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Courtesy of Hoka
Hoka builds Strava running stats into digital OOH campaign
The marketer is pitting New York’s five boroughs against one another for a “Run Your City” challenge and will leverage the results for campaign creative.
By Jessica Hammers • Sept. 3, 2026 -
Permission granted by Axe
Axe vies for more mature brand positioning while nodding to Y2K roots
New ads for the Unilever brand show men briefly turning back into their teen selves, popped collars and all, as Axe states, “You got better. So did we.”
By Peter Adams • Sept. 2, 2026 -
Explore the Trendline➔
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TrendlineTop 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 -
Courtesy of Dr. Squatch
Why Dr. Squatch is investing in experiences — not ads — with IShowSpeed
Chief Brand Officer John Ludeke explains why the Unilever brand is betting that it can get Gen Z consumers to create content alongside the top streamer.
By Chris Kelly • Aug. 31, 2026 -
Permission granted by Chipotle
Chipotle deploys 100 creators for latest ads spotlighting fresh food
This is the first national advertising push from Chief Brand Officer Fernando Machado and Chipotle’s first major work with new agency partner Kids.
By Peter Adams • Aug. 31, 2026 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Snapchat’s bid to simplify mobile marketing measurement goes global
Mohegan Sun Online Casino improved its return on ad spend by nearly 90% during a test period for the Unified Attribution capability.
By Peter Adams • Aug. 31, 2026 -
Retrieved from ChatGPT (via prompt) on August 28, 2026
ColumnSociable: 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 -
Permission granted by Starbucks
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 Aug. 27, 2026 -
Retrieved from Jon Loomer on August 21, 2026
ColumnSociable: 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 -
Courtesy of Dr Pepper
How Dr Pepper’s ‘Fansville’ campaign stays relevant and drives outcomes
Keurig Dr Pepper analyzes consumer signals by working with Publicis and retail media partners and using its first-party capabilities and martech stack.
By Chris Kelly • Aug. 27, 2026 -
Chris Kelly/Marketing Dive
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 -
Permission granted by Athleta
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 -
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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 -
Permission granted by Nuuly
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 -
Permission granted by Chipotle
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 -
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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 -
Courtesy of JCPenney
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 -
Courtesy of Crocs
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 -
StockPlanets via Getty Images
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 -
Permission granted by Cuisinart
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 -
Courtesy of Dove
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 -
Courtesy of Cava
Q&AHow 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 -
Courtesy of CeraVe
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 -
Courtesy of Rhone
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 -
Ethan Miller via Getty Images
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 -
Courtesy of Michelob Ultra
Deep DiveHow 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
