Apps

Showtime lets fans access 'Shameless' family group chat with SMS play

A first-of-its-kind activation on the Community messaging platform shows how channels like SMS can enable fan experiences at scale during the pandemic.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 18, 2021

EA buys Glu Mobile for $2.4B in quest to quickly scale mobile games business

Nabbing the developer behind Kim Kardashian: Hollywood doubles the size of EA's mobile offerings as the category sees a pandemic windfall.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 11, 2021

Oracle, Walmart bid for TikTok reportedly hits wall as Biden reassesses strategy on China

Walmart continues to work closely with the app, signaling TikTok's ability to bridge content and commerce will remain valuable to the retailer.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 10, 2021

Burger King loyalty program test includes rewards via self-delivery

The loyalty program strengthens the chain's digital offerings and gives it access to diner data that can inform future tweaks based on customer behaviors.

By Emma Liem Beckett • UPDATED: Feb. 9, 2021 at 5:16 p.m.

Opinion

Big game newbies like Chipotle, Indeed and Vroom should focus on ads' long-term impact

To really generate buzz, combine a TV ad with layers of digital marketing before, during and after game day, writes Bernardo de Albergaria of Airship.

By Bernardo de Albergaria • Feb. 08, 2021

Pinterest's ascent continues as holidays spur explosive adoption of shopping ads

The platform plans to scale its sales team "significantly" to court advertisers, while investing more in commerce, Story Pins and automation.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 05, 2021

FTC's Tapjoy settlement puts mobile gaming industry on notice

The agency is likely to broaden its examination of advertising in the mobile gaming industry amid consumer complaints and "deeper structural problems."

By Robert Williams • Feb. 04, 2021

Cheetos' Super Bowl ad embeds stealth Snapchat codes that unlock free snacks

Each of the TV spot's 1,440 frames includes a hidden marker that can be scanned via Snapchat to access a bag of Cheetos Crunch Pop Mix.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 04, 2021

McDonald's offers 'Golden Start' to Lunar New Year with 3 digital experiences

A livestreamed concert available only in the chain's app, an IGTV mini-series and red envelope gift cards are arriving to celebrate the holiday.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 04, 2021

Robinhood forges ahead with Super Bowl debut despite GameStop uproar

While restrictions on trading volatile stocks infuriated users, the app has seen a surge in downloads and an infusion of cash since the controversy began.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 03, 2021

WPP secures early access to TikTok ad products, creators in new global partnership

A sign of how agencies are realigning focus, the tie-up recognizes advertiser demand for digital content and diverse creator talent.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 02, 2021

NBCUniversal, Twitter deepen partnership to meet growing demand for premium social content

The two are expanding their work in advertising sales and content sharing as the pandemic drives up consumer appetites for formats like livestreaming.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 26, 2021

NFL recruits Miley Cyrus, TikTok to enliven tailgate ahead of unusual Super Bowl

A two-hour livestream on the social video app shows how the league and marketers alike are moving away from TV to generate hype for the big game.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 25, 2021

Triller reportedly preps Super Bowl ad as app looks for breakout moment

The TikTok rival could be looking to the big game as a stage to better familiarize consumers with its brand and scale its user base.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 20, 2021

Mobile ad spending surged 26% in 2020 as pandemic fueled demand

App Annie indicates financial pressures sent marketers on the hunt for cheaper ad inventory like interstitials during a banner year for engagement.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 14, 2021

O'Doul's and Match connect for sober-curious virtual dates

AB InBev's non-alcoholic beer brand is tapping research by the dating app that found 32% of singles feel social pressure to drink on a first date.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 14, 2021

White Castle revamps Valentine's Day event with drive-in, carhop service

Fans of the burger chain can book time for a socially distanced date through the OpenTable website or app.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 13, 2021

WW pumps up app-based membership with podcasts, virtual experiences

The company formerly known as Weight Watchers debuted a plan for digitally savvy members built with pandemic-spurred behaviors in mind.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 07, 2021

Consumers spent over $100B on mobile apps in 2020, study finds

TikTok generated $4.7 million globally in revenue on Christmas, making it the top non-gaming app based on spending, according to Sensor Tower.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 07, 2021

Facebook: 35% of gaming newcomers prefer ad-supported monetization model

A report examining COVID-19's impact on the gaming space found Facebook's streaming service in 2020 notched 1 billion viewership hours for the first time.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 07, 2021

Snap teams with Unity to expand ad reach on mobile games

Brands can now more easily reach a gaming platform with 2 billion consumers worldwide that generates 22.9 billion ad impressions a month.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 18, 2020

Facebook reportedly developing Cameo copy to key into custom celeb video boom

The feature, called Super, lets creators receive digital gifts from fans and host the types of streaming content that have grown popular during the pandemic.

By Peter Adams • Dec. 17, 2020

Triller matures as marketing platform with NYX virtual pop-up shop

Emerging amid a surge in user-created video, Triller faces a daunting challenge — and key opportunity — in snagging brand dollars from mainstay social apps as they contend with legal battles.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 17, 2020

Walmart enlists top TikTok creators for first-of-its-kind shoppable livestream

A one-hour variety program showcasing Walmart's holiday offerings illustrates why the retailer is interested in acquiring a stake in the platform.

By Peter Adams • Dec. 17, 2020

Uber now lets businesses offer branded vouchers for rides, meals

Companies can offer vouchers that show their logo, giving them a way to create branded experiences that serve as another touch point with customers.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 15, 2020