An insight in marketing is a deep, non-obvious understanding of consumers’ wants, needs or motivations. It is an understanding that goes beyond raw data and uses research and observation to create an emotional and psychological understanding of consumers.
Data are objective, quantifiable facts about consumers, such as their age, income or purchasing behaviour. Insights, on the other hand, are subjective and intangible understandings gained from data that help companies understand the motivations, wants and needs of their potential customers.