NBA teams with Microsoft on gamified streaming service

Borrowing some concepts from video games, the platform will reward viewership and use AI to deliver personalized content to sports fans at home.

By Dianna Christie , Natalie Black (Koltun) • April 20, 2020

Facebook launches gaming app to rival Twitch, YouTube

The app has a mix of casual games and access to gaming communities, along with a Go Live button that lets people see streams of other mobile games.

By Robert Williams • April 20, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Influencer Marketing

Amid a surge in confidence and new platform approaches, brands continue to turn to influencers for fresh content that can reach online consumers.

By Marketing Dive staff

Foot Locker's Champs Sports, Eastbay build community around student athletes

In a move to raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts, the #NeverNotAnAthlete campaign asks students to share how they're working out during lockdown.

By Dianna Christie • April 20, 2020

How coronavirus could usher in a new era of brand purpose

The demand for businesses tangibly contributing to public good will only grow in the tumultuous months ahead, analysts said.

By Peter Adams • April 17, 2020

Zenni eyewear expands esports tie-up with fresh sponsorships

The DTC brand became the official eyewear of the Houston Outlaws and Pittsburgh Knights and started social accounts to promote esports affiliations.

By Robert Williams • April 17, 2020

BMW's esports marketing undergoes 'major expansion' amid coronavirus

The automaker is deeply integrating its marketing and innovation efforts with five top teams from around the world as esports continue to thrive.

By Dianna Christie • April 17, 2020

Headspace, 'Sesame Street' debut YouTube meditation videos for kids

The biweekly "Monster Meditations" teach mindfulness, meditation and social skills as families cope with pandemic-related stress.

By Robert Williams • April 17, 2020

P&G's Aussie sponsors virtual college graduation

Hosted by Her Campus, the digital event aims to boost morale among young women as COVID-19 cancels commencement events across the country.

By Dianna Christie • April 17, 2020

ESPN enlists Facebook, Reese's, State Farm for custom content around Michael Jordan docuseries

Each sponsor is working on tailored integrations, which include Instagram Live pre-shows and ads that repurpose vintage ESPN footage.

By Peter Adams • April 16, 2020

Michelob Ultra streams workouts while helping personal trainers

"Movement by Michelob Ultra Live" will let viewers virtually tip trainers in the videos, which will broadcast on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

By Robert Williams • April 16, 2020

Mobile in-app ad spend falls 14% during crisis, study finds

Sports apps like ESPN Live Sports took an even bigger hit as leagues suspended operations.

By Robert Williams • April 16, 2020

Busch promises year of beer to 250 couples who change wedding plans

A giveaway on Instagram and Twitter may help the Anheuser-Busch brand to stay top of mind despite postponed gatherings during the pandemic.

By Dianna Christie • April 16, 2020

Schick raises cash for barbers with at-home haircut tips on Instagram

The Edgewell brand hired several out-of-work barbers to create virtual grooming tutorials for its #ShaveFromHome campaign.

By Robert Williams • April 16, 2020

Spotify tops ranking of brand intimacy during pandemic, study says

Pinterest and Apple Music also received high marks among U.S. consumers.

By Robert Williams • April 16, 2020

Instagram spotlights creators with IGTV redesign

The 2-year-old video platform is now more integrated with Instagram, letting users post their IGTV videos in the core app's Stories feature.

By Robert Williams • April 15, 2020

Fiat Chrysler sponsors virtual concert series on Facebook Live

The carmaker joins a growing list of marketers sponsoring livestreamed music events during the pandemic.

By Dianna Christie • April 15, 2020

Nat Geo immerses Instagram users in Earth Day AR experience

Created with Facebook's Spark AR Studio, the content offers a cautionary look at climate change to show what the world might be like in 2070.

By Robert Williams • April 15, 2020

Pebbles cereal launches social media video series to support kids, creators

The "Daily Yabba Dabba Doo" series showcases at-home activities for kids that can be done with minimal adult supervision. 

By Robert Williams • April 15, 2020

Kellogg snack brands back Overwatch League sweepstakes

Cheez-It and Pringles are giving esports fans a chance to win a trip to the Overwatch Grand Finals in an undisclosed location.

By Robert Williams • April 15, 2020

Pinterest touts sustainable brands for Earth Day

Lauren Conrad's The Little Market, fashion brand Siizu and Prosperity Candle are selling eco-friendly products on Pinterest Shop as consumers look to support small businesses.

By Robert Williams • April 14, 2020

Report: Facebook's ad rates dip as pandemic curbs demand

The social network wants to recoup ad dollars that were set aside for TV sports, The Wall Street Journal reported.

By Robert Williams • April 14, 2020

Target sponsors Disney's new Friday Night Movie series

ESPN personalities will host trivia over video conferences from their homes in Disney's new ad units.

By Dianna Christie • April 14, 2020

AppsFlyer: Pandemic drives revenue for 65% of app categories

After doubling their revenue since the last week of February, streaming apps saw a 35% decline during the week ending April 6.

By Robert Williams • April 13, 2020

Burger King quizzes students for free Whopper offer

Students who answer questions about school subjects can receive BK App codes for a free sandwich.

By Robert Williams • April 13, 2020

Universal's 'Trolls World Tour' streaming premiere gets help from Snapchat AR Lens

To support one of the first films to skip its theatrical release and debut via streaming, the lens is also available on desktop so users can decorate home video calls.

By Robert Williams • April 13, 2020