deals with Shonda Rhimes' Shondaland, Jenji Kohan, and Peter Morgan.

Wolarsky joined Netflix in 2012 from Smokehouse Pictures, the studio founded by George Clooney and Grant Heslov that was behind critically acclaimed films like "Argo" and "The Ides of March."

Wolarsky was vice president of development and production at former indie-film shingle Harp Sharp Entertainment earlier in her career. 
 

• The Nintendo Switch is a versatile and entertaining game console, but it can be made even better with high-quality accessories.
• Our picks for the best Nintendo Switch accessories include controllers, a microSD card, a power bank, headphones, and more.
• See also: Why the Nintendo Switch is still the most innovative game console — nearly three years after its release

Like the Wii before it, the Nintendo Switch is one of the most innovative game consoles of the past decade, not to mention popular. It's versatile, allowing you to play on the big screen in your living room or on the go. There are plenty of excellent games for it, and now there's a portable-only model that's less expensive, the Switch Lite.

As fun as this system may be, as any gamer will tell you, the experience can only get better with the help of some must-have accessories.

There are hundreds of accessories for the Nintendo Switch, but they're not all created equal. In our list, we've narrowed down the essential Nintendo Switch accessories that will take your game to the next level.

Here are the best Nintendo Switch accessories:

• Best Nintendo Switch controller: 8BitDo SN30 Pro+
• Best Nintendo Switch power bank: Anker Powercore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition
• Best Nintendo Switch microSD card: Samsung Evo Select 256GB
• Best Nintendo Switch carry case: RDS Industries Nintendo Switch Deluxe Carrying Case
• Best Nintendo Switch headset: SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless
• Best Nintendo Switch screen protector: amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector
• Best Nintendo Switch charging dock: PowerA Joy-Con and Pro Controller Charging Dock
• Best Nintendo Switch Joy-Con alternative: Hori D-Pad Controller
• Best Nintendo Switch Joy-Con grip: MoKo Grip
• Best Nintendo Switch retro controller: PowerA GameCube Style Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch
• Best Nintendo Switch wired internet adapter: UGreen USB 2.0 Ethernet Adapter

Updated on 12/23/2020 by Nathaniel Mott: Added a new pick and category for best Nintendo Switch wired internet adapter.

The best controller

The 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ is the best controller for playing Switch games on a TV.

Pros: Well-designed, cheaper than Nintendo's official Pro controller, D-Pad and analog trigger make some games more enjoyable to play

Cons: Lack of NFC for Amiibo, weaker rumble and motion controls.

While the Switch's included Joy-Con controllers are ideal for handheld gaming in portable mode, they can be cumbersome when used in console mode — when the Switch is connected to the TV with its dock— due to their tiny size. For big screen gaming you should opt for the 8BitDo SN30 Pro+, which is a full-size controller that is solidly built and has clicky and responsive buttons.

The 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ design is a mashup of both the original Super Nintendo controller's familiar button layout and the PlayStation 4 Dualshock controller's comfortable grip. The old school D-Pad is a significant step up from the four separate directional buttons on the standard left Joy-Con, especially while playing platformers, or any 2D games that need precise inputs.

The 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ has a removable battery pack that lasts 20 hours on a single charge and can be charged via its USB-C port. It also offers the flexibility of using AA batteries in case you don't have access to a power outlet.

Nintendo offers an official Pro Controller for the Switch, which is also a fine choice, but it has a few minor issues that hold it back from being our top pick. Firstly, Nintendo's accessory has a D-Pad that is slightly spongy compared to the 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ which makes it come across as less responsive. Compared to the Pro Controller, the 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ manages to hit the sweet spot in size making it more comfortable to hold for extended gaming sessions. Finally, the biggest pro in the SN30 Pro+ column is that despite the above advantages it is $20 cheaper than Nintendo's Pro Controller.

The SN30 Pro+ has a couple of minor downsides, the first being a lack of NFC support for Nintendo's Amiibo toy figurines —  for this you'll have to rely on the Joy-Cons. And lastly, its Rumble and motion control feature are a slight step down from Nintendo's official offering. But, it's a better value buy for most Switch users and as a bonus is compatible both with Windows 10 and macOS right out of the box. — Siladitya Ray

The best Nintendo Switch power bank

Extend the Switch's battery life with the Anker Powercore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition so that your gameplay doesn't get interrupted.

Pros: Licensed by Nintendo, compact, fast charging (USB-C Power Delivery), USB-C cable included, can be used with phones and some laptops

Cons: Pricey compared to other power banks with similar or larger capacities, no fast-charging wall adapter included

According to Nintendo, the battery life on the original Nintendo Switch (2017) is approximately 2.5 to 6.5 hours, while an updated version (2019), with more efficient power usage, yields about 4.5 to 9 hours; the Switch Lite averages between 3 to 7 hours. If you're an avid gamer and you have all the settings on high — brightness on high and Wi-Fi enabled, for example — you should bring along a portable USB power bank to lengthen the battery life. Our pick is the Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition.

You might be thinking, can't you use any power bank since they are all the same? No: Because of the significant amount of power the Switch draws (more so when it's in use), you need a power bank that supports USB-C Power Delivery (PD) fast charging. As for capacity, you would want as your budget allows; 10,000 mAh should be the minimum. And, you'll need a USB-C-to-USB-C cable.

Considering speed, capacity, and price, we like Anker's PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition. Switch-brand licensing aside, the battery is rated to support the full amount of power that the Switch draws. You can expect between 3 to 4 hours of playtime, depending on settings; it has a capacity of 13,400mAh. There's no way to neatly attach the battery to the back of the Switch, but the PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition is compact enough for travel. The power bank also works with smartphones and other portable devices and comes with a USB-C-to-USB-C cable. When used with a PD power adapter, the power bank recharges in about 4 hours, but the adapter is optional.

There aren't many portable batteries specifically designed for the Switch. The few we found either came from unfamiliar brands or had batteries that were too small, not to mention pricey. For your money, we didn't feel they were worth considering and you'd get more value out of a standard power bank, as they can also be used to recharge phones, tablets, and other small USB-powered devices.

We also didn't consider power banks that use Qualcomm's Quick Charge technology, since the Switch does not support it. We want to note that you could theoretically use a power bank you already own, but unless it supports fast charging, it may not deliver the performance that's needed. However, it's probably fine for recharging overnight when you're not playing.

The big downside might be the cost. For around the same price or less, you can usually find higher-capacity USB-C PD power banks, including ones from Anker, like the PowerCore Essential 20000 PD. If the Nintendo certification doesn't matter to you, opt for something less expensive — just use a reliable brand with a good warranty. On a positive note, Anker's power banks tend to be value products. We have used them for years and found them to be reliable and perform well.— Les Shu

The best Nintendo Switch microSD card

The Samsung Evo Select 256GB is the best microSD card for expanding the Switch's measly internal storage.

Pros: Great value for a high-capacity card, meets Nintendo Switch's speed requirements for SD cards, durable

Cons: None

The Switch's 32GB internal storage can fill up almost instantly with individual major games taking up anywhere between 10 to 20GB of space. We recommend the Samsung Evo Select 256GB microSD card as an essential purchase for any new Switch buyer.

The Samsung Evo Select 256GB microSD card adds eight-fold more storage to the Switch and should comfortably hold a large collection of AAA, retro and indie games. Samsung's card is rated with 100MB/s read and 90MB/s write speed, which should enable shorter game load times over lower performance cards.

While you could do with a 128GB card initially, if you plan on buying mostly digital games, then you would be better served going with the larger-capacity 256GB card since it costs only slightly more and is more future proof.

SanDisk makes a Nintendo-licensed microSD card. It has specs which are similar to our pick but often retails for a higher price. Pass on this and save the money unless you really want the card with Mario art on it. — Siladitya Ray

The best Nintendo Switch carry case

The RDS Industries Nintendo Switch Deluxe Carrying Case is a sturdy hard case with room for a Switch, Joy-Con controllers, and game cartridges.

Pros: Hard exterior, room for Switch and eight games, built in kickstand for gaming on the go

Cons: Not large enough to carry the dock and other accessories

The RDS Industries Nintendo Switch Deluxe Carrying Case is an officially licensed case that protects a Nintendo Switch and accessories with a hard, water-resistant exterior. 

The case is available in multiple designs apart from the standard black that includes artwork from Mario, Zelda and Splatoon 2. Besides the Switch with Joy-Con controllers attached, there's room for up to eight games in two separate plastic cases, cables, two SD cards, and other small accessories. We also like that the screen-protecting cushion doubles as an adjustable kickstand for gaming while on the road. There's also a carry-handle. — Siladitya Ray

The best Nintendo Switch headset

The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless is the best headset for Switch gaming on the go for its price and versatility.

Pros: Comfortable, light, stellar battery life, great audio for gaming

Cons: Plastic build quality, occasional interference due to Wi-Fi signals.

SteelSeries is known for making great gaming headsets, and the Arctis 1 Wireless continues that tradition. The wireless headset comes with the same drivers that were present on our previous pick, the SteelSeries Arctis 7, offering immersive audio and a wide soundstage. The cushioned ear cups make it comfortable to use during extended gaming sessions.

The SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless comes bundled with a USB-C transmitter dongle that plugs into the Switch and allows you to connect the headphones wirelessly to the Switch. The Arctis 1 uses 2.4GHz wireless on its dongle instead of Bluetooth to connect to the Switch, which ensures that there is no noticeable lag and crystal-clear audio. While in console mode, the dongle can be connected to the Switch's dock using an included USB-C to USB-A adapter.

Priced at $100, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless lacks the premium build quality that you would expect from top shelf SteelSeries headphones, but the plastic-clad device is adequately sturdy for regular use. The design aesthetic is unassuming and doesn't scream "gamer", making it more versatile for use with other devices, like your phone. The most impressive part is that the headset lasts for 20 to 22 hours on a single charge, which is close to three times the Switch's average battery life.

One downside of the 2.4Ghz band used by the headset's dongle is that you may deal with occasional choppiness in an area crowded with Wi-Fi devices, but this shouldn't be an issue for most people. — Siladitya Ray

The best screen protector

The amFilm Tempered Glass screen protector protects the display from dings and bumps.

Pros: Thick, two in the box, inexpensive

Cons: Thickness makes it noticeable

As with any portable device, the screen on the Nintendo Switch can be easily scratched if it isn't properly protected — like throwing it into a backpack. For a strong, protective screen protector, we recommend the amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector.

It's a little thicker than other screen protectors, at 0.3 millimeters, which makes it harder to cut through it. In the box, you get two screen protectors — if one gets damaged, there's another one to replace it — and wet wipes and microfiber cloth to clean the screen before applying the protector.

The downside: Given the thickness, it's more noticeable than other screen protectors. — Christian de Looper

The best controller charging dock

Charging Joy-Con and Pro controllers is relatively easy with the PowerA Joy-Con and Pro Controller Charging Dock.

Pros: Charges Joy-Con and Pro Controllers, well-designed, inexpensive

Cons: Wire is flimsy

While the Joy-Con controllers can be recharged when attached to the Nintendo Switch, it's more convenient to use the PowerA Joy-Con and Pro Controller Charging Dock. In addition, if you own the Pro Controller, it will recharge that too.

The dock is a great way to keep things organized. It looks basic, but it complements the Switch dock. It is also cheaper than many other charging docks for the Nintendo Switch, and, if you care about such things, it's officially licensed by Nintendo.

In our test, the dock works well, but the included USB-C cable for charging the Pro Controller isn't very strong. — Christian de Looper

The best Joy-Con alternative

The Hori D-Pad Controller is perfect for 2D platformers, NES and SNES games while on the go.

Pros: Cheap, fairly solid design, the best way to play 2D-platformers in handheld mode

Cons: Lack of wireless, rumble and motion controls

Despite being loaded with sweet features, the Switch's Joy-Con has one major flaw: the lack of a true D-Pad. Every single one of Nintendo's previous consoles came with its iconic plus-shaped D-Pad, but the Switch's unique design did not allow for the same. The Hori D-Pad Controller, which replaces the left Joy-Con, helps fix that flaw as it comes with a directional pad.

The Hori D-Pad Controller is frugal by design, and comes with no wireless connectivity, no rumble, no motion control and no battery. It only works when it's connected to the left rail of the Switch in handheld mode. Despite these limitations, the controller is simple to use and delivers precise directional inputs.

The precision of a D-Pad is immediately evident if you play a lot of 2D side scrolling or fighting games. Games like Sonic Mania, Metal Slug, and Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap are ideal to play using the controller. The peripheral also shines when used with NES and SNES classic games that come bundled with the Switch's online subscription. If you want to speed-run classic Mario in handheld mode, the Hori D-Pad Controller is your best weapon.

Other parts of the controller are well designed too, the analog joystick and both shoulder buttons work just as you would expect on an original Joy-Con. The assembly feels sturdy but significantly lighter than a real Joy-Con as it lacks a lot of the additional wireless, gyroscope and rumble hardware that add heft.

The Hori D-Pad Controller is officially priced at $25, which makes it significantly cheaper than the $80 Nintendo charges for a pair of new Joy-Cons. Additionally the gamepad is officially licensed by Nintendo, and is available in three separate designs; a black-and-gold Zelda version, a red Mario version and a yellow-and-black Pokemon version. [Editor's Note: Unfortunately, some versions are currently out of stock.] — Siladitya Ray

The best Joy-Con controller handles

The MoKo Grips turn your Joy-Con controllers into console-style controllers, making them easier to hold and more convenient for multiplayer games.

Pros: Comfortable, inexpensive, great for multiplayer games

Cons: Not for games that require vertical use of Joy-Con controller

The Pro Controller we recommended is more conducive to console-style gaming, but if the price is a turn-off or you just don't want a bulky controller, stick with the Joy-Con controllers but add this affordable accessory, the MoKo Grip.

Coming in a pack of two, the grip, made of resin, is a sleeve that you wrap around a Joy-Con controller, giving it handles that make holding a Joy-Con more comfortable. It also has left and right buttons trigger buttons. There are plenty of similar products like this, but we like the MoKo because it provides a better fit.

Having tested the MoKo Grips, we find them to enhance the experience of playing multiplayer fighting games like "Super Smash Bros." where you would want a tighter hold on the controller as you mash those buttons, as well as lengthy solo gameplay like "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild."

Where the grips don't work are games where you need to use the controller vertically, like "Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!" or "Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee." Also, it's not an improvement over the Pro Controller since they don't offer those large buttons and analog sticks, but it's an affordable upgrade nonetheless. — Christian de Looper

The best controller for "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate"

The PowerA GameCube-style Wireless Controller looks and feels like the original, but works better.

Pros: Feels like original GameCube controller, wireless, great for "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate"

Cons: Expensive, AA batteries instead of rechargeable, no rumble

"Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" is an immensely popular Nintendo Switch game, and die-hard fans swear by a controller for an old Nintendo console that actually came out in 2001: the GameCube. Nintendo took notice — so much so that it introduced a GameCube controller for the Switch specifically for "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate," which is now hard to come by. If you don't own an old GameCube controller (you can use it with the Switch via an adapter), you can get a third-party option, like this licensed product from PowerA, the GameCube Style Wireless Controller.

This controller looks identical to the classic GameCube controller, but it has extra buttons for the Nintendo Switch: home, plus, and minus. Apart from that, you get the large "A" and shoulder buttons that make this controller popular with gamers. Since it works over Bluetooth, no wires are required. Unlike using an original GameCube controller, this one has motion controls.

While the controller works with nearly all Switch games, it doesn't have the rumble function. And, it's powered by two AA batteries instead of a rechargeable one; PowerA claims 30 hours of gameplay, so either have spares handy or use rechargeable AA batteries. Another downer: It's expensive. — Christian de Looper and Les Shu

The best Nintendo Switch wired internet adapter

The UGreen USB 2.0 Ethernet Adapter is the best wired internet solution for Switch owners seeking a more reliable and faster connection while the console is docked.

Pros:  Enables a better internet connection when the Switch is docked, affordable

Cons: Requires slightly more setup than simply relying on a Wi-Fi connection

Nintendo officially recommends that Switch owners access the console's online features via Wi-Fi. That recommendation makes sense — a wireless connection doesn't care if the Switch is being used in TV mode, portable mode, or kickstand mode — but Wi-Fi isn't always ideal. 

Luckily the Switch does support a wired connection when it's docked. That is, as long as you use an Ethernet-to-USB adapter, like the UGreen 20254, to bridge the gap between the console and your network.

That extra setup can be worth the hassle, though, especially if you play a lot of games online. Wi-Fi is great when you want to be able to play no matter where you are in your home, and it complements the Switch's versatility well. But, sometimes wireless connections are less reliable and slower than their wired counterparts. Those drawbacks can lead to increased download times as well as potentially game-breaking performance issues in online titles.

Wired connections don't suffer from those problems, which is why Nintendo's Masahiro Sakurai recently told"Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" players that the best way to improve performance for online battles was to use an Ethernet adapter. Having a more reliable connection leads to better performance in competitive games like "Smash," faster downloads from the Nintendo eShop, and improved experiences in games that feature significant online components.

Here's the good news: There isn't a significant difference between adapters. Some cost more than others, sure, but most offer similar performance. It's kind of like buying an expensive HDMI cable. Sometimes it's necessary, but the reality is that most people will be content with any cable that meet's the relevant standards (USB 2.0 and Ethernet in this case). Don't feel pressured into buying the most expensive Ethernet-to-USB adapter for your Switch.

That's why our pick for the best Nintendo Switch wired internet adapter is the UGreen 20254. It's an affordable and versatile adapter, with support for many other devices besides the Switch. Swapping it out if you decide you don't need that competitive edge in "Smash" should be a cinch. Just remember that you'll have to supply your own router and Ethernet cable as well.

Setting up the adapter is as easy as plugging an Ethernet cable into the appropriate port on your router, connecting that cable to the adapter, and then plugging the adapter's USB 2.0 cable into the USB port on the official Nintendo Switch dock. The console should automatically switch between the wired connection when it's docked and a Wi-Fi connection when it's not. — Nathaniel Mott

• Sling is one of the most affordable cord-cutting services on the market, offering two packages—  Orange and Blue for $30 a month each, or combined for $45 a month.
• The channel selection differs between both plans, though some networks are available on both.
• You can also add on multi-channel packages, like Sports Extras, or premium add-ons, like Showtime, Starz, and Epix, for an additional monthly charge. 
• If you're new to Sling TV, you can receive a free three-day trial when you sign up, or a $10 discount on your first month of service.

If you're hoping to get the most bang for your buck once you cut the cord with your cable subscription, Sling is one of the most affordable live streaming services on the market. You can read our full Sling TV review here.

The service has two packages with over 30 channels starting at just $30 a month. But Sling's website makes it a bit difficult to compare services and ensure you'll be getting the channels you're after, so we've broken down exactly what you'll get with each package and all the add-ons you can include to enhance your channel offerings.

Updated on 12/23/2020 by Steven Cohen: This article has been revised with updated formatting and new details on current Sling offers. 

The two main packages — Sling Orange and Sling Blue— offer 30+ channels for $30 a month, or $45 combined

Sling's two main offerings are Sling Orange and Sling Blue, each available to stream for $30 a month. For the most part, the channels largely overlap between the two, but there are a few key differences that might cause you to choose one over the other.

The channels that overlap on both Orange and Blue include standouts like Food Network, Lifetime, CNN, the History Channel, and more. Meanwhile, Disney and ESPN are only included with Sling Orange. In their place, Sling Blue offers a slate of Fox-owned and NBC-owned channels, including stations like FX, Fox Sports 1, USA, and Bravo.

Blue also comes with local NBC and Fox affiliates, but only if you live in select markets. Sling Orange doesn't offer any local channels at all, so if you're hoping to catch your local nightly news, Sling Blue is the way to go. 

If you're keeping up with the newest season of "What We Do in the Shadows" on FX, but you absolutely can't live without "SportsCenter" on ESPN, you might want to combine the two packages for $45 a month, giving you access to all 50+ channels Sling offers.

There are plenty of add-ons starting at $5 a month if you're looking for specific genres or channels

If you want to further enhance your channel selection, Sling offers a slate of genre-based add-ons starting at $5 a month. Each add-on, like Kids Extras, Sports Extras, and Lifestyle Extras, offers a mini-bundle of channels for an additional charge.

Though HBO is no longer offered, there are still several premium add-ons you may want to tack onto your service. For $10 a month, you'll get a slate of nine Showtime channels. Sling also offers a Starz package for $9 a month and an Epix package for $5 a month.

If you're using Sling a la carte, the monthly charges per add-on can increase your rates pretty quickly, but if you're happy with its baseline Orange or Blue offerings, Sling is incredibly cost-efficient.

See below for a full breakdown of all Sling's channel offerings and add-ons, and click here to sign up and start streaming live TV.

Sling Orange

The following channels are included with Sling Orange:

• Disney Channel
• ESPN
• ESPN2
• ESPN3
• Freeform
• MotorTrend
• A&E 
• BET
• TNT
• AMC
• HGTV
• CNN
• TBS
• Comedy Central
• History Channel
• IFC
• Food Network
• BBC America
• Investigation Discovery
• Travel Channel
• Cartoon Network
• Nick Jr.
• EPIX Drive-In
• Lifetime
• Vice
• AXS TV
• Fuse 
• Newsy
• Bloomberg Television
• Cheddar
• Local Now
• Comet 
• Stadium

Sling Blue

The following channels are included:

• USA
• AMC
• Bravo
• Discovery Channel
• FOX
• NBC
• FX
• TLC
• NFL Network
• NBC Sports Network
• MSNBC
• Fox News Channel
• Fox Sports 1
• Nick Jr.
• SYFY
• National Geographic
• BET
• truTV
• E!
• Paramount Network
• A&E 
• TNT
• HGTV
• CNN
• TBS
• Comedy Central
• History Channel
• IFC
• Food Network
• BBC America
• HLN
• Investigation Discovery
• Travel Channel
• Cartoon Network
• Epix Drive-In
• Lifetime
• Viceland
• AXS TV
• Fuse 
• Newsy
• Bloomberg Television
• Cheddar
• Local Now
• Comet
• Stadium

Shared between Orange and Blue

The following channels are shared between the Orange and Blue plans:

• A&E
• TNT
• AMC
• HGTV
• CNN
• BET
• Nick Jr.
• TBS
• Comedy Central
• History Channel
• IFC
• Food Network
• BBC America
• Investigation Discovery
• Travel Channel
• Cartoon Network
• EPIX Drive-In
• Viceland
• AXS TV
• Fuse
• Newsy
• Bloomberg Television
• Cheddar
• Comet
• Stadium

Sports add-ons ($10/month if Blue; $10/month if Orange)

The following channels are included with Sling Orange:

• ACC Network 
• ACC Network Extra
• Longhorn Network 
• ESPNU
• ESPNews
• SEC Network 
• SEC Network+ 
• MLB Network
• MLB Network Strike Zone
• Tennis Channel
• NBA TV
• Pac-12
• NHL Network
• beIN Sports
• Outside Television

The Following channels are included with Sling Blue:

• FS2 
• Golf Channel
• Olympic Channel
• NFL RedZone 
• MLB Network
• MLB Network Strike Zone
• Tennis Channel
• NBA TV
• Pac-12
• NHL Network
• beIN Sports
• Outside Television
• Big Ten Network (coming to Sling ahead of the 2020 college football season)

Comedy add-ons ($5/month if Blue; $5/month if Orange)

Sign up for Sling here

The following channels are included:

• CMT
• GSN
• Logo
• MTV
• MTV2
• Revolt
• TV Land
• Paramount Network (already included in Sling Blue base channels)
• truTV (already included in Sling Blue base channels)

Kids add-ons ($5/month)

The following channels are included:

• Disney Junior (not included if you have Sling Blue) 
• Disney XD (not included if you have Sling Blue) 
• NickToons
• TeenNick
• Boomerang
• BabyTV
• duckTV

News add-ons ($5/month)

The following channels are included:

• CNBC (not included with Sling Orange) 
• Fox Business (not included with Sling Orange) 
• NDTV 24x7 (not included with Sling Orange)
• HLN (already included in Sling Blue base plan)
• NewsMax
• Science Channel
• BBC World News
• Weather Nation
• Euronews
• News18
• RT America
• CGTN
• Law & Crime Network

Lifestyle add-ons ($5/month)

The following channels are included:

• Oxygen (not included if you have Sling Orange)
• Cooking Channel
• DIY
• FYI
• Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
• Hallmark Channel
• Hallmark Drama
• Lifetime Movies
• VH1
• WE TV 
• Z Living HD

Hollywood add-ons ($5/month)

Sign up for Sling here

The following channels are included:

• FXX (not included if you have Sling Orange) 
• FXM (not included if you have Sling Orange) 
• Cinemoi
• HDNet Movies
• REELZ
• SundanceTV
• Turner Classic movies

Heartland add-ons ($5/month)

The following channels are included:

• Nat Geo Wild (not included if you have Sling Orange) 
• World Fishing Network
• RIDE TV
• Sportsman Channel
• American Heroes Channel
• Destination America
• Outdoor Channel
• RFD-TV
• PixL
• The Cowboy Channel
• Pursuit
• Great American Country

Showtime add-ons ($10/month)

The following channels are included:

• SHOWTIME
• SHOWTIME 2
• SHOWTIME Beyond
• SHOWTIME Extreme
• SHOWTIME Family Zone
• SHOWTIME Next
• SHOWTIME Showcase
• SHOWTIME West
• SHOWTIME Women

EPIX add-ons ($5/month)

The following channels are included:

• EPIX
• EPIX 2
• EPIX Hits

STARZ add-ons ($9/month)

Sign up for Sling here

The following channels are included:

• STARZ
• STARZ Comedy
• STARZ Edge
• STARZ Encore
• STARZ Kids and Family
• STARZ West

Other premium add-ons (monthly price varies)

The following channels are included:

• NBA League Pass: ($28.99/month)
• NBC Team Pass: ($17.99/month)
• CuriosityStream: ($3/month)
• UP Faith & Family: ($5/month)
• Hopster: ($5/month)
• PANTAYA: ($6/month)
• Stingray Karaoke: ($7/month)
• Dove Channel: ($5/month)
• Outside TV Features: ($5/month)
• Docurama: ($5/month)
• CONtv: ($5/month)
• Here TV: ($8/month)
• Cinefest: ($5/month)
• Cinemoi: ($3/month)
• Comedy Dynamics: ($5/month)
• DOGTV: ($5/month)
• Hallmark Movies Now: ($6/month)
• Grokker: ($7/month)
• The Country Network Plus: ($3/month)
• Magnolia Selects: ($5/month)
• Warrior & Gangers: ($3/month)
• Monsters & Nightmares: ($3/month)
• Kartoon Channel!: ($4/month)
• Stingray Qello: ($8/month)
• Dox: ($3/month)
• Echoboom Sports: ($6/month)
• Hi-YAH!: ($3/month)
• Lion Mountain TV: ($3/month)
• VSiN: ($4/month)

Across the last decade, 2020 stands out as the best year for online-gaming stock performance, according to Simon Davies, an equity analyst at Deutsche Bank.

A recent client note dove into how European online-gaming stocks performed in 2020 and assessed whether the trend is set to continue into the new year.

"The UK Online Gaming sector delivered a 40% average share price rise, outperforming the UK market by an impressive 53%," Davies said.

The online-gaming sector features companies which enable consumers to bet on an outcome of an event or game online. This can range from online poker to casino games to sports betting.

Outperformance in 2020 has been down to a number of reasons. First, there has been little movement on the regulatory front due to the pandemic. Second, there has been a boost in customer acquisition due to shifting behaviors around COVID-19. And third, mergers and acquisitions activity has been a positive industry-wide share prices, Davies said.

This is despite facing challenges with retail closures and the pandemic impacting sports fixtures.

Overall, the UK equity market has been one of the worst performing markets this year, marked by soaring COVID-19 death and hospitalization rates, growing concern of the UK's ability to reach an agreement with the European Union by December 31, and a heavy market weighting towards sectors considered pandemic losers, like energy and financial services.

But in the case of online gaming, the sector outperformed the UK All Shares Index by 53% as share prices soared from reratings triggered by M&A and "market exuberance" in the US, Davies said.

The trend looks set to continue into 2021 as retail shops reopen and a full 12 months of sports fixtures will be on the calendar, benefitting sports betting, Davies said. Although some headwinds will be present next year.

Here's a look at the four factors Deutsche Banks says will shape the industry next year:

(1) Regulation

2020 was a "benign year" for regulation, Davies said. However, 2021 is set to be more "regulatory-rich".

Germany will lead the way, introducing a new regulatory framework for the industry in July.

"Share prices responded positively to the certainty/clarity, with German regulation having previously cast a long shadow on the sector," Davies said.

The next focus point will be a review of the 2005 Gambling Act in the United Kingdom, which could introduce more regulatory taxes and costs for the sector. 

However, a recent government statement on the review was encouraging, Davies said. It referred to the need to "give those that gamble safely the freedom to do so", which represents a rhetoric shift.

The timing of the review does concern Davies as it coincides with the return to normality. The online gaming industry could be an easy target as the government searches for more tax revenues to recoup pandemic costs.

This could actually be a risk for the industry right across Europe in 2021, Davies said.

At the moment, the cost of German regulation is factored into the bank's forecast whereas the UK Gambling Act review is not as it will not be implemented until 2022.

(2) Post-pandemic life

As COVID-19 vaccines roll-out both across the UK and US, sports betting should benefit from a full 12 months of sports fixtures in 2021.

"While football fixtures were merely postponed (creating tougher comps in July/August), there will be the summer boost from the postponed European Championship football, equivalent to a one-month or c.8% boost in betting volumes,"  Davies said.

Companies with physical gaming stores will also see a considerable boost as society returns to normal, Davies said. Though he does not expect a return to pre-pandemic levels based on ongoing structural pressures and a permanent shift to online.

(3) US market

2020 has also been a huge year for the US sports betting and iGaming market. Deutsche Bank estimates the US market value will be $14 billion by 2027, making it the world's biggest online gaming market.

By the end of 2022,  Deutsche Bank expects sports betting to be legal in states that account for 45% of the US population.

The opportunities within the US market is being reflected in the stock price.

"With DraftKings, the current number two player, up almost 350% YTD since being injected into a Special Purpose Acquisition Corporation (SPAC)," Davies said. "It now has a market value of $19bn (materially greater than Entain, despite never having delivered positive Ebitda), and a valuation of 16x FY22E EV/Sales."

Despite the exuberance, the two main players in the market DraftKings and Flutter, who own FanDuel, are not expected to achieve profitability until at least 2024.

"It is still too early to say who the market winners will be, but judging by Europe, we expect four or five dominant brands in each major state, comprising a combination of state-specific and national brands. FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM all look likely to be in the running," Davies said.

In terms of opportunities for 2021, Davies believes there are significant value gaps in the valuation of US operations of the European listed online gaming companies. If these gaps aren't narrowed organically then some operators might look to IPO their US unit after gaining critical mass, he said.

(4) M&A

One of the driving forces of stock price performance this year has been M&A. In fact, the online gaming sector has seen £30 billion of large-scale M&A over the past six years, Davies said.

This is due to ongoing regulatory pressure from European regulators, Davies said, as smaller operators have struggled to absorb cost increases. 

The research team expects another wave of sector M&A in 2021, reflecting rising regulatory costs, material economies of scale, and corporate players positioning themselves to maximise the US opportunity.

"We envisage another busy year for corporate activity," Davies said.

Stock Picks

Outperformance is set to continue into 2021 with M&A and US market opportunities acting as the driving force, Davies said.

There are significant valuation gaps remaining relative to US-listed online gaming companies, which creates opportunities for European investors, Davies said.

"Nonetheless, while headline European valuation multiples look stretched, if we strip out Flutter (inflated by FanDuel), the European online gaming companies are on a FY22E EV/Ebitda of 7.7x, below their average long-term forward EV/Ebitda multiple," Davies said.

Listed below are the three European online gaming stocks Deutsche Bank thinks will continue to benefit into 2021.

1. Entain (GVC Holdings)

Ticker:ENT

Target Price:£13.51

Upside: 28%

EV/EBITDA: 8.3x

Analyst commentary:"Entain offers a good spread of geographic and product markets, reducing risk, and will be 100% exposed to regulated markets by end 2023. It has the sector's best operational track record and is set to report its 20th consecutive quarter of Online revenue growth at its FY20 trading update on January 21st. And leverage should be down to 2.2x Debt/Ebitda, providing a war chest for bolt-on acquisitions. Finally, we see significant unrecognised value for its fast-growing US joint venture with MGM. BetMGM has targeted 15% to 20% market share in betting/iGaming, across the US states where it operates (17 by the end of 2021)."

Source: Deutsche Bank

2. 888 Holdings

Ticker:888

Target Price:£3.20

Upside: 17%

EV/EBITDA: 7.6x 

Analyst commentary:"888 delivered the highest top-line growth in the sector in 2020. We see 2021 as a flat year, with an impact from rising US start-up costs and German/Austrian regulation. It should have over $120m of FY21 year-end net cash, providing scope for special dividends or bolt-on deals. But primarily, we see 888 as an attractive play on prospective consolidation. Our 320p TP is based on an 8.5x FY22E EV/Ebitda (10x for regulated, 6x for unregulated). "

Source: Deutsche Bank

3. Gamesys

Ticker: GYS

Target Price:£10.96

Upside: 28%

EV/EBITDA: 5.9x

Analyst commentary:"Gamesys is the value play in the sector. Despite one of the strongest share price performances in the sector, it still trades on a FY22E EV/Ebitda of just 6.0x, a material discount to its peers. And the JPJ/Gamesys combination has worked strongly, driving premium growth in the UK and providing a vertically integrated business, with its own technology platform, and strong brands."

Source: Deutsche Bank

Read More:

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• Buy these 26 stocks poised to surge as China starts to dominate the electric-vehicle landscape, UBS says
• Meet the investing chief whose early bets on Amazon and Alphabet helped return 146% to investors over 8 years — Here's why he thinks Big Tech investors shouldn't fear regulation

• For as long as there have been financial markets, there have been market crashes.
• The March 2020 market crash — driven by the rapid spread of coronavirus around the world — is just the latest in a long line of panics over hundreds of centuries.
• From the infamous Tulip Panic of the 17th century, to the 2008 financial crisis, Markets Insider decided to round up a handful of the most notable and interesting crashes in market history.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

For as long as there have been financial markets, there have been market crashes.

The March 2020 market crash — driven by the rapid spread of coronavirus around the world — is just the latest in a long line of panics throughout the hundreds of centuries that have roiled markets, crashed economies, and led to financial ruin for countless people.

Generally driven by investor panic and loss of confidence in the markets, often after a period of excitement and speculation, market panics are features of the financial and economic system around the world.

From the infamous Tulip Panic of the 17th century, to the 2008 financial crisis, Markets Insider decided to round up a handful of the most notable and interesting crashes in market history. Check them out below.

SEE ALSO: Hedge funds in Hong Kong are considering pulling out over fears that China's new security law could ruin their operations

Covid-19 Market Crash, 2020

The novel coronavirus outbreak not only led to a global health crisis, but also the most recent global financial recession beginning on February 20.

Although the biggest impact of the crash was initially felt in China, it quickly spread to the rest of the world as the virus spread, forcing lockdowns and plunging economic activity around the globe.

The US officially entered recession, and virtually every other economy around the world is set to follow.

Markets were initially stunned, and on March 16, the S&P 500 reported its steepest drop since 1987 as many businesses were forced to shut down and travel restrictions were set in place. The market's reaction was sharp but short-lived, and by June, stocks were back to their pre-crash levels.

Oil Price Crash, 2020

US oil prices went into negative territory for the first time in history on April 20, 2020 as the commodity faced a staggering drop in demand during the coronavirus pandemic as travel virtually ceased.

As the May futures contract for oil expired, many traders were faced with taking delivery of physical oil, so were forced into panic selling, which in turn pushed the commodity below zero.

In March, oil producers cartel OPEC held discussions to reinforce production cuts amongst allies from 2.1 million barrels per day to 3.6 million bpd and to continue this until the end of 2021.

Russia disagreed and a price war was launched by OPEC's top trading member Saudi Arabia to fight for a greater market share. 

Oil lost almost a third of its value with Brent crude crashing 24% to $33.36 and US oil dropping 34% to $27.34.

China's Stock Market Crash, 2015

Over three weeks in June 2015, fear of a market seizure and growing financial risks across the country caused chaotic panic selling which erased over $3 trillion in the value of Mainland shares.

Possible triggers of the market crash include a surprise devaluation in the Chinese yuan and a weakened outlook for China's growth, which then put pressure on emerging economies that relied on China for growth.

The crash's worst day was on June 12, when the Shanghai stock index lost about a third of its value, while losses were even more pronounced in the smaller Shenzhen Composite. 

Source:CNN

Global Financial Crisis, 2008

Known to be the worst crash since the Great Depression, the 2008 financial crisis grew out of deregulation in the financial industry that eventually led to the inflation of an enormous housing bubble.

Like all bubbles, it eventually popped, as housing supply overtook demand and house prices fell, making it difficult for homeowners to meet their mortgage obligations, leading to a wave of defaults 

The crisis worsened when investment bank Lehman Brothers — which was highly exposed to the sub-prime market — collapsed. Numerous other lenders were bailed out by governments around the world, and markets crashed, before the global economy spiralled into recession.

Source:The Economist

The Dot-com Bubble, 1990's

This bubble was fueled by investments into tech-based companies during a bullish market in the late 1990s.

By the end of 2001, dozens of companies had gone bust, and the share prices of tech giants like Cisco and Intel plunged.

Over $7 trillion in market value was destroyed, and equities entered a bear market.

It took the tech-heavy Nasdaq fifteen years up to April 23, 2015 to regain its dot-com peak. 

Source:Grin

The Asian Financial Crisis, 1997

With its origins in Thailand, a severe financial crisis struck many Asian countries in late 1997.

Foreign investors were worried that Thailand's debt was rising too rapidly when Bangkok unpegged its currency from the US dollar, and general confidence evaporated.

Indonesia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Laos, Malaysia, and the Philippines were the most affected countries as currency declines spread rapidly across, and they saw a drop in capital inflows of over $100 billion.

The Asian crisis eventually destabilized the global economy at the end of the 1990s.

Source:Britannica

Black Monday, 1987

33 years ago, global financial markets witnessed one of their worst days in what came to be known as Black Monday.

The crash began in Asia, gained ground in London, and wound up with the Dow Jones Industrial Average weaker by 22.6% the same day in New York.

It is believed the crash was triggered by a combination of computer-based trading models gone wrong, a fall in oil prices, and rising US-Iran tensions. 

But unlike the 1929 market crash, Black Monday did not lead to an economic recession.

Source:Quartz

Wall Street Crash, 1929

The "Roaring 20s" were an age of excess and wild speculation. That all came to an end in September and October 1929, culminating in Black Tuesday, 29 October, when 16 million shares were sold on the NYSE in one day and the market collapsed

On 21st October, panic selling kicked off and by the tragic 29th, prices fully collapsed.

Finance legends like the Rockefeller family and William Durant ventured to correct the market by purchasing large quantities of stocks, but the rapid price drops did not stop. 

By 1930, America was in the Great Depression — possibly the most painful crash in recorded history.

It spread well beyond the US, and by 1932, the world's GDP had contracted around 15%.

Source:History Extra

Vienna Stock Exchange Crash, 1873

On the historic Black Friday, 9 May 1873, unlimited speculation in banks and companies that existed only on paper set off a massive fall in value of shares on the Vienna stock exchange and caused a wave of panic selling.

This marked the beginning of a lesser-known Great Depression that lasted five years and spread across Europe and to the US. 

The crash brought economic growth in the Habsburg Monarch to an end, and harshly impacted a group of bankers, some counselors of the imperial court and friends of the Emperor, including the imperial family itself. 

Source:Habsburger

Dutch Tulip Mania, 1637

The Tulip mania was one of the first recorded financial bubbles, and occurred primarily in the Netherlands between 1634 and 1637.

After tulip bulbs contracted a non-fatal tulip-specific mosaic virus, their prices rose steadily and made the already overpriced flower even more popular and exotic. Tulip bulbs then saw a 20-fold increase in value in just one month.

But as it happens in speculative bubbles, holders eventually began to sell off their tulips to solidify their profits resulting in a doom loop of continuously lower prices. Although it was not a widespread craze, it hurt a handful of buyers in the short-lived luxury market.

More than anything, the tulip bubble crash serves as a lesson for the perils that excessive greed and speculation can lead to.

Source:Barrons

• Jamie Dimon is best known for leading one of the big four American banks, JPMorgan Chase.
• Dimon frequently shares opinions on the world economy, politics, investing, and more.
• Markets Insider rounded up 11 of his best quotes of all time.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Jamie Dimon, the chairman and chief executive of JPMorgan Chase, is one of the most well-known bankers in the world.

Back when bitcoin was a bubble among crypto-investors in late 2017, he made headlines for saying "if you're stupid enough to buy it, you'll pay the price for it one day." 

Just a few months later, he retraced his stance on the then-futuristic currency and said he had come to see merit in the unique type of financial instrument. JPMorgan even went on to develop a platform using blockchain technology to process private transactions.

More recently, he has said the coronavirus pandemic is a "wake-up call" to build a more inclusive society that recognizes the financial situations of all parties involved in the economy. 

Dimon has said he looks forward to share more ideas on how to create an economy that is stronger, more resilient, and offers "widespread access to opportunity."

We rounded up 11 of Jamie Dimon's best quotes below:

SEE ALSO: One of Visa's top executives says we'll never go back to using cash in the same way post COVID-19

On being too big to fail: "No financial system can operate efficiently if financial institutions and investors assume that government will protect them from the consequences of failure. The term 'too big to fail' must be excised from our vocabulary."

Source:Reuters

On building success: "Companies that grow for the sake of growth or that expand into areas outside their core business strategy often stumble. On the other hand, companies that build scale for the benefit of their customers and shareholders more often succeed over time."

Source:Washington Post

On cost: "All businesses tend to pass their costs on to customers."

Source:Telegraph

On markets: "Remember that banks aren't markets. The market is amoral. The market doesn't care who you are. You're a trade to the market."

Source: Bloomberg

On the US: "It's good for America when the rest of the world grows, because you can sell more to the rest of the world."

Source:USA Today

On the post-financial crisis years: "You cannot prove this in real time, but when economists 20 years from now write a book on the recovery, it may well be entitled: 'It could have been much better.'"

Source:Telegraph

On how great the US is: "America has the best hand ever dealt to any country on this planet, ever. Yes, we have problems, but you travel around the world, you'll see we have it all."

Source: CNN

On life: "I don't necessarily assume I'm going to live for 10 years. And you want to live very deliberately. You want to end every day and say, 'That was a good day.'"

Source: CNN

On his political loyalties: "My heart is Democratic but my brain is kind of Republican."

Source: CNBC

On stupidity: "Don't do anything stupid, and don't waste money. Let everybody else waste money and do stupid things, then we'll buy them."

Source: "Last Man Standing: The Ascent of Jamie Dimon and JPMorgan Chase"

On Wall Street: "On Wall Street there is no 'Wall Street.' There are individuals. So we have a lot of people who are Republicans, a lot of people who are Democrats, and it's not just because of business reasons."

Source: Nikkei

Britney Spears is a pop icon.

She "spearheaded the rise of post-millennial teen pop" and is "one of the most successful artists of all time,"according to Rolling Stone, which also listed her as one of the top people who defined the millennial generation.

But Spears' time in the limelight hasn't always been positive. She stirred controversy after several public mental breakdowns and was put on a court-approved conservatorship in 2008, which put her estate, financial assets, and some personal assets under control of her father and a lawyer.

The conservatorship was just extended for the fourth time this year. Financial records are required to be disclosed as part of Spears' conservatorship, so her fortune and spending habits are well documented to the public.

According to the most recent available financial documents, Spears has a $59 million net worth. And while she loves to drop money on beauty, clothes, and real estate, she also favors everyday stores like Target and is actively involved in charity.

Here's how Spears makes and spends her fortune.

SEE ALSO: The #FreeBritney movement has been on a wild ride in 2020 — look inside the 12-year conservatorship that prevents Britney Spears from controlling her life and $59 million fortune

DON'T MISS: Taylor Swift just turned 30, and she's already worth at least $360 million. Here's how the pop superstar makes and spends her ever-growing fortune.

Britney Spears' net worth is $59 million, according to 2019 court documents detailing her 2018 finances. She can thank her career as a pop icon for that.

Source: ET Online

Spears' 1999 debut album, "...Baby One More Time," sold 10.6 million US copies — one of 24 albums to hit the 10-million mark.

Source: Billboard

That's as recent as January 2019 and according to Nielsen Music, which began tracking sales in 1991.

Her first two albums were so successful she earned a nearly $10 million advance for her third, "In the Zone," and a $6.5 million net earning after production costs.

Source: The New York Times

She's sold over 100 million records worldwide and over 70 million albums, singles, and songs in the US. She's the 4th-best selling album artist in the US.

Source: RCA Records, Billboard

That's according to Nielsen tracking, which began in 1991.

Spears has led 10 concert tours throughout her career. Her most recent, the Piece of Me Tour in 2018, grossed an estimated $54.6 million.

Source: Touring Data

Spears also makes money from merchandise. Her website sells everything from clothing to wine glasses, ranging from $14.95 to $64.95.

Source: The New York Times, Britney Spears

In 2013, Spears began a four-year Las Vegas residency that earned over $140 million in revenue. Her final performance grossed $1.1 million, the highest ever reported for a single theater Las Vegas residency show.

Source: Las Vegas Review Journal, Las Vegas Weekly

In 2019, Spears launched a new Las Vegas residency, "Domination," which saw a reported raise from $400,000 a show to $507,000 a concert; but she put it on hold after her father's health issues.

Source: Variety, Mercury News

Spears also earns money from film, like the 2002 movie 'Crossroads', which grossed $61 million worldwide. She has also appeared on TV shows, like 'Glee' and 'Will & Grace'.

Source: Huffington Post 

That's not to mention reality TV: Spears had her own show with ex Kevin Federline, and served as a judge on The X Factor in 2012 — she reportedly earned $15 million for one season.

Source:Rolling Stone

9 years into her career, Spears had already earned $12 million from endorsements, including deals with Skechers, McDonald's, and Pepsi.

Source: The New York Times

In 2018, she landed her first luxury fashion campaign with French brand Kenzo.

Source: Vogue

That's not to mention Spears' foray into retail: She had a clothing line at Kohl's ranging from $14 to $78 and a lingerie line with Change ranging from $17 to $79.

Source: WWD, In Style

But one of Spears' biggest moneymakers is her Elizabeth Arden fragrance line. The launch of her first perfume, Curious, reportedly earned her $52 million.

Source: Hollywood Reporter

Spears has since launched 26 fragrance lines — a "billion-dollar franchise" and one of the most lucrative perfume franchises ever. She reportedly earns $50 million a year from it.

Source: Racked

But in 2012, Spears had to pay $10 million to brand management company Brand Sense Partners, who claimed she was cutting them out of a deal with Elizabeth Arden.

Source: The Daily Mail

Spears also ventured into the virtual world in a five-year deal with Glu Mobile in 2015 to develop a free-to-play mobile game using her voice and likeness.

Instagram Embed:
//instagram.com/p/BFhc9SiG8GL/embed
Width: 540px

Source: Glu

Forbes named Spears the 10th highest-paid women in music in 2018 for earning $30 million — not her first time on the list. She dropped off it in 2019 after her hiatus.

Source: Forbes, Forbes

But Spears' financial assets are under her father's and a lawyer's control. Following public mental health episodes in 2008, Spears was put under a conservatorship (known as legal guardianship).

Source: Los Angeles Times

The conservatorship requires documentation of all her financial records. 2019 documents revealed she spent over $400,000 on living expenses in 2018.

Source: ET Online

She spent $66,000 on household supplies. She made 80 trips to Target and shopped at Home Depot, Walmart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, 7-Eleven, and Amazon.

Source: ET Online

She also spent $1.1 million on her legal and conservator fees that year. Her father took home $128,000 of that.

Source: ET Online

But she also got to spend on fun. Spears dropped $70,000 on travel, including a $16,000 four-night stay at the Montage Beverly Hills Hotel.

Source: ET Online

If her vacation habits are any indication, Spears loves the sun: She was spotted vacationing in Hawaii, Miami, and Turks and Caicos in 2019.

Source: People, Miami Herald, Turks & Caicos

Not all of Spears' 2018 expenses, per the financial documents, have been reported on; but previously reported documents reveal other spending habits.

Spears goes all out for the holidays. In 2012, she spent $3,400 on Christmas lights. In 2014, she spent $4,000 on Halloween decorations.

Source: The Daily Mail, Bustle

Spears pays to look good. In 2016, she spent $69,668 on clothing, $24,392 for hair and makeup, and $122,613 on massages, manicures, and other personal grooming.

Source: The Daily Mail

But she doesn't just spend on herself. She also spent $173,952 on gifts for her mom and has paid ex Kevin Federline $20,000 a month for child support since their 2008 divorce.

Source: inTouch Weekly, E! News

Spears also spent $30,000 on pet care in 2016. She has a Maltese and Yorkie, which she previously bought for $5,568 and $8,212 each, respectively.

Source: inTouch Weekly, Bustle

She also pays for a full-time bodyguard.

Source: E! News

In 2016, she dropped $11,461 on car-related costs. Spears has reportedly owned several cars, including a Mercedes-Benz SL65 Roadster and 1956 Porsche 356A Speedster.

Source: E! News, US News

The same year, Spears dropped more than $2 million on housing expenses and cleaning services. It's not surprising considering the size of her real estate.

Source: inTouch Weekly

In 1999, Spears first bought a custom house in Kentwood, Louisiana, for her mom, which they named 'Serenity.' Her mom reportedly still lives there.

Source: E! News

Over the next several years, Spears bought four homes in California, from Malibu to Beverly Hills, and a penthouse in NYC. She reportedly sold them all for a collective $29 million.

Source: Zillow, Hola!

Spears rented a Calabasas, California, home and spent $700,000 in renovations on it. It sold for $8.1 million in 2017.

Source: Zillow, Los Angeles Times

She also rented a 19,000 square-foot mansion in Hidden Hills for a reported $25,000 month, and then rented a 10,000-square-foot home in Thousand Oaks.

Source: Zillow

Spears currently lives in the 13,264-square-foot, Thousand Oaks, California, home she reportedly purchased in 2015 for $7.4 million. It sits on nearly 21 acres.

Source: Variety, Instagram

Spears is just as active on the charity scene as she is in real estate. She sold a painting she created for $10,000 and donated it to the Vegas Cares Memorial Fund.

Source: Apartment Therapy

And she raised $1 million for the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, which opened the Britney Spears Campus in 2017.

 Source: Hello Giggles

Most recently, she offered to buy much needed necessities for three fans during the coronavirus pandemic.

Source: Instagram

It's no wonder fans idolize Britney.

Streaming hit new highs in 2020 as audiences spent more time at home amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Netflix is nearing 200 million subscribers worldwide. Disney Plus has 87 million subscribers since launching in November 2019. Major media companies like WarnerMedia and NBCUniversal launched their own streaming competitors with HBO Max and Peacock, respectively.

But what were the biggest hits among all of these streaming options?

Research company Parrot Analytics provided Business Insider with its list of the top 20 most in-demand streaming originals of the year. The company measures "demand expressions," which take into account viewership, engagement, and desire of a series weighted by importance. The list is ranked by how much more in demand the shows are compared to the average series in the US.

The list is dominated by Netflix, from the comic-book hit "Umbrella Academy" to the former YouTube series, "Cobra Kai." Some shows, like "Stranger Things," did not release a new season this year, but the demand is still palpable.

But Disney took the top spot with its live-action blockbuster "Star Wars" series, "The Mandalorian," which wrapped up its second season last week. 

A common theme throughout the list is the sci-fi/fantasy genre. Back in January, Business Insider found that streaming TV's biggest shows fell into this genre, are heavy on adventure elements, and are based on preexisting material, based on Parrot Analytics data. Nearly a year later, not much has changed in that regard.

Companies will continue to tap into these elements in 2021 and beyond. Amazon is developing shows based on the fantasy book series "The Wheel of Time" and "The Lord of the Rings." Netflix has multiple "Witcher" projects in the works along with "Resident Evil," based on the hit video game, and more. Disney Plus is developing at least 10 Marvel shows and 10 "'Star Wars" shows.

That doesn't even begin to cover all the high-profile, IP-based content in the works from the numerous streamers battling for consumer dollars.

Below are the 20 most popular original streaming TV shows of 2020, based on audience-demand data:

SEE ALSO: Hulu insiders say the company's culture has changed under Disney and question its future path after a scrapped international expansion

20. "Ted Lasso"— Apple TV Plus, 2020-present (one season)

Time more in demand than the average show: 20.8

Description: "Jason Sudeikis plays Ted Lasso, a small-time college football coach from Kansas hired to coach a professional soccer team in England, despite having no experience coaching soccer."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 90%

What critics said: "On Ted Lasso, American innocence, humility, and heroism are all alive and well-and you don't have to consciously notice any of that for it to bring you comfort."— Slate (season one)

19. (tie) "The Expanse"— Amazon Prime Video, 2015-present (five seasons)

Times more in demand than average show: 21.9

Description:"In different parts of the Solar System, the crew of the Rocinante and their allies confront the sins of their past, while Marco Inaros unleashes an attack that will alter the future of Earth, Mars, the Belt, and the worlds beyond the Ring."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 94%

What critics said:"The Expanse's keen understanding of history and politics, combined with its relatively low technology level, has allowed the show to feel about as realistic as science fiction can get."— Polygon (season five)

19. (tie) "Dark"— Netflix, 2017-2020 (three seasons)

Times more in demand than average show: 21.9

Description:"A missing child sets four families on a frantic hunt for answers as they unearth a mind-bending mystery that spans three generations."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 95%

What critics said: "One of the most mind-melting shows on television, and possibly the most unique Netflix original, Dark finishes its run with peak writing, shocking conclusions, and a bittersweet sense of finality."— RogerEbert.com (season three)

17. "The Handmaid's Tale"— Hulu, 2017-present (three seasons)

Times more in demand than average show: 22.3

Description:"A woman forced into sexual servitude struggles to survive in a terrifying, totalitarian society."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 88%

What critics said: "What's obvious about The Handmaid's Tale works wonders. What's more opaque can create problems."— Indiewire (season three)

16. "You"— Netflix, 2018-present (two seasons)

Times more in demand than average show: 23.4

Description: "A dangerously charming, intensely obsessive young man goes to extreme measures to insert himself into the lives of those he is transfixed by."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 90%

What critics said: "A self-aware work of melodrama, You combines the best elements of murder-mystery series, Millennial sitcoms, and revenge fantasies."— The Atlantic (season two)

15. "La Casa de Papel (Money Heist)"— Netflix, 2017-present (four seasons)

Times more in demand than average show: 24.4

Description: "Eight thieves take hostages and lock themselves in the Royal Mint of Spain as a criminal mastermind manipulates the police to carry out his plan."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 93%

What critics said: "The early episodes were characterised by a rush of twists and new ideas. Now they are being dragged out to fill airtime."— Independent (season four)

14. "Star Trek: Picard"— CBS All Access, 2020-present (one season)

Times more in demand than average show: 24.5

Description: "'Star Trek: Picard' features Sir Patrick Stewart reprising his iconic role as Jean-Luc Picard, which he played for seven seasons on 'Star Trek: The Next Generation.' The new series will follow this iconic character into the next chapter of his life."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 87%

What critics said: "Picard is Trek through and through, full of thorny ethical quandaries, social allegories, sinister admirals, and an undercurrent of optimism in spite of it all."— Slate (season 1)

13. "Cobra Kai"— Netflix, 2018-present (two seasons)

Times more in demand than average show: 24.7

Description: "Decades after the tournament that changed their lives, the rivalry between Johnny and Daniel reignites in this sequel to the 'Karate Kid' films."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 94%

What critics said: "Cobra Kai remains more entertaining and well-executed than it has any right to be."— Entertainment Weekly (season two)

12. "Star Trek: Discovery"— CBS All Access, 2017-present (three seasons)

Times more in demand than average show: 25.7

Description: "After making the jump in the second season finale, season three of "Star Trek: Discovery" finds the U.S.S. Discovery crew dropping out of the wormhole and into an unknown future far from the home they once knew. Now living in a time filled with uncertainty, the U.S.S. Discovery crew, along with the help of some new friends, must together fight to regain a hopeful future."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 85%

What critics said: "It's finally able to grow, unfettered by entrenched canon or unnecessary blockbuster aspirations (or unnecessary white guys — did y'all even see one this week?), into a series that will succeed or fail as a Star Trek show on its own merits."— Vulture (season 3)

11. "The Crown"— Netflix, 2016-present (four seasons)

Times more in demand than average show: 25.8

Description: "This drama follows the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the events that shaped the second half of the 20th century."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 91%

What critics said: "This new set of episodes continues to give us both the long run and the short, the epic and the specific, as it goes from strength to strength."— Boston Globe (season four)

10. "The Boys"— Amazon Prime Video, 2019-present (two seasons)

Times more in demand than average show: 26.0

Description: "In a more intense, more desperate Season 2 of THE BOYS, Butcher, Hughie and the team reel from their losses in Season 1. On the run from the law, they struggle to fight back against the Superheroes. As Vought, the company that manages the heroes, cashes in on the panic over the threat of Supervillains, and a new hero, Stormfront, shakes up the company and challenges an already unstable Homelander."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 90%

What critics said: "A wonderfully subversive, cynically entertaining piece of work."— NPR (season two)

9. "Narcos: Mexico"— Netflix, 2018-present (two seasons)

Times more in demand than averageshow: 29.3

Description: "Witness the birth of the Mexican drug war in the 1980s as a gritty new ‚Narcos' saga chronicles the true story of the Guadalajara cartel's ascent."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 88%

What critics said: "Cartel dramas like Narcos are fairy tales for a nation in decline, flattening diverse and complicated countries for the benefit of a nation that refuses to acknowledge the havoc it has wreaked on the world."— The Verge (Season 2)

8. "Lucifer"— Netflix, 2016-present (five seasons)

Times more in demand than average show: 31.9

Description: "Bored with being the Lord of Hell, the devil relocates to Los Angeles, where he opens a nightclub and forms a connection with a homicide detective."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 86%

What critics said: "Lucifer will always be the show that gave us an archangel chasing a chicken while the Devil laughs in the background and Season 5 is going all-in on the parts of the show that make it such an addictive watch."— TV Guide (Season 5)

7. "Harley Quinn"— HBO Max, 2019-present (two seasons)

Times more in demand than average show: 32.0

Description: "Harley Quinn has taken down the Joker and Gotham City is finally hers for the taking … whatever's left of it that is. Gotham has become a desolate wasteland, left in ruins, following the huge earthquake caused by the collapse of Joker's tower. Harley's celebration in this newly created chaos is cut short when Penguin, Bane, Mr. Freeze, The Riddler, and Two-Face join forces to restore order in the criminal underworld. Calling themselves the Injustice League, this group now stands in the way of Harley and her crew from taking sole control of Gotham as the top villains of the city."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 94%

What critics said: "By almost entirely removing the Joker from the equation, Harley Quinn has so much more space to figure out what makes Harley as a character so compelling, and it uses every inch of it."— Variety (season two)

6. "The Umbrella Academy"— Netflix, 2019-present (two seasons)

Times more in demand than average show: 32.1

Description: "Reunited by their father's death, estranged siblings with extraordinary powers uncover shocking family secrets — and a looming threat to humanity."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 82%

What critics said: "Employing dry Wes Anderson-style humour and end-of-the-world exploits worthy of Heroes, the second season of The Umbrella Academy is just as — if not more — wacky than the first."— Independent (season 2)

5. "The Witcher"— Netflix, 2019-present (one season)

Times more in demand than average show: 39.8

Description: "Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster-hunter for hire, journeys toward his destiny in a turbulent world where people often prove more wicked than beasts."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 67%

What critics said: "The [action] is of a kinetic and impressively top-shelf variety, Cavill's Geralt moving like a man possessed as he rends flesh from bone and engages in some surprisingly balletic bouts of swordplay."— Fortune (season one)

4. "Titans"— HBO Max, 2018-present (two seasons)

Times more in demand than average show: 40.0

Description: "'Titans' follows young heroes from across the DC Universe as they come of age and find belonging in a gritty take on the classic Teen Titans franchise. Dick Grayson and Rachel Roth, a special young girl possessed by a strange darkness, get embroiled in a conspiracy that could bring Hell on Earth. Joining them along the way are the hot-headed Starfire and lovable Beast Boy. Together they become a surrogate family and team of heroes."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 80%

What critics said: "With a bit of time, Titans might end up getting steady on its feet again and returning to being one of the better live-action cape shows, but for the time being, it's definitely showed itself to be a bit more than rusty."— io9 (season two)

3. "Star Wars: The Clone Wars"— Disney Plus, 2008-2020 (seven seasons)

Times more in demand than average show: 46.3

Description: "From Dave Filoni, director and executive producer of 'The Mandalorian,' the new 'Clone Wars' episodes will continue the storylines introduced in the original series, exploring the events leading up to 'Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.'"

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 93%

What critics said: "While the series rehabilitates the weaker parts in the Prequel trilogy, it breaks away from the light-vs.-dark dichotomy that defines the franchise."— Polygon (season seven)

2. "Stranger Things"— Netflix, 2016-present (three seasons)

Times more in demand than average show: 60.2

Description: "When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 93%

What critics said:"What these ideas come down to, in the show's thrillingly propulsive and self-consciously familiar conclusion, is the nature of a country that fully believes it's the greatest in the world while also being well aware of its own capacity for destruction."— The Atlantic (season three)

1. "The Mandalorian"— Disney Plus, 2019-present (two seasons)

Times more in demand than average show: 65.7

Description: "After the fall of the Empire, a lone gunfighter makes his way through the lawless galaxy."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 94%

What critics said: "This was a thrilling and ultimately tear-jerking conclusion to a season that leveled up in pretty much every way from a very satisfying debut year."— Rolling Stone (season two)

The global auto industry is, to be blunt, huge. It generates trillions in annual revenue and keeps millions employed. 

The pay can also be pretty good. A unionized hourly worker at vehicle assembly plant in the US can bring home in the mid-five figures every year, and with seniority and overtime, get close to $100,000. If you survey the entire industry, which supports everything from engineering to banking to insurance, you could easily find numerous six-figure salaries.

At the moment, with automakers enduring massive changes and undertaking layoffs to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, employment in the industry is in limbo. But demand for cars isn't likely to vanish, so these careers remain good bets.

Here's a sampling:

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F&I manager — $133,000

"F&I" is auto-industry shorthand for "finance and insurance." If you've ever bought or leased a vehicle from an auto dealer, you've most likely interacted with an F&I professional. They're the last stage in the purchasing process, where you: are walked through the details of your lease or loan and warranty; get the opportunity to buy into extras that are dealership exclusive; deal with local DMV regulations and paperwork; and can have insurance coverage arranged.

Sometimes, your dealer will introduce you to an F&I staffer during the buying process to review lease and loan options. The dealership, if it's franchised to sell major brands (Toyota, Ford, Cadillac, Mercedes, and so on), should have access to an automaker's captive-finance arm, as well as a bunch of banks that can make loans to buyers of varying creditworthiness.

Almost nobody walks into a dealership with bag of cash, so an F&I manager has a very big job: They need to figure how people from all walks of life can get across the car-buying/leasing finish line.

Dealers make money from selling cars, but they make their real profits acting as loan brokers, insurance brokers, and by selling things like extended warranties to customers. That's why the F&I manager is well compensated — NADA reckons on average almost $133,000 a year— and often has special training or a certification.

Car designer — $100,000

The range is what one might expect here: Designers at the beginning of their careers make less than six figures, but the pay is still good, in the mid-fives.

Once you get some seniority, six figures is in sight. And if you become a major name in the field or oversee all design operations for a large automaker, you can rack up a lot more than $100,000.

An experienced designer at a top auto brand should spend their days dealing with a team of fellow designers, as well as meeting with the engineers who are determining how a vehicle is going to get built. They should also spend a lot of time sketching ideas, refining those ideas using computers drafting programs, and in some cases, creating physical clay models and even making full-size "tape" drawings on walls. And not all designers work on exteriors — everything from seats to sun visors also have to be developed.

Most car designers have graduated from a transportation-design program, such as the one at California's Art Center College of Design, whose alumni include Tesla's Franz von Holzhausen, Acura's Michelle Christensen, and the controversial Chris Bangle, formerly of BMW.

Mechanical engineer — $120,000

Becoming an engineer has always been a great path to a good starting salary. But if you stick with the gig and labor in, say, the Detroit area for General Motors, Ford, or Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, you could expect to hit $120,000 if you achieve some seniority. (The BLS reports that the top 10% can earn almost $137,000.)

By that point, you won't be tinkering with turbochargers any longer, but rather overseeing a group of tinkerers.

Keep at it and satisfy the boss' demands and you could become the boss yourself. Then you become a manager and might be assigned an entire vehicle to launch. At a company such as Ford, high-pressure engineering roles involve new Mustangs and pickup trucks.

Engineers typically have four-year degrees from colleges that are known for feeding into the car business, but grad school isn't a requirement. Often, however, those with their sights on becoming executives will get MBAs.

Electrical engineer — $100,000

The median salary for an electrical engineer is about $95,000, so more senior folks could easily top $100,000.

Demand for electrical engineers should dramatically increase in the coming decade as automakers shift from internal-combustion powerplants to EVs. The industry already employs electrical engineers, but going forward, battery designs and electric propulsion are going to require additional talent.

The relative simplicity of EVs compared to gas vehicles doesn't mean they aren't complicated in other ways. Tesla, for example, has battery packs that require thousands of lithium-ion cells, all wired together and managed with software.

Master mechanic — $100,000

Becoming a professional gearhead is actually not a bad career move, as skilled mechanics can make $40,000 to 50,000 annually.

But as with other jobs in the rundown, the more experience and expertise you amass, the more you get paid. Master mechanics who have some years under their tool belts and have been trained and certified for complicated service and repair procedures are in demand and can command $100,000-and-up wages.

College degrees aren't required, and a shortage of mechanics has some vocational schools stressing the potentially big-time paydays for those trained for the job.

Software developer — $110,000

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median yearly salary for a software developer is $110,000. And while you might think that the auto industry needs mechanical engineers more than folks who can wrangle code, you'd be mistaken.

In fact, as cars become more and more like rolling computers, and as companies such as Cruise, Waymo, and Tesla strive to crack the challenge of autonomous vehicles, a massive talent hunt is on in the world's auto capitals to hire software engineers.

Some professionals could be trying to teach cars to drive themselves, but others could spend their days developing testing programs, supporting manufacturing teams and robotics efforts, or figuring out new ways to provide wireless connectivity to vehicles.

Supply chain manager — $116,000

In the good old days, trains loaded with iron ore would roll up to one side of Ford's famous River Rouge factory and finished cars would roll out the other side.

But ever since the 1980s, such highly vertical manufacturing has been supplanted by so-called "lean" or "just in time" systems, with parts arriving as they're needed rather than being stockpiled in inventory.

To make this process work for companies that do business around the world, the supply chain manager has entered the picture and taken on a critically important role — so important that various salary-tracking websites rank this job as one of the industry's best paying.

A degree in lots of fields can get you started, but areas such as business administration, math, economics, engineering, or science should expose you to the level of detail and organization you'd need to thrive in supply chain management.

Running Tesla has helped turn Elon Musk into one of the world's richest people. As of Friday, he was fifth on Forbes' ranking of the world's billionaires, ahead of Warren Buffett and just behind Mark Zuckerberg.

A handful of startup founders have attempted to match Musk's success at Tesla over the years, but most have failed to overcome the brutal economics of the car business. Now, a new wave of CEOs is hoping they can learn from their predecessors' mistakes and capitalize on projected growth in EV demand over the coming decades.

Read on to learn about eight CEOs who are hoping they can become the next Elon Musk.

Have you worked for any of the CEOs mentioned in this story? Do you have a story or opinion you'd like to share? Contact this reporter at mmatousek@businessinsider.com, on Signal at 646-768-4712, or via his encrypted email address mmatousek@protonmail.com.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's former right-hand man, JB Straubel, is building a company to chase the big money in recycling old EV batteries as demand for lithium skyrockets

RJ Scaringe

Company: Rivian

Scaringe founded Rivian in 2009 and kept the company in stealth mode for nearly a decade before unveiling its first two vehicles, the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV, in 2018. Each is scheduled to arrive in 2021.

Rivian has attracted more money, and arguably more attention, than any other EV startup that hasn't gone public. Amazon has contracted the company to make 100,000 electric delivery vans, and Ford plans to use Rivian's EV platform in one of its own vehicles.

Peter Rawlinson

Company: Lucid Motors

Before joining Lucid in 2013, Rawlinson worked for Musk at Tesla, where he learned the importance of relentless optimism. Now, Rawlinson is taking on Tesla's Model S with the Lucid Air, a luxury sedan scheduled to arrive in 2021. 

One of the Air's key innovations is a compact powertrain that will help it achieve an industry-leading 517-mile range and a spacious interior.

"We're creating a car which is going to be the best car in the world," Rawlinson told Business Insider in July. "People are going to want it."

Ulrich Kranz

Company: Canoo

A former BMW executive, Kranz co-founded Canoo in 2017. The startup is diverging sharply from the auto industry's styling and retail conventions with a vehicle shaped like a loaf of bread and available only through a subscription.

Canoo has positioned the vehicle, also called the Canoo, as the next step in a lineage that includes the station wagon, minivan, and SUV. The company says it will have more room for passengers than a Honda Odyssey minivan while being shorter than a Tesla Model 3 sedan.

Canoo will debut its subscription service in 2022. The company is also helping Hyundai build an EV platform.

William Li

Company: Nio

William Li founded Nio 2014. The company is one of the few post-Tesla EV startups that has actually put vehicles in customer driveways. Its cumulative delivery count topped 50,000 in August.

Nio, which is based in China, appeared to be on shaky financial ground earlier this year, but its fortunes improved after securing $1.4 billion in financing from the government of Hefei, the capital of China's Anhui province. In August, Nio set a record for monthly sales and revenue.

Carsten Breitfeld

Company: Faraday Future

Breitfeld led a competing EV startup, Byton, before joining Faraday Future in 2019. Faraday has struggled to bring its debut vehicle, the FF91 luxury SUV, into production, repeatedly missing deadlines and, according to a report from The Verge, leaving one pre-production model in flames. The company has also had financial difficulties, nearly running out of money while fighting with a major investor.

But Faraday may be on the verge of a fresh start. In an interview with Reuters, Breitfeld said the startup is in talks to go public through a reverse merger with a special-purpose acquisition company, a maneuver that has become increasingly popular among EV startups.

Henrik Fisker

Company: Fisker Inc.

Henrik Fisker is taking his second shot at breaking into the EV market with Fisker Inc. One of Fisker's prior companies, Fisker Automotive, competed against Tesla before going bankrupt in 2013.

Fisker Inc. has missed a few launch timelines and shifted its debut vehicle from a sports car to an autonomous shuttle to an SUV, the Ocean, which is expected to launch in 2022. This summer, the company announced a plan to go public by merging with Spartan Energy later this year. 

Mark Russell

Company: Nikola

Mark Russell followed his former employee, Trevor Milton, to Nikola in 2019. After Milton stepped down from Nikola amid allegations of fraud and sexual assault, Russell  has been left to repair the electric-truck maker's image.

Much of Nikola's business revolves around hydrogen-powered semi trucks. By building hydrogen-fueling stations and selling bundled leases that include a truck, fuel, and maintenance, Nikola says it will earn more revenue per vehicle than its competitors in the trucking industry. 

Nikola also contributed to the development of a pickup truck, the Badger, that GM will engineer and build, assuming the companies' deal doesn't fall apart.

Steve Burns

Company: Lordstown Motors

Steve Burns (shown above with President Trump) founded Lordstown Motors in 2018. The startup is developing a pickup truck, the Endurance, that is designed for commercial use. Lordstown will build the truck at an old General Motors plant starting in 2021.

Lordstown joined the wave of EV startups going public through SPACs this summer by making a deal with DiamondPeak Holdings.

• Read more:
• The CEO of EV startup Rivian explains why he thinks it will beat Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW with its first 2 electric vehicles
• The CEO of Lucid Motors reveals the important lesson his former boss Elon Musk taught him about leadership
• Henrik Fisker is back — and with a $2.9 billion company, he might have the perfect business plan for the post-coronavirus world
• The CEO of Canoo thinks the electric-vehicle startup has the key to fixing the problems Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac have faced with Netflix-style car subscriptions

2020 was a year of seismic change not just for retailers, but also for the customer service companies that support them.

In November, Facebook announced a landmark $1 billion acquisition of Kustomer, the New York-based customer relationship management company with a specialty in messaging and chatbot services. It was a wakeup call that customer service upstarts had arrived — and they're looking at a market worth $40.7 billion in 2019, per Grandview Research.

Read more: Retail saw big winners and losers in 2020. Here's how experts and insiders think the winners can keep winning in 2021 — and the losers could turn things around.

Americans shopped online more than ever before in 2020, thanks in large part to the pandemic's role in temporarily shuttering stores to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. These shifts in consumer habits may have a lasting impact: According to a recent survey conducted by Salesforce, 58% of respondents said they "expect to do more online shopping after the pandemic than before." 

Companies like Kustomer and competitors like Quiq now see a flood of retailers looking for tools to better support the massive uptick in digital orders, while also providing guidance with product recommendations and processing exchanges and returns. Their support is particularly valuable as retailers as the industry faces down the shipping delays and lost packages dubbed "shipageddon." 

And while chatbots and messaging tools have been available for several years now, awareness among both customers and retailers has finally caught up to the technology, according to Quiq CEO Mike Myer. 

"My number one prediction for the future is that in a couple years, the contact center that we know of today where there are lots of people on the phone is going to be replaced by a contact center where the majority of people are interacting with the business via text messaging," Myer told Business Insider.

We took a closer look at five of the companies that are most significantly disrupting the customer service industry, below.

SEE ALSO: Meet the 7 companies powering last-mile delivery for major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger

Kustomer

Year founded: 2015

Valuation: $1 billion, according to Pitchbook

2020 was a big year for Kustomer. The company announced in November that Facebook was acquiring its customer service platform in a deal valued at $1 billion, part of a push by the social media giant to ramp up its business capabilities.

Kustomer focuses "effortless and seamless customer service across all communications and social channels" with messaging systems designed for "today's modern business," CEO Brad Birnbaum wrote in a letter after the acquisition. 

Since its founding in New York in 2015, Kustomer has worked with some of the industry's buzziest retailers, including Glossier, Birkenstock, ThredUp, and Sweetgreen. 

"[Customers] want businesses to understand them and keep pace with how quickly their needs change — especially when there's a question or issue," Birnbaum wrote in his letter following Facebook's acquisition. "These practices are not just good business. They are the factors that build brand loyalty and repeat business, which translates directly into positive impact on the bottom line. "

Talkdesk

Year founded: 2011

Valuation: $3.14 billion, according to Pitchbook

Since the start of the pandemic, the San Francisco-based Talkdesk says the number of retailers looking for ways to better support online shoppers was up by 400%. At the same time, Talkdesk grew its staff to a total of 1,200 employees and raised $143 million in its most recent round of funding for a valuation of more than $3 billion, announced in July.   

According to CEO Tiago Paiva, Talkdesk "has always been driven by two characteristics: agility and innovation," areas the company doubled down on as the pandemic greatly altered the way brands connected with consumers. 

"These are at the heart of our contact center solutions and baked into the soul of the company," Paiva wrote in an email to Business Insider. "The COVID-19 pandemic is an excellent example of both. Just as Talkdesk cloud technology makes it easy for our customers to move their contact center agents to work remotely, we were able to internally apply that same technology with ease."

Looking ahead, Talkdesk is eyeing the estimated 80% of contact center positions that "are tethered to aging, obsolete and inflexible on-premises platforms." In other words, it's poised to pursue a sector ripe for disruption.

Quiq

Year founded: 2015

Valuation: $53.9 million, according to Pitchbook

Quiq's goal is to make "communication between businesses and their customers as easy as it is to communicate with family and friends," says CEO Mike Myer.

Quiq specializes in text messaging and chatbots, and this holiday season alone reported a 50% increase in inbound and outbound customer service requests across messaging platforms like iMessage and Facebook. 

The Montana-based company works closely with several major retailers including West Elm, where Quiq recently developed a design chat feature that allows employees to consult on design and decor ideas. Myer said Quiq also experienced significant growth during the pandemic and saw traffic on its platform double in the first six weeks after lockdowns began. 

According to Myer, one of Quiq's biggest selling points is its focus on "asynchronous" service, meaning "conversations start and stop based upon the will of the consumer who controls the cadence while the company has to be there at their beck and call." This differs from traditional call centers, where an individual may experience delays connecting with an agent and is subsequently required to stay on the line, lest they want to restart the process.  

"Consumers already know how to use the iPhone message app on their phone, it's how they communicate all the time and how they get stuff done," Myer told Business Insider. "Email is too slow, phone calls are annoying, so text messaging is just a logical extension, that they would interact with businesses in the same way."

Cognizant

Year founded: 1994

Valuation: $35 billion, according to Pitchbook

Cognizant knows the importance of investing in artificial intelligence. Just this week, the San Francisco-based information technology company — which also has a dedicated sector to digital customer service — announced it is acquiring the machine-learning brand, Inawisdom. 

The purchase marks Cognizant's ninth acquisition of the year, part of a dedicated effort "to expand capabilities for clients globally in the key focus areas of data and artificial intelligence, cloud, digital engineering, and Internet of Things," the company said in a press release.

In 2020 alone, Cognizant has spent more than $1.1 billion on these acquisitions. Bringing Inawisdom onboard will serve to further enhance Cognizant's clout, thanks to its status as a major consulting partner of Amazon Web Services. 

"Businesses succeed or fail by the speed and quality of their decisions, ­and the best business decisions are informed by data and AI," Cognizant president Malcolm Frank said in a statement this week. 

SupportNinja

Year founded: 2014

Valuation: Undisclosed

SupportNinja specializes in outsourcing customer service for emerging startups by building customized programs based on their specific needs. Unlike many of the other digital customer service platforms, SupportNinja is primarily focused on early-stage brands and is "geared toward growing your organization and partnering with you as you scale to higher levels of success," the company states on its website. 

SupportNinja works with companies across industries, including retailers like Happy Socks and Kettle & Fire, as well as hospitality brands like RV Share, Hotel Tonight, and Lounge Buddy. In the past year, SupportNinja expanded its Philippines office to hire more operational staffers, coming on the heels of its rating as the number one fastest growing technology company in Austin in Inc's 2019 annual ranking. 

America will welcome a new first family to the White House on January 20. In the past, an incoming president's family might have drawn less scrutiny.  

But after four years of Donald Trump openly flouting ethical norms — and possibly federal laws —  by hiring his family members for high profile executive branch roles,  Joe Biden's relatives will face extra scrutiny whether or not they get official jobs in the White House.

No one expects Biden to fill key White House roles with his children or other relatives like Trump did, but expect the scrutiny to come at the slightest perception of improper hirings.

Biden has been in the public eye for so long that he and his wife, Jill Biden, and his son Hunter Biden, frequently make headlines. His late son, Beau Biden, served as attorney general of Delaware but died of cancer in 2015; the president-elect frequently evokes his memory years later.

There are several key, less-known members of his family, including lower-profile siblings and social media savvy grandchildren, who could have an impact on or even gain from his presidency. 

The president-elect's younger son, Hunter Biden, and his brothers, James and Francis Biden, have in the past been accused of invoking the family name when pursuing business interests. 

His son-in-law, Howard Krein, is a surgeon who unofficially counseled the Biden campaign on the coronavirus while the venture capital firm he advised invested in companies that promised solutions for the pandemic. And nearly every member of the former vice president's immediate family, at one point or another, assisted with his campaigns. 

Biden will have to walk a careful line and establish firewalls as he assumes office. Ethics watchdogs will be on the lookout for inappropriate relationships in the wake of Trump's nepotism. While they embraced Trump's family members in high profile government roles, conservative media such as Fox News and the recently ascendant Newsmax and OAN will certainly jump at any suspected improprieties by a Democratic administration for wall-to-wall coverage. Their recent coverage of Hunter Biden's scandals offers a preview of what's to come.

"My son, my family will not be involved in any business, any enterprise, that is in conflict with or appears to be in conflict, with the appropriate distance from, the presidency and government," the president-elect recently told CNN.

 Here are some of the members of the Biden family you should know — some famous, some more under-the-radar.

SEE ALSO: Meet 24 women in prime positions to sway the Biden White House

SEE ALSO: These 32 progressive power players are ready to push for big changes in the Biden administration

Jill Biden, first lady

Incoming First Lady Jill Biden has been one of Biden's closest advisors and confidants over his decades in politics. She formed the innermost ring of Biden's inner circle on the campaign.

Jill Biden notably maintained a Virginia teaching job while serving as second lady during the Obama years. In an unprecedented move, she will continue her work while also taking up the responsibilities of the East Wing.

The scrutiny has already started, including unwarranted scrutiny of her doctorate degree by conservative pundits.

Hunter Biden, son

Biden's younger son, who survived a car crash that killed his mother and baby sister when he was just a child, has become a fixture of conservative criticism for his work overseas.

At the crux of Trump's impeachment inquiry was the question of whether the Republican president improperly pressured the Ukrainian prime minister to investigate Hunter Biden, and the oil and gas company he worked for, Burisma, which would implicate his father in a possible scandal. 

During the 2020 election, Senate Republicans launched an investigation into whether Hunter Biden invoked his father's name in international business dealings and whether Joe Biden had lent his influence to help his son. The GOP lawmakers have so far found no wrongdoing by the president-elect.

Hunter Biden also recently announced he was under federal investigation for a tax matter, creating new headaches for his father as he prepares to take office.

The president-elect has said he will continue to support his son. Hunter Biden spoke briefly at the Democratic National Convention this year, and Biden said he has "full confidence"in his son in a post-election interview with Stephen Colbert after news of the tax investigation broke.

Ashley Biden, daughter

The daughter of Joe and Jill Biden has kept a lower profile than her two elder brothers but has appeared as a surrogate for her father on the campaign trail. Videos of her energetic victory dance after Biden clinched the presidency circulated around Twitter in early November.

She started a career in social work and spent seven years as the executive director of the Delaware Center for Justice before stepping down in 2019. In 2017, she also launched a clothing brand, Livelihood, which sold hoodies and conveyed a social justice message, but its website is no longer functioning and it's unclear if the line is discontinued. She is married to Howard Krein, a surgeon who advised the Biden campaign on the coronavirus.

Howard Krein, son-in-law

Howard Krein married Ashley Biden in 2012, after an introduction by her late brother, Beau Biden. He is a surgeon specializing in head and neck treatments and facial reconstruction surgery.

Krein is also a businessman, serving as chief medical officer at the venture capital firm StartUp Health, which invests in medical technology. 

During his vice presidency, Biden arranged a White House meeting between President Obama, Krein, and his colleagues at StartUp Health, the Washington Post reported.

More recently, Krein advised Biden's campaign on the coronavirus in an unofficial capacity, but at the same time StartUp Health invested in businesses that sought to address the pandemic, Politico reported. 

Francis "Frank" Biden, brother

Biden's youngest brother is a longtime real estate developer who has not hesitated in the past to use his famous sibling's name to land business deals. In 2011, three years into Joe Biden's vice presidency, he invoked the family name while trying to push through a deal for a Florida charter school company called Mavericks for Education, the Washington Post reported. 

Over the years, the company has been hit with claims of mismanagement and a handful of lawsuits and audits over its schools' performance, according to ABC News. Frank Biden earned hundreds of thousands of dollars working for Mavericks for Education, ABC reported. 

On the campaign trail this year, Biden said, "I have never discussed with my son or my brother or anyone else anything having to do with their businesses, period." 

Though he hasn't held elected office, Frank Biden has spent time in political Washington. He was the White House director of legislative and congressional affairs during the Clinton administration.

He is currently a senior advisor for the government relations team at The Berman Group, a law firm with branches in Florida, Georgia, Nevada, and Washington, DC.

James Biden, brother

James Biden is a longtime entrepreneur who has jumped from one venture to another over the decades since his older brother first entered public office. He worked on Joe Biden's first Senate campaign in 1972 and later embarked on a string of business roles.

In the 1990s, while his brother was in the Senate, James Biden worked alongside a group of Mississippi trial lawyers who sought to lobby Congress over a tobacco settlement, according to POLITICO Magazine. James Biden and his wife later planned to team up with them to start a lobbying shop, but the lawyers were arrested in a bribery scheme, killing the firm before it could get off the ground.

In the early 2010s, Politico reports, James Biden went on to serve as an executive for HillsBoro International, a construction company that in 2011 won a $1.5 billion contract to build housing in Iraq. That happened as Joe Biden oversaw the war as vice president. 

James Biden and his nephew Hunter Biden also took over the hedge fund Paradigm Global Advisors in 2006, and Politico reported that the two hoped to play up their connections to then Sen. Joe Biden in order to win investors. The fund was plagued by scandals, and the duo began to unwind the firm in 2010.

Valerie Biden Owens, sister, advisor, and former campaign manager

Biden's sister is also one of his longest-serving political advisors. She managed all of his Senate campaigns and his first two unsuccessful bids for the presidency.

While she didn't manage Biden's 2020 run, she remained an important figure among Biden's staff. Most crucially, she helped Biden choose Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate from a large field of potential candidates. 

Whether or not she plays an official role in Biden's White House, expect her to remain a close confidant and counsel to her brother as he serves in the most important job of his career.

James T. Owens, brother-in-law

James Owens, the second husband of Valerie Owens and a former college classmate of the president-elect, owns the telemedicine company MediGuide International.

He began his career as a lawyer and once served as an administrative law judge for the Pennsylvania Department of State. Telemedicine has seen a surge in importance during the coronavirus pandemic as more people visit their doctors virtually to minimize their risk of exposure. 

Naomi, Finnegan, Maisy and Natalie Biden, granddaughters

Biden's granddaughters were front and center during this year's Democratic National Convention. Squished together on a white couch that wouldn't look out of place in a Nancy Meyers film, Naomi, Finnegan, Maisy and Natalie shared familial stories about their grandparents.

Naomi, Finnegan, and Maise are Hunter Biden's eldest children from his previous marriage to Kathleen Buhle Biden. The couple divorced in 2017. Natalie Biden is the elder child of the late Beau Biden, the former attorney general of Delaware who died of brain cancer in 2015, and Hallie Biden.

Even before they appeared on national television, their social media presences brought a youthful glimpse into the family life of the soon-to-be oldest US president. The most visible grandchild, 26-year-old law graduate Naomi Biden, has 125,000 followers on Instagram and nearly 200,000 on Twitter. On November 7, when networks called the 2020 election for Joe Biden, Naomi posted a Polaroid photo of the Biden grandkids embracing the president-elect.

Robert "Hunter" Biden II

Robert Biden, who goes by Hunter, is the younger child of Beau Biden and Hallie Biden. He is named after his uncle. Younger than his fellow Biden grandkids, Robert appears infrequently in public settings with his grandfather. 

Joe Biden also has two other young grandchildren, sons of the elder Hunter Biden, whose names are not public. 

Caroline Biden, niece

Caroline Biden, daughter of James Biden and niece of the president-elect, made headlines this month for pleading guilty to a DUI after crashing her car in an August 2019 incident in Pennsylvania. She was sentenced to five or more months of probation, and a $1,990 fine. She will also have to complete 20 days of rehab and 12 hours of community service.

This is not the first time Caroline Biden encountered legal trouble. In 2017, she pleaded guilty to grand and petit larceny for spending more than $100,000 on someone else's credit card. In 2013, she was arrested after getting into a fight with a roommate and attempting to hit a police officer.

Any scandals by Biden's immediate or extended family members are sure to make headlines now that he's headed to the White House, and his critics will be sure to play up the family connections in such stories.

• Gift cards are ideal if you're down to the wire, and they take all of the guesswork out of finding the perfect gift.
• We've rounded up 43 digital gift cards you can buy and send right to your loved one's email inbox instantly.
• If you need any more gifting inspiration, check out all of our gift guides here.
• Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals.

Gift cards are an ideal gift in a lot of ways, especially if you're down to the wire. So long as you purchase one from the right place for the right person, you can't go wrong. You don't have to poll their closest friends, family, and private online wish lists, and they also typically don't expire.

A gift card is also a great last-minute gift option that'll actually arrive on time — especially with most brands offering e-gift cards that deliver via email in seconds. That's why we curated 43 digital gift cards that'll work for anyone whether they're a music fan or a coffee fiend.

Otherland

Buy an Otherland gift card 

If they love candles but you're not sure of what scents they like, they can choose their own at Otherland.

Read our review of Otherland.

Jungalow

Buy a Jungalow gift card

Choose from a variety of holiday-themed cards so they can browse colorful, bohemian housewares before finding their dream gift.

Catbird

Buy a Catbird gift card

Jewelry can be tough, but it doesn't have to be. If they're a Catbird fan, there's no chance you can fail here.

Gamestop

Buy a Gamestop gift card 

If they're a gamer and you don't know which console or what game, rest assured that a gift card will have you covered.

Disney Plus

Buy a Disney Plus gift subscription

If they've been wanting to watch The Mandolorian or the live-action remake of Mulan, gift them a year's worth of entertainment with a Disney Plus subscription. For $69.99, they can access thousands of titles from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and 20th Century Fox. Here's everything to know about the streaming platform. 

Orvis

Buy an Orvis gift card

Whether it's for your parents' ski cabin, your best friend's dog, or your fly-fishing uncle, Orvis has just about everyone covered.

Bonobos

Buy a Bonobos gift card

Shirts, socks, jeans — whatever it is, there's room in their wardrobe for something from Bonobos and you can't fail here either. Read our recent review of Bonobos' impressively affordable stretch chinos.

Goldbelly

Buy a Goldbelly gift card

Regardless of where they are and whatever meal they're most homesick for, if they can't make it home this year, there's a good chance Goldbelly can bring it to them. A New York pastrami sandwich? A Chicago dog? You can find almost anything from the most cherished delicacies of their hometown, city, or region, at the very least.

Brooklinen

Buy a Brooklinen gift card

Brooklinen makes the best high-end sheets at some of the best prices on the internet. Have a gift card delivered digitally, or in a gift card box. They can choose from sheets made with linen, cashmere, and more, or even a weighted comforter — the top pick in our buying guide.

Amazon

Buy an Amazon gift card

An Amazon gift card is a more polite version of giving them cash — with it, they can buy pretty much anything they've had on their wish list — whether it's new and exciting tech or completely utilitarian home basics. You can also buy it in a gift card box.

Adidas

Buy an Adidas gift card

Give them a new pair of sneakers, some new athletic gear, or cool athleisure wear with a gift card that lets them pick out their favorite pieces. Adidas has physical gift cards, e-gift cards, and even has a bulk gift card offer if you're looking to buy cards for a big group.

Warby Parker

Buy a Warby Parker gift card

Help them find their perfect pair of glasses or sunglasses with a Warby Parker gift card. The physical card comes in a giftable box, but it won't arrive for five days. If you're in a bind, we'd recommend going for the e-gift card. 

Starbucks

Buy a Starbucks gift card on Amazon or Best Buy

You may not be there every morning, but this is one of the easier ways to buy them a hot cup of coffee each day. There's also a gift card for Dunkin' if they're a different kind of loyalist.

Best Buy

Buy a Best Buy gift card

Gift them all conceivable forms of tech, home appliances, and more. 

Framebridge

Buy a Framebridge gift card

Let them custom frame one of their best memories. It's something they'll probably never shell out for on their own, but they'll love having around the house.

Spotify

Buy a Spotify gift card on Target

They probably already have a Spotify account, but this gets them ad-free access. A Spotify gift card lets you fund the next few months of something they love and use multiple times per day. 

Sephora

Buy a Sephora gift card

They already have their personal beauty favorites. This will just help them cringe a little less when they order them.

Netflix

Buy a Netflix gift card on Target and Best Buy

Pair it with a bottle of wine, popcorn, and some warm and fuzzy socks for a perfect night spent at home. 

Nike

Buy a Nike gift card

Nike also lets you pick from a swath of gift card designs, including team themes for the Lakers and Knicks. 

Nordstrom

Buy a Nordstrom gift card

If you want to buy them a sweater you want them to love, let them pick the sweater. 

REI

Buy an REI gift card

Whether you're outfitting them for their next hike or an afternoon spent in a ski lodge, you get to ensure they'll be able to get exactly the make and model of the boot or sweater they want along on the trip. 

Chipotle

Buy a Chipotle gift card on Best Buy

Nothing says "I love you" like four Chipotle visits in which the recipient doesn't have to second-guess adding guacamole.  

Patagonia

Buy a Patagonia gift card

Whatever they spend this on, you can be sure they'll get something great that'll last them for years. 

Everlane

Buy an Everlane gift card

Everlane is a cult-favorite retail startup that is especially loved for their $100 cashmere sweaters. You can find 13 of our favorite Everlane pieces to wear every day here. 

Allbirds

Buy an Allbirds gift card

Allbirds makes the world's most comfortable shoes out of sustainable materials like merino wool, eucalyptus leaves, and foam made from sugar cane. They're especially popular in hubs like New York City and Silicon Valley.

Hulu

Buy a Hulu gift card on Target or Best Buy

Gift them a Hulu gift card so they can binge-watch The Handmaid's Tale and Project Runway in peace and from under a pile of blankets. 

MOUTH

Buy a MOUTH gift card

MOUTH sends delicious small-batch, indie food products to help small businesses grow and make it more convenient for the average person to discover the best new goods. 

Daily Harvest

Buy a Daily Harvest gift card

Daily Harvest is a healthy-eating startup that sends you delicious, nutritious meals, and smoothies that are pre-packed in cups and take as little as 30 seconds to make. Recipes are designed by a chef and nutritionist, and all cups are under $10. Find a full review here. 

Xbox

Buy an Xbox gift card on Amazon, Target, or Best Buy

They can spend it on the latest games and entertainment like movies, TV, music, apps, and more. 

BarkBox

Buy a BarkBox gift card

For the dog people, the best gift may just be gifts for their dog. Barkbox will send them a box of toys and treats every month. 

Another good option for pet owners is a Petco gift card— if you think they (or their pup) may like picking out their own toys.

PlayStation

Buy a PlayStation gift card on Amazon

With this, they can download the latest games and add-ons, watch movies, and more from their PlayStation 4. 

Sling

Buy a Sling gift card

Starting at $30 per month, users get access to more than 30 of the best channels, like CNN, ESPN, AMC, Disney, and the Food Network.

Macy's

Buy a Macy's gift card

Macy's has just about everything you could need for life or home, and they can surf the selection at home on the couch. 

J.Crew

Buy a J.Crew gift card 

J.Crew has some of the best quality and style for the price for the basics. It also has frequent sales, meaning they may get more value out of their gift card.

Donations to Global Giving and CharityChoice

Buy a Global Giving or CharityChoice gift card on Zola

This is an easy way to empower someone to give to a charity close to their heart. You designate the amount and general category of charities, and they can designate where the funds go. This is a physical gift card that will arrive in the mail after the holidays, but we know your loved ones won't mind the thoughtful gesture. 

L.L.Bean

Buy an L.L.Bean gift card

Gift cards for apparel are particularly useful, since you may not know imperative details like shoe size. If you know they love a brand or have been pining after their own Bean boots, this is a nice way to make it happen without tipping them off. 

HelloFresh

Buy a HelloFresh gift card

HelloFresh is a meal kit delivery service that drops off fresh ingredients for delicious home-cooked meals. It makes week time prep easier, and it helps amateur and experienced cooks conveniently expand their repertoire. 

Firstleaf

Buy a Firstleaf gift card

Firstleaf is a wine subscription service that delivers wines from top vineyards around the world for only $13 per bottle. Let them explore great wine without worrying about the expense. Plus, its introductory box of three wines is only $15, and it sets the wheels in motion for the service to learn more about your tastes and preferences as they evolve.

Airbnb

Buy an Airbnb gift card on Zola

Let them select the location and the company, but you'll foot the bill of their next great adventure. Learn more about Airbnb safety during the novel coronavirus pandemic here.

Delta or Southwest airlines

Buy a Delta gift card on Best Buy or Target

Buy a Southwest gift card on Best Buy, Target, or Amazon

When it's safe to travel again, airline gift cards are perfect for frequent travelers (and even better for family members who see trips home as opportunities to score more miles on their go-to airline). It's also easier than booking a trip for them yourself.

If they travel by train most frequently, there's also an Amtrak gift card. 

Journy

Buy a Journy gift card

Journy acts like a personal travel concierge for $25 per day, taking the grunt work out of travel as soon as it's safe to do so again. An expert takes into account your preferences, plans, and feedback and designs the ideal trip — including booking hotels and making dinner reservations. 

StubHub

Buy a StubHub gift card on Target

Make sure they can hit up live music, plays, and sporting events once they're able to do so by grabbing them a gift card to the place that houses all those tickets.

Fandango

Buy a Fandango gift card

What's a better gift than a trip to the movies? When it's safe to go to the movies again, if you want to be extra generous, pick up the tab for the large popcorn as well. 

As the retail sector suffers pandemic-related headwinds, resale is emerging stronger than before.

Resale marketplace thredUp is one of multiple resale platforms that saw an uptick in site engagement and sellers during the pandemic. In June, thredUp CEO and cofounder James Reinhart said a wave "conscious" shopping among consumers was making value a major priority.

A June report from thredUp estimated that the total secondhand market is projected to reach $64B by 2025, even as headwinds disrupt other parts of the retail industry as a result of the pandemic. The report highlighted the acceleration of the resale sector, which grew 25 times faster than the whole of retail in 2019.

Read more: Target just announced a diversity push across its workforce. Here's how much the big-box retailer pays its tech workers, from software engineers to managers.

ThredUp recently filed paperwork for a US initial public offering (IPO) in October. Rival platform Poshmark did the same in September. 

ThredUp is also currently hiring for a variety of roles across the US. As of as of August of 2019, thredUp employed over 1,200 people around the world, including a variety of engineers, analysts, product managers, and warehouse employees. Many of these positions offer salaries around or above six-figures. And while it is not rare for some employees' income to go up after a company files for an IPO, length of tenure or how many stock options an employee owns can factor into that added compensation.

Business Insider analyzed the US Office of Foreign Labor Certification's 2020 disclosure data for permanent and temporary foreign workers to see how much thredUp paid some employees for various roles in different categories. The Office of Foreign Labor Certification discloses salary data each year after US companies report how much base compensation workers are offered when filing paperwork for visas on behalf of current or prospective foreign workers.

For the US, thredUp applied for 59 H-1B visas for these and other roles. All of these jobs listed are based in the company's headquarters in California or in Arizona. ThredUp did not provide a comment for this story.

In some cases, thredUp's tech salaries are slightly lower than those in other tech-focused industries. For example, software engineers' base salaries at Amazon and Google are generally about $155,086 and $177,933, respectively, according to Glassdoor. At thredUp, software engineers make an average of $108,380.

SEE ALSO: Poshmark salaries revealed: Here's how much the soon-to-be public resale company pays data analysts, engineers, product managers, and more

Software engineering roles

ThredUp describes itself as a technology company on its website. The company employs a variety of software engineers to help create and run the website.

Below are the average salaries and salary ranges for software engineers at thredUp.

Software engineer: average salary of $108,380

The average salary for a software engineer at thredUp was $108,380, according to seven approved visa applications from thredUp. People with this title made between about $80,000 and $125,000.

Other engineering roles

Senior engineer, infrastructure: average salary of $150,000

The average salary for a senior engineer for infrastructure at thredUp was $150,000, according to three approved visa applications from thredUp. All three people with this title made $150,000.

Data engineer: average salary of $127,500

The average salary for a data engineer at thredUp was $127,500, according to four approved visa applications from thredUp. People with this title made between $125,000 and $135,000.

Machine learning engineer: average salary of $165,000

The average salary for a machine learning engineer at thredUp was $165,000, according to four approved visa applications from thredUp. People with this title made between $145,000 and $185,000.

Copywriter

Copywriter: average salary of $70,000

At thredUp, copywriters are responsible for writing and editing marketing content across multiple channels in thredUp's unique voice.

The average salary for a copywriter at thredUp was $70,000, according to three approved visa applications from thredUp. All three people with this title made $70,000.

Search engine marketing (SEM) analyst

Search engine marketing (SEM) analyst: average salary of $62,400

SEM analysts are responsible for optimizing search results to drive traffic to a website.

The average salary for a SEM analyst at thredUp was $62,400, according to two approved visa applications from thredUp. Both people with this title made $62,400.

Growth marketing specialist

Growth marketing specialist: average salary of $110,000

Growth marketing specialists at thredUp help the brand acquire and retain new users via digital marketing channels.

The average salary for a growth marketing specialist at thredUp was $110,000, according to two approved visa applications from thredUp. Both people with this title made $110,000.

Director and manager roles

Below are samples of some individual director and manager roles at thredUp. Each are based on individual approved visa applications from thredUp.

Engineering manager, relevance team: $195,000

Director of data engineering: $200,000

Director of engineering: $220,000 

Director of growth marketing: $150,000

Director, enterprise applications and data integration: $250,000

Product manager: $150,000

Consumers are shopping smarter this holiday season: A recent survey of 1,041 US consumers by retail pricing and analytics company Revionics found that 70% of shoppers will seek promotions and coupons, while 45% say that discounts will be one of the most important factors in deciding where to shop. This is hardly a surprise given today's economic uncertainty and rampant unemployment. 

That means the right price is pivotal, and retailers must ramp up their strategies to accurately predict consumer demand and entice shoppers to open their pocketbooks with attractive prices that still allow them to remain profitable. 

However, other, more subtle trends are also at play: As more shopping moves to ecommerce due to shutdowns and social distancing, retailers have greater opportunities to implement AI-driven dynamic pricing, where businesses set flexible prices for products or services based on current market demands — rather than manually tracking, measuring, and altering product prices. 

Retailers can also take advantage of other price optimization efforts that use mathematical and statistical methods to determine price based on how customers are expected to respond. This helps them tackle a host of challenges, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores, from assortment and forecasting to joint planning with vendors and retaining customers gained during COVID-19. 

Pricing, of course, has long been critical for retail merchandising to drive demand and inventory sell-through and boost profits. Getting pricing right has become even more essential as digital transformation increases competition and complexity, drives new business models, and offers consumers massive choices with a simple mouse click. 

But the pandemic has ramped up the power of strategic pricing, according to Jon Duke, vice president of research at IDC Retail Insights. 

"COVID-9 has really changed perspectives on pricing," he told Business Insider. "In the early days of the pandemic, pricing didn't have much of a role other than to slow down on promotions to reduce store traffic. But now it is top-of-mind as grocery fights media conversation about price inflation and non-essential verticals such as fashion work to price unsold inventory without racing to the bottom." 

This has led to more work than ever for companies that help retailers, through SaaS solutions driven by AI and machine learning, go beyond simple rules-based pricing to dynamic pricing that combines historical sales data with real-time competitive and inventory signals. 

"There is a lot of activity in the space, though it has become more and more fragmented," Duke said. "Retailers want intelligence-driven pricing and promotion approaches that are more targeted than ever." 

Here are four leading players helping retailers address their thorniest pricing challenges: 

SEE ALSO: Vacationers already devote 35% of cruise trip budgets to onboard retail purchases — and experts say pandemic protocols will only make duty-free retail more pivotal

1. Revionics

URL:https://revionics.com/

HQ: Austin, TX

Total funding: $56.8 million, according to Crunchbase

Retailers: Stop & Shop, Dick's Sporting Goods, Home Depot, and Family Dollar

Acquired in September by Aptos, a retail technology leader, Revionics was founded in 2002 by price-optimization pioneers and has a long history of offering science-based SaaS solutions and consulting services. The company applies machine learning to predict pricing, elasticities, margins, and product relationships, while its dynamic pricing workflows use AI to understand the new inputs — costs, competition, and trends.

"Shoppers are likely to be in a more cost-sensitive frame of mind this year, so they're checking competitive prices online," Mike Ryan, senior vice president of science and product at Revionics, told Business Insider. This requires AI-driven, real-time dynamic pricing that allows retailers to adjust quickly, he explained. "Retailers don't want to lose ground to competitors, so they need to track holiday microtrends," he said. 

AI can help simulate different scenarios, he added, forecasting with precision what happens if a grocer sets a low price on cake batter, for example, and what that means for sales of a related product, like eggs. 

2. Blue Yonder

URL:https://blueyonder.com/

HQ: Scottsdale, AZ

Total funding: $75 million, according to Crunchbase

Retailers: Petco, L.L. Bean, Walgreens, and Albertsons

The rebranded Blue Yonder, formerly JDA, developed its pricing tools over a decade ago as an AI-driven startup. 

"Blue Yonder uses data to understand how customers are likely to behave and what the impact of price can do to inventory levels," said Michael Orr, AI solutions director at Blue Yonder, which boasted $61 million in revenue for its SaaS pricing solutions in Q2 2019, an increase of 81% year over year. "This helps retailers avoid the classic conundrum: Price too high and drive customers away, price too low and lose valuable margin." 

Price elasticity, or the measure of how the marketplace reacts to a price change for a given product, is not static, he pointed out, particularly in the COVID-19 era as customers adjust and shop in different ways. "Consider spiced wine, which clearly varies in demand and price elasticity during the year," he said. "A 10%-off promotion in summer would produce significantly different behaviors in customers in December than August, and shoppers between cold climate and warm climates."

3. Engage3

URL:https://www.engage3.com/

HQ: Davis, CA

Total Funding: $24 million (latest round $12 million in Series C funding in June 2019), according to Crunchbase

Retailers: Works with six of the top 10 US retailers in areas including grocery, drugstore, mass merchandise, and electronics

Founders Ken and Tim Ouimet launched Engage3 in 2008, but grew up in the retail pricing business working for their parents' company, one of the first to audit in-store prices. When Ken later pursued a PhD in chemical engineering and theoretical physics, he realized the same theories he studied could be applied to pricing store items. 

Engage3 flips the price optimization paradigm on its head by focusing on price "image," or a consumer's general beliefs about a retailer's overall pricing, to achieve desired outcomes, rather than relying on tools related to price index — or actual prices relative to those of a competitor. 

"Pricing is the ultimate lever for driving sales, but price indexes offer no reliable way to truly measure how consumers perceive your prices," Edris Bemanian, who was appointed CEO of Engage3 in mid-March, told Business Insider. 

"In one example, we saw coconut water drove a disproportionate image of a grocery retailer's prices throughout the store," he added. "We saw that if we could price that item well, shoppers would be likely to buy other products." 

4. Periscope by McKinsey

URL:https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/marketing-and-sales/solutions/periscope/overview

HQ: New York, NY

Retailers: Works in areas including grocery, apparel, and convenience stores

A software arm of consulting leader McKinsey & Company, Periscope by McKinsey offers a combination of consulting services and subscription-based SaaS solutions to tackle price optimization challenges, said Brian Elliott, founder, senior advisory, and head of innovation at Periscope by McKinsey and partner at McKinsey & Company. 

Many retailers still need help getting started with price, promotion, or assortment optimization capabilities, while existing clients have doubled-down to increase their sophistication, he told Business Insider. 

"There are a variety of pricing challenges facing retailers no matter where they are on the transformation journey," he said. "There are out-of-stock and assortment shifts driven by supply-chain problems, as well as changing consumer shopping habits and big shifts in demand for online shopping or BOPIS (buy online, pick up in store)." 

According to Periscope's recent report, Retail Reimagined, 40% of consumers have shopped with a new retailer this year and a third experimented with a different, often less expensive brand.

"Retailers are debating to what degree they want to use pricing to build or interrupt new habits," Elliott said.

After the pandemic halted ad spending, advertisers are starting to spend again— and tried-and-tested platforms and media companies that can show a return on ad spending are reaping the benefits.

Social media platforms like Facebook and Snap have benefitted because they let advertisers quickly turn ad spending on and off and test different messages.

Other companies like Amazon and Instacart have capitalized on the growth of e-commerce in recent months. And the rise of ad-supported streaming TV has buoyed Hulu and Roku's advertising.

Still, ad spending levels are not where it normally would be during the fourth quarter of the year when advertisers spend more to target holiday shoppers. 

"Clients are trying to be optimistically cautious," said Barry Lowenthal, CEO of Media Kitchen. "Flexibility and agility is still the name of the game. People want to invest into channels where they have a lot of visibility into something that is working or not."

And advertisers are still avoiding news, especially with the coronavirus, unemployment, and the presidential election dominating the headlines.

"I think all brands recognize that without news we don't have a democracy. A lot of brands are having a hard time finding fair and balanced places to be," Lowenthal said.

Business Insider talked to 14 ad buyers of traditional and digital media at advertising agencies who identified which media companies and platforms are benefitting the most. Here are 16 they identified:

Amazon

The coronavirus sped up the growth of e-commerce, and Amazon is at the center of the boom. Amazon leads the pack when it comes to retail media, the practice of retailers selling ad space on their websites and apps that sellers use to promote their products.

Amazon made $5.4 billion from ads during the third-quarter of 2020, a 51% year-over-year increase — mostly from search ads that pop up when people search for specific items but also from its connected TV business that sells ads in Fire TV apps.

Amazon's challenge is convincing brands that aren't big sellers on Amazon to advertise there, said Jay Friedman, president of Goodway Group.

"If e-commerce wins, Amazon is going to get a halo over that entire category," he said.

Condé Nast

Traditional publishers are fighting for scraps as tech giants control most digital ad budgets. 

But this year, more advertisers are spending more in direct deals with publishers, and big media companies like Condé Nast stand to benefit, said Danny Weisman, media director at Noble People.

The luxury publisher of Vogue, Wired, and others reaches a big array of audiences that lend themselves to contextual targeting, while tried and true ad formats like sponsored gift guides in general are also in demand with advertisers.

Other media buyers instead spending with publishers, but through programmatic ads.

Publishers can also benefit when advertisers promote gift guides when they get mentioned on them, said Carrie Dino, head of media at Mekanism.

Facebook

Hundreds of advertisers boycotted Facebook in July over its treatment of hate speech and misinformation.

But the boycott took place during the summer when ad spend is seasonably small, and now that the holidays are coming, advertisers are heavily spending again with Facebook and Facebook-owned Instagram — especially advertisers that use them to drive sales.

"I'm seeing the majority of ad dollars go into social — particularly Facebook and Instagram," said Mekanism's Dino.

Already dominant Facebook, which eMarketer estimates will make $95 billion in global ad revenue next year, stands to get bigger with advertisers, said Goodway Group's Friedman. He's also seen ad rates decrease after the presidential election, suggesting that it may be easier for advertisers to cut through the clutter on Facebook in the coming months.

"There's at least the sense that there will be somewhat more normalcy going forward on Facebook without the election, the potential for foreign interference, and everything else — there's some strong tailwinds that benefit Facebook going forward forward," he said.

Fox

With the pandemic grinding production to a halt, networks were challenged airing new shows this year. At the same time, ratings on linear TV have decreased as people are watching more digital video.

Fox is one of the networks that has been able to work around production challenges during the pandemic. Its breakout hit this year, reality singing competition "The Masked Singer," repeatedly put Fox at the top of nightly ratings.

Google

Like Facebook, Google dominates digital advertising, and its clout has grown during the pandemic because its performance marketing can be easily tracked and measured. EMarketer estimates that Google will make $40 billion in US ad revenue this year.

As a result, advertisers are spending more in Google search, with its ability to drive traffic to their sites; YouTube; and programmatic advertising.

Emily Anthony, director of media services at Merkle, said her clients are spending more on YouTube because of its measurement features that appeal to both TV and direct-response advertisers.

Hulu

Hulu is among connected TV players benefitting from this year's decline in linear TV ratings and the shift towards ad-supported streaming TV, with one ad buyer saying Hulu is practically sold out for the fourth-quarter.

Parent company Disney has taken a larger control of Hulu this year as it pushes into direct-to-consumer streaming, and Catherine Warburton, EVP and chief investment officer at 360i, said that Hulu's ties with TV networks with high-quality and expertise in programming makes clients feel comfortable about advertising there.

"When the clients are looking at connected TV, they start with the trusted partners and expand from there," she said. "Hulu in particular has been benefitting from the recent surge in viewership and dollars shifting into CTV."

Hulu has long been solving issues in streaming TV advertising like frequency capping and measurement. 

Instacart

Instacart is one of several companies that has launched ad businesses to compete with Amazon, and it's winning with grocery clients that like how Instacart is building it from scratch — unlike Target and Walmart that have long run advertising businesses that they have rebranded and rebuilt internally, said John Lods, CEO at ad tech and media-buying agency Arm Candy.

Instacart is pitching brands advertising as a percentage of sales as a way to show how advertising drives sales, which is important to performance-focused advertisers. The company also offers rich data about shoppers' buying habits like what brands someone adds to orders.

"Every dollar you spend with them you get in return — not everyone can do that," Lods said.

NBCUniversal

NBCUniversal has taken advantage of spikes in viewership to give advertisers compelling ways to target specific audiences and flexibility in how they buy, said Jessica Brown, director of digital investment at media-buying agency GroupM. 

NBC aggregates all its linear and digital video across all of its properties so an advertiser can, say, target a stream of NFL games on Saturdays and Thursdays in real-time without planning ahead.

"There's a large audience that is engaged," she said. "These partners have premium, quality video at scale that our clients know they want to invest in."

Pinterest

With people spending more time at home, Pinterest's usage and ad revenue has grown. During the third-quarter of this year, Pinterest's ad revenue grew 58% to $443 million year-over-year.

While other social platforms have been criticized for hateful content, Pinterest offers advertisers a platform that seems brand-safe and also has troves of data about how people use it.

However, not all advertisers are convinced by Pinterest's effort to pitch its ad platform using e-commerce features.

"I'm seeing e-commerce as an aspiration," said an ad buyer who spoke on background. "It's a good strategy during the pandemic, but Pinterest has never come to us with a clear story."

Roku

With more consumers dropping their cable packages, streaming services have benefitted in the pandemic — particularly Roku.

Roku's platform business, which includes advertising and content distribution — grew 78% to $319 million year-over-year in the third-quarter . Roku users also streamed 14.8 billion hours during the third quarter, up 54% year-over-year.

Media Kitchen's Lowenthal said that Roku and other OTT advertising doesn't require advertisers to get locked into long, non-negotiable contracts like linear TV traditionally does, a major plus in a year when advertisers need to quickly turn ad spending on and off.

"This is the year that OTT broke out," he said. "There's better inventory and it's flexible. Even though it's TV, it behaves like digital."

Shopify

While Amazon dominates e-commerce, flaws in its fulfillment system appeared in the pandemic, when it had to focus solely on essential items like grocery and toilet paper early on.

Shopify has tried capitalize on that weaknesses by helping brands build e-commerce sites and pitching them better control over e-commerce logistics and data. Shopify also has tools that let brands buy advertising on Facebook and Google over Amazon.

"For most brands, Amazon is almost a frenemy because they need to be there but it's more and more a discussion with clients to get [consumers] into their own environment because there's more ownership," said Jess Richards, EVP and managing director of Havas Market — the e-commerce arm of ad agency Havas Media Group. "The reality is that we're going to a landscape where consumers have a high expectation that they can see commerce anywhere."

Snap

The Facebook boycott led advertisers to diversify their spend to other platforms, and Snap was one of the big winners.

Snap stands out among social platforms because of the breadth of its ad formats, high-quality publisher, and a strong foothold with younger users, said Noble People's Weisman.

"There is experimentation to be done beyond Facebook," he said. "With Snap, the eye has been off the ball because of TikTok, but they have a lot of interesting ad products."

The Trade Desk

As advertisers grapple with losing third-party cookies that help target ads, they're putting more money into The Trade Desk, said Jennifer Eenigenburg, VP of digital media at Rain the Growth Agency.

The Trade Desk, which helps advertisers buy programmatic advertising, has rolled out an effort called "Unified ID 2.0" to replace cookies. The Trade Desk has big deals in place with Nielsen, Liveramp, and Criteo to back the effort.

The Trade Desk has also benefitted from a big push into connected TV advertising, which helped it grow revenue 32% to $216 million during the third quarter. It's also helping solve advertisers' problem of getting big enough audiences for high-quality streaming content, Goodway Group's Friedman said.

"The Trade Desk brings such a strong value proposition that despite the fragmentation, they continue to perform well," he said.

TikTok

Uncertainty over a political battle to spin off TikTok's US business scared off some advertisers this year.

Still, TikTok, with 100 million US users, has gotten more appealing to marketers, with a new self-serve platform and low ad prices. Lods of Arm Candy said that ad prices sit around $2 to $3 cost per thousand impressions (CPM) compared to historical $8 to $15 CPMs on Facebook during the fourth quarter.

"TikTok is trying to find every way to incentivize advertisers to get in," Lods said.

Still, being new, TikTok's ad platform is not as proven as others.

"Everyone wants a little bit more assurance this Q4," said Mekanism's Dino.

Twitter

Twitter has long been a part of advertisers' social budgets, giving it a leg up over less established platforms like TikTok.

The risk of controversial content there can be a turnoff to some advertisers, but one ad buyer noted that Twitter's video advertising product is strong, crediting the company's adtech stack that is has built to serve video ads in tweets.

"Twitter and Snap have benefitted more than I anticipated during the pandemic from a spend perspective," said the buyer.

Vox Media

Another publisher benefitting from advertisers' move to direct buys is Vox Media, said Noble People's Weisman.

He said that Vox Media stands out because advertisers can run custom ad programs tailored to a specific publisher like gift guides.

So-called native advertising that looks like editorial content has gotten increasingly competitive, but Vox Media has a leg up as an experienced seller of these programs. Vox Media also has its newly acquired New York Media as a selling point.