Google's AdSense tests monetizing sites with fewer ads, better targeting

The User First beta is an attempt from a major digital platform dependent on advertising sales for profits to prioritize users' needs. 

By David Kirkpatrick , Chantal Tode • Sept. 5, 2017

Instagram now lets users see Stories on the mobile web

The Instagram.com website shows Stories at the top of a user feed, according to a blog post.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 1, 2017

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

Disney, NBA jump at new Gboard sticker opportunities

Hello Kitty, Disney, NBA and Illumination's "Despicable Me 3" are among the first brands to offer sticker packs on the newly updated Gboard for Android. 

By Robert Williams • Sept. 1, 2017

Levi Strauss' chatbot helps jeans buyers find the right fit

Chatbots are becoming more common, but Levi Strauss' new Virtual Stylist could be the next generation of the technology.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 1, 2017

Trade Desk, White Ops partner in groundbreaking approach to prevent ad fraud

While Google and others offer refunds for ads served to bots, The Trade Desk is promising to verify all impressions before they are purchased. 

By David Kirkpatrick • Sept. 1, 2017

Study: Global AR market will grow 65% a year until 2023

Tech giants like Google and Microsoft and startups such as Blippar and Wikitude will help drive growth in North America.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 31, 2017

Amazon's Alexa will soon talk with Microsoft's Cortana

The tech giants announced plans to let their voice-enabled digital assistants work together.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 31, 2017

Diageo extends VR awareness effort to highlight dangers of binge drinking

A similar campaign last year around drunk driving garnered almost 14 million views for the alcoholic beverage giant's Johnnie Walker brand.

By David Kirkpatrick • Aug. 31, 2017

The blessing and curse of proximity marketing

How can marketers effectively give consumers a choice without losing them?, asks Vejay G. Lalla and Paavana L. Kumar of Davis & Gilbert.

By Vejay G. Lalla and Paavana L. Kumar • Aug. 31, 2017

CMO Council: Brands look to telcos to optimize omnichannel performance

However, 56% of telco marketers said non-telco companies are out-performing them in delivering a true omnichannel experience.

By David Kirkpatrick • Aug. 30, 2017

Google debuts a more scalable AR platform as Apple's ARKit looms

Android smartphones will get greater AR capabilities through ARCore, giving marketers and developers a potential audience of millions.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 30, 2017

Domino's, Ford team to find out if driverless cars are the future of pizza delivery

For now, the two are researching how consumers feel about interacting with a self-driving vehicle as part of the experience.

By David Kirkpatrick • Aug. 30, 2017

WhatsApp tests verified accounts to let companies chat directly with customers

Reports indicate that having a verified business account would allow a company to send automatic messages.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 30, 2017

Target merges Cartwheel into flagship mobile app

On deck are more changes, including mobile payment for REDcard users, who already enjoy 5% off all purchases and free shipping on online orders.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 29, 2017

GNC opens Alipay transactions for its online business

The partnership arrives as Chinese consumer interest in health and nutritional products from the U.S. continues to grow.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 29, 2017

Fitbit unveils first smartwatch in challenge to Apple

Fitbit Ionic is focused on health and fitness, but also includes a Fitbit Pay feature to handle transactions without a cellphone or wallet.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 29, 2017

Burger King Russia rewards loyal customers in cryptocurrency

A bitcoin derivative called "WhopperCoin" turns its namesake item into an investment opportunity. 

By David Kirkpatrick • Aug. 29, 2017

Do content creator frustrations threaten YouTube's digital video dominance?

Google's video-sharing platform faces a key threat from Facebook, along with some dark horses.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 29, 2017

McDonald's forms new tech partnerships to fire up digital transformation

The fast food giant is working closely with the consultancy Capgemini and agency Publicis.Sapient to overhaul its in-store and online offerings. 

By David Kirkpatrick • Aug. 29, 2017

Barstool Sports to produce college football series on Snapchat

Wendy's is serving as brand sponsor for a 13-week program that will showcase campus visits and wild sports traditions.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 28, 2017

Report: Google starts refunding marketers hurt by online ad fraud

But some in the industry are dissatisfied with the tech giant's reimbursements.

By David Kirkpatrick • Aug. 28, 2017

Facebook consolidates consumer hardware focus under 1 executive

Andrew Bosworth, who previously served as vice president of ads and business platforms, will now lead the social giant's AR, VR and hardware initiatives. 

By David Kirkpatrick • Aug. 25, 2017

Facebook lets users capture 360 photo in-app

The moves mark the first change ever to the platform's support standards for Cover Photos.

By Paul Conley • Aug. 24, 2017

Can blockchain upstarts break marketers' reliance on Facebook, Google?

New players in the space like NYIAX might meet resistance from those reluctant to leave established ad exchanges and platforms. 

By David Kirkpatrick • Aug. 24, 2017

Snapchat tries to lure more SMBs

Discounts and reimbursements are being offered to help those with smaller budgets optimize efforts on the platform.  

By Paul Conley • Aug. 24, 2017