Jack in the Box links with T-Pain for Fortnite map, Twitch livestream

The partnership promotes a limited-edition, late-night Munchie Meal and builds on a “So Munch More” platform launched earlier this year.

By Aaron Baar • June 12, 2025

E.l.f. gets ‘Sunhinged’ about SPF denial for YouTube comedy special

Hosted by comedian Marie Faustin, the special addresses Gen Z consumers who, despite being skin care-obsessed, forget to apply sunscreen.

By Jessica Deyo • June 12, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

Retail Marketing

Top stories that underscore the leading influences on retail marketing, including Gen Z, pop culture and generative AI.

By Marketing Dive staff

Apple takes measured approach to AI updates at developers conference

New visual intelligence features allow iPhone users to search apps like Google and Etsy to find items similar to what they’re looking at on their screen.

By Jessica Deyo • June 10, 2025

TikTok leans on AI, search in bid to advertisers at annual summit

The platform announced a slew of new features including branding solutions, automation tools and an artificial intelligence-powered Search Center.

By Aaron Baar • June 5, 2025

Venmo taps ‘White Lotus’ stars for push beyond peer-to-peer payments

Aimee Lou Wood and Patrick Schwarzenegger promote the Venmo Debit Card in a spot set to a remixed version of Black Sheep’s “The Choice Is Yours.”

By Jessica Deyo • June 5, 2025

McDonald’s goes behind the scenes to hype fan-favorite Snack Wrap return

Led by Wieden+Kennedy New York, the campaign will include a new spot, a Snapchat activation and a web portal that features behind-the-scenes content.

By Chris Kelly • June 5, 2025

Instacart embraces ‘90s nostalgia with throwback ads and prices

Childhood staples from the era like Bagel Bites are seeing prices slashed this summer as the grocery delivery platform leans into value. 

By Peter Adams • June 3, 2025

Pizza Hut brings 40-year-old Book It initiative into the mobile age

The effort follows a previous mobile-focused activation that saw the QSR launch an AI-powered second-screen app timed to March Madness.

By Aaron Baar • May 29, 2025

Marketing to Gen Alpha: How brands can win over the next generation

The dynamics between the cohort and their millennial parents signal what’s to come in advertising, according to research from Horizon Media.

By Jessica Deyo • May 29, 2025

How restaurant chains are updating their marketing menus in tough economy

Brands including McDonald’s and Starbucks are taking big swings with creative campaigns, evolving loyalty strategies and digital technology investments.

By Chris Kelly • May 28, 2025

GoodPop wants to empower parents to say ‘yes’ this summer

A Gopuff partnership encourages parents to embrace spontaneity with the chance to win free, better-for-you alternatives to the usual seasonal treats.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 27, 2025

SMBs rely heavily on social media for marketing and growth, study says

More than a quarter of SMBs use artificial intelligence for their marketing and social media efforts, per Verizon Business and Morning Consult.

By Aaron Baar • May 22, 2025

Why McCain Foods made an AR mobile game to teach regenerative farming

The company’s first global campaign for its frozen fries was designed to make sustainability more easily digestible, explains CMO Christine Kalvenes.

By Jessica Deyo • May 22, 2025

Uno plays into game night trend with themed social clubs

Consumers can enter to win a stay at a themed suite in Las Vegas by posting a TikTok video using a new Uno Reverse Card filter.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 21, 2025

Expedia brings generative AI trip-planning tool to Instagram

The travel company is also expanding its search and discovery capabilities by integrating with OpenAI Operator and Microsoft Copilot Actions.

By Aaron Baar • May 15, 2025

Pepsi crashes barbecues to rid them of Coke in latest stunt

A new campaign insisting the soft drink goes best with grilled foods is timed to National Barbecue Day and includes a 60-second spot and an Instacart tie-up.

By Jessica Deyo • May 15, 2025

Knorr dupes fast food favorites with Martha Stewart in social-first push

The Unilever-owned brand is utilizing branded ads on Lyft and shoppable recipe videos on Roku that will lead to Walmart’s recipe page.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 14, 2025

How Unrivaled built brand partnerships that are more than logo slaps

Sponsors including Samsung Galaxy, Under Armour and Wayfair delivered real value during the first year of the women’s 3-on-3 basketball league.

By Chris Kelly • May 12, 2025

Meta touts complementary powers of video, AI in overture to brands

At the NewFronts, executives said that generative AI tools are “are going to help mark a new era of creativity” that marketers will aid in shaping.

By Peter Adams • May 9, 2025

Sociable: Meta offers tips for advertisers based on latest engagement trends

The Facebook and Instagram owner breaks down five key insights and how to apply them to advertising efforts.

By Andrew Hutchinson • May 8, 2025

Snap unveils AI-powered advertiser solutions, Sponsored Snap updates

At the NewFronts, CBO Aji Mohan touted how Snap has been able to grow its advertiser base through performance and reach-oriented products.

By Aaron Baar • May 8, 2025

Mountain Dew touts new logo with tattoo sweepstakes, TikTok Shop exclusive

The PepsiCo brand is celebrating its refreshed logo hitting store shelves this week with a social media giveaway and collaboration with Dickies. 

By Jessica Deyo • May 8, 2025

TikTok reassures brands on future as advertising ambitions broaden

Inventing a new model for social search and capitalizing on “out of phone” activations in areas like sports and music were in focus at the NewFronts.

By Peter Adams • May 7, 2025

5 years of media evolution provide few answers to brands’ chaotic 2025

Planning around tariff disruption echoes the pandemic, a moment the industry did not always meet with agility or savvy investment decisions. 

By Peter Adams , Julia Himmel • May 6, 2025

Why QVC is targeting Gen X with a TikTok livestream shopping event

The event is part of the network’s efforts to meet the older generation where they already are, said Vice President of Brand Marketing Annette Dunleavy.

By Jessica Deyo • May 6, 2025