Twitter invites developers to ramp up chatbot creation

New tools enable brands to deliver automated customer service in 140 characters or less. 

By Rachel Brown • April 10, 2017

Facebook courts publishers with Instant Articles call-to-action capabilities

The move enables newsletter signups and likes in the quick-loading mobile service.  

By Rachel Brown • April 10, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Influencer Marketing

Amid a surge in confidence and new platform approaches, brands continue to turn to influencers for fresh content that can reach online consumers.

By Marketing Dive staff

Snapchat's Bitmoji is most downloaded app in US, 4 other countries

The acquisition of digital sticker maker Bitstrips last year has helped Snapchat make a dent in Facebook and Google's app dominance.

By Rachel Brown • April 10, 2017

CNN leverages live streaming to drive mobile app engagement

Free preview videos are leading 29% of viewers to then authenticate as TV subscribers via an app login, according to Digiday. 

By David Kirkpatrick • April 10, 2017

Synergy Pharmaceuticals' poop emoji keyboard encourages discussions about constipation

The drug company enters the digital sticker arena with animated excrement that aims to bring bathroom talk out from behind closed doors. 

By Rachel Brown • April 10, 2017

McDonald's solicits job applications on Snapchat

Young fast food employee hopefuls can use a branded filter that places virtual McDonald’s hats and nametags on their heads.

By Rachel Brown • April 10, 2017

Lyft, Dollar Shave Club double down on merging branding and direct response via video

Some brands are accelerating efforts to merge brand-building and direct response on mobile, with video as the glue. 

By Rob Williams • April 10, 2017

Twitter gets faster on mobile for users short on data

Tweets will load faster and be cheaper for followers on smartphones all over the world.   

By Rachel Brown • April 7, 2017

Sony Pictures extends new Smurfs movie to mobile bubble game

The relationship between movie studios and mobile gaming is going strong.  

By Rachel Brown • April 7, 2017

Facebook Messenger's AI-powered assistant M offers intent-based tips

Helping users discover the many things they can do like make plans with friends, nab rides and send money is M's goal. 

By Rachel Brown • April 7, 2017

Under Armour cuts jobs from Connected Fitness unit

The division spearheads the sportswear brand’s array of mobile apps, include UA Record, MapMyFitness, MyFitnessPal, Endomondo and others.

By Dan O'Shea • April 7, 2017

Live broadcasts make up 20% of Facebook videos

Over the last year, Facebook Live broadcasts have grown more than 4x.

By David Kirkpatrick • April 7, 2017

Snapchat ups its ad game with targeting, app install ad initiatives

The social media app isn't taking criticism that its ads fail to deliver on ROI and engagement lying down. 

By Rachel Brown • April 7, 2017

Estée Lauder's new Messenger chatbot helps identify the right foundation shade

The brand is addressing a problematic makeup shopping experience with AI-driven technology. 

By Rachel Brown • April 7, 2017

MMA: Clickthrough rates don't translate to sales

Mobile Marketing Association's analysis of an Allstate campaign suggests marketers should focus on targeting, short videos and in-app placements. 

By Rachel Brown • April 6, 2017

Apple Pay underperforms amid resistance from consumers, retailers

Once poised as revolutionary, the mobile payments service won't replace cash or credit cards any time soon. 

By Rachel Brown • April 6, 2017

American Red Cross' Blood Donor App exceeds 1M downloads

The non-profit organization proves smartphones are for saving lives as well as social media posting. 

By Rachel Brown • April 6, 2017

YouTube TV, Google's bid to conquer OTT, debuts in 5 markets

But will the tech giant's current PR woes with the video portal weaken the service's early legs? 

By David Kirkpatrick , Peter Adams • April 6, 2017

Google Daydream adds measurements for app install campaigns, in-app behaviors

App developers can better track the effectiveness of their efforts on the mobile virtual reality platform.

By Chantal Tode • April 6, 2017

Facebook facilitates Canvas ad development with new API

The social media network is making it easier for marketers to get wildly creative with rich, full-screen mobile advertising that doesn’t take forever to load. 

By Rachel Brown • April 6, 2017

WhatsApp readies digital payments in India

The Facebook-owned messaging app has yet to set up a mobile cash system, but could become one of the globe's biggest digital payment players when it does. 

By Rachel Brown • April 5, 2017

Square Inc. in talks to take over slumping Yik Yak

The once-hot app aimed at college students demonstrates the perils of anonymity and gobs of venture capital. 

By Rachel Brown • April 5, 2017

Snapchat users go for joyrides with Jeep's branded lens

Users can virtually get behind the wheel of an open-air Jeep, complete with blowing hair, through October. 

By Rachel Brown • April 5, 2017

Starbucks lets customers send gift cards for Frappucinnos on iMessage

An update for the iOS app anticipates more consumers will turn to iMessage for tasks beyond basic communication. 

By Rachel Brown • April 5, 2017

EMarketer: Ad formats not native to Snapchat see little traction

New research finds sponsored geofilters and lenses are the only formats with any notable user engagement. 

By David Kirkpatrick , Peter Adams • April 5, 2017