Got to be real: the dos and don'ts of musical branding campaigns

Major brands like Oreo and Lay's have tapped mainstream musicians to craft original songs, but not all the efforts are chart toppers.

By Chris Kelly • June 5, 2019

Study: Gen Z opts for personalized, interactive content over privacy

While 38% prefer ads to be targeted around their browsing history or preferences, the cohort is less concerned about how brands will use their data.

By Robert Williams • June 4, 2019

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

IHOP resurrects controversial 'IHOb' name change, targets burger promo's haters

The chain becomes the latest marketer to incorporate online negativity into its marketing as opposed to letting customer service handle it. 

By Barry Levine • June 4, 2019

Pernod Ricard links with new Gen Z-focused agency on global music festival

Planned across three continents, the events are the first to be co-sponsored by Pernod Ricard brands, including Beefeater, Jameson, Ballantine's and Absolut.

By Barry Levine • June 4, 2019

OpenTable showcases LGBTQ+ restaurants for Pride Month

The reservation platform joins a growing mix of restaurant brands including Starbucks, sweetgreen and fresh&co that are showing support for the LGBTQ+ community.

By Alicia Kelso • June 4, 2019

Foursquare buys location-tracking firm Placed from Snap

The deal could amplify Foursquare's efforts in helping mobile marketers track foot traffic to retail locations.

By Robert Williams • June 3, 2019

Atom Tickets teams with Flikflix on 'Tinder-like' movie app

A new Matchmaker tool virtually connects friends looking to watch a film together by delivering suggestions via AirDrop, messages or email.​

By Robert Williams • June 3, 2019

Courvoisier Cognac drinks up partnership with Def Jam Recordings

The brands are planning a series of activations inspired by key cultural moments in hip-hop and events supporting emerging artists.

By Dianna Christe • June 3, 2019

Comic Dive: Run For The Border, Get A Room

In its biggest lifestyle play yet, Taco Bell doubles down on millennial marketing with a branded hotel that scratches several tactical itches.

By John Hazard • May 31, 2019

Gatorade boosts UGC with new app for teen athlete videos

The free platform aims to help younger users capture and share videos of their best sports moments.

By Robert Williams • May 31, 2019

Chipotle joins spelling bee to pit its ingredients against competitors'

At this year's Scripps National Spelling Bee, some contestants participated in word challenges involving ingredients like "avocado" and "carrageenan."

By Barry Levine • May 31, 2019

Facebook expands rewarded video, playable ads for mobile games

Nearly 80% of game developers that use ads and in-app purchases to monetize their content said rewarded video is the most effective format.

By Robert Williams • May 30, 2019

Study: Gen Z cares about issues and is skeptical of brands

Supporting Gen Z's values and seeking their input as co-creators are two ways brands can appear authentic in their marketing.

By Barry Levine • May 30, 2019

Old Spice salutes 'Godzilla' to promote Walmart exclusives

Tapping YouTube star DangMattSmith for its latest internet-friendly video effort comes as Old Spice's parent Procter & Gamble looks to revamp the digital media supply chain.

By Barry Levine • May 30, 2019

Why New Coke is back

​Coca-Cola plans to feature its decades-old beverage flop in "Stranger Things." But the reason behind the move isn't nostalgia alone, writes Ericho Communications' founder Eric Yaverbaum.

By Eric Yaverbaum • May 30, 2019

Baskin-Robbins teams with Netflix for 'Stranger Things'-inspired ice cream truck

Inspired by the show's Scoops Ahoy Ice Cream parlor, the activation is the latest brand partnership to bring the hit show to life.

By Dianna Christe • May 29, 2019

Sweetgreen unveils Pride-focused marketing campaign

The chain is also kicking off its first national marketing effort this summer, with plans to donate $1 from every bowl sold on June 2 to a program for homeless LGBTQ+ youth.

By Lauren Manning • May 29, 2019

Instagram Shopping used by 39% of UK Gen Zers, study finds

The Facebook-owned platform has the power to drive impulse purchases among younger consumer groups, GlobalData found.

By Robert Williams • May 28, 2019

Chipotle integrates Twitter with SMS to dole out free burritos to basketball fans

Every time announcers say the word "free" on-air during official NBA game coverage, attentive followers have a chance to score a meal.

By Peter Adams • May 28, 2019

Gillette extends #MyBestSelf push with video of transgender teen's first shave

With its latest campaign, the P&G razor brand again tackled gender issues to demonstrate its commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

By Barry Levine • May 28, 2019

New Amsterdam Vodka sponsors NHL's 'Stanley Cup Live' as it expands to Twitter

When it appeared exclusively on Facebook Live last year, the majority of the pregame show's viewers were between the ages of 18 and 34.

By Robert Williams • May 28, 2019

EMarketer cuts 2019 estimate of Facebook usage by 5%

Efforts to discourage passive viewing of content led to a decline in engagement on the platform over the past year.

By Robert Williams • May 28, 2019

Budweiser plans moment of silence for Memorial Day

The AB InBev brand will honor fallen members of the U.S. military with a campaign that runs across TV, radio, print and social media.

By Barry Levine • May 24, 2019

Facebook readies ad placements for WhatsApp stories

The addition could be a major change for the messaging app, which has historically resisted advertising.

By Robert Williams • May 24, 2019

YouGov: Brands mostly see small boosts from 'Game of Thrones' partnerships

One clear winner is Oreo, which saw significant jumps in sentiment and buzz during the hit show's final season.

By Barry Levine • May 24, 2019