How McDonald’s is serving up culture as part of its new strategic plan

Activations around a Nike sneaker release and box office smash “Backrooms” demonstrate how the fast-food giant uses social media marketing.

By Chris Kelly • June 3, 2026

Une Femme pairs wine with literature for co-branded social promotion

The wine maker is tapping into book club hype through a series of giveaways in partnership with Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 28, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Marketing Dive

From the continued rise of artificial intelligence to the emergence of new digital channels, here's a look at key trends driving marketing in 2026.

By Marketing Dive staff

M&M’s gamifies ‘Love Island USA’ viewing experience as series partner

The collaboration includes limited-edition Play Along Packs, inclusive of M&M’s emblazoned with phrases from the show, and exclusive social content.

By Jessica Hammers • May 28, 2026

Pepsi extends food-focused push for summer of soccer with ads, activations

Created in partnership with BBDO, Copa90 and The PepsiCo Studio, “Soccer Deserves Pepsi” features stars including David Beckham and Memo Ochoa.

By Chris Kelly • May 28, 2026

How Chipotle’s rewards relaunch extends reach of its marketing flywheel

Curt Garner, chief strategy and technology officer at the chain, explains how a “Summer of Extras” effort builds on and gamifies its rewards program.

By Chris Kelly • May 28, 2026

Sociable: YouTube introduces more prominent AI labels

The platform moved its disclosure placement to a more visible position and improved its detection features.

By Andrew Hutchinson • May 27, 2026

Oreo teams with K-pop supergroup BTS for global campaign

Spanning over 80 countries, the effort incorporates key parts of K-pop fan culture.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 27, 2026

Sociable: Snapchat offers unified optimization approach to app marketers

The platform is integrating a wider range of response signals into a single view, which is designed to show more insights across multiple measures.

By Andrew Hutchinson • May 21, 2026

Manischewitz celebrates Jewish matchmaking with reality dating series

The kosher foods brand is tapping into trends around episodic content with “Manischewitz Matchmakers,” which will air on social media in July.

By Jessica Hammers • May 21, 2026

Dr Pepper gets into microdramas for return of dirty soda-inspired flavor

The social-native series, designed to promote the return of its Creamy Coconut LTO, comes as Keurig Dr Pepper looks to increase marketing investment.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 18, 2026

DoorDash taps ex-Amazon exec as CMO

Tim Castree will replace Kofi Amoo-Gottfried, who announced plans to depart the delivery platform in March.

By Chris Kelly • May 18, 2026

Garnier taps ‘Love Island’ star to pitch hair ‘moose’ to next generation

The L'Oréal brand is using social chatter to tease a new campaign featuring TJ Palma, who misinterprets instructions around promoting hair mousse.

By Jessica Hammers • May 15, 2026

TikTok looks beyond brand discovery with travel booking and more

At an ads showcase this week, driving intent and consumer action, including via the new TikTok Go travel offering, were in focus, as were AI capabilities.

By Peter Adams • May 14, 2026

Sociable: Instagram eyes long-form content on CTV

Instagram’s vice president of product told audiences at Scalable Summit that short-form videos may not “be enough to succeed on TV,” per ICYMI.

By Andrew Hutchinson • May 10, 2026

E.l.f. spotlights competitive dance with new sponsorship

As founding partner for the International Dance League’s 2026 season, the marketer gains access to an audience that aligns with its target demographic.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 7, 2026

Luna Bar strategizes new era with social ads starring Jessica Alba

The Mondelēz-owned snack bar brand’s “Easy to Love” campaign represents its first major creative push in nearly a decade.

By Jessica Hammers • May 7, 2026

Lay’s World Cup marketing strategy focuses on ‘scaled intimacy’ with fans

Along with star-studded ads anchored on a real watch party, the brand is hosting a 4 million followers-strong WhatsApp group to drive connection. 

By Peter Adams • May 5, 2026

Sociable: TikTok expands Out of Phone campaigns

A new partnership with Vistar Media will allow advertisers to bring their campaigns to more than a million placements beyond the app.

By Andrew Hutchinson • May 4, 2026

DoorDash delivers memes, reality TV moms for Mother’s Day campaign

A hero spot and social content spotlight the mom group chat as part of an effort that includes deals with Ulta, Old Navy and more.

By Chris Kelly • May 4, 2026

How Qualcomm is building an iconic consumer brand for the AI era

CMO Don McGuire details the tech giant’s work to develop consumer brand Snapdragon, which culminates in a new campaign by 72andSunny.

By Chris Kelly • May 4, 2026

Grubhub centers value in monthlong loyalty push with Anomaly

The delivery platform has made special offers a central theme of its marketing efforts as it continues to struggle with market share.

By Sara Karlovitch • April 30, 2026

Claire’s marks next chapter with Gen Alpha-focused ASMR campaign

“A Girl SMR at Claire's” includes ASMR set-ups, a Summer Sensory Shop, creator tie-ups and a presence on teen-focused social platform Coverstar.

By Jessica Hammers • Updated April 30, 2026

Sociable: Life stage matters more than age for in-app brand promotions

A Meta study found that behaviors such as “digital pebbling” are prevalent across every generation, and expert knowledge matters more than fame.

By Andrew Hutchinson • April 28, 2026

How ‘Devil Wears Prada 2’ designed a ‘fashion collection’ of brand partners

Diet Coke, L’Oréal, Grey Goose, Starbucks and others use a variety of marketing tactics to deepen partnerships with the highly anticipated sequel.

By Chris Kelly • April 27, 2026

Aerie ups commitment to authenticity with enhanced creator program

The Realmakers Community program offers creators commissions and a chance to be featured across Aerie social channels and platforms.

By Jessica Hammers • April 23, 2026