How intense interest in NFTs and other collectibles is shaping marketing

Consumer appetites for NFTs remain niche, but the format could serve as an important experiment if the metaverse ever takes off.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 16, 2021

Instacart cooks up mealtime family bonding in first brand campaign

All dishes shown in the "How Homemade is Made" ad are available through QR codes that link to shoppable recipes on the app.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Nov. 15, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Marketing Dive

From the evolution of influencer marketing and paid media to the ongoing importance of data and culture, here's a look at key trends driving marketing in 2025.

By Marketing Dive staff

Albertsons launches its own retail media network

The grocer cut ties with its third-party provider and turned to the former head of Target's Roundel network to manage its own shop, which will launch its first brand campaigns in February.

By Jeff Wells • Nov. 15, 2021

How Nike execs think through its digital ecosystem

Recent collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion and Dick's Sporting Goods have built on the brand's efforts to craft a connected shopping experience across its channels.

By Cara Salpini • Nov. 11, 2021

NBCUniversal teams with messaging platform Holler, deepening social monetization offerings

As part of the deal, the two created shareable stickers on Venmo that analyze context to serve up a relevant flair for users making payments. 

By Peter Adams • Nov. 11, 2021

3 tips on building an in-house agency — from a company that's been at it for years

It's important to create a practical framework and let the creativity flow from that, writes Chris Tobey, GoDaddy's vice president of creative and design.

By Chris Tobey • Nov. 11, 2021

These traditional brands are shifting to a DTC model. Here's how.

Athletics retailers are in some ways leading this shift, but brands across the industry are doubling down on the model to grow margins.

By Cara Salpini • Nov. 11, 2021

McDonald's duets with Mariah Carey to celebrate the holidays

In advance of The Mariah Menu launch on Dec. 13, the chain debuted a 30-second TV spot during primetime and added free merchandise to the offering.

By Chris Kelly • Updated Dec. 6, 2021

Arby's cracks into spirits with vodka flavors inspired by its fries

To hype the rollout, the chain teamed with chef Justin Sutherland on Bloody Mary recipes that pair the drinks with other menu offerings.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 10, 2021

Tim Hortons jumps on celeb-menu trend with Justin Bieber

Inspired by the singer's "fanatical" love of the brand, the QSR chain partnered on menu innovations and co-branded merchandise.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 10, 2021

Coke partners with Cameo to gift personalized videos from Santa

The first holiday ad under the brand's new "Real Magic" platform was developed by agency dentsuMB UK.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 9, 2021

How Disney balances entertainment and ad sales in the streaming age

The company is positioning itself to take advantage of changing consumer behavior as streaming and digital advertising expand.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 9, 2021

Coca-Cola names WPP global marketing partner

In a deal the partners call "unprecedented" in scope, WPP will execute Coke's new integrated agency model while Dentsu and others will provide complementary work.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 8, 2021

Reese's Puffs puts Kaws art at center of new packaging, AR game

As part of the collaboration, the General Mills brand is selling $50 boxes of its cereal, marking the first time its packaging has come in blue.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 8, 2021

Build deeper connections with consumers through radical relevancy

Join us as we dive deeper into four impactful and creative ways brands can unlock value through customer-centric marketing.

By Andrew Brown, Vice President, Strategy • Nov. 8, 2021

Chipotle strikes multiyear NHL sponsorship in biggest bet yet on sports

After airing its first national TV spot starring an athlete earlier this year, the chain is deepening its hockey ties, including through a new "Unwrapped" ad.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 5, 2021

Burger King's Ellie Doty is latest marketer to leave brand

The exit of the chain's first North American CMO comes as its parent company's growth lags behind that of competitors.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 5, 2021

Campaign Trail: Ikea's buff teddy bears safeguard holiday celebrations

Extending the retailer's message around home as a sanctuary, a new ad shows a set of colorful bears helping a family bond without outside stressors.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Nov. 5, 2021

KFC reportedly will drop longtime agency Wieden + Kennedy as marketing shakeup continues

After putting its creative and media business up for review in September, the QSR chain — and incoming CMO Nick Chavez — will look for new partners.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 4, 2021

Crypto.com becomes first global marketing partner for Twitch Rivals

The partnership comes on the heels of the cryptocurrency platform's launch of a $100 million global ad campaign that stars Matt Damon.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 4, 2021

Nike and Dick's tie loyalty programs together

The combined offering demonstrates how Nike is trying to deepen its relationships with key wholesale partners.

By Cara Salpini • Nov. 3, 2021

Absolut rents out cocktail-inspired tablescapes to celebrate holiday gatherings

New decorative kits available through Social Studies follow an Etsy report that found searches for place settings are up 72% and table decor up 27%.

By Asa Hiken • Nov. 3, 2021

Target unwraps its holiday marketing campaign

In partnership with Mother, the retailer's in-house shop tapped women-owned production companies to create its largest campaign of the year.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 2, 2021

McDonald's powers up 'Friendsgaming' livestream with FaZe Clan to unite gamers

As part of the event riffing on the Friendsgiving concept, the duo created a merchandise pack of co-branded gaming gear and DoorDash delivery codes.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 2, 2021

Spirit brands concoct multisensory shindigs for next-gen experiential marketing

Bombay Sapphire, Johnnie Walker and Grey Goose are some of the marketers using the tactic to explore innovation in ways that are specific to their products.

By Asa Hiken • Nov. 2, 2021