US ad spend jumped 5.8% in Q2 and is on pace for a record year, forecast says

The U.S. ad market is projected to exceed $200 billion for the first time in 2018 and expand 6.9% from 2017.

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 21, 2018

Cosmo teams with Macy's, Juicy Couture on print-to-mobile shoppable AR ad

Readers can scan a QR code in the print magazine to virtually sample and purchase makeup.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 21, 2018

McDonald's will feature students behind diversity prank in its marketing

Two Filipino Americans who hung a poster in a Texas location after noticing a lack of diversity in the restaurant's images each received $25,000 and offers to be in an upcoming campaign. 

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 21, 2018

IDC: AR/VR headset shipments to surge 88% a year until 2022

Smartphones may be the primary way people experience AR for the foreseeable future, while VR adoption will depend on declining headset prices.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 21, 2018

Papa John's might win back consumer sentiment, but can it save its business?

Sales and share of the social media conversation were slipping even before a highly publicized fallout with its founder. A new campaign focused on solidarity among franchisees is resonating, but that might not be enough.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 20, 2018

Kia, Red Bull build drift car and racer Collette Davis jumps over it

Several 30-second spots, a long-form video and a YouTube series show how the 2019 Kia Forte completed the stunt. 

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 20, 2018

YouTube opens gaming section, will shutter standalone app in 2019

Similar to Amazon's Twitch, the YouTube Gaming section of its website groups videos by topic and promotes livestreamers.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 20, 2018

40% of millennials prefer watching their favorite TV shows live, study finds

These consumers also experience a range of emotions from TV content, and their favorite shows can influence their purchasing decisions.

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 20, 2018

Kayak app adds luggage-sizing AR, Siri Shortcuts

The travel site's app is one of the first to roll out features supported by Apple's newly released iOS 12.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 20, 2018

Perfect365 AR beauty app lets users earn Kin crypto coins

The company looks to introduce cryptocurrencies to an untapped audience of female beauty enthusiasts.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 20, 2018

Papa John's spotlights franchisees, eyes new logo in bid to push past founder

Efforts to cut ties with John Schnatter are more concretely manifesting in the company's marketing. Can they win back alienated consumers?  

By Peter Adams • Sept. 19, 2018

The North Face expands definition of 'exploration' in short films

The videos are part of a new global campaign with the tagline "never stop exploring" that will feature musicians, athletes and activists. 

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 19, 2018

Doritos sponsors gaming tournament at annual Twitch convention

Top Twitch streamers will compete in the Doritos Bowl as they play Call of Duty: Black Ops 4's new Blackout mode. 

By Kayla Matthews • Sept. 19, 2018

Absolut doesn't sugarcoat it in videos promoting new grapefruit flavor

Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson crashes everyday awkward situations with "truth bombs" in videos on Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and connected TV.

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 19, 2018

Carnival cruises debut 'OceanView' video streaming app

People can watch popular travel series and other original shows at home, on the go or at sea through the streamlined mobile platform.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 19, 2018

Comic Dive: Amazon Attacks

The e-commerce giant has already helped topple big name retailers. With its aggressive moves into advertising, video and voice, who's next?

By John Hazard and Lisa Burdige • Sept. 18, 2018

Publicis Groupe's BBH cuts ties with actors' union, WSJ reports

Using union actors in commercials can more than double the production budget, and more marketers are asking agencies during the pitch phase if they are affiliated with the union.

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 18, 2018

KFC lets fans 'adopt' new bear-shaped Colonel in promotion of Hot Honey flavor

The latest iteration of the brand mascot takes the form of a nostalgia-inspired honey bottle, and consumers can enter for a chance to win one of their own. 

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 18, 2018

Shopify brings AR shopping to merchants' mobile websites

Small businesses like furniture e-tailer Horne and bike merchant Pure Cycles now offer immersive experiences for shoppers to inspect items before buying.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 18, 2018

Volvo drives 35% sales lift with interactive connected TV ads

Viewers on Roku and Samsung devices could explore the inside of a car and receive location-based personalized messages. 

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 18, 2018

NFL sidesteps controversy with celeb-starring campaign around touchdown dances

At a time when more advertisers are taking stances on social issues, the league goes for laughs with Andy Garcia and J.B. Smoove.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 17, 2018

Twitter puts live broadcasts atop user timelines

The feature makes breaking news, celebrity content and sports videos easier to watch on the platform.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 17, 2018

Range Rover, SunTrust are tightly integrated into Hulu's 'The First'

The efforts highlight a few ways brands can partner with streaming services for less-intrusive engagements.

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 17, 2018

Axe kicks off fall push with DJ Martin Garrix body spray, branded music video

As interruptive advertising loses ground, the brand is putting a bigger focus on targeting young guys through music. 

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 17, 2018

Old Spice livestreams obstacle course game show 'Foam Zone'

The football-themed program airs today and tomorrow on YouTube, Twitch and Facebook Live.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 17, 2018