Study: Mobile gamers prefer DTC brands over retailers

Consumers are more likely to engage with an in-app rewarded ad than a social media sponsored post, according to a Tapjoy survey.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 12, 2020

Jack in the Box unveils 'Sonic the Hedgehog' tie-in on Snapchat

The fast-food chain teamed with Paramount Pictures on an AR game based on the upcoming movie.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 12, 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

Instagram overtakes Facebook in audience of top 50 brands, study says

Consumer interactions with brands on the social platforms fell during the holiday quarter, even among popular industries like fashion.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 12, 2020

T-Mobile, Sprint close on $26B merger

This marks the creation of the New T-Mobile and the end of John Legere's run as CEO.

By Chris Teale • Updated April 1, 2020

Upland buys Localytics for $67.7M to expand mobile app analytics

ESPN, Fox and The New York Times are among the companies that use the Localytics platform, which is integrated with 37,000 apps on more than 2.7 billion devices.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 11, 2020

Pepperidge Farm plays Oscar dress-up on social with Milano cookies

The brand decorated cookies with the "most iconic looks" of the night and posted them to Twitter and Instagram.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 11, 2020

Papa John's returns to Snapchat with Valentine's AR lens

Last year, more than 25% of Snapchat users who swiped up on the chain's AR lens ordered a Valentine's Day pizza.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 11, 2020

Quibi commands advertising spotlight at sold-out Oscars show

ABC reportedly charged up to $2.8 million per 30-second spot, up from last year's average of $1.98 million.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 10, 2020

Freemium game developer Glu Mobile returns to profitability as revenue rises 18%

The developer, best known for mobile game "Kim Kardashian: Hollywood," is showing signs of rebounding from setbacks as several newer titles boost engagement.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 10, 2020

Horizon Media tests verification tech from Location Sciences

After discovering about 25% of initial campaign impressions were delivered to customers more than 300 miles away from a targeted location, Horizon worked to improve accuracy and efficiency.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 10, 2020

TikTok, Apple Search rival duopoly in ROI for app marketers, study says

Smaller companies also performed well, demonstrating their ability to outperform ad giants Facebook and Google in niche markets​.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 10, 2020

7-Eleven tests cashierless store at Texas HQ

The convenience store and Amazon Go are testing the waters of cashierless commerce as startups look to scale similar technology.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 7, 2020

Quibi gives gamers chance to win spot on esports team

The mobile video app's "FaZe Up" reality show will let winning gamers join the FaZe Clan, which boasts 85 influencers on a variety of platforms.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 7, 2020

Twitter's ad revenue rises 12% as users reach 152M

The social network's user growth beat estimates, setting the stage for ad sales growth. 

By Robert Williams • Feb. 7, 2020

Coors Light's anti-Valentine's Day push supports dog adoption via SMS

By texting a special code and a picture of their adoption receipt, the first 1,000 eligible smartphone users will be given $100 to cover new pet costs.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 7, 2020

Pinterest debuts verified merchant program after 46% revenue jump

The platform will let approved brands and retailers participate in new shopping experiences in an effort to convert passive users into active buyers.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 7, 2020

The 7 best Super Bowl social plays

TikTok made a splash around the game, but other platforms remained key tools for marketers looking to ensure their campaigns live on after the final whistle.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 7, 2020

Acura unveils 'Beat That' racing game on web, Facebook Instant Games

Social sharing features prominently in the effort, including GIFs that players can use to create a customized game in Giphy Arcade.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 6, 2020

Sony flaunts phone camera in 'most epic TikTok ever made' for 'Bad Boys' film

Its lack of a hard sell is characteristic of TikTok videos that aim for viral growth, and Sony doesn't mention its new Xperia 1 phone in the spot.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 6, 2020

Facebook will shutter Audience Network for mobile sites

The decision may be in response to recent changes by companies like Google and Apple to limit audience tracking with third-party cookies amid growing concerns about privacy and brand safety.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 6, 2020

Google plans crackdown on 'disruptive' video ads

The tech giant's Chrome browser on Aug. 5 will stop showing paid spots that don't comply with new standards from the Coalition for Better Ads.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 6, 2020

Burger King celebrates Harley Quinn's breakup in anti-Valentine's Day promotion

By building a promotion around the narrative of scorned lovers, the brand could connect with consumers at a time when fewer are embracing the holiday.

By Dianna Christie • Feb. 6, 2020

Spotify buys Bill Simmons' The Ringer as podcast consumption soars

In its Q4 earnings report, the audio streaming service said its podcast consumption hours grew 200% year-over-year.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 5, 2020

Snap's revenue surges 44% to record $561M

Significant quarterly growth reflects Snap's efforts to appeal to advertisers with new ad formats, though the company warned of possible losses in early 2020.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 5, 2020

EMarketer: Voice shopping is growing more slowly than expected

Security concerns and competition from smartphones weigh on purchases though smart speakers, the researcher said.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 5, 2020