Is activist advertising the new frontier?

Increasingly, retail marketers are taking a stance on social and political issues — and scoring customers in the meantime. Here's who's doing it best.

By Cara Salpini • March 1, 2018

Facebook repudiates claims that Trump campaign paid lower rates for polarizing ads

The president's director of digital operations during the 2016 campaign recently boasted about gaming Facebook's auction-based system to drive down rates, a claim now being disputed by the social media giant. 

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 28, 2018

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

How Intel evolved from an invisible 'ingredient brand' to win over more millennials

At the IAB's Annual Leadership Meeting, CMO Steven Fund discussed how Intel sees success by integrating its technology into destination live events and working with celebs like Jim Parsons. 

By Peter Adams • Feb. 28, 2018

Stoli debuts 'Red Sparrow' campaign with signature cocktails, social content

The brand is running sweepstakes for a "top-secret trip" to New York City tied to the Jennifer Lawrence vehicle on its Instagram and Facebook channels. 

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 28, 2018

Johnnie Walker debuts Jane Walker label for Women's History Month

The Diageo-owned brand is donating $1 for every bottle of the product sold to organizations that champion women's causes. 

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 27, 2018

Razor disruptor Harry's examines what makes a man in new short film

The effort looks to challenge traditional notions of masculinity through the story of a boy teaching an alien about what defines manhood. 

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 27, 2018

Ferrari, Regions Bank lead the way in leveraging 'everyday influencers,' analysis shows

Both online and off, regular consumers who give recommendations and have large social media networks are proving increasingly popular with marketers. 

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 27, 2018

Skippy puts a smooth spin on 'Uptown Funk' for new national ad campaign

The full effort, created with BBDO Minneapolis, includes six-second digital video ads and TV spots that showcase a new product. 

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 27, 2018

Delta, American Airlines and other brands sever ties with the NRA

In a statement, the NRA called the companies' actions a "shameful display of political and civic cowardice."

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 26, 2018

Intel tops Olympic sponsors for Facebook, Twitter engagement thanks to drones

The number of Facebook actions taken during the games was nearly 2x the amount in the six months leading up to them. 

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 26, 2018

Study: Digital, TV drove 10.8% growth in US advertising last month

Despite declining TV viewership overall, destination live events continue to be a rallying point for marketers, with the Academy Awards recently selling out of ad inventory. 

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 26, 2018

3 marketing trends that will get the boot in 2018 — plus 4 more brands should focus on

Marketers' No. 1 priority this year should be continuing to evolve with consumers' changing preferences and behaviors. Brett Hyman, president of NVE Experience Agency, offers tips on how to keep up. 

By Brett Hyman • Feb. 23, 2018

Facebook streamlines and clarifies Ads Manager metrics

The company will also launch a free education initiative to help marketers better measure branding and direct marketing objectives. 

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 23, 2018

Lime-A-Rita opens social media advice column run by brand characters

The Ritas, three "legendary ladies," will answer questions on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, with a popular contestant from "The Bachelor" getting first dibs. 

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 23, 2018

How to still succeed with Facebook video marketing following the News Feed update

Paul Casinelli, Brightcove's VP of product marketing and strategy, offers five tips on surviving the algorithm change that has some brands and publishers in a panic.

By Paul Casinelli • Feb. 22, 2018

YouTube pulls Parkland shooting conspiracy video that reached No. 1 on Trending

The video, which misidentified a student survivor as a paid actor, was at the top of the popular section for several hours before being removed by the platform. 

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 22, 2018

McDonald's dips into podcasts for another Szechuan sauce promo

A new shipment of the sauce arrives in some locations tomorrow while a three-episode "investigative" podcast examines how October's promotion turned into a melee. 

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Feb. 21, 2018

Wayfair, Lego and more deepen Facebook ad immersion with interactive 3-D posts

The format, now compliant with the industry standard glTF 2.0, looks to tie together technologies like AR and VR for brands on the platform. 

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 21, 2018

Nike's Air Jordan pre-release on Snapchat sells out in 23 minutes

The athletic wear company is the first brand to sell products on the social media app, which could be a game-changer for mobile commerce.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 20, 2018

Mountain Dew partners with Kevin Hart in year-long 360-degree push

The far-reaching effort includes a new video series, pop-up experiences, a social media contest and an integration with the comedian's tour. 

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 20, 2018

Report: NFL streaming stakes ramp up as Amazon, Twitter and YouTube return to bid

The companies' bids could be as high as hundreds of millions of dollars for retaining the rights to "Thursday Night Football" for up to five years, a change from the previous single-season packages. 

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 20, 2018

Marketers animate their GIF strategies, but length becomes a conundrum

Brands from Coca-Cola to Microsoft are experimenting with animated videos nearing the one-minute mark, while Nissan and others remain committed to pithy four-second loops.

By Shane Schick • Feb. 20, 2018

Facebook, Google could face more stringent oversight on political ads

The Federal Election Commission has drafted a proposal that would require online platforms to include ad disclaimers in a manner similar to print, radio and TV ads. 

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 20, 2018

Hollister sponsors YouTube series targeting Gen Z

The retailer is extending a partnership forged last year with AwesomenessTV through a 12-episode project starring social influencers and celebrating the "spirit of endless summer."

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 16, 2018

Brisk tea, 'Black Panther' star partner to support 'creative hustlers'

A mentorship program led by the brand and Michael B. Jordan includes an out-of-home event during NBA All-Star weekend that will feature interactive, Marvel-inspired activities. 

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 15, 2018