3 music trends shaping today’s commercial films

Uncover three key music trends that are transforming modern brand storytelling.

Feb. 2, 2026

Heineken weds friendship with fandom for global platform

“Fans Have More Friends” asserts the importance of sociability and unites the brewer’s sponsorships across soccer, Formula 1 and music festivals.

By Sara Karlovitch • Jan. 30, 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

P.F. Chang’s names new CMO on tails of brand platform launch

Holly Smith replaces Sonika Patel, who lasted less than a year in the role but oversaw the launch of a “Light the Fire” campaign around the holidays. 

By Peter Adams • Jan. 30, 2026

Campaign Trail: Dove finds real beauty in ‘Bridgerton’

The Unilever brand and agency Mythology used a masquerade ball in the style of the Netflix hit to boost long-running work around self-confidence.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 30, 2026

Fanatics Sportsbook bets on Kendall Jenner for Super Bowl debut

The sportsbook is also inviting consumers to bet with or against the celebrity on its app around which team will come out on top at the big game.

By Aaron Baar • Jan. 29, 2026

How Pepsi is taking the fight to Coca-Cola at the Super Bowl and beyond

The marketer is continuing a revived Pepsi Challenge around its Pepsi Zero Sugar brand, and its big game ad features an icon from Coke’s advertising.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 29, 2026

Unpacking the marketing industry trends forecast for 2026

Marketers must remain resilient as they navigate ongoing challenges, including an uncertain economic backdrop and the advancement of AI.

By Marketing Dive staff • Jan. 29, 2026

Crocs puts self-expression over algorithmic sameness with new platform

Agency Flower Shop handled creative on “Wonderfully Unordinary,” a platform that centers on self-expression and real-world experiences.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 28, 2026

Coke’s World Cup campaign taps into unifying power of fan emotions

Ads set to a cover of Van Halen’s “Jump” show shared excitement for a tournament that is arriving in a highly fractured political climate.

By Peter Adams • Updated Jan. 29, 2026

How Dollar Shave Club is calling out B.S. after a Super Bowl stiff arm

The DTC disruptor brand pivoted after its latest edgy campaign was rejected for the big game for using profanity.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 26, 2026

Chipotle’s new CMO on how the brand’s latest ad meets consumer trends

“Choices” contrasts daily prep at the fast-casual Mexican chain with images of nuggets in fryer baskets and frozen burger patties on a conveyor belt.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 26, 2026

Honda takes modular approach to Winter Olympics campaign creative

The official automotive partner of Team USA will be able to mix and match assets like athlete footage to suit different media channels and verticals.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 22, 2026

How Macy’s is flexing its Style Crew affiliate program beyond social media

The department store recently experimented with its Style Crew of over 600 influencers by integrating them into in-person events and direct mailers.

By Jessica Hammers • Jan. 22, 2026

Choice Hotels hones in on value in latest global marketing campaign

Featuring entertainer Keegan-Michael Key, the ad spots highlight how Choice offers guests unique experiences and more value across its brand portfolio.

By Jenna Graber • Jan. 21, 2026

Why Hershey’s first major campaign in 8 years comes ahead of the Olympics

The brand partnered with The Martin Agency for a new platform that utilizes MiltonOne, a bespoke Publicis Groupe solution.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 21, 2026

Why Dos Equis revived the Most Interesting Man amid category headwinds

Alison Payne, CMO for parent company Heineken USA, explains how the iconic character is being reimagined for the social-digital world.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 16, 2026

Campaign Trail: Equinox uses AI to contrast fitness with digital fakery

Created with agency Angry Gods, “Question Everything But Yourself” tackles an age of unreality that is being exacerbated by the meteoric rise of AI.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 16, 2026

M&M’s spokescandies suit up as Marvel superheroes for global campaign

The Mars candy brand is aligning the blockbuster-inspired collaboration with “It’s More Fun Together,” a creative platform it debuted last year.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 15, 2026

Norwegian Cruise Line brings back ‘90s tagline for platform, campaign

“It’s Different Out Here” reinforces the idea that memories matter more than amenities, pushing back against an industry often focused on the latter.

By Jessica Hammers • Jan. 15, 2026

Coach expands gaming footprint with The Sims virtual fashions

Wearable items with 65 print and color variations will be available for free to players, allowing for the creation of hundreds of different looks.

By Sara Karlovitch • Jan. 13, 2026

9 marketing predictions for 2026 as AI fuels polarity

The sense of a stable middle ground is eroding across an industry at a point of contraction, with many displaying mixed feelings about marketing’s future.

By Peter Adams , Chris Kelly , Jessica Hammers , Sara Karlovitch • Jan. 13, 2026

Skittles will perform Super Bowl ad live at one consumer’s front door

The Mars candy brand will hypertarget its big game spot to promote a partnership with delivery platform Gopuff.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 13, 2026

Michelob Ultra looks to repeat a miracle ahead of Winter Olympics

“Run Back the Miracle” celebrates the American hockey win over the Soviet Union at the 1980 games and is part of a broader Olympics push. 

By Sara Karlovitch • Jan. 12, 2026

How rising retail brands use influencers to combat digital overload

At NRF’s Big Show, execs from Mejuri, Coterie and Beyond Yoga emphasized the power of community in amplifying brand messages and viral moments.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 12, 2026

Why Recess is rethinking Dry January as drinking trends toward moderation

The functional beverage brand is championing balance — not abstinence — in a campaign that spans print, out-of-home, influencers and other channels.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 11, 2026