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KFC joins console wars with gaming system that keeps chicken hot

After teasing the KFConsole last summer, the chain followed through with specs for a real gaming PC developed in partnership with Cooler Master.

The Marketing Dive Awards for 2020

From Chipotle to Procter & Gamble, these are the companies and executives that epitomized leadership in crisis this year.

Amazon signals bigger podcast ambitions with Wondery buy

The acquisition comes as streaming audio services and radio broadcasters look to expand their audiences on mobile devices and smart speakers.

Pandemic-fueled omnichannel shopping surge here to stay: Nielsen

Buying across both store and online channels increased 50% in 2020 and doesn't show signs of slowing, the data firm noted.

How consumer expectations for brand experiences, personalization are changing, per Forrester

While the most empowered consumers expect to become more digitally engaged with brands, they require multiple types of experiences for a richer, holistic emotional journey.

EBay targets mobile shoppers with AR 'Santa Sneaker Drop' sweepstakes

The online marketplace teamed with NBA star Anthony Davis to promote the web-based game and give away 500 pairs of collectible sneakers.

Ford rouses the Griswolds for 'Christmas Vacation' ad promoting electric Mustang

Creative built around nostalgia for a holiday classic continues a trend that started around the Super Bowl and has endured despite COVID-19 disruptions.

How Sonic Drive-In swapped its iconic pitchmen for a 'pandemic-proof' campaign

Chief marketing officer Lori Abou Habib explains how the QSR shifted its focus from its long-running "Two Guys" to real families — right before COVID-19 upended the year.

Vimeo to be spun off from IAC amid rapid growth of online video

The YouTube alternative's revenue and user base have surged as homebound viewers seek more digital video content during the pandemic.

Doritos brings back nostalgic favorite with TikTok challenge

A cone-shaped version of Doritos returns as the brand re-teams with Ali Landry, who starred in an iconic Super Bowl ad that introduced the snack in 1998.

Walmart boosts new advertisers on media network by 40%

A self-serve platform that launched in January is now responsible for half of the retail chain's sponsored products ads revenue.

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Campaign Trail: Rebooted Cheerios spot points to influencers' marketing power

After more than 20 years, the sentimental video of a grandma and baby has reemerged thanks to a viral TikTok clip by Cori Spruiell, who has over 200,000 followers on the app.

Triller matures as marketing platform with NYX virtual pop-up shop

Emerging amid a surge in user-created video, Triller faces a daunting challenge — and key opportunity — in snagging brand dollars from mainstay social apps as they contend with legal battles.

Burger King sends customers $1 via Venmo to push new value menu

A cash-app promotion for the $1 Your Way lineup arrives as Congress is set to vote on a pandemic stimulus package some view as a short-term fix to broader economic woes.

Super Bowl viewers support social justice ads, study says

The Super Bowl LV experience is likely to be different from past years, with 70% of viewers avoiding parties and 60% open to social justice messaging.

Mtn Dew opens 'direct-to-gamer' store for DTC sales, loyalty rewards

The website can help parent company PepsiCo collect first-party data on younger consumers who are interested in gaming and esports.

Snap teams with Unity to expand ad reach on mobile games

Brands can now more easily reach a gaming platform with 2 billion consumers worldwide that generates 22.9 billion ad impressions a month.

Unilever lifts ambitious freeze on Facebook and Twitter, but scrutiny remains high

Platforms targeted in the paid advertising pause — particularly Facebook — continue to face heavy criticism on fronts both reputational and regulatory. 

Mars extends Disney deal with M&M's 'Bite Size Holiday' series

Following three years of successful short Halloween-themed films, the brand is ramping up with four new festive entries on social media for the holidays.

Why Kraft Heinz leaders say their new strategy will drive growth beyond the pandemic

The CPG giant is upping its marketing spend 30% as it seeks to understand how consumers connect to its brands.

Walmart enlists top TikTok creators for first-of-its-kind shoppable livestream

A one-hour variety program showcasing Walmart's holiday offerings illustrates why the retailer is interested in acquiring a stake in the platform.

Pepsi teams with Fox on game show inspired by Wild Cherry flavor

With "Cherries Wild," the soft-drink maker is targeting younger consumers via a branded integration.

Facebook reportedly developing Cameo copy to key into custom celeb video boom

The feature, called Super, lets creators receive digital gifts from fans and host the types of streaming content that have grown popular during the pandemic.

Pizza Hut's celeb-powered Twitch series scores 5.4M views

"Friday Night Bites" brought together celebrities, influencers and gamers for pizza-themed challenges.

Study: Influencer impact up 57% amid shift to Instagram Stories, TikTok

While the number of Instagram #ad posts declined this year, sponsored Stories on the platform and TikTok activity both rose, Klear found.