How Oura keys into self-expression to reach Gen Z, millennials

The brand is betting on channels where return on investment is strongest as it launches a ceramic smart ring in different colors for the first time.

Jack in the Box launches AI-powered in-app game to deliver value

DealQuest: Revenge of the Munchies offers bigger rewards the deeper players get into the game, potentially attracting cash-crunched consumers.

Target plots retail, marketing blitz around ‘Stranger Things’ final season

Target is the only retailer running a national campaign developed directly with Netflix and featuring on-screen talent from the show.

Top marketing conferences to attend in 2026

Organizers including the Association of National Advertisers and the Consumer Technology Association have already started to map out their plans.

Sociable: Will the US government manipulate TikTok’s algorithms?

Under the proposed TikTok sale, the U.S. government could potentially gain influence over in-app trends.

Mastercard makes bigger grab for commerce media dollars with new network

In its bid for advertisers’ dollars, the payments giant draws on existing technology and partnerships with firms like WPP, Citi and Microsoft. 

DraftKings bets on NBCU’s wide sports reach with multiyear ad deal

The deal grants the betting platform exclusive integrations and digital sponsorships across sports properties including the NFL and NBA.

Godiva taps Leighton Meester for brand reset ahead of 100th anniversary

The Belgian chocolate brand’s global campaign features the “Gossip Girl” star and spans CTV, OOH, billboards, digital, social and influencer elements.

Horizon Media, Havas form joint venture to woo global marketers

Horizon Global will focus on U.S.-centric global clients and bring together Horizon’s Blu and Havas’ Converged.AI platforms.

Doritos dials up ‘80s-style telethon for ‘Stranger Things’ final season

David Hasselhoff, Paula Abdul and ALF are featured on a hotline and in digital spots as the Frito-Lay brand taps into fandom and nostalgia.

Omnicom, IPG agree to finalized FTC order with stricter ad rules

Omnicom needs to appoint a commission-approved monitor to ensure it is staying complaint with the FTC’s directives around ad spending.

ChatGPT lets shoppers buy products within the platform

Launching first in partnership with Etsy and Shopify, the Instant Checkout functionality has the potential to rival Amazon and Google, one expert said.

Lower-funnel marketing accelerates amid flagging economy, IAB finds

With tariff fears growing, IAB revised its 2025 ad spend forecast down. 

Athletic Brewing makes a play for nonalcoholic beer this football season

To drive visibility, the brand invested seven figures into a media plan that spans CTV, streaming audio, podcasts and targeted digital placements.

Gen Alpha’s $5.46T economic impact: Here’s what the numbers say

Gen Alpha members increasingly act as a “family CMO,” experts say, and 76% would like brands to gamify their consumer experiences.

Motto by Hilton gives travelers ‘main character energy’ in social series

Inspired by choose-your-own-adventure video games, “Guest Quests” features influencers Hannah Berner, Connor Wood and Kordell Beckham.

How Essentia pushes past category cliches with its New York takeover

Created by Droga5, the Nestlé brand’s new campaign includes videos, out-of-home ads, experiential activations and influencer collaborations.

Pinterest mobilizes Gen Z searchers, retail media with new ad offerings

Top of Search ads, currently in beta testing, will appear within the top 10 slots and Related Pins section of search results.

In this economy!? Maxwell House rebrands as Maxwell Apartment

The Kraft Heinz brand’s social-first campaign nods to the historically tough housing market by offering a 12-month “lease” on coffee for less than $40.

Global ad spend to rise faster than expected amid digital boom: WARC

A “pre-tariff windfall” of activity and burst of spending on social platforms led to a surprise upward revision of the researcher’s 2025 forecasts.

Oreo transforms crosswalks into cookies to spur impulse purchases

The Mondelez brand and agency VML decorated crosswalks outside of select Kroger locations to include QR codes accessing special offers.

Sephora cozies up to beauty creators with new affiliate program

My Sephora Storefront allows U.S. influencers to build shoppable digital storefronts and arrives as sales from affiliate marketing continue to grow.

How Kellanova uses AI to predict creative performance and drive KPIs

The CPG marketer, in partnership with data firm Vidmob, found that predictive impact scoring can boost creative performance and media ROI.

Digital ad spending outlook dims as tariff impact intensifies: report

Retail and auto are leading a pullback, with digital now expected to grow 9.5% in 2025, two percentage points lower than prior forecasts.

AB InBev teams with Netflix for co-branded campaigns around live events

The mutliyear partnership includes consumer activations, limited-edition packaging, digital promotions and other efforts.