GroupM and Magna Global upgrade growth outlook, but marketers should temper expectations

Martin Sorrell, CEO of GroupM parent company WPP, recently recommended that marketers "contain any enthusiasm" despite what appear to be positive signs.

By David Kirkpatrick , Peter Adams • Dec. 5, 2017

Executive of the Year: Marc Pritchard, P&G

Nearly 11 months after making a high-profile speech demanding a better digital media ecosystem, the executive's words and actions continue to reverberate through the industry.

By Chantal Tode • Dec. 4, 2017

Facebook readies test of pre-roll video ads in Watch

By limiting the test to Watch, the company can explore new monetization strategies while sticking to its CEO's wish to keep the format out of News Feed.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 4, 2017

Ads.txt is driving up online ad prices as adoption grows

Digital ad costs have increased since Nov. 8, most likely an indication that fraud is down. 

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 4, 2017

Disruptor of the Year: Amazon

Industry thought leaders have long positioned the company as a potential third major digital advertising force. A number of surprising moves this year and an expected $1.65 billion in ad revenue show it's getting there fast. 

By Peter Adams • Dec. 4, 2017

Fail of the Year: Pepsi's 'Jump In'

The Kendall Jenner-starring ad, intended to promote unity, achieved almost the exact opposite of its goal, plunging the brand to its lowest consumer perception levels in a decade. 

By Peter Adams • Dec. 4, 2017

Campaign of the Year: Burger King's 'Google Home of the Whopper'

With an estimated $135 million in earned media and a top creative award at Cannes Lions, the fast food chain's device-hijacking stunt asked: What happens when an ad disrupts technology?  

By Peter Adams • Dec. 4, 2017

Marketer of the Year: KFC

From a $20,000 meteorite shaped like a chicken sandwich to a bonafide romance novella, the brand's marketing stunts this year have consistently grabbed consumer attention with a knowing wink and distinct flavor of deep-fried weirdness.

By Peter Adams • Dec. 4, 2017

Campaign Trail: How Yoplait boosts brand interest; Samsung's artsy feature film; Jim Beam opens voice-ready decanter

One brand's mission to defend moms delivers results, while two others take decidedly non-traditional approaches with an experimental movie and connected hardware.

By Peter Adams , Chantal Tode , Natalie Black (Koltun) • Dec. 1, 2017

Toyota runs 100-second holiday TV spot

The long ad was a first for broadcast television, according to the automaker and its agency Saatchi & Saatchi.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 1, 2017

Will 'next gen TV' help broadcasters better compete for digital ad dollars?

A new standard recently approved by the FCC allows for broadcasting high-quality content using an IP signal and has the potential to significantly impact digital media. 

By David Kirkpatrick • Nov. 30, 2017

Amazon's ad business will surpass $2.5B by 2021, Forrester says

An updated forecast suggests spending on display and social media advertising in the U.S. will grow nearly 70% over the next five years. 

By David Kirkpatrick , Peter Adams • Nov. 30, 2017

Kantar: Holiday TV ad spending climbs 10.3% over last year

Retailers pulled back on Black Friday ads this year, spending $90.4 million compared to $113.3 million in 2016.

By David Kirkpatrick • Nov. 30, 2017

Can Snapchat break the social media mold with its split-feed redesign?

On top of completely siloing users' posts from those of media entities, Snap will vet all professionally-produced content shared on its platform to differentiate it from the algorithm-driven sorting of competitors like Facebook.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 29, 2017

Swiffer teaches the 'art of adulting' in new digital push

The campaign includes two lighthearted YouTube spots, special GIFs and iMessage stickers and a social media element.

By David Kirkpatrick • Nov. 29, 2017

National Geographic's 'Safari Live' generates 220M impressions on Facebook Watch

Part of the video hub's alpha launch. the digital content has seen strong viewer and engagement metrics over its first three months.

By David Kirkpatrick • Nov. 29, 2017

FCC chair calls Twitter a threat to open internet

The FCC is set to repeal net neutrality rules, and chairman Ajit Pai used a DC event to rebuke critics.

By David Kirkpatrick • Nov. 29, 2017

Amazon debuts creator tool for AR, VR

The Sumerian browser-based app gives developers a framework for building 3-D experiences.

By David Kirkpatrick • Nov. 28, 2017

Study: Game developers no longer see ads as 'necessary evil'

Rewarded video ads are now the most popular ad format, used in 58% of free games.

By David Kirkpatrick • Nov. 28, 2017

Facebook publishes 'advertising principles'

A newsroom post highlighting the platform's stance on advertising appears to be the latest attempt to burnish its own brand image. 

By David Kirkpatrick • Nov. 28, 2017

Old Spice's holiday video spends an hour exploding Yule logs and Terry Crews

The nearly feature-length spot promotes the Procter & Gamble brand's holiday gift packs.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 27, 2017

How to get started in influencer marketing

For any holdouts to the red-hot strategy, here are the key considerations to keep in mind before taking the leap. 

By Kayla Matthews • Nov. 27, 2017

Why influencer marketing has become a moving target

Creators may decide to migrate from one platform to another with little warning. The brands that work with them need to be ready.

By Shane Schick • Nov. 27, 2017

YouTube faces new brand safety controversy

Companies including Mars, Adidas and Lidl have paused spending on the platform amid reports that ads are appearing next to content featuring children and comments from pedophiles.

By David Kirkpatrick • Nov. 27, 2017

Asos, HBO and BMW pilot Snapchat's new ad formats

Promoted Stories and Augmented Reality Trial ads aim to provide longer-form and more engaging content, and might point to what the app's planned redesign will focus on. 

By David Kirkpatrick • Nov. 27, 2017