QR codes promise ad interactivity boost with growth of connected TV

Leveraging the uptick in "second-screening," scannable codes on TV ads give marketers another data signal about consumers.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 20, 2022

Pepsi gathers Super Bowl Halftime Show all-stars in cinematic trailer

A multiweek media push shows the brand throwing a spotlight on an impressive range of talent, including through tie-ins to its new mobile app.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 20, 2022

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Retail Marketing

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

By Marketing Dive staff

Walmart signals metaverse plans with trademark applications around virtual goods, NFTs

While plenty of companies are eyeing the tech, a potentially large push from the retailer could go a long way in spurring mainstream consumer adoption.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 18, 2022

Can restaurant marketers get digital right while facing panoply of pressures?

Amid labor, supply chain and inflationary issues, 2022 will be a year of increased pressure to deliver on fronts that span media, ordering and loyalty.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 18, 2022

Marriott seeks TikTok creators to drive content around loyalty program

Marriott Bonvoy TikTok Correspondents will creatively document everything they encounter on social media, reinforcing how essential travel can be.

By Nina Lentini • Jan. 18, 2022

Tic Tac inspires kindness and connection via AR messaging

The activation is tied to limited-edition packs featuring positive messages like "Keep Your Day In Mint Condition" and "Up For An Adventure?"

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 13, 2022

SmileDirectClub's strategy for TikTok blends tweaking TV ads and fresh content

The DTC brand of teeth aligners found that TikTok delivers the best results with a mix of programmatic ads and organic engagement.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 13, 2022

Mobile ad spend leapt 23% in 2021, on track to hit $350B this year

Spurred by a continuation of pandemic-induced changes to consumers' habits, mobile usage continues to soar, App Annie found.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Jan. 13, 2022

GroupM: Next-gen tech hype wanes while consumer data wariness rises

Missed expectations for tech like 5G and AR/VR suggest marketers will encounter obstacles amid lofty plans to build out the metaverse.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 10, 2022

T-Mobile acquires ride-share ad network amid digital OOH rebound

With the deal for Octopus Interactive, T-Mobile wants to help advertisers reach urban cord-cutters and convert its data capabilities into a larger revenue driver.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 10, 2022

Social commerce to grow 3 times as fast as e-commerce, Accenture predicts

Driven by Gen Z and millennials, shopping on social media platforms is forecast to grow from $492 billion in 2021 to $1.2 trillion by 2025.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 6, 2022

Cameo poised for bigger role in brands' 2022 social strategy

Gaining momentum last year among brands like Coca-Cola and Infiniti, the platform may help to create a "halo effect" around online content.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 6, 2022

Yahoo builds out shoppable ad tech with MikMak deal

Along with providing access to first-party data, the deal lets CPG advertisers offer a multi-retailer checkout experience directly from ads on Yahoo sites.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Jan. 6, 2022

TikTok brings viral videos to TVs in gyms, restaurants through OOH deal

Partnering with the startup Atmosphere, the app is tapping into a streaming network that now reaches 20 million unique monthly visitors.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 6, 2022

Frito-Lay and Rick Astley renounce New Year's deprivations

Focused on leaning into what brings joy, "New Year, New You" gives TikTok users an opportunity to duet on the singer's hit "Never Gonna Give You Up."

By Nina Lentini • Jan. 5, 2022

Lexus offers spin on hustle culture with digital-heavy campaign

Promoting its NX line, the automaker is emphasizing channels like esports and streaming that cater to a busy, more diverse audience. 

By Peter Adams • Jan. 4, 2022

TikTok dethrones Google as most-visited website

The social video app hit the 1 billion user mark in September and is forecast to reach 1.5 billion monthly active users toward the end of 2022.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Dec. 23, 2021

Can livestream shopping in the US catch up to China's soaring growth?

As people spend more time online or limit their shopping trips during the pandemic, many are seeking digital experiences that bridge the gap with the real world.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 23, 2021

Triller merges with SeaChange to extend reach into OTT media

Set to close in Q1, the deal takes the social media platform public and positions it to build a TikTok competitor.

By Nina Lentini • Dec. 23, 2021

Nike, Etsy's mobile apps were 'climbers' this holiday season: report

More than half of mobile shoppers downloaded at least one new shopping app ahead of the holiday season, Digital Turbine found.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 16, 2021

Jif, Gap highlighted in TikTok's review of 2021

The year-end review can help marketers understand what resonates with users and potentially attract more activity on the app as they prepare 2022 plans.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Dec. 16, 2021

LinkedIn spices up out-of-office messages with Cameo carolers

The activation is informed by LinkedIn research that found some workers feel anxious about turning on their out-of-office message over the holidays.

By Chris Kelly • Dec. 16, 2021

Social commerce to drive influencer marketing evolution in 2022

Previously geared toward building awareness, social influencers may begin to play a bigger role in brands' e-commerce strategies as new tools crop up.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 16, 2021

E.l.f. goes long-form for meme-heavy holiday 'movie' native to TikTok

Breaking with the app's snackable focus, "Big Mood, Big e.l.f.ing City" nods to 2021 trends like the Couch Guy and a viral salmon bowl recipe.

By Peter Adams • Dec. 15, 2021

Walmart teams with TalkShopLive as social commerce ramp up continues

Following efforts on Twitter and TikTok, the partnership is the retailer's latest move to bridge content with commerce.

By Chris Kelly • Dec. 14, 2021