Sociable: How will Meta’s settlement impact social media?

The company’s landmark $18 billion payout was only one part of a larger agreement that aims to force other apps to implement similar teen restrictions.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 28, 2026

Is Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte ‘basic’? Martha Stewart answers in new ads

Stewart and “Off Campus” actor Belmont Cameli feature in tongue-in-cheek social content that heralds the return of the beloved menu item.

By Peter Adams • Updated 17 hours ago

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Marketing Dive

From the continued rise of artificial intelligence to the emergence of new digital channels, here's a look at key trends driving marketing in 2026.

By Marketing Dive staff

Sociable: Meta removes option to exclude ad placements

The company will use an automated system to target display options, and brands will no longer be able to decide which apps receive promotions.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 27, 2026

How Dr Pepper’s ‘Fansville’ campaign stays relevant and drives outcomes

Keurig Dr Pepper marketer Derek Dabrowski digs into how the college football campaign, now in its ninth season, is lifting sales through personalization.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 27, 2026

Why United helped broadcast ESPN’s fantasy football show live from the sky

Social media serves as an entry point into ESPN for fans, especially Gen Z ones. The company had a record 1 billion social engagements in February.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 26, 2026

How Athleta is revamping its brand narrative with bolder purpose

A fall campaign features cinematic ads, bigger bets on social-first marketing and a sponsorship of Olivia Rodrigo’s first Daisy Chain Fields Festival. 

By Peter Adams • Aug. 25, 2026

Creator fit beats follower count for brands: Here’s what the numbers say

The creator economy is expected to hit nearly half a trillion dollars next year, but the disconnect between creators and brands persists.

By Sara Karlovitch • Aug. 21, 2026

Why Nuuly is betting on a microdrama for its social-first fall campaign

The Urban Outfitters-owned, high-growth clothing rental service wants to break through ad fatigue with a series that examines modern dating.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 20, 2026

Chipotle broadens Gen Alpha marketing with Salish Matter collab

A partnership with the 16-year-old YouTube and TikTok star marks the first time the brand has brought a custom creator order to its Kid’s Meal.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 19, 2026

Amazon, Nike reign supreme with Gen Alpha teens: report

Parents still hold sway over teen brand preferences, with moms in particular being more influential than any “social media platform, creator or celebrity.”

By Sara Karlovitch • Updated Aug. 17, 2026

JCPenney parodies off-price retailers with wellness-themed campaign

Marisa Thalberg, chief customer and marketing officer at Catalyst Brands, details a Retail Rejuvenation Retreat that looks to change shopping habits.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 17, 2026

Crocs hatches new mascot Niles to enrich brand storytelling

The 6-foot-tall reptile, who appears in a new social series where he interacts with real employees, is expected to be a long-term fixture of Crocs’ marketing. 

By Peter Adams • Aug. 14, 2026

Smartphone school ban could imperil billions in social media ad revenue

While a national ban is currently hypothetical, Emarketer’s research on its potential impact reflects the rapidly changing regulatory landscape for mobile.

By Sara Karlovitch • Aug. 13, 2026

Cuisinart caters to thumb-scrolling consumers with short-form series

The 14-part, non-linear series follows the culinary endeavors of a modern home cook and her eccentric roommate from the 17th century.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 13, 2026

Dove’s marketing mixes sports and style for US Open sponsorship return

The brand is working with fashion photographers to capture trendy tournament looks that do not show white streaks from deodorant. 

By Peter Adams • Aug. 12, 2026

How Cava outperforms in fast casual despite frugal marketing budget

The chain has made bets on social content, loyalty and experiences to make the most of a marketing budget that’s just over 1% of revenue.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 12, 2026

CeraVe tackles tanmaxxing in social series to pitch Gen Z on SPF

The L'Oréal brand’s latest campaign taps home renovation tropes to engage a cohort that is increasingly prioritizing getting a tan over protecting their skin.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 11, 2026

Rhone CMO on marketing at an inflection point for the apparel brand

Created in-house, with media handled by Kepler Group, “A Love Letter to NYC” arrives amid the growth of the brand’s retail and wholesale ambitions.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 11, 2026

Disney, TikTok partner on content sharing as creators fuel fandom

The deal gives creators access to IP from franchises, including Marvel and Star Wars, and Disney a pipeline for vertical video content.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 5, 2026

How 5 brands won World Cup gold through marketing investments

Coca-Cola, Adidas, Unilever and others reaped the benefits of official partnerships with the global tournament via a variety of marketing approaches.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 5, 2026

Express nods to its Y2K heyday in campaign that unites fashion, music

CMO Joe Berean discusses a fall effort featuring pop star Tinashe and NFL player Tee Higgins that iterates on the retailer’s “Dress to Express” platform.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 3, 2026

Snickers’ ice cream line seeks help telling the internet to chill out

The chief online chill officer will leave witty comments and coupons on heated social media posts, bringing Snickers’ brand ethos to the internet. 

By Sara Karlovitch • July 31, 2026

Snapchat shores up lead gen ads with new HubSpot integration

The app is focusing on partnerships to “meet our clients where they are,” said Vice President of Global Agency and Strategic Accounts Adrian Mulryan.

By Peter Adams • July 30, 2026

Meta touts industry-leading ad revenue growth, but AI unease rises

CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that faster revenue gains mean AI investments are paying off, but not everyone is convinced.

By Peter Adams • July 30, 2026

IRL streamers are brands’ biggest marketing opportunity

Streamers like iShowSpeed can help brands find consumers at their most engaged, says Streamlabs’ Ashray Urs.

By Ashray Urs • July 30, 2026