McDonald's will feature students behind diversity prank in its marketing

Two Filipino Americans who hung a poster in a Texas location after noticing a lack of diversity in the restaurant's images each received $25,000 and offers to be in an upcoming campaign. 

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 21, 2018

Papa John's might win back consumer sentiment, but can it save its business?

Sales and share of the social media conversation were slipping even before a highly publicized fallout with its founder. A new campaign focused on solidarity among franchisees is resonating, but that might not be enough.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 20, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Influencer Marketing

Amid a surge in confidence and new platform approaches, brands continue to turn to influencers for fresh content that can reach online consumers.

By Marketing Dive staff

Kia, Red Bull build drift car and racer Collette Davis jumps over it

Several 30-second spots, a long-form video and a YouTube series show how the 2019 Kia Forte completed the stunt. 

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 20, 2018

Acura urges social media users to #LookUp in new influencer campaign

The campaign offers audiences tutorials on picture-taking and was inspired by an existing hashtag that has about 4 million views.

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 20, 2018

Papa John's spotlights franchisees, eyes new logo in bid to push past founder

Efforts to cut ties with John Schnatter are more concretely manifesting in the company's marketing. Can they win back alienated consumers?  

By Peter Adams • Sept. 19, 2018

The North Face expands definition of 'exploration' in short films

The videos are part of a new global campaign with the tagline "never stop exploring" that will feature musicians, athletes and activists. 

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 19, 2018

Absolut doesn't sugarcoat it in videos promoting new grapefruit flavor

Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson crashes everyday awkward situations with "truth bombs" in videos on Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and connected TV.

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 19, 2018

Ad Age: Spotify sees 2nd big marketer depart in as many weeks

VP of brand creative Jackie Jantos joins former CMO Seth Farbman in leaving the music streaming service amid a broader shuffle of its marketing structure.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 18, 2018

Publicis Groupe's BBH cuts ties with actors' union, WSJ reports

Using union actors in commercials can more than double the production budget, and more marketers are asking agencies during the pitch phase if they are affiliated with the union.

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 18, 2018

Arby's offers free brand-inspired tattoos in 'sandwiches for life' promo

While there's no free food involved, the brand is offering a "higher level of sandwich commitment" to those interested in getting a permanent tattoo. 

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 18, 2018

KFC lets fans 'adopt' new bear-shaped Colonel in promotion of Hot Honey flavor

The latest iteration of the brand mascot takes the form of a nostalgia-inspired honey bottle, and consumers can enter for a chance to win one of their own. 

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 18, 2018

Uber looks ahead with its biggest ad campaign

The ride-hailing pioneer seeks to bounce back from a year of bad publicity with a more optimistic approach to its "Doors Are Always Opening" spot.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 18, 2018

Volvo drives 35% sales lift with interactive connected TV ads

Viewers on Roku and Samsung devices could explore the inside of a car and receive location-based personalized messages. 

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 18, 2018

NFL sidesteps controversy with celeb-starring campaign around touchdown dances

At a time when more advertisers are taking stances on social issues, the league goes for laughs with Andy Garcia and J.B. Smoove.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 17, 2018

Range Rover, SunTrust are tightly integrated into Hulu's 'The First'

The efforts highlight a few ways brands can partner with streaming services for less-intrusive engagements.

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 17, 2018

Axe kicks off fall push with DJ Martin Garrix body spray, branded music video

As interruptive advertising loses ground, the brand is putting a bigger focus on targeting young guys through music. 

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 17, 2018

Dos Equis says 'Mexico is the S--t' through collaboration with streetwear brand

A recently launched celebration of the brewer's heritage will include pop-up events, merchandise and limited-edition cans.

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 17, 2018

Oreo spotlights cookie-shaped eyebrows, slo-mo milk dive in new influencer content

The campaign focuses on the idea that "Some People'll Do Anything for an Oreo."

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 17, 2018

Nielsen: 90% of African-American consumers own smartphones, 54% are digital natives

Of the 67 million Twitter users, 28% are African-American, and 9.3 million embrace Black Twitter.

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 14, 2018

76% of voters age 18-34 support Nike's Kaepernick ad, study finds

A separate analysis found that Nike spent about $4 million on TV ads for the campaign, but generated $7.6 million in earned media value. 

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 14, 2018

Cheetos whips up Flamin' Hot-inspired menu for second pop-up restaurant

Recipes from the event will be released online, and people in Los Angeles can nab tie-ins with the online grocery divisions of Walmart and Amazon.

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 14, 2018

'Deadpool 2' resurrects Blockbuster with London pop-up

Visitors with a Blockbuster membership card will receive a limited-edition VHS case with a film download code. 

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 13, 2018

97% of consumers expect brands to use technology responsibly, but focus on innovation, study says

The halo effect that's shielded digital tech from some negative blowback as its influence has grown may be weakening, putting pressure on brands to think more ethically.

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 13, 2018

Jet announces major rebrand to target city dwellers

The Walmart-owned marketplace is launching a new website, assortment and delivery options to attract city consumers — a shopping segment that's eluded its parent for decades.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 13, 2018

Domino's pulls free pizza stunt after 350 Russians get tattoos of its logo

A franchisee in Russia had offered 100 free pizzas per year for 100 years to fans who got a tattoo of the Domino's logo and shared it on social media.

By Erica Sweeney • Sept. 13, 2018