Consumers say rewards matter, but many aren’t actually using them

In the crowded loyalty landscape, a successful program goes beyond growing enrollment to actually influencing customers’ shopping behavior.

By Bryan Wassel • July 15, 2026

Liquid I.V., Samsung swing into ‘Spider-Man’ to spotlight new products

The Unilever hydration brand’s largest entertainment partnership yet includes ads, a pair of co-branded flavors and experiential marketing.

By Peter Adams • July 15, 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

Pizza Hut serves up nostalgia with latest rewards program push

The latest iteration of “Hut Originals” includes a value menu, a streetwear collection inspired by the brand’s classic uniforms and a mobile experience.

By Sara Karlovitch • July 14, 2026

Heinz calls foul on small condiment packets in social World Cup effort

Limited-edition Penalty Packets tap into interest in soccer’s iconic red and yellow cards ahead of the quarter finals.

By Sara Karlovitch • July 9, 2026

Sociable: Meta adds updated disclosure tags for AI-generated ads

The updated tags will provide more info on which promotions include AI-generated elements, whether from Meta or via external AI tools. 

By Andrew Hutchinson • July 9, 2026

Chipotle drives rewards program with ‘PGA Tour 2K25’ integration

The partnership is part of a larger golf strategy by the brand, which became an official sponsor of PGA Tour through a multiyear deal announced in January.

By Sara Karlovitch • Updated July 8, 2026

Brands see content gold in microdramas. Will they muck up the moment?

Opinions are split on whether brands are serious about the saucy short-form genre, but experts shared ways to dip a toe in the water.

By Peter Adams • July 7, 2026

State Farm enlists IShowSpeed to keep season five of gaming series fresh

Reality-competition series “Gamerhood” will integrate Flowcode technology that uses QR codes to connect the brand with consumers.

By Chris Kelly • July 7, 2026

Why Febreze is taking on soccer stink via podcasts, experiences

The P&G brand’s “Can’t Wash This” campaign comes as World Cup fever gives way to the beginning of the MLS season.

By Chris Kelly • July 6, 2026

Dove Men+Care takes to Strava and social media to promote reformulation

The fitness challenge coincides with parent company Unilever's increased emphasis on sports and influencer marketing.

By Sara Karlovitch • July 2, 2026

Sociable: Reddit launches ‘People are the Best’ campaign

The platform’s new promotional message highlights the real conversations happening in-app each day and takes subtle aim at artificial intelligence.

By Andrew Hutchinson • July 2, 2026

How TikTok Shop is changing innovation for food and beverage brands

Marketers like PepsiCo and Mars are using the app’s e-commerce feature to drive sales and inform new products, according to the platform’s head of food.

By Michael Brady • July 2, 2026

How Instacart is cultivating full-funnel marketing with video, AI

Ali Miller, general manager of advertising, breaks down a new short-form vertical video feed and how Instacart plans to bring ads into its AI assistant. 

By Peter Adams • June 29, 2026

Taco Bell gives away emotional-support tacos as World Cup nerves run high

“Loss Or Celebration Outcome Support,” or “L.O.C.O.S.,” will activate globally and comes as the brand looks to expand its loyalty program.

By Sara Karlovitch • June 25, 2026

Sociable: Meta launches integrated booking for lead ads

The Facebook-only update integrates third-party platforms including Calendly and is designed to streamline the signup process.

By Andrew Hutchinson • June 25, 2026

Sprite unites tastemakers and fans to debate hip-hop’s greatest hits

New campaign “The Living Tracklist” seeks to establish a canon for the genre and employs packaging, social content and a digital experience.

By Chris Kelly • June 25, 2026

Albertsons integrates branded product placement into AI-search tool

The grocery company’s retail media arm now lets ads appear in conversational search product carousels.

By Peyton Bigora • June 24, 2026

Starbucks pilots TikTok program for boosting employee-generated content

With Gen Z frequently learning about new products from employee-generated content, Starbucks is leaning in with help from the social media platform.

By Sara Karlovitch • June 23, 2026

Uber Advertising expands beyond owned apps in play for more ad dollars

Miller Lite had a 45% higher click-through rate with Ride Offers on Journey compared to similar non-offer creatives.

By Sara Karlovitch • June 18, 2026

Sociable: Reddit study highlights user purchase behavior

The research, created in partnership with WPP, examined how people on the platform gain insights into brands and make buying decisions.

By Andrew Hutchinson • June 18, 2026

P&G’s latest branded microdrama is built on Albertsons retail media data

The CPG giant is the first to use a new branded entertainment offering from the grocer’s retail media network that puts shopper insights first.

By Peter Adams • June 17, 2026

Hinge’s chief marketer on why community is more than a marketing channel

Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Tamika Young explains why the dating app has donated millions to grassroots social groups.

By Chris Kelly • June 17, 2026

Sociable: Pinterest adds Amazon Storefront linking

Eligible creators can now include affiliate links in the Pins, allowing their followers to easily shop products directly from the app.

By Andrew Hutchinson • June 11, 2026

Bumble’s YouTube advice show tackles dating anxiety amid user slump

The show is part of a larger effort by the app to develop a “higher-quality” user base, as the number of total paying users continues to drop.

By Sara Karlovitch • June 11, 2026

Violife slices through dairy-free cheese misconceptions with social series

The brand’s “Undairy the Craving” campaign attempts to combat preconceived ideas surrounding the taste and quality of vegan cheeses.

By Sara Karlovitch • June 4, 2026