Taco Bell asks diners to swap out mundane meals via TikTok dance challenge

"Taco Swap" builds on an effort that helped to drive the highest sales week in the chain's history and represents another bid to be closer to youth culture.

By Chris Kelly • May 9, 2022

Campaign Trail: Malibu drinkers can 'do whatever tastes good' in a hyperreal world

The Pernod Ricard brand teamed with Wieden+Kennedy for a neon-drenched spot that looks to make the summer mindset permanent.

By Chris Kelly • May 6, 2022

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

Starbucks builds out 'third place' with foray into NFTs

As a means to build a community around coffee, the chain will link the upcoming digital tokens to exclusive content and perks.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • May 5, 2022

Xbox levels up mobile app through stories feature

Following Microsoft's announcement that it may bring ads to its gaming platform, Xbox is taking a TikTok-like approach to user content. 

By Sara Karlovitch • May 5, 2022

Celebrity-created RTD cocktails hit shelves with new Thomas Ashbourne brand

The line, which features drinks designed by Sarah Jessica Parker and John Cena, among others, mixes trendy high-end spirits and entertainment icons.

By Megan Poinski • May 5, 2022

WPP partners with Epic Games to boost metaverse offering

A training program seeks to upskill agency talent on how to better create brand experiences in Fortnite and with Unreal Engine.

By Chris Kelly • May 5, 2022

Michelob Ultra serves up hybrid McEnroe vs. McEnroe tennis match

The match highlights the career of John McEnroe as he plays against virtual versions of himself and finds joy in the journey.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 4, 2022

Taco Bell teams with Lil Nas X to help solve global challenges

Young consumers can submit ideas for how to tackle society's most pressing issues for a chance to receive mentorship, funding and a trip to the chain's headquarters.

By Chris Kelly • May 4, 2022

How Coke and Pepsi's rivalry shaped marketing — and where it goes next

As the most enduring consumer brand rivalry enters a new phase in the metaverse, tall orders around sustainability may demand cooperation over competition.

By Peter Adams • May 3, 2022

Accenture rebrands marketing services group to focus on unity

Almost all of the 40-plus agencies the division has acquired will operate under the Accenture Song banner as services expand into areas like the metaverse.

By Peter Adams • May 2, 2022

Sweetgreen's ambassador team adds NBA's Devin Booker with TikTok-inspired spot

A celebrity-backed "Create Your Own" campaign looks to boost the chain's digital orders, which made up 65% of sales last quarter.

By Chris Kelly • May 2, 2022

Burger King taps new agencies after year of marketing tumult

Among other appointments, independent shop OKRP replaces WPP's David as the burger chain's creative agency in a bid for greater cultural relevancy. 

By Chris Kelly • April 29, 2022

Panera partners with T-Pain and Ntwrk to promote chicken sandwich

The rapper will host a day of merchandise drops on the shopping app, including a line of items branded with Panera’s logo and images of its chicken sandwich.

By Sara Karlovitch • April 28, 2022

Budweiser seeks millennial attention with new creator-focused campaign

As the brewer seeks to gain younger drinkers, it enlists the help of Grammy award-winning rapper Anderson.Paak.

By Sara Karlovitch • April 28, 2022

McDonald's spotlights Latino film talent to boost industry representation

In partnership with "Encanto" star Stephanie Beatriz, the chain will give the winner of a short film contest a chance to work on initiatives and campaigns.

By Chris Kelly • April 28, 2022

AB InBev generates donations for Ukraine with limited-release beer

The brewing giant is releasing Chernigivske, based on a Ukrainian beer, in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and elsewhere starting next month.

By Sara Karlovitch • April 27, 2022

KFC preps chicken bouquets alongside new 'Finger Lickin' Good' creative

Eyeing younger audiences, the Mother's Day promotion follows its first campaign under new AOR MullenLowe.

By Chris Kelly • April 27, 2022

Malibu calls for eternal summer with new campaign

The social-heavy push attempts to extend the drink's popularity beyond the summer months and build on recent growth.

By Sara Karlovitch • April 26, 2022

What marketers should consider when it comes to metaverse brand safety

As the metaverse becomes a bigger part of strategy, marketers should be aware of the risks of emerging platforms, according to the Oasis Consortium's Tiffany Xingyu Wang.

By Sara Karlovitch • April 26, 2022

Taco Bell takes drag brunch on tour at Cantina locations

The experiential concept came from Live Más Pride, an LGBT employee resource group, and caters to the brand's most loyal rewards members.

By Peter Adams • April 25, 2022

Unilever tightens restrictions on food marketing targeted at kids

A more stringent policy recognizes the power of social media and influencers, with the Ben & Jerry's marketer pledging it won't message to those under 16.

By Peter Adams • April 21, 2022

Mtn Dew goes to Hell to promote Flamin' Hot flavor

The PepsiCo marketer will celebrate the return of the spicy-sweet soda at a free event in Hell, Michigan, that features DJ Pauly D and Action Bronson.

By Chris Kelly • April 21, 2022

How narratives will help reshape modern brand marketing

A narrative-driven brand positioning is one reason for Tesla's success and can be used by other marketers to better connect to a company's strategy, writes Boathouse's John Connors.

By John Connors • April 21, 2022

Netflix is finally open to ads. What's next?

Ads could reportedly be coming to Netflix before the end of the year — sooner than the timeline that co-CEO Reed Hastings previously suggested.

By Chris Kelly • Updated May 10, 2022

Victoria's Secret Pink reveals first male celebrity brand ambassador

Darren Barnet will promote Pink's gender-free collection as the company pushes forward its message of inclusivity.

By Kaarin Moore • April 20, 2022