Apple acquires VR startup focused on virtual avatars for videoconferencing

As virtual events are expected to stick around, including in the marketing sector, the tech giant could be carving out a bigger part of an emerging market.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 26, 2020

Facebook adds shopping section, expands Instagram checkout

The social network also introduced a “live shopping” feature to let merchants livestream a browsing session to potential customers.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 26, 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

Lowe’s hits the runway with fashion show streams, curated home decor

The New York Fashion Week tie-in suggests how new Lowe’s CMO Marisa Thalberg might boost the brand’s lifestyle positioning, a strategy she also applied during her Taco Bell tenure. 

By Robert Williams • Aug. 26, 2020

MLB lets fans ask Google Assistant about favorite teams

Through an on-demand channel for communication, the league can reach sports fans who are unable to attend games in person due to the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 26, 2020

Social is not a shortcut

Brands wishing to benefit from social media marketing must understand what it is, the people behind the accounts and how to evolve strategies, Firewood’s Vanessa Zucker and Mamou Kilambi write.

By Vanessa Zucker and Mamou Kilambi • Aug. 25, 2020

Spotify inks deal for ‘League of Legends’ podcasts

The collaboration with Riot Games includes an esports hub with official playlists inspired by the gaming community.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 25, 2020

Burger King angers Twitch streamers with stunt campaign

The chain exploited a Twitch feature that lets viewers hear a message read aloud by a bot when they donate money to a streamer.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 25, 2020

Patrón sells connected ‘smart coasters’ for margarita perfectionists

Drink coasters connect to smartphones and provide a step-by-step guide on measuring each cocktail ingredient as it is poured.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 25, 2020

Panera adds mobile ordering through Google

Guests can browse for and order curbside pickup or delivery through Google Search, Maps and Assistant. It’s also offering contactless payment methods. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 25, 2020

TikTok unveils first shoppable livestream with Ntwrk

The social video app will let viewers this week buy apparel sporting defiant messages against a possible U.S. ban.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 24, 2020

Lay’s delivers ‘flavor trip’ on social for travel-starved fans

In response to a sluggish travel season, the PepsiCo-owned snack brand is dishing out chips that typically are only available in foreign countries.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 24, 2020

Fitness apps see 67% jump in installs during pandemic

A 61% jump in user sessions in July comes as reports suggest Apple is developing a subscription service for fitness classes that would compete with Nike and Peloton. 

By Robert Williams • Aug. 21, 2020

Tecate hosts virtual concerts, expands e-commerce selection to benefit Latino groups

The Heineken-owned brand continues to shift its focus to music and culture and away from sports like boxing as it looks to reach a younger U.S. audience. 

By Robert Williams • Aug. 21, 2020

Verizon signs 5G sponsorship deal for Twitch Rivals streamers tournament

The two will work on applications for 5G wireless technology that appeal to the gaming community, including broadcast and media integrations.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 21, 2020

Mobile ad spend jumps 71% amid pandemic recovery

In-app ad spend on private marketplaces soared 391% during the period, outpacing the strong 52% gain for the mobile web, per a Pubmatic study.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 21, 2020

DoorDash adds grocery delivery to its app as last-mile battle intensifies

The expansion into the booming space by another major firm signals a promotional war to come and increasing pressure on incumbent Instacart. 

By Jeff Wells • Aug. 21, 2020

Video impressions rose 40% on CTV platforms in Q2, study says

The findings suggest that inventory previously available only through premium publishers showed up on exchanges as marketing budgets have been cut during the pandemic. 

By Dianna Christie • Aug. 21, 2020

Camden Town Brewery airs QR-powered ‘drinkable’ TV ad

The ad promises an easy way to order home delivery for viewers who may be self-isolating instead of venturing out to pubs during the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 20, 2020

Activision embeds AI-powered ads in Call of Duty League videos

The move comes as a survey found 41% of gamers who watch esports have bought something from a company after seeing the brand sponsor a game, streamer or gaming event.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 20, 2020

Colgate targets millennials with launch of DTC smart toothbrush

Patented connected technology, a rewards app and influencer marketing will be leveraged to reach an audience not targeted by rival brands, Colgate said.

By Graham Vyse • Aug. 20, 2020

P&G teams with iHeartRadio on podcast profiling diverse women

“Seneca’s 100 Women to Hear” marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment granting American women the right to vote.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 20, 2020

Taco Bell is launching a mobile-focused, double drive-thru model in 2021

The QSR’s new concept will feature a smaller footprint, a priority pickup lane for diners who order via its app and “bellhops” that will offer tablet ordering at the drive-thru and curbside pickup areas. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 20, 2020

TikTok debuts US ad campaign, while survey finds most Americans support ban

Launching at a perilous time for the platform, “It Starts on TikTok” shows how people use the app for entertainment and creative expression.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 20, 2020

Oracle enters bidding fray for social video app TikTok

President Trump on Tuesday expressed support for Oracle’s possible bid for TikTok’s U.S. operations. 

By Robert Williams • Aug. 19, 2020

Cheerios sponsors NowThis’ kid-focused news brand

With video, podcasts and newsletters, the companies aim to reach children and their millennial parents with brand-safe content focused on positive themes.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 19, 2020