Magic Leap cuts 1K jobs while shifting focus to enterprise AR

The developer of augmented reality headsets is coping with the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Robert Williams • April 23, 2020

Red Lobster offers custom Zoom backgrounds, Spotify playlist for date nights

The chain hopes to drive sales by offering takeout menus and virtual ambience for those looking to recreate the experience of eating out on a date.

By Dianna Christie • April 23, 2020

NFL draft draws 100 brands for 3-day broadcast

Lowe's, Bud Light Seltzer, Pizza Hut and Verizon are among the prominent sponsors of the event, which kicks off tonight and will be virtual this year.

By Robert Williams • April 23, 2020

Stella Artois raises funds for local bars to remind consumers 'there's always an after'

The Anheuser-Busch beer brand is calling on its 600-year heritage to offer a message of hope and reassurance.

By Dianna Christie • April 23, 2020

Popeyes drops 'NOLA STRONG' merch, menu box to support New Orleans

The cause-driven effort around COVID-19 comes as some employees strike for better working conditions amid the pandemic.

By Dianna Christie • April 22, 2020

Oscar Mayer looks to keep cookout season alive with socially distant barbecues

The Kraft Heinz brand is promoting a Front Yard Cookout on May 2 and will donate up to 1 million meals if fans share photos of their setup on Twitter.

By Dianna Christie • April 22, 2020

After stumbling out of the gate, can Quibi deliver on its promise for marketers?

Already pivoting from its initial strategy, the mobile-first video platform faces early hurdles as the pandemic undermines its proposition for viewers and advertisers.

By Chris Kelly • April 22, 2020

GroupM shuts down retail specialist agency Triad

The closure reflects how retail media has evolved, with Walmart, Amazon and Target all ramping up the in-house sale of ads on their websites.

By Dianna Christie • April 21, 2020

Group Nine links with Facebook on 10 original Watch shows

Six of the shows are part of a Facebook program that supports collaborations among content creators who make videos exclusively for Watch.

By Robert Williams • April 21, 2020

Fandango buys streaming video service Vudu from Walmart

The deal complements Peacock, the ad-supported streaming service launched last week by Fandango parent NBCUniversal.

By Robert Williams • April 21, 2020

EMarketer: Digital video ad spending up in the air, could slide 5.2% in Q2

The category is still better insulated than others from the pandemic, as it's frequently looked to for brand-building efforts.

By Peter Adams • April 20, 2020

NBA teams with Microsoft on gamified streaming service

Borrowing some concepts from video games, the platform will reward viewership and use AI to deliver personalized content to sports fans at home.

By Dianna Christie , Natalie Black (Koltun) • April 20, 2020

Tribeca Film Festival moves some programming online and to VR

The yearly showcase of feature films partnered with Oculus as the coronavirus keeps moviegoers at home.

By Robert Williams • April 20, 2020

P&G boosts marketing as US sales surge amid pandemic

U.S. sales soared as shoppers stocked their pantries with toilet paper, laundry detergent and cough medicine.

By Robert Williams • April 20, 2020

Foot Locker's Champs Sports, Eastbay build community around student athletes

In a move to raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts, the #NeverNotAnAthlete campaign asks students to share how they're working out during lockdown.

By Dianna Christie • April 20, 2020

Zenni eyewear expands esports tie-up with fresh sponsorships

The DTC brand became the official eyewear of the Houston Outlaws and Pittsburgh Knights and started social accounts to promote esports affiliations.

By Robert Williams • April 17, 2020

BMW's esports marketing undergoes 'major expansion' amid coronavirus

The automaker is deeply integrating its marketing and innovation efforts with five top teams from around the world as esports continue to thrive.

By Dianna Christie • April 17, 2020

Recent CTV ad fraud scheme could be biggest ever

At its peak, the Icebucket bot network impersonated more than 2 million people and generated 1.9 billion ad requests.

By Robert Williams • April 17, 2020

Headspace, 'Sesame Street' debut YouTube meditation videos for kids

The biweekly "Monster Meditations" teach mindfulness, meditation and social skills as families cope with pandemic-related stress.

By Robert Williams • April 17, 2020

Verizon buys Zoom rival BlueJeans for reported $400M

As the carrier rolls out its high-speed mobile connectivity nationwide, Verizon plans to integrate the videoconferencing platform with its 5G services.

By Robert Williams • April 17, 2020

P&G's Aussie sponsors virtual college graduation

Hosted by Her Campus, the digital event aims to boost morale among young women as COVID-19 cancels commencement events across the country.

By Dianna Christie • April 17, 2020

ESPN enlists Facebook, Reese's, State Farm for custom content around Michael Jordan docuseries

Each sponsor is working on tailored integrations, which include Instagram Live pre-shows and ads that repurpose vintage ESPN footage.

By Peter Adams • April 16, 2020

Michelob Ultra streams workouts while helping personal trainers

"Movement by Michelob Ultra Live" will let viewers virtually tip trainers in the videos, which will broadcast on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

By Robert Williams • April 16, 2020

Instagram spotlights creators with IGTV redesign

The 2-year-old video platform is now more integrated with Instagram, letting users post their IGTV videos in the core app's Stories feature.

By Robert Williams • April 15, 2020

Fiat Chrysler sponsors virtual concert series on Facebook Live

The carmaker joins a growing list of marketers sponsoring livestreamed music events during the pandemic.

By Dianna Christie • April 15, 2020