Kantar: TikTok ad exposure nearly doubles, as does platform's trust among marketers

Several channels previously viewed as less popular, including mobile gaming and music streaming, saw gains amid the pandemic's radical shift to digital.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 1, 2021

WynnBet teams with Ben Affleck, Shaq as online sports betting heats up

The new campaign coincides with plans for Wynn Resorts to spend $100 million on WynnBets during the upcoming football season, per Bloomberg.

By Asa Hiken • Aug. 31, 2021

Slinky makes social media debut with search for new jingle

The effort from the 75-year-old toy brand focuses on TikTok and Instagram and directs fans to SoundCloud where they can create their own take on the tune.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 30, 2021

Campaign Trail: Sonos explores sonic ties to nature in smart speaker ad

Outdoor influencers created a soundtrack inspired by national parks after Sonos found most people opt for music over friends as their preferred adventure buddy.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Aug. 27, 2021

Mtn Dew hypes new Cheetos Flamin' Hot collab with streetwear, granny influencers

PepsiCo's "provocative" cross-branding play draws on the spicy chip's cult-like following and Gen Z skater culture.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 26, 2021

Taco Bell names Lil Nas X 'chief impact officer' in latest pop culture activation

The partnership, which begins with a new breakfast campaign, comes weeks after the QSR announced Cashmere as its culture agency of record.

By Asa Hiken • Aug. 23, 2021

Myth busted — Yes, you can measure influencer activations

Marketers can finally prove influencer ROI to increase social commerce spend. Here's how.

Aug. 16, 2021

Express pilots commission-based influencer program

Following revenue declines and staff cuts, the company hopes its new program will draw in online shoppers.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 27, 2021

Facebook to invest $1B in creators in bid to bolster Reels, livestreaming offerings

Beefing up creator perks comes as the company faces increasingly stiff competition from TikTok and significant changes to user tracking.

By Peter Adams • July 15, 2021

Lipton casts T-Pain as 'Cousin T' in sitcom-inspired digital ads around family unity

Developed with creative agency Ten35, the content play signals how brands are dipping their toes back into tactics that have been waylaid by COVID-19.

By Peter Adams • July 14, 2021

Kraft Heinz partners with 'Top Chef' alum to launch food-focused platform

As part of the CPG giant's digital push, What's Cooking will first showcase content from Chef Edward Lee before adding other food creators.

By Chris Kelly • July 7, 2021

Dr Pepper takes zero-gravity flight with Triller to promote Zero Sugar soda

The partnership capitalizes on recent interest in flight and space, while demonstrating how Triller is different from social video rivals like TikTok.

By Chris Kelly • June 24, 2021

L'Oréal taps Pinterest creators in expanded push into content marketing

The personal care brand is teaming with more than 20 influencers to create beauty tutorials and discuss trends for seven brands across its portfolio.

By Asa Hiken • June 21, 2021

TikTok replaces YouTube as top sponsor at VidCon, heating up bidding war for creators

By knocking Youtube out of the title sponsorship it has held since 2013, TikTok will be able to spotlight its top talent and executives throughout the convention.

By Asa Hiken • June 17, 2021

Instagram debuts tool to help creators earn commission on purchases

The platform seeks to support creators aiming to monetize their audience through brand partnerships, tipping or merchandise sales.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 10, 2021

Skittles launches 'QueeR codes' to spotlight LGBTQ creators during Pride

Mars Wrigley-owned Skittles worked with agency ICF Next to commission LGBTQ artists to paint murals that link consumers to content and resources.

By Chris Kelly • June 8, 2021

Miller Lite, New Balance team up on 'dad shoe' beer koozie

Developed with DDB San Francisco, the "shoezie" giveaway leans into dad fashion and kicks off the Molson Coors brand's marketing around Father's Day.

By Asa Hiken • June 2, 2021

Vizzy hard seltzer recruits drag queen Priyanka to promote LGBTQ+ representation in the arts

As it seeks to break into the Canadian market, the Molson Coors brand will spotlight four artists as part of a larger visibility initiative.

By Asa Hiken • Updated May 28, 2021

TikTok strikes audio deal with SiriusXM to expand reach as music tastemaker

A dedicated TikTok Radio channel will emulate the experience of the app's scrolling "For You" page and spotlight diverse creators and trends.

By Peter Adams • May 24, 2021

Stella Artois teams with grandmaster in Twitch-streamed chess challenge

With help from Hikaru Nakamura, the beer brand wants to break an online chess record and reward players and spectators who take part in the event.

By Asa Hiken • May 24, 2021

Walmart streamlines shopping with So Yummy cooking competition

The "Unbox'd" cook-off series features influencers and shoppable recipes linked to the retailer's online grocery store.

By Asa Hiken • May 19, 2021

Mtn Dew nets audio activation with basketball-themed podcast

A new tie-up with comedian Druski will target young basketball fans and run through the NBA playoffs.

By Asa Hiken • May 17, 2021

Branded content, influencer marketing make up biggest slice of digital ad budgets

The need for advertisers to quickly move up and down the purchase funnel is driving a shift in budget allocations, an Advertiser Perceptions survey found.

By Robert Williams • April 22, 2021

West Elm launches influencer ambassador program

The retailer is tapping into a network of content creators and industry leaders to highlight products and drive sales. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 14, 2021

Omnicom calls for Asian inclusivity with PSA contest

The "Three in Five" campaign urges the advertising industry to tell Asian stories amid a rise in anti-Asian hate and violence.

By Robert Williams • April 12, 2021