Gap, H&M open mobile storefronts on Group Nine's new Swipe.Shop platform

The publisher of NowThis and Thrillist will provide 20 million impressions' worth of free ad space to 10 small businesses affected by the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 17, 2020

Sonic Drive-In's RCS test boosts app downloads 5x over MMS

Side-by-side tests of two messaging technologies found the upgraded rich communications services can spur better results through more engaging tools.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 17, 2020

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

Home improvement retailer Wickes taps TikTok influencers in UK

Spurring 613,000 views so far, the campaign has seven creators demonstrate Wickes' range of products in social videos offering DIY tips.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 16, 2020

Hyundai touts Elantra with virtual hometown tours on Spotify

"My City Unlocked" aims to immerse music fans in a multimedia experience that's part travelogue, part curated playlist and part podcast.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 16, 2020

Stella Artois applies Venmo stickers to aid culinary industry

In partnership with Holler, the AB InBev brand gives Venmo users a way to support the James Beard Foundation as they make payments on the app.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 16, 2020

Chipotle teams with Uber Eats, Hinge for 'cuffing season' menu

Targeting singles seeking a relationship for winter, the campaign gives customers a chance to receive dating tips from comedian Rebel Wilson.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 13, 2020

Instagram, Messenger copy Snapchat with new vanish mode

In a rare home screen redesign, Instagram is also highlighting its shopping capabilities and Reels, the app's TikTok clone.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 13, 2020

Why grocery giant Kroger made the leap into mobile game advertising

A customer shift to mobile and concerns around a contentious election helped push the chain into a market with a surprisingly strong audience match.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 13, 2020

Leesa Sleep's social challenge asks people to go bedless for charity

The DTC mattress brand is urging people to share their experience of sleeping without a bed for a night to raise awareness and funds for kids.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 12, 2020

App Annie: Mobile ad spending will rise 20% as at-home becomes new normal

Much of the growth will come from mobile commerce as consumers continue to adjust to life during the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 12, 2020

Michelob Ultra offers runners a chance to star in commercial

The beer brand is offering social media followers several ways to win the grand prize by participating in a series of running challenges.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 12, 2020

HBO releases AR wellness app for 'His Dark Materials' season premiere

As wellness app downloads surge, fans of the fantasy show can create a personal "daemon" who helps inspire them to engage in self-care activities.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 11, 2020

Twitter launches carousel ads to drive web traffic, app installs

App carousel ads boost installs per impression an average of 24%, while web carousel ads lift clickthrough rates by 15% in Twitter's tests of the new format.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 11, 2020

Spotify grows podcasting ambitions with audio ad company acquisition

The $235 million deal will let advertisers target 60,000 audience segments on Megaphone, which is used by more than 20,000 marketers and publishers.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 11, 2020

Verishop reworks app for social shopping

A new approach to shopping is playing out on Instagram and Pinterest, with browsing photos and videos online as the modern version of window shopping.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 10, 2020

USAA unveils #HonorThroughAction social challenge for Veterans Day

A digital approach could carry special significance as the pandemic prevents many people from attending in-person events this week.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 10, 2020

Kashi taps Olympian Tessa Virtue for Instagram livestream on wellness

The food brand's #FullOfLife campaign running in Canada also includes shoppable content, videos and other social media activations.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 10, 2020

GameStop gamifies store visits with 'Pokémon Go' activation

Stores will become in-game destinations for players, encouraging them to visit as the pandemic continues to hurt foot traffic ahead of the holidays.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 10, 2020

Spotify promotes diversity with annotated playlist series

To celebrate BIPOC voices, the streaming platform will offer playlists curated by creators who also tell personal stories and speak about social issues.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 9, 2020

Walmart teams with Ibotta to offer free Thanksgiving dinners

Butterball, Campbell Soup and Coca-Cola are also participating in the rewards app's push to provide holiday meals to families struggling amid the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 9, 2020

Arby's flips viral TikTok videos into special menu item

Inspiration for the campaign stems from a video of a user saying his new flat-screen TV only displayed a message from Arby's.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 9, 2020

TikTok touts educational content in UK campaign

The social video app began testing a "Learn" feed to showcase a continuous series of clips with the #LearnonTikTok hashtag.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 6, 2020

Snapchat educates marketers about DR tools that drive revenue growth

Arriving ahead of an unusual holiday season, the first part of Snap Connect classes focuses on the mobile gaming, app and e-commerce verticals.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 6, 2020

L'Oréal offers first line of virtual makeup for social media, video calls

As consumers stay connected via mobile during the pandemic, the company's AR filters let them sport digital looks on Instagram, Snapchat, Snap Camera and Google Duo.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 6, 2020

Red Bull stages virtual Rubik's Cube competition on Twitch

Amid a pandemic-related resurgence in interest, a new connected cube helps smartphone users test their skills against others.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 6, 2020