Why QSRs must move past competitive sparring in the COVID-19 era

After years of hijacking each other's campaigns and snarky social media posts, marketers in the category will need to find new tones and tactics as coronavirus upends their business model.

By Chris Kelly • May 18, 2020

Lowe's helps 'American Idol' singers build home stages for season finale

A TV integration and social media campaign lets the brand organically connect with home owners while extending its messaging to fans of the show.

By Dianna Christie • May 18, 2020

Where does TikTok go from here?

Amid soaring downloads, and brands and influencers flocking to capitalize on the growth, TikTok's evolution is being shaped by changing media habits during the pandemic.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • May 18, 2020

TikTok to present at IAB NewFronts for 1st time

Appearing at the NewFronts is a significant step in the social video app's efforts to make media buyers more aware of its power to engage audiences, especially younger ones.

By Robert Williams • May 15, 2020

Budweiser kicks off nostalgic concert series on YouTube

Tapping the Black Eyed Peas for the first episode, the brand is urging fans to select songs they want to hear and ask questions of performers on social.

By Robert Williams • May 15, 2020

Almond Board urges Twitch gamers to 'pwn your everyday'

Banners, digital billboards and digital videos feature jargon from the gamer subculture in the trade group's campaign on Twitch.

By Robert Williams • May 14, 2020

LA Rams reveal new uniforms with Snapchat AR lens

The integration could be a welcome source of content for sports-starved fans, but the team's new logo has become the focus of derision on social media.

By Robert Williams • May 14, 2020

Bud Light updates vintage ads in new social distancing spots

The new "Genius" spots on YouTube and Instagram celebrate those finding creative ways to occupy themselves while staying at home.

By Dianna Christie • May 14, 2020

Pandemic could drive higher AR/VR adoption, study predicts

Applications for the tech include deeper product visualization, more immersive virtual try-ons, access to item details and exploring virtual malls.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 13, 2020

Smartly.io adds Snapchat to automated social ad platform

Brands can now use Smartly.io's tools and services to run hyper-localized campaigns on Snapchat and monitor their performance.

By Robert Williams • May 13, 2020

Cadillac's CMO wants the upfronts to evolve to meet a disruptive moment

During a webinar hosted by Innovid, Melissa Grady talked about growing difficulties in areas like measurement and where new brand opportunities lie during the pandemic.

By Peter Adams • May 13, 2020

Asos debuts AR tool for online shoppers

The retailer is digitally mapping products onto models to generate images that better showcase size, cut and fit as most stores remain closed.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 12, 2020

Perfect brings AR tools for beauty brands to WeChat

Users can now virtually sample products directly on the popular Chinese messaging app while stores remain closed.

By Robert Williams • May 12, 2020

Tostitos sponsors livestreamed nacho showdown between Guy Fieri, Bill Murray

A star-studded Facebook Live event supporting restaurant workers also features brand partners like Uber Eats, Tito's vodka and Tyson Foods.

By Peter Adams • May 12, 2020

Chili's plans YouTube dinner party with DoorDash

The food delivery app will livestream the event featuring performer Chantel Jeffries and Britney Spears while donating funds to Feeding America.

By Robert Williams • May 12, 2020

Chips Ahoy, Sour Patch Kids team up to host virtual prom

To promote a new line of cookies, the Mondelēz brands are hosting a virtual event for high schoolers whose proms have been canceled during lockdown.

By Dianna Christie • May 12, 2020

Hormel hosts virtual festival of 6 'hope-filled' films on YouTube

A programming slate focused on people who beat incredible odds comes as established film festivals, including Cannes, are forced to reset their plans.

By Peter Adams • May 11, 2020

Pedigree supports contactless pet adoption with Zoom tie-in

Starting tonight, the Mars-owned brand is jumping on the Zoom boom to help prospective pet owners virtually connect with dogs.

By Dianna Christie • May 11, 2020

Facebook beefs up ad targeting for in-stream Watch video buys

Anheuser-Busch experienced 15% incremental reach aside from TV with Facebook Reserve ads.

By Robert Williams • May 11, 2020

Grey Goose hires bartenders for video mixology series

"House Pour" gives a face to the many bar workers who are out of work due to coronavirus-related shutdowns.

By Dianna Christie • May 11, 2020

Report: TikTok takes aim at Snapchat with AR ad format

The AR brand effect ad will let TikTok users create videos with visual effects from sponsors.

By Robert Williams • May 11, 2020

Chipotle, Axe host virtual prom events for homebound teens

Each brand is hosting social media events that are tied in with the Teen Vogue Virtual Prom on May 16.

By Robert Williams • May 11, 2020

E.l.f. Cosmetics returns to TikTok with original song, dance challenge

After scoring more than 5 billion views with a similar effort last fall, the brand is challenging users to show how a new product can help make things disappear.

By Robert Williams • May 7, 2020

PepsiCo spotlights essential workers in new 'Stronger Together' platform

Some workers from Southeastern states will be featured in 30-second ads on iHeartRadio's Elvis Duran and The Morning Show and The Breakfast Club.

By Dianna Christie • May 7, 2020

Consumers tire of COVID-19-related ads, survey finds

Brands may struggle to balance consumer desire to move on from pandemic messaging with the need to be responsible corporate citizens.

By Dianna Christie • May 7, 2020