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

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

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

Kia takes a Reddit staple for a spin during WNBA All-Star Weekend

The brand’s AMA featured a claw machine of preselected questions answered live on video and generated 61,000 views in 72 hours.

By Sara Karlovitch • July 29, 2026

Canada Goose brings nature’s fringe to lifestyle marketing push

Brand platform “Natural Intelligence” spotlights tornado chasers and outdoor adventures to reconnect the brand and its audience to the natural world.

By Danielle McLean • July 27, 2026

Sociable: Will Meta’s massive AI bet pay off?

The company has invested hundreds of billions of dollars into developing artificial intelligence models, but the market’s response hasn't matched owner Mark Zuckerberg’s enthusiasm for the tech.

By Andrew Hutchinson • July 24, 2026

Ugg teams with buzzy pop band Muna for back-to-school campaign

The effort also includes a college ambassador program and purpose-driven partnerships celebrating art and self-expression.

By Chris Kelly • July 23, 2026

From Yamal to the mall: How American Eagle is going back to school

CMO Craig Brommers details the retailer’s extensive marketing for the crucial season, which includes an effort around social media trend #RushTok.

By Chris Kelly • July 22, 2026

Zevia taps Cardi B to serve up real talk in biggest campaign to date

The rapper offers an unfiltered take on what people are actually trying to say to shore up Zevia’s position around being “refreshingly real.”

By Peter Adams • July 21, 2026