How TikTok's uncertain future and COVID-19 are transforming influencer marketing

As the TikTok shakeup continues, competitors are wooing influencers and becoming more accessible with new video tools while content evolves to be more frank. 

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Sept. 21, 2020

Lowe's sees biggest social media lift from New York Fashion Week

While NYFW experienced significantly less engagement than normal due to the pandemic, followers on social mentioned the retailer more often than top designers during the event, Talkwalker found.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 21, 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

Champs Sports kicks up photo-sharing with AR shoe try-on in Snapchat

As more people seek out digital shopping experiences during the pandemic, virtual trials appear to be gaining with brands and mobile users.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 21, 2020

Samsung tests live video shopping to showcase new foldable phone

Interest in shoppable video streams has grown during the pandemic, which has kept brands from hosting flashy in-store events.

By Aaron Baar • Sept. 21, 2020

TikTok downloads banned as of Sunday, setting off new scramble in video app saga

The app won't shut down until Nov. 12 under a new order, and could avoid any service disruption if a deal for its U.S. operations is approved this weekend.

By Peter Adams • Updated Sept. 18, 2020

Google's new search features let shoppers see curbside, in-store pickup offerings

The tech giant has made changes to accommodate changed shopping behavior as it saw spikes in searches for "safe shopping" and pickup services.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 18, 2020

TikTok reportedly talks to Instagram co-founder about CEO role amid app's uncertain future

The embattled social video app's executive shuffle also includes hiring former YouTube executive Cheryl Gresham as head of media partnerships.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 18, 2020

Mobile game engagement struggles in pandemic despite low install costs, study finds

Until consumers see a stronger recovery in their discretionary incomes, in-app spending could remain lower than in years past.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 18, 2020

Realities of a cookieless and IDFA-free future

Walled gardens may have a tight grip on the market due to the first-party data they've accumulated, but challenges they face may reshape the next era of digital marketing, writes MobileFuse CEO Ken Harlan.

By Ken Harlan • Sept. 17, 2020

Torrid triples click-through rate with emails linked to personalized maps

Tailoring the retailer's emails to each recipient's location could drive foot traffic to stores imperiled by the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 17, 2020

Kargo partners with AMP Project to expand mobile ad inventory

Bauer Media Group and Leaf Group are among the first media companies to offer Kargo's custom ad formats on their AMP pages.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 17, 2020

Spotify bands together music and podcasts in global multichannel campaign

"Music, Meet Podcasts" arrives as competition heats up with Amazon announcing the addition of podcasts to its streaming music offering.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 17, 2020

Facebook plans to sell AR-equipped smart glasses from Ray-Ban

Along with moves that could make AR more commonplace, the tech giant introduced a lower-cost model of its gaming-centric VR headset.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 17, 2020

Magna: Digital platforms like Amazon remain resilient amid overall ad spending declines

While traditional media faces a bigger blow than during the Great Recession, digital heavyweights are notching gains as e-commerce and streaming are enshrined in consumer habits.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 16, 2020

McDonald's app offers mock insurance to drive trial of new spicy McNuggets

The promotion that includes a 40-minute Instagram video of Anthony "Spice" Adams reflects the chain's focus on drive-thru, delivery and digital as it ramps up marketing spend.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 16, 2020

Apple's iOS 14 rolls out, bringing new opportunities to engage iPhone users

Retailers, restaurants and other service providers can expedite and simplify mobile transactions with the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 16, 2020

Hulu keys into nostalgia with 'PEN15' audio ads on Pandora

"PEN15" creators Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle are featured in audio ads developed with Studio Resonate, the platform's in-house creative shop.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 16, 2020

Amazon app launches luxury channel with Oscar de la Renta

The e-commerce giant may capture young fashion buffs who value its convenience if it can recruit the brands they crave, experts say.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 15, 2020

How Oracle's TikTok deal could shake up social media

The enterprise technology firm does not have an established stake in the space, which might help the video-sharing app retain outsider status while opening new capabilities in areas like search.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 15, 2020

EMeals app helps Emmys viewers prep at-home watch parties

Fans of the awards show can prepare a festive at-home viewing experience through a shoppable menu and Zoom content.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 15, 2020

Facebook Messenger joins co-watching party and enables shared video viewing

For marketers that buy Facebook Watch ads, the new viewing experience may help to reach a broader audience in a fun, relaxed digital setting.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 15, 2020

Holidays will drive mobile shopping to record highs, App Annie predicts

Online events like Amazon's Prime Day and Alibaba's Singles Day may help to extend the holiday shopping season for people who want to avoid stores during the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 15, 2020

Walmart reportedly in talks to join Oracle's proposed stake in TikTok

The retailer is now expected to partner with Oracle on the deal, giving it access to a platform that has potential in e-commerce and advertising, as it works to keep pace with Amazon.

By Peter Adams • Updated Sept. 17, 2020

Amazon starts selling Twitch ad inventory programmatically

Marketers can now more efficiently target Twitch viewers and streamers based on their interests as well as Amazon's audience insights.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 14, 2020

H&M debuts Instagram AR filters for Kangol fashion rollout

In an effort to engage Gen Z, the retailer is letting users create their own versions of a music video starring British singer Mabel that previews a new 31-piece collection.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 14, 2020