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.

Shake Shack appoints first chief brand officer

The addition of a marketing executive is aligned with the fast-casual chain’s plan to increase its paid media ad spend to help boost sales.

How Lee’s new brand platform reasserts its denim authority

“Built Like Lee” celebrates the heritage of a brand founded in 1889 and is the first expression of a creative vision meant to resonate with a new generation.

Temptations, People honor hot cat dads in Sexiest Man Alive issue

The Mars Petcare brand is sponsoring a new category in the reader’s choice version of the special issue that tends to generate online chatter.

Taco Bell promotes marketing execs to take US success global

CMO Taylor Montgomery was promoted to global chief brand officer and will be succeeded by Luis Restrepo, vice president of brand and product marketing.