NBC spoofs its own ad pitch with ’30 Rock’ primetime special

Instead of a virtual presentation, NBCUniversal called in its roster of talent on Thursday night to reboot the sitcom and flaunt new ad offerings.

By Chris Kelly • July 17, 2020

Facebook, Snap take direct aim at TikTok amid threat of US ban

Facebook will roll out its TikTok-like feature called Reels on Instagram globally while Snap is testing a vertical swiping feature.

By Robert Williams • July 17, 2020

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

Instagram Shop launches with Facebook Pay at checkout

A centralized e-commerce hub will offer personalized recommendations, exclusive items and collections of products from brands and creators.

By Robert Williams • July 17, 2020

CVS launches spoken prescription tech for app users

Retail’s drugstore segment continues to invest in technology as it pushes further into healthcare.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 16, 2020

Target, L’Oréal, Ralph Lauren test Snapchat’s new brand profile pages

The new feature gives marketers a permanent home to build a following and directly engage with app users.

By Robert Williams • July 16, 2020

Amazon opens livestreaming platform to influencers

Influencers can earn a commission on sale of products they feature in their video streams on Amazon Live.

By Robert Williams • July 16, 2020

Hulu tests self-service ad tool for small businesses

Hulu Ad Manager will let a company activate, manage and track a campaign for as little as $500.

By Robert Williams • July 16, 2020

Samsonite’s eBags brand boosts mobile shopping with AR

The online luggage retailer saw higher sales conversions from web visitors who engaged with its 3D and AR content.

By Robert Williams • July 15, 2020

IAB: US podcast ad revenue will grow 15% to nearly $1B

The IAB previously predicted ad revenue growth of 30% this year, but the pandemic has dampened demand.

By Robert Williams • July 14, 2020

Johnson & Johnson samples AR try-ons for colored contact lenses

Developed by Perfect Corp., the Acuvue feature is available for the first time in WeChat and Taobao mini programs.

By Robert Williams • July 14, 2020

WhatsApp introduces QR codes for small businesses

The Facebook-owned platform also added catalog sharing to aid merchants as they reopen and expand online. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 14, 2020

Key mobile stats that define the 1st half of 2020

Campaigns, acquisitions, usage and results from the first six months, broken down by the numbers.

By Mobile Marketer • July 13, 2020

How COVID-19 accelerated mobile trends in H1 2020

The realities of life in a pandemic have accelerated previously existing trends and calcified into a new normal for mobile marketers.

July 13, 2020

Consumer habits rapidly evolved in H1 2020. Here’s what could stick

Several trends accelerated by the pandemic, including e-commerce, are becoming integral to marketing strategies, but there may be deeper psychological shifts to consider.

July 13, 2020

Coke adds contactless tech to Freestyle machines to meet COVID-19 challenges

Digital soda fountain screens will now display a QR code that lets smartphone users make and pour their selections without having to download an app.

By Peter Adams • July 13, 2020

LinkedIn accused of spying on Apple users in new suit

The complaint accused the Microsoft-owned social network of secretly reading the contents of people’s digital clipboards.

By Robert Williams • July 13, 2020

Report: Google can avoid EU probe over Fitbit acquisition by not sharing data

Google may get EU approval for the $2.1 billion takeover if the search giant agrees to not use health data for ad targeting.

By Robert Williams • July 13, 2020

Facebook considers political ad ban through November

The decision has not been finalized but comes after 397 brands pledged to boycott the social network for its role in spreading misinformation and hate speech.

By Dianna Christie • July 13, 2020

Esports revenue outlook gets another downgrade as pandemic halts live tournaments

Even as its audience grows, the category is hitting bumps in the road as it shifts to virtual events, which sponsors are potentially less interested in.

By Peter Adams • July 10, 2020

Kroger to launch targeted audio ads in store

The new program will allow CPG companies to better target shoppers while they’re on the path to purchase.

By Jessica Dumont • July 9, 2020

How COVID-19 boosted QVC, HSN and livestreaming

As the veteran telecommerce networks adapt to the pandemic’s challenges, other brands are catching up to the future of livestreaming.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 9, 2020

Kraft Heinz offers peek behind packaged foods curtain in 1st podcast series

“Table Stakes” delves into various aspects of the marketer’s brands, including those more obscure to U.S. audiences.

By Peter Adams • July 9, 2020

Amazon updates Alexa app for hands-free control

Smartphone users can use voice commands as soon as they open the Alexa app, instead of tapping a button to activate the virtual assistant.

By Robert Williams • July 9, 2020

Bazaarvoice buys Curalate to expand social commerce services

Curalate, whose software turns images into digital storefronts, has 1,100 clients including Best Buy and Lululemon Athletica.

By Robert Williams • July 9, 2020

Omnicom, Spotify strike $20M deal around podcast advertising as channel’s ascent continues

Billed as the largest deal of its kind to date, the agreement will give the agency group special access to new ad products, audience data and exclusive content.

By Peter Adams • July 8, 2020