Goodr boosts conversions 32% with AR try-on for sunglasses

The AR experience lets shoppers see an accurately sized 3D view of the sunglasses as they turn their heads in different directions.

By Robert Williams • July 1, 2020

Google buys smart glasses startup North for 'ambient computing'

After Google Glass failed to gain traction in 2013, the tech giant can re-enter the market to offer a lower-priced device for consumers.

By Robert Williams • July 1, 2020

Lululemon snaps up at-home workout platform Mirror for $500M

Analysts hailed the move as synergistic for both companies, especially considering the appeal of virtual workouts during the pandemic.

By Daphne Howland • June 30, 2020

Papa John's promotes Shaq-inspired XL pizza with Snapchat lens

Users can see the 3D content by scanning a Papa John's pizza box with their smartphone camera, and each purchase made by Aug. 23 will benefit charity.

By Robert Williams • June 30, 2020

Amazon's brand value tops $400B, while TikTok debuts on top 100

Companies investing in long-term marketing are managing to survive the pandemic and still add brand value, according to the latest BrandZ rankings.

By Dianna Christie • June 30, 2020

Gucci unveils 1st global shoe try-on in Snapchat

The luxury fashion brand is offering four styles of footwear in two AR lenses that display a "shop now" button for immediate purchase.

By Robert Williams • June 30, 2020

Beverage makers disproportionately market sugary beverages to Black, Hispanic youth

Total sugary drink advertising expenditures increased 41% in 2018 as compared to 2013, according to a study from the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at the University of Connecticut.

By Dianna Christie • June 29, 2020

Moe's Southwest Grill gives away mini picnic tables sized to hold burritos on TikTok

The picnic tables promoting burrito menu offerings were made by Maria Trezza, who gained social media publicity for selling outdoor furniture for squirrels.

By Robert Williams • June 29, 2020

YouTube tests short videos as TikTok threat grows

The video-sharing platform is testing an app feature that lets people record and share 15-second videos.

By Robert Williams • June 26, 2020

Budweiser celebrates bar reopenings to the tune of 'Don't Stop Me Now'

While the ad promotes following safety regulations, it comes as coronavirus cases continue to rise across the country, and could be perceived as tone deaf.

By Dianna Christie • June 26, 2020

Bollé unleashes sunglass try-on experience on Instagram

The AR experience has a viewpoint for each camera on a smartphone, and points to nearby retailers.

By Robert Williams • June 26, 2020

Chipotle celebrates Pride with 'Lunch & Listen' TikTok live event

For every viewer of the livestreamed session featuring influencers, Chipotle will donate $1 to the Center for Black Equity.

By Robert Williams • June 25, 2020

TikTok unveils global platform for marketers, Brand Scan AR ads

Ahead of its first appearance at the NewFronts, the company made the important step of launching a streamlined hub for its marketing services.

By Robert Williams • June 25, 2020

NYX's #BrowFitness challenge exceeds 705M views on TikTok

The L'Oréal-owned brand is asking TikTok users to share videos showing their routines for putting on eyebrow makeup.

By Robert Williams • June 24, 2020

Chrysler uses parenting humor, remote filming in new Pacifica video ad

A humorous campaign may appeal to stir-crazy parents juggling many hats in lockdown, and hints at what productions will look like throughout the year.

By Dianna Christie • June 24, 2020

What's your purpose? How brands must adapt in the face of COVID-19

If brands fail to take a clear and purposeful stand, they could face harsh consumer scrutiny that places lingering effects on business, write Mark Curtis and Bill Theofilou of Accenture.

By Mark Curtis and Bill Theofilou • June 24, 2020

Snapchat's 1st shoppable show will sell streetwear

The platform's original programming also includes a makeup competition show that features AR try-ons and is sponsored by 5G innovation partner Verizon.

By Robert Williams • June 24, 2020

McDonald's, P&G wade into 'danger zone' with Black Lives Matters ads, study says

Both brands created ads perceived by viewers as more exploitative than empowering, a challenge as marketers look to support the social justice movement.

By Dianna Christie • June 23, 2020

Microsoft shutters Mixer, partners with Facebook Gaming

Popular streamers such as Tyler "Ninja" Blevins have been released from their contracts, allowing them to sign deals with other livestreaming platforms.

By Robert Williams • June 23, 2020

Apple iOS 14 introduces App Clips for easy access to specific tasks

This week's iOS 14 preview showed how retailers, restaurants and other brands will be able to customize App Clip codes for iPhone users to scan and expedite transactions.

By Robert Williams • June 23, 2020

Google's 2020 ad revenue will dip 5.3% due to COVID-19, eMarketer says

The search giant has been hit by a lack of travel ads due to the pandemic, and as Amazon and Facebook continue to nab online ad sales.

By Dianna Christie • June 23, 2020

Starburst debuts 'best enjoyed vertically' video ads

The ads support the launch of Starburst Swirlers, which the brand describes as its first "vertically shaped candy."

By Robert Williams • June 23, 2020

Hulu unveils direct response ad format for second-screen experiences

GatewayGo lets advertisers including SmileDirectClub, The RealReal and Sweetgreen use QR codes and push notifications to let viewers access offers they see on TV.

By Robert Williams • June 23, 2020

Quibi's quick demise: A look inside the mobile-only streamer's fumbled launch

Big name executives. Big stars. Big advertising commitments. Big hype. Brightcove principal analyst Jim O'Neill asks, "What happened?"

By Jim O'Neill • June 23, 2020

P&G's new video 'The Pause' addresses LGBTQ bias

Released during Pride Month, the clip urges viewers to consider how they can make a positive difference in the lives of people in the LGBTQ community.

By Dianna Christie • June 22, 2020