The gig economy continues to evolve at breakneck speed in late 2025, driven by innovation, collaboration, and the ongoing integration of AI and automation. Delivery platforms like DoorDashand Instacart are setting the tone for the industry, forming key partnerships that shape how retail media, accessibility, and gig work operate in the coming years.
This roundup explores recent headlines, highlighting major developments from Criteo’s retail media expansion with DoorDash, Instacart’s accessibility pilot with TriMet, and Instacart’s upcoming Q3 financial report, and ties them into the broader industry themes of sustainability, worker empowerment, and smarter gig tools.
DoorDash and Criteo: Expanding Retail Media Reach
In a major industry move, Criteo and DoorDash signed a multi-year partnership aimed at expanding retail media access across DoorDash’s platform. The deal allows advertisers to connect more effectively with consumers, improving the precision of ads that appear when customers browse or order food online.
This partnership also fits perfectly into a broader delivery trend highlighted in Hot Topics in Delivery Driver Apps: 2025, 2026, and Beyond: the rise of super apps… multi-purpose platforms that combine delivery, retail, and payments in one ecosystem. As DoorDash expands its advertising ecosystem, it moves closer to becoming a full-service marketplace, not just a food delivery app.
According to the official press release, this collaboration “unlocks new retail media opportunities” by integrating Criteo’s advanced ad technology with DoorDash’s marketplace data, helping brands target customers based on purchase patterns and location behavior. For drivers, this signals an increase in in-app promotions and advertising-driven incentives, possibly influencing which orders are prioritized in high-demand areas.
Instacart and TriMet: Making Delivery and Shopping Accessible for All
In another forward-thinking collaboration, Instacart has teamed up with TriMet, the public transit agency serving the Portland metropolitan area, to launch a pilot program that helps older adults and riders with disabilities gain more independence through grocery delivery.
The program allows eligible participants to receive grocery delivery credits via Instacart, funded by TriMet, enabling them to order essentials online while reducing their need for physical transit. Early reports suggest that the initiative could save the agency millions in paratransit costs while empowering riders with greater convenience and autonomy.
This partnership stands as a powerful example of how gig platforms can bridge public services and private innovation. For delivery drivers, programs like this may open up new local route opportunities and steady demand, particularly during off-peak hours when paratransit orders are fulfilled.
With pilots like TriMet’s, gig work could expand into new niches, including senior support and government-backed accessibility services, a potential long-term growth area for professional drivers looking for reliable income.
Instacart’s Q3 2025 Financial Results: What to Watch For
Instacart’s announcement that it will report its third-quarter financial results on November 10, 2025, has already drawn the attention of investors and gig workers alike. Following a year marked by increased competition from Uber Eats and DoorDash, many are watching to see how Instacart performs in a tightening delivery economy.
While specifics won’t be available until the report is released, analysts expect discussions on AI-powered personalization, grocery partnerships, and subscription growth under Instacart+. These reflect broader industry shifts outlined in Hot Topics in Delivery Driver Apps, where automation, real-time visibility, and personalization are defining the future of delivery logistics.
For drivers, the key takeaway is that Instacart’s financial health can directly impact incentive structures, delivery volumes, and even region availability. Strong quarterly performance may translate into more batch opportunities, while missed expectations could prompt adjustments to delivery pay or fleet management strategies.
Looking Ahead
The delivery app landscape of 2025 is more interconnected and technologically advanced than ever. Partnerships demonstrate how collaboration is shaping the future of mobility, commerce, and accessibility, especially when it comes to delivery and transport.
For gig workers, the message is clear: adaptability is everything. Staying informed, leveraging multi-app tools, and watching for platform updates are the best ways to stay ahead in this fast-changing environment.
Sources:
- PR Newswire: Criteo and DoorDash sign multi-year partnership
- PR Newswire: Instacart and TriMet pilot accessibility program
- PR Newswire: Instacart to report Q3 2025 financial results
Published by DeliverySoCal.com – The Source for Gig Worker News, Tools, and Insights.
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