Campaign Trail: How Steak-umm deepfaked real vegans into meat eaters

Created with agency Tombras, “DeepSteaks” arrives as generative AI makes it even easier for bad actors to manipulate peoples’ likenesses.

By Chris Kelly • Dec. 1, 2023

Mars brand Excel Gum uses ASMR to relieve studying stress

Running in Canada, the “Excel Study Beats” program leverages creators to share soothing gum content across TikTok, YouTube and Spotify.

By Aaron Baar • Nov. 30, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Consumer Packaged Goods

If CPGs can adeptly adjust to emerging mandates, they have an opportunity to strengthen their brands.  

By Marketing Dive staff

Gillette encourages gamers to ‘hit reset’ for global campaign

The marketer’s long-running Gillette Gaming Alliance will be active on Twitch, YouTube and social media to share gaming content and grooming tips.

By Jessica Hammers • Nov. 30, 2023

Geico Gecko serves as on-set consultant for Netflix’s ‘Leo’ in co-branded ads

The first such partnership for the streamer’s ad-supported tier is a sign Netflix is striking more involved brand deals a year after launching the offering.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 30, 2023

Toyota stresses shared moments, utility in ads across Uber Eats, ride apps

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander has a branded storefront on Uber Eats while a playable ad in Uber’s ride app lets users fill up the car’s trunk.

By Sara Karlovitch • Nov. 29, 2023

How the best marketing campaigns of 2023 mastered pop culture nostalgia

Brands faced a preponderance of global challenges this year and opted for a familiar playbook as the industry arrives at a crossroads.

By Chris Kelly , Sara Karlovitch , Jessica Hammers • Nov. 29, 2023

How Walmart’s shoppable rom-com bridges holiday content, commerce

Ads on TikTok, Roku and YouTube showcase an assortment meant to balance “inspiration and impulse” for the season, according to CMO William White.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 28, 2023

Mars recycles old ads for M&Ms, Twix to promote net-zero progress

The campaign reanimates popular spots with new messages about climate action and will run across Meta, YouTube and OOH channels.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 28, 2023

Pop-Tarts unveils edible mascot for inaugural bowl game

The brand also launched an interactive “Prop-Tarts” experience to dole out free Pop-Tarts to consumers who correctly predict elements of the game.

By Jessica Hammers • Updated Dec. 6, 2023

Brand backlash: Are 2023’s epic marketing fails part of a bigger problem?

High-profile controversies have sent a chilling effect across an industry facing down another contentious election year and crusades against “wokeness.”

By Peter Adams • Nov. 28, 2023

Las Vegas spurs excessive celebration at Super Bowl with new campaign

Made with agency R&R partners, “Excessive Celebration Encouraged” sees Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson recreate infamous touchdown celebrations.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 27, 2023

Honda’s interactive AR murals showcase EVs for holiday shoppers

OOH activations at two outdoor shopping centers use “sky segmentation” technology to integrate digital content with the sky.

By Aaron Baar • Nov. 27, 2023

Google, NBCU’s custom ads offer peek behind Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

A trio of spots following the Radio City Rockettes as they prepare to perform live show off AI-powered features on Google’s Pixel 8 smartphone.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 22, 2023

State Farm conjures celebrities for biggest creative launch in 3 years

Jimmy Fallon and Ludacris are summoned, genie-like, as people react to situations that require insurance in ads from new agency Highdive.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 21, 2023

12 holiday campaigns embodying the seasonal spirit of 2023

Brands are approaching advertising in a variety of ways during a period when economic uncertainty has replaced pandemic-era concerns.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 21, 2023

Pepsi brings back Shaq for fresh spin on Skee-Lo’s ‘90s hit ‘I Wish’

In a new commercial inspired by a 1994 collaboration, Shaquille O’Neal wishes he was “a little bit smaller” to promote Pepsi Mini Cans.

By Jessica Hammers • Nov. 20, 2023

Snoop Dogg gives up smoke for Solo Stove campaign

A viral pledge assumed to be about pot usage turns out to be a teaser for a new campaign developed by The Martin Agency.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 20, 2023

Disney, Verizon help bring children’s wishes to life with AR experience

Arriving ahead of the debut of animated film “Wish,” the mobile effort enables consumers to support children by making a donation to Toys for Tots.

By Aaron Baar • Nov. 16, 2023

Sleigh the season: Will caution stifle the holidays or can marketers win?

Consumer spending is expected to surpass pre-pandemic figures, but brands are proceeding carefully as uncertainty looms.

By Jessica Hammers • Nov. 16, 2023

Nike names new CMO as it chases next era of growth

After leaving to found a creative ad agency, company veteran Nicole Hubbard Graham will return to oversee all aspects of marketing starting in the new year.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 15, 2023

Burger King, McDonald’s fling fast-food footwear with Fila, Crocs

Marketers continue to look to fashion and culture as a way to connect with younger consumers who are wary of ads — not brands.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 15, 2023

Chili’s remixes Baby Back Ribs jingle with Boyz II Men

The effort leans into ‘90s nostalgia while trying to usher a signature piece of branding into the TikTok era.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 14, 2023

Lego uses AR for transatlantic snowball throwing contest

Shoppers at the brand’s New York and London flagship locations will go head-to-head to see which city can throw the most digitized snowballs this season.

By Jessica Hammers • Nov. 14, 2023

Drizly asks ‘What’s It Gonna Be?’ with game show campaign, gift registry

Gina Hardy, chief customer officer for the Uber-owned alcohol e-commerce platform, explained how the brand is evolving to meet consumer habits.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 13, 2023

E.l.f. caters to Gen Z’s entrepreneurial spirit with Roblox experience

A virtual space focused on helping players build “dream startups” is themed around several of the beauty marketer’s top products.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 10, 2023