IAB: As brands diversify ad spend, midsize media firms grow fastest

The largest growth in the digital market last year came from mid-tier media platforms, streaming services and e-commerce businesses. 

By Peter Adams • April 17, 2025

Why Mentos relaunched its iconic jingle and brought brand lore to Fortnite

To reach Gen Z, the 93-year-old brand is tapping into ‘90s nostalgia and enduring interest in what happens when its mints are mixed with cola.

By Chris Kelly • April 16, 2025

Ally’s WNBA deal brings it closer to gender parity in sports media spend

The brand’s sponsorship includes an endorsement deal with incoming rookie Paige Bueckers, who features in social content around a sweepstakes.

By Chris Kelly • April 14, 2025

Influencer marketing surges: Here’s what the numbers say

In 2025, 59% of marketers plan to partner with more influencers compared to 2024 as consumers explore new social media platforms, per Sprout Social.

By Sara Karlovitch • March 28, 2025

How Jack in the Box is working its brand into ‘Hot Ones,’ ‘Call Her Daddy’

Agency TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles is looking beyond quirky TV ads to drive cultural impact for a new “So Munch More” brand platform. 

By Chris Kelly • March 28, 2025

Coke refreshes ‘Share a Coke’ to reach Gen Z with digital experiences

The effort includes a QR code-powered digital hub and a digital experience that can help consumers create and share videos.

By Chris Kelly • March 26, 2025

JCPenney embraces social-first marketing with VaynerMedia hire

The department store chain will take advantage of services like a social influencer seeding offering intended to boost relevance.

By Peter Adams • March 25, 2025

Inside H&M’s digital relaunch and approach to multichannel experiences

Head of Digital Jenn Volk explains how the retailer reimagined digital to increase brand storytelling around moments like its Charli XCX collaboration.

By Chris Kelly • March 25, 2025

Why Icy Hot evolved from function to fun in first work by The Martin Agency

Brand ambassador Shaquille O’Neal embraces a new role as the leader of “The Comeback Cavalry” in a campaign aimed at everyday athletes.

By Chris Kelly • March 18, 2025

Rare Beauty CMO on winning Gen Z through community-oriented marketing

The brand spent years building up its social media fandom before launching a major ad campaign, CMO Katie Welch said at SXSW.

By Peter Adams • March 11, 2025

How cult brands like Crocs, Southwest see influencer marketing evolving

Executives at SXSW described how the channel can be more successful than traditional advertising in the quest to woo Gen Z consumers. 

By Peter Adams • March 10, 2025

NWSL lands podcast star Alex Cooper’s Unwell Hydration as sponsor

The "Call Her Daddy" host's beverage brand is supporting pop-ups and an official fan community as part of the deal with the women's soccer league.

By Peter Adams • March 7, 2025

Papa Johns invites pizza fans to ‘Meet the Makers’ for TV, social ads

Handled by the Martin Agency, the chain’s first work under CMO Jenna Bromberg includes tie-ups with food influencers and real team members.

By Jessica Hammers • March 6, 2025

Twitch simplifies sponsorship, revenue opportunities for streamers

A Creator Profile feature and partnership with StreamElements enables creators to make professional connections directly from their dashboards.

By Aaron Baar • March 6, 2025

Why Bombay Sapphire is using DJ sets and office happy hours to push gin

In the latest iteration of “Tastes Like It’s Friday,” lifestyle creators will be tasked with breaking down misconceptions about gin.

By Chris Kelly • March 6, 2025

How DSW’s CMO is overhauling the brand for a new age of retail

Sarah Crockett detailed her approach to rehabilitating the brand during a keynote presentation at the eTail Palm Springs conference.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 28, 2025

WeWard lines up Venus Williams to stand out in fitness app crowd

Venus Williams has signed on as an investor and brand ambassador for the app, which incentivizes walking by offering rewards.

By Aaron Baar • Feb. 27, 2025

Campaign Trail: Sprite locks in NBA stars Anthony Edwards, Kevin Garnett

Johannes Leonardo helped craft a social-first campaign that captures true-to-life conversations between stars from different generations.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 21, 2025

Chili’s rides with NASCAR, Lifetime to push margaritas with music, TV

Two very different campaigns look to broaden the company’s consumer base in an effort to continue its wave of success.

By Sara Karlovitch • Feb. 13, 2025

True Religion centers on authenticity for ‘Own Your True’ brand platform

The effort includes a tie-up with pop star Anitta and comes weeks after private equity firm Acon Investments bought a controlling stake in the brand.

By Aaron Baar • Feb. 13, 2025

How CeraVe’s latest culture-hacking campaign brings ‘medutainment’ to ‘SNL’

The L’Oréal skincare brand is returning to its influencer-heavy Super Bowl marketing playbook from last year to boost a new anti-dandruff product.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 13, 2025

Adidas tackles sports sideline pressures with ‘You Got This’ campaign

An effort launching just days after rival Nike’s splashy Super Bowl ad features star athletes and amateurs overcoming moments of self-doubt.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 11, 2025

As Super Bowl’s cultural cachet grows, brands look beyond in-game ads

Avocados From Mexico, Tostitos and Twix are among the brands looking to engage with tuned-in consumers without paying millions for an in-game ad.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 6, 2025

Oreo hypes Post Malone cookie drop with new Snapchat ad format

The Mondelez marketer is the first in the snack category to take advantage of Sponsored Snaps, which include a link to make a purchase.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 5, 2025

Mastercard helps Lady Gaga fans sow ‘Mayhem’ in music culture play

A tie-up with Gaga around her eighth studio album saw the payments marketer unveil the singer’s latest single around the Grammy Awards.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 3, 2025