Instagram now lets brands boost organic posts as ads

Instead of reaching followers of a single influencer through paying for their posts, the new branded content ads can be targeted to a wider group.

By Robert Williams • June 5, 2019

Are shoppers ready for multimedia meal kits?

Chefs' Menu and So Yummy partnered on a line of kits that include QR codes that unlock video instructions and culinary tips.

By Lauren Manning • June 5, 2019

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

Ulta touts expanded mobile features

App improvements include updates to an AR try-on feature which is set to launch on Android later in June.

By Lisa Rowan • June 4, 2019

Report: Justice Department weighs Apple antitrust probe

The federal government is preparing to scrutinize U.S. tech giants.

By Robert Williams • June 4, 2019

Apple takes aim at Facebook, Google with new privacy features at WWDC

At its annual developers conference, the iPhone maker debuted "Sign in With Apple" to let users conceal their email addresses from third parties.

By Robert Williams • June 4, 2019

US podcast ad spend surged 53% in 2018, IAB and PwC find

Spending is forecast to hit $678.7 million this year and reach more than $1 billion by 2021.

By Robert Williams • June 4, 2019

Angry Birds lets marketers take a shot at branded AR with new app

Chupa Chups and other partners will collaborate with Rovio on in-app mini-games and retail activations.

By Shane Schick • June 3, 2019

Report: Amazon eyes buying Boost Mobile from T-Mobile, Sprint

Speculation suggests a platform that could power drone package deliveries and driverless vehicles is behind the e-commerce giant's interest.

By Robert Williams • June 3, 2019

Foursquare buys location-tracking firm Placed from Snap

The deal could amplify Foursquare's efforts in helping mobile marketers track foot traffic to retail locations.

By Robert Williams • June 3, 2019

Atom Tickets teams with Flikflix on 'Tinder-like' movie app

A new Matchmaker tool virtually connects friends looking to watch a film together by delivering suggestions via AirDrop, messages or email.​

By Robert Williams • June 3, 2019

Study: DTC brands increase marketing budgets 'dramatically' compared to traditional retailers

Digital upstarts have different priorities than incumbents, however, putting programmatic TV near the top of their lists.

By Dianna Christe • June 3, 2019

Wearables shipments surge 55% on strength of earbuds, smartwatches

Shipments of ear-worn devices, a category that consists of Apple's AirPods and Samsung's Galaxy Buds, surged 135% from a year earlier.

By Robert Williams • May 31, 2019

Six Flags brings virtual parks to RollerCoaster Tycoon mobile game

Players can design theme parks with rides, restaurants, shops and landmarks from real Six Flags properties.

By Robert Williams • May 31, 2019

Has Apple already created the solution to save ad-tech?

Wide adoption of Apple's tracking system could breathe new life into ad-tech and benefit all players — including the walled gardens, says S4M's Nicolas Rieul.

By Nicolas Rieul • May 31, 2019

What do publishers gain from behavioral ad targeting? Not much, researchers say

A rare empirical study of the space suggests that publishers receive just a 4% uptick in revenue for ad impressions that are enabled by cookies versus those that aren't.

By Peter Adams • May 30, 2019

Ikea testing new app with shoppable feed, AR

The technology will first roll out in France and the Netherlands, with the goal to reach additional markets by the end of 2019.

By Caroline Jansen • May 30, 2019

Lacoste spins French Open into shoppable TV moments

During the broadcast, viewers will see an alert that indicates when they can scan the TV with a smartphone to begin browsing Novak Djokovic's collection.

By Robert Williams • May 30, 2019

Amazon lets Alexa users delete their voice recordings

The privacy feature was announced following criticism that Echo devices eavesdrop on users. 

By Robert Williams • May 30, 2019

Facebook expands rewarded video, playable ads for mobile games

Nearly 80% of game developers that use ads and in-app purchases to monetize their content said rewarded video is the most effective format.

By Robert Williams • May 30, 2019

LinkedIn buys identity resolution firm Drawbridge to strengthen privacy offer

The ad-tech firm will be integrated into LinkedIn Marketing Solutions, which has experienced 46% revenue growth year-over-year.   

By Peter Adams • May 29, 2019

Gartner: Smartphone sales slump as Apple, Samsung lose market share in Q1

As the pace of innovation has slowed, smartphone users have fewer reasons to buy the latest high-end models that offer incremental improvements.

By Robert Williams • May 29, 2019

Google sets date for mobile-first search indexing

The search giant will prioritize mobile versions of new websites in search results on July 1.

By Robert Williams • May 29, 2019

NHL unveils Facebook Messenger chatbot for Stanley Cup

The new chatbot delivers on-demand updates, GIFs, game highlight videos, schedules and team standings.

By Robert Williams • May 29, 2019

Bank of America's virtual assistant snags 7M users in year 1

Erica completed more than 50 million client requests using AI, predictive analytics and natural language processing.

By Robert Williams • May 29, 2019

Instagram Shopping used by 39% of UK Gen Zers, study finds

The Facebook-owned platform has the power to drive impulse purchases among younger consumer groups, GlobalData found.

By Robert Williams • May 28, 2019