Amazon cancels live-streamed shopping show, invests $5M in playwrights

The company is still sorting out its content strategy but appears to remain committed to live programming and books. 

By David Kirkpatrick • May 31, 2017

P&G recommits to TV ads and networks could flinch

While the CPG giant has been critical of digital advertising, it also has legacy sweetheart deals with broadcast networks.

By David Kirkpatrick • May 30, 2017

Interactive video ads: Strategies, struggles and soaring potential

Static video ads are far from dead, but their interactive counterparts are outperforming them on key measurements.

By Rachel Brown • May 30, 2017

Facebook details 3-step strategy for improving viewability

Working more closely with the Media Rating Council might address pressing issues over the accuracy of marketing metrics on the platform. 

By David Kirkpatrick , Peter Adams • May 26, 2017

Report: Agencies cut Cannes Lions budgets

A more frugal approach to the advertising festival comes at a time when agencies are under an especially high level of scrutiny. 

By David Kirkpatrick • May 26, 2017

Bai beverage brand takes creative in-house

CMO Michael Simon says it's cheaper and there's more agility working with an in-house agency.

By David Kirkpatrick • May 26, 2017

Bud Light levels up digital focus for second year of esports push

An All-Stars promotion, where fans vote on their favorite professional players across four games, includes a branded Twitch channel. 

By David Kirkpatrick • May 26, 2017

Walkers Crisps shuts down Twitter video push after troll takeover

The potato chip brand learned a hard lesson in the perils of user-generated content after inadvertently sharing images featuring serial killers and dictators.

By Peter Adams • May 26, 2017

4A's: 58% of consumers dislike brands getting political

Even messaging that could be perceived as positive rarely moves people to buy, the group found. 

By David Kirkpatrick • May 25, 2017

Report: Facebook signs millennial-focused publishers for premium videos

Vox Media, BuzzFeed and others join to create original short content as the service looks to attract advertisers. 

By David Kirkpatrick • May 25, 2017

Report: Fox drops traditional ads from FX digital, on-demand

Fox made waves at this year's TV upfronts with nontraditional options for advertisers looking to target digital viewers. 

By David Kirkpatrick • May 24, 2017

Nabisco links cookouts, concerts as Lady Antebellum tour sponsor

The Mondelez brand, which includes snacks like Oreo, Ritz and Chips Ahoy!, is tying the sponsorship with its "Remix Your BBQ" integrated marketing campaign.

By David Kirkpatrick • May 24, 2017

Facebook helps streaming video publishers better target ads

A new tool called Audience Direct gives access to user data like age, gender and location while allowing publishers to maintain control over inventory and ad tech. 

By David Kirkpatrick • May 24, 2017

Lexus, Mark Ronson help drivers tune up personal soundtracks

A short film featuring the star pop producer comes paired with an interactive digital music sequencer fans can experiment with. 

By David Kirkpatrick , Peter Adams • May 23, 2017

Facebook rolls out watch-and-scroll video for desktop

Being able to display two videos at once should open up new ad inventory.

By David Kirkpatrick • May 23, 2017

Mike's Hard Lemonade taps weird internet culture to target millennial males

Digital-first "Drink on the bright side" marks a creative strategy shift away from depicting experience to emotions for the brand. 

By David Kirkpatrick • May 23, 2017

Firestone pits fans against racing legend Mario Andretti for social media challenge

Contest entrants can "race" Andretti in events like The Can Opener 500 and The Egg Peel 500 — which are exactly what they sound like.

By David Kirkpatrick • May 22, 2017

Heineken helps James Corden liven up 'The Late, Late Show'

In an effort to reach new audiences, the beer brand is signing on for an exclusive sponsorship of the CBS program's on-set bar.

By David Kirkpatrick • May 22, 2017

Facebook officially signs 20-game MLB streaming deal

But can professional baseball be a big draw for the platform's push into premium, TV-like video content?

By David Kirkpatrick • May 19, 2017

Study: Digital media ad spend up just 3% in April

The market has not yet rebounded from viewability and safety concerns, per a report. 

By David Kirkpatrick • May 19, 2017

Guinness enhances taste of beer with VR experience

Shoppers at U.K. grocer Tesco can sip from an "intelligent cup" while they watch 360-degree video narrated by the brand's master brewer. 

By David Kirkpatrick • May 19, 2017

Patreon creators to earn $150M this year

The membership services company for creators has more than one million patrons supporting publishers on YouTube and other platforms. 

By David Kirkpatrick • May 19, 2017

Axe asks tough questions to fight toxic masculinity in brand pivot

"Is It Ok For Guys?" presents a socially-conscious turnaround for the Unilever brand, which has often been accused of sexism. 

By David Kirkpatrick • May 18, 2017

Oreo rolls to the top of YouTube ads in April

The brand's video, which incorporates the cookies in an elaborate ping pong trick shot, had over 44.5 million views.

By David Kirkpatrick • May 18, 2017

Why content marketing is going Hollywood

Brand storytelling is less of a trend and more of a necessity as consumers demand more entertainment and authenticity.

By David Kirkpatrick • May 18, 2017