Inside McDonald’s new marketing model as it enters media network fray

At its first investor day since 2023, the fast-food giant announced it is piloting a media network with the goal of building a $1 billion ad business.

By Chris Kelly • Sept. 23, 2026

Instacart enlists icons like Shrek, Scooby-Doo to market AI assistant

Scenes from nostalgic movies and TV shows provide meal ideas that come to life with the help of Clementine AI, which debuted earlier this month. 

By Peter Adams • Sept. 18, 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

Wonderful Pistachios spotlights first NIL roster in social campaign

“Don’t Hold Back All-Stars” features seven rising college athletes in creative that sees the brand pulling from the marketing playbook of companies like Nike.

By Jessica Hammers • Sept. 17, 2026

Meta streamlines creator, brand tie-ups with new marketing hub

Meta hopes to make it easier for advertisers to discover and work with creators with the addition of ad-readiness editing features, expanded APIs and more.

By Sara Karlovitch • Sept. 17, 2026

Sociable: YouTube expands Watch With to more creators

The livestreaming commentary feature allows for real-time reactions to broadcasts, with viewers able to see the combined videos from any device.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Sept. 10, 2026

Snapchat promises advertisers faster conversions for the holidays

New ad products follow news that Chief Business Officer Ajit Mohan, who helped facilitate a revamp of Snap’s advertising business, has stepped down.

By Jessica Hammers • Sept. 10, 2026

Caesars gives NFL legend a ‘looksmaxxing’ makeover in sportsbook ads

“We’ve Had Some Work Done” was created in partnership with minority-owned, full-service creative agency Fellow Kids and produced by Hungry Man.

By Chris Kelly • Sept. 9, 2026

Hoka builds Strava running stats into digital OOH campaign

The marketer is pitting New York’s five boroughs against one another for a “Run Your City” challenge and will leverage the results for campaign creative. 

By Jessica Hammers • Sept. 3, 2026

Why Dr. Squatch is investing in experiences — not ads — with IShowSpeed

Chief Brand Officer John Ludeke explains why the Unilever brand is betting that it can get Gen Z consumers to create content alongside the top streamer.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 31, 2026

Snapchat’s bid to simplify mobile marketing measurement goes global

Mohegan Sun Online Casino improved its return on ad spend by nearly 90% during a test period for the Unified Attribution capability.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 31, 2026

How Domino’s is taking on the Big Mac, Whopper and other fast-food icons

CMO Kate Trumbull explains why the chain and AOR WorkInProgress chose a hyperbolic, darkly comedic tone for its latest campaign.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 31, 2026

Is Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte ‘basic’? Martha Stewart answers in new ads

Stewart and “Off Campus” actor Belmont Cameli feature in tongue-in-cheek social content that heralds the return of the beloved menu item.

By Peter Adams • Updated Aug. 27, 2026

Sociable: Meta removes option to exclude ad placements

The company will use an automated system to target display options, and brands will no longer be able to decide which apps receive promotions.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 27, 2026

Sociable: YouTube rolls out improvements for connected TV

The company added multiple new features, including the ability to turn creator playlists into shows so viewers can stream videos episodically.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 20, 2026

Sociable: Pinterest partners with Zillow for ad targeting

Through the deal, the real estate platform can target app users with ads based on specialty consumer segments including fixer-uppers and homebuyers.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 13, 2026

Smartphone school ban could imperil billions in social media ad revenue

While a national ban is currently hypothetical, Emarketer’s research on its potential impact reflects the rapidly changing regulatory landscape for mobile.

By Sara Karlovitch • Aug. 13, 2026

Cuisinart caters to thumb-scrolling consumers with short-form series

The 14-part, non-linear series follows the culinary endeavors of a modern home cook and her eccentric roommate from the 17th century.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 13, 2026

CeraVe tackles tanmaxxing in social series to pitch Gen Z on SPF

The L'Oréal brand’s latest campaign taps home renovation tropes to engage a cohort that is increasingly prioritizing getting a tan over protecting their skin.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 11, 2026

Bazooka puts reality TV rivalry center stage in social-forward campaign

Two stars of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” go head-to-head in an effort that features in-person activations and a social content series.

By Sara Karlovitch • Aug. 10, 2026

Sociable: Snapchat tries to teach brands to be funny

The app released guidance on how marketers can connect with younger users through humor and offered tips on effective comedy writing.

By Andrew Hutchinson • Aug. 6, 2026

Fossil ads using AI to identify target profiles earn 58.8M impressions

In-flight Wi-Fi pre-roll helped to drive traffic to a virtual holiday pop-up shop as part of a campaign targeting three traveler profiles. 

By Sara Karlovitch • Aug. 6, 2026

Disney, TikTok partner on content sharing as creators fuel fandom

The deal gives creators access to IP from franchises, including Marvel and Star Wars, and Disney a pipeline for vertical video content.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 5, 2026

Domino’s pays diners to beta test its relaunched app, website

The pizza chain’s new campaign encourages consumers to leave feedback about its updated digital ordering experience.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 3, 2026

Snapchat shores up lead gen ads with new HubSpot integration

The app is focusing on partnerships to “meet our clients where they are,” said Vice President of Global Agency and Strategic Accounts Adrian Mulryan.

By Peter Adams • July 30, 2026

Meta touts industry-leading ad revenue growth, but AI unease rises

CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that faster revenue gains mean AI investments are paying off, but not everyone is convinced.

By Peter Adams • July 30, 2026