YouTube expands shopping tools with video creators before holidays

A Shopify integration and more arrive as parent company Google gets into a growing advertising war with Amazon in areas like search and video content.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 12, 2020

Honda leans into 'rewilding' trend with John Cena as its voice

Amid increased interest in the outdoors during the pandemic, the carmaker taps a talent known for "toughness and strength" to demonstrate its ruggedness.

By Aaron Baar • Oct. 12, 2020

1800 Tequila immerses Snapchat users in AR artwork

With the pandemic limiting sales at bars and restaurants, engaging people through digital channels is more important than ever for spirits brands.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 12, 2020

Pandemic forces Halloween candy makers to get creative to protect $5B in sales

Mars Wrigley, Hershey and Ferrero, which prepare years in advance for the holiday, have quickly altered their strategies on packaging, selling and marketing their sweets.

By Christopher Doering • Oct. 12, 2020

TikTok flaunts its good vibes in TV ad centered on viral 'Dreams' video

Debuting as the Justice Department appeals an injunction against a ban on new downloads of the app, the effort could reassure brands and users. 

By Peter Adams • Oct. 9, 2020

Mars partners with Disney for Halloween short film series amid altered holiday

After unveiling a virtual Halloween experience, the candy company continues to connect with homebound consumers through holiday-themed content.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 9, 2020

Snapchat turns London street into AR playground with Local Lenses

City Painter required significant preparation to let app users virtually paint Carnaby Street from any angle, suggesting where AR may be headed.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 9, 2020

Sour Patch Kids turns the tables on Halloween trick-or-treating

The Mondelez candy is the latest brand to find fresh ways to remain relevant as the pandemic continues to threaten holiday traditions around the country.

By Aaron Baar • Oct. 9, 2020

Campaign Trail: Dickies spotlights DIY spirit and its power to inspire during pandemic

A digital content effort highlights 10 artisans from around the globe and centers on championing the dignity of work during a tough year.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Oct. 9, 2020

PepsiCo speeds up shift toward streaming, digital as holidays loom

With the pandemic putting localization and personalization in the spotlight, the marketer sees digital as better-suited to deliver the goods than traditional media, executives said at Advertising Week.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 9, 2020

MolsonCoors makes environmental case for Coors Seltzer launch

While the marketing for some hard seltzer brands takes a lighthearted approach, MolsonCoors is banking on younger consumers' affinity for activism.

By Aaron Baar • Oct. 8, 2020

Mondelez CFO redirecting travel, real estate funds to marketing

After cutting marketing funding at the onset of the pandemic, the snack food giant is bolstering its advertising budget, Luca Zaramella said. 

By Jane Thier • Oct. 8, 2020

LA Chargers upgrade app with digital experiences as pandemic shifts fan expectations

Offerings like livestreamed games, AR and podcast content reflect how media consumption habits have adjusted to life without in-person attendance. 

By Robert Williams • Oct. 8, 2020

How Honda and Nestlé make authentic connections through esports

Brands and their partners, including leading forces Team Liquid and Riot Games, detailed the evolving opportunities in the billion-dollar business at Advertising Week.

By Chris Kelly • Oct. 8, 2020

Wells Fargo cracked empowerment formula as advertising heated up in Q3, analysis finds

Typically a quiet period, Q3 was busier this year as many brands played catch-up after keeping their powder dry in the early days of the pandemic.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 8, 2020

Teens' evolving brand preferences: TikTok displaces Instagram and Shein beats out Nike

Piper Sandler's latest barometer of teen consumer behavior reveals how a tumultuous 2020 has impacted shopping habits and brand preferences.

By Aaron Baar • Oct. 7, 2020

Ocean Spray goes viral with TikTok creator who put Fleetwood Mac's 'Dreams' back on the charts

The brand gifted Nathan Apodaca his own truck to re-create a viral video that featured its product, earning over 10 million views on the platform.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 7, 2020

RaceTrac's gamified Instagram filter gets 103K impressions

An augmented reality experience challenged baseball fans to virtually outrun the convenience store's mascot in lieu of racing at live Atlanta Braves games.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 7, 2020

How Kraft Heinz, MolsonCoors and L'Oréal make the most of CTV's pandemic-related growth

As media consumption habits quickly change, executives from major brands detailed the opportunities that connected TV provides during an Advertising Week panel.

By Chris Kelly • Oct. 7, 2020

P&G's pledge for social change embraces 'progress, not perfection'

In the wake of the pandemic and protests sparked by racial injustice, the bar is higher for purpose-driven marketing to have the same impact as years past, panelists said during Advertising Week.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Oct. 7, 2020

Chipotle continues tapping TikTok with trick shot challenge

Featuring NBA player Trae Young and a host of influencers, the 53 ft. Shot Challenge is the chain's latest effort on the embattled social video app.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 7, 2020

Secret provides direct assistance to support women affected by COVID-19

As the pandemic sets back gender equality, the P&G brand teamed with WNBA players for a social media effort and TV spot during the league's finals.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris and Chris Kelly • Oct. 6, 2020

David's Bridal responds to pandemic disruptions with AR, 3D dress visuals

A partnership with Vertebrae extends the retailer's efforts to improve its digital shopping experience for online consumers.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 6, 2020

Kraft pulls provocative 'send noods' ads after drawing ire online

While some backlash came from average moms concerned around sexual content appearing near children, QAnon conspiracy theorists also quickly latched onto the outcry. 

By Peter Adams • Updated Oct. 14, 2020

Financial apps see higher usage among customers in lockdown

As consumers grow more accustomed to using financial apps, this could drive expansion opportunities, like Venmo launching its first credit card.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 6, 2020