RaceTrac's gamified Instagram filter gets 103K impressions

An augmented reality experience challenged baseball fans to virtually outrun the convenience store's mascot in lieu of racing at live Atlanta Braves games.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 7, 2020

Merrell steps up voice apps with hiking trail guides on Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

Wolverine Worldwide's brand of hiking boots is letting customers use voice commands to discover details about nearby trails.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 7, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Marketing Dive

From the evolution of influencer marketing and paid media to the ongoing importance of data and culture, here's a look at key trends driving marketing in 2025.

By Marketing Dive staff

Chipotle continues tapping TikTok with trick shot challenge

Featuring NBA player Trae Young and a host of influencers, the 53 ft. Shot Challenge is the chain's latest effort on the embattled social video app.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 7, 2020

David's Bridal responds to pandemic disruptions with AR, 3D dress visuals

A partnership with Vertebrae extends the retailer's efforts to improve its digital shopping experience for online consumers.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 6, 2020

McDonald's continues celebrity menus with reggaeton star J Balvin

With drive-thru, digital and delivery as bright spots during an otherwise tough period, the chain continues to target young, digitally savvy diners.

By Aaron Baar • Oct. 6, 2020

Financial apps see higher usage among customers in lockdown

As consumers grow more accustomed to using financial apps, this could drive expansion opportunities, like Venmo launching its first credit card.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 6, 2020

Snapchat expands 'first commercial' video ad takeovers nationwide

Advertisers that tested the first commercial saw a lift in brand awareness among users that was double that of a Snapchat Ad.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 6, 2020

Orbitz celebrates LGBTQ History month with virtual city tours

As the pandemic limits travel, the booking site enlisted influencers such as Lance Bass and Todrick Hall to share recommendations on Instagram.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 6, 2020

Instagram brings shopping to Reels, IGTV as commerce commands social spotlight

Tests will hit Reels later this year, which may help Facebook to capitalize on a virtual-skewing holiday season while gaining an edge on TikTok.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 5, 2020

'The Bachelorette' returns with drive-in premiere hosted by PopSugar, ABC, YouTube TV

The partnership between a digital media brand, a TV network and a streaming channel reflects the scarcity of big-event original programming right now.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 5, 2020

Why retailers should study the social commerce playbook

Retailers can benefit from taking social commerce principles and applying them to their own channels, writes Criteo's Geoffroy Martin.

By Geoffroy Martin • Oct. 5, 2020

Triller adds programmatic ads amid rival TikTok's continued uncertainty

Digital ad company Consumable creates ads that seek to catch the attention of users whose limited attention span makes them difficult to engage.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 5, 2020

Cinnamon Toast Crunch notches 1.3B TikTok views with hashtag challenge

The wide reach of the "quarantainment style" singing challenge demonstrates TikTok's power to reach young consumers, even amid an uncertain landscape due to a stalled ownership deal.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 5, 2020

Party City tapped by Nextdoor for Halloween AR 'treat map'

The collaboration could inspire families to celebrate Halloween in a way that follows social distancing guidelines during the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 5, 2020

Amazon upgrades Alexa app's in-car capabilities as opportunities arise outside the home

With the introduction of "auto mode," Amazon could extend the utility of its voice assistant while capitalizing on an appetite for in-car commerce.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 2, 2020

Mars Wrigley's virtual Halloween lets consumers collect candy credits in costumed avatars

Treat Town offers virtual opportunities to trick-or-treat through October as holiday-related marketing continues to evolve during the pandemic.

By Aaron Baar • Oct. 2, 2020

Google offers $1B in licensing payments for news in olive branch to publishers

Google News Showcase may help mend relationships with publishers that have accused the search giant of having outsized control over digital advertising.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 2, 2020

Pinterest aims for brand-safe, culturally sensitive Halloween

Information about possibly offensive costumes may appeal to brands that don't want their ads appearing near culturally insensitive content.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 2, 2020

Walmart to revamp 1K stores with mobile app in mind

Using airports as a model, the retail giant is redesigning stores to help customers navigate them and to prompt app-based shopping.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 1, 2020

Taco Bell sets up personalized taco gifting service ahead of holiday rush

Available through Taco Bell's website and app, the feature will be permanent, showing the chain's continued bets on loyalty innovations.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 1, 2020

Oikos yogurt turns grocery carrying into a TikTok challenge

By extending its NFL sponsorship to the video-sharing app, Oikos hopes to reach football fans with fun content as they show off their strength.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 1, 2020

Home Depot's loyalty update gets mobile-first treatment

New gamified features urge repeat store visits and purchases as members track their advancement to the next reward level.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 1, 2020

Chipotle sells out of QR-enabled shirts to drive voter registration

Unique branded merchandise becomes a mechanism for political engagement during an election year when younger generations are a bigger constituency.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 1, 2020

Advertisers care more about transparency in TV upfronts than timing, study finds

While less upfront buying occurred this year — and despite some marketers walking away — just 7% of advertisers said the TV ad marketplace should be canceled.

By Aaron Baar • Oct. 1, 2020

TikTok bears a unique opportunity for marketers — if you understand its Gen Z base

The app's top users are creative, connected and resourceful, and can provide brilliant ideas and feedback on your next big marketing campaign, writes Rival Technologies' Andrew Reid.

By Andrew Reid • Oct. 1, 2020