Apple acquires VR startup focused on virtual avatars for videoconferencing

As virtual events are expected to stick around, including in the marketing sector, the tech giant could be carving out a bigger part of an emerging market.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 26, 2020

Facebook adds shopping section, expands Instagram checkout

The social network also introduced a "live shopping" feature to let merchants livestream a browsing session to potential customers.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 26, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Multichannel Optimization

There’s greater urgency around the need to optimize multichannel marketing efforts and unite channels including retail media, social media and others.

By Marketing Dive staff

MLB lets fans ask Google Assistant about favorite teams

Through an on-demand channel for communication, the league can reach sports fans who are unable to attend games in person due to the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 26, 2020

Report: Nike shutting down 9 wholesale accounts in shift to DTC

Among those closing are Belk, Dillard's and Zappos, according to an analyst note from Susquehanna Financial Group.

By Cara Salpini • Aug. 25, 2020

Forrester: Brands must integrate DTC, wholesale retail teams as digital commerce grows

Brands including Mars and Deckers are already taking steps to provide a more consistent customer experience and partner better with retailers.

By Chantal Tode • Aug. 25, 2020

Spotify inks deal for 'League of Legends' podcasts

The collaboration with Riot Games includes an esports hub with official playlists inspired by the gaming community.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 25, 2020

CVS Pharmacy launches ad network for in-store, online campaigns

The CVS Media Exchange gives advertisers access to online and offline channels, including in-store ads and website banners.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 25, 2020

Patrón sells connected 'smart coasters' for margarita perfectionists

Drink coasters connect to smartphones and provide a step-by-step guide on measuring each cocktail ingredient as it is poured.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 25, 2020

Panera adds mobile ordering through Google

Guests can browse for and order curbside pickup or delivery through Google Search, Maps and Assistant. It's also offering contactless payment methods. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 25, 2020

Fitness apps see 67% jump in installs during pandemic

A 61% jump in user sessions in July comes as reports suggest Apple is developing a subscription service for fitness classes that would compete with Nike and Peloton. 

By Robert Williams • Aug. 21, 2020

Verizon signs 5G sponsorship deal for Twitch Rivals streamers tournament

The two will work on applications for 5G wireless technology that appeal to the gaming community, including broadcast and media integrations.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 21, 2020

Mobile ad spend jumps 71% amid pandemic recovery

In-app ad spend on private marketplaces soared 391% during the period, outpacing the strong 52% gain for the mobile web, per a Pubmatic study.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 21, 2020

DoorDash adds grocery delivery to its app as last-mile battle intensifies

The expansion into the booming space by another major firm signals a promotional war to come and increasing pressure on incumbent Instacart. 

By Jeff Wells • Aug. 21, 2020

Video impressions rose 40% on CTV platforms in Q2, study says

The findings suggest that inventory previously available only through premium publishers showed up on exchanges as marketing budgets have been cut during the pandemic. 

By Dianna Christie • Aug. 21, 2020

Oracle enters bidding fray for social video app TikTok

President Trump on Tuesday expressed support for Oracle's possible bid for TikTok's U.S. operations. 

By Robert Williams • Aug. 19, 2020

Epic Games asks court to stop Apple from pulling 'Fortnite'

Epic claimed that Apple's move could negatively affect its Unreal Engine that's used by millions of software developers for 3D graphics.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 18, 2020

Accenture buys CreativeDrive to expand output of content for brands

CreativeDrive has a network of on-premise studios and proprietary tech to help marketers automate production — a service in high demand amid pandemic-related disruptions. 

By Robert Williams • Aug. 17, 2020

Facebook now lets Page owners monetize virtual events

Businesses, creators, educators and publishers can livestream events through Facebook Live and test new paid event capabilities in Messenger's online "rooms" for more personal gatherings.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 17, 2020

Make sure you are prepared for iOS 14 and Apple's new privacy regulations

How can advertisers start getting ready to make sure they’re one step ahead once iOS 14 launches?

Aug. 17, 2020

Apple reportedly plans to bundle services, launch virtual fitness classes

Competing more directly with Amazon, bundles would offer savings when iOS users combine subscriptions to offerings like Apple's music and TV services.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 14, 2020

Epic Games sues Apple, Google after they pull 'Fortnite' from app stores

The developer has previously criticized the tech titans, describing their fee structures as a tax, but Thursday's developments mark a significant escalation.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 14, 2020

Stop & Shop unveils new e-commerce platform

An updated online experience and loyalty program includes the phasing out of Peapod as a consumer-facing service.

By Jessica Dumont • Aug. 13, 2020

What COVID-19 did to customer loyalty

As retailers grappled with out-of-stocks, research found that 75% of consumers opted to shop alternative brands.

By Caroline Jansen • Aug. 12, 2020

Unilever, T-Mobile join GroupM's sponsorship of Shonda Rhimes podcasts on iHeartMedia

The news offers another signal that marketers are looking to support multicultural programming that's more likely to resonate with younger audiences.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 12, 2020

Microsoft's bid to buy TikTok: A 'head-scratcher' or surprisingly sensible?

Some analysts think an acquisition would make a poor match. But areas of Microsoft's business, like LinkedIn, key into potentially overlooked synergies.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 11, 2020