Olipop turns fans into influencers for pennies with PR boxes on Amazon

The better-for-you soda brand is also inviting consumers to the Austin Motel, which has been transformed to include three nostalgic, Olipop-themed suites. 

By Jessica Hammers • June 24, 2025

Unilever acquires Dr. Squatch, valuing brand’s viral marketing to Gen Z men

The DTC grooming upstart was praised by Unilever for its social-first approach, which has recently included racy ads with Sydney Sweeney.

By Peter Adams • June 23, 2025

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

E.l.f. brings AI-powered color-matching for makeup to Pinterest

In other artificial intelligence-focused news from Pinterest, it is working with Macy’s to test auto-collages. 

By Jessica Hammers • June 17, 2025

Sociable: WhatsApp launches ads in status updates, channel subscriptions

While privacy concerns have made monetizing the app a challenge, Meta is again betting on ads to address its revenue goals. 

By Andrew Hutchinson • June 16, 2025

PepsiCo taps VaynerMedia to evolve in-house agency model

A new integrated team weds PepsiCo beverage’s internal brand-building expertise with VaynerMedia’s ability to activate around social media.

By Peter Adams • June 16, 2025

Lowe’s launches creator network to build bonds with millennials, Gen Z

Leading creator MrBeast has joined the effort, which will see the brand serve as exclusive building partner for the second season of “Beast Games.”

By Chris Kelly • June 10, 2025

Lipton Hard Iced Tea unites millennials, boomers over party culture

The social-forward campaign puts a heavy emphasis on content designed to appeal across age groups.

By Sara Karlovitch • June 9, 2025

TikTok leans on AI, search in bid to advertisers at annual summit

The platform announced a slew of new features including branding solutions, automation tools and an artificial intelligence-powered Search Center.

By Aaron Baar • June 5, 2025

McDonald’s goes behind the scenes to hype fan-favorite Snack Wrap return

Led by Wieden+Kennedy New York, the campaign will include a new spot, a Snapchat activation and a web portal that features behind-the-scenes content.

By Chris Kelly • June 5, 2025

How Dove’s first creator-led campaign paves way forward for Unilever

Executives discuss how an effort developed with Edelman fits into Unilever’s plans to shift 50% of ad spend to social media, particularly influencers.

By Chris Kelly • June 4, 2025

Sociable: Meta reportedly expects to offer fully automated AI ads by 2026

Meta’s next-level artificial intelligence tools could create and target campaigns for marketers by next year, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

By Andrew Hutchinson • June 2, 2025

RXBar scrubs corporate jargon from social feeds in battle against B.S.

Wannabe thought leadership posts shared on platforms like LinkedIn land in the crosshairs of the Kellanova brand’s Chrome web extension.

By Peter Adams • June 2, 2025

Kinder Chocolate lets kids’ imaginations run wild in new campaign

Along with a hero spot, the Ferrero brand's campaign features unscripted content created as a dedicated asset for social channels.

By Chris Kelly • May 30, 2025

Marketing to Gen Alpha: How brands can win over the next generation

The dynamics between the cohort and their millennial parents signal what’s to come in advertising, according to research from Horizon Media.

By Jessica Hammers • May 29, 2025

Coke pushes Gen Z to ditch digital noise and embrace summer fun

“Enjoy the moment with a Coca-Cola” was created with WPP Open X, led by Ogilvy, with support from VML and Publicis.

By Peter Adams • May 27, 2025

SMBs rely heavily on social media for marketing and growth, study says

More than a quarter of SMBs use artificial intelligence for their marketing and social media efforts, per Verizon Business and Morning Consult.

By Aaron Baar • May 22, 2025

Publicis acquires Captiv8 as influencer marketing ambitions expand

Following its purchase of Influential last year, the agency is fortifying its creator network and technology offering in areas like social commerce. 

By Peter Adams • Updated May 22, 2025

Uno plays into game night trend with themed social clubs

Consumers can enter to win a stay at a themed suite in Las Vegas by posting a TikTok video using a new Uno Reverse Card filter.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 21, 2025

Oscar Mayer’s Wienermobiles plan race ahead of Indy 500

The Kraft Heinz brand’s iconic vehicles will compete in the Wienie 500, an event that will be streamed online and features a DraftKings integration.

By Aaron Baar • May 20, 2025

Inside Poppi’s push into gaming as prebiotic soda marketing bubbles up

PepsiCo this week finalized a $1.95 billion acquisition of the brand, which has used a “community- and culture-first approach” to marketing.

By Chris Kelly • May 19, 2025

Hawaiian Tropic, Alix Earle showcase ‘Tana Sutra’ for summer campaign

The sunscreen brand nods to “Kama Sutra” in a 60-second spot that sees the social media star demonstrate five unconventional tanning positions.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 15, 2025

YouTube spotlights how brands can own cultural moments at ad showcase

A star-studded Brandcast unveiled a deeper NFL partnership, new sponsorship offerings and contextually relevant ads powered by Gemini AI.

By Peter Adams • May 15, 2025

How Unrivaled built brand partnerships that are more than logo slaps

Sponsors including Samsung Galaxy, Under Armour and Wayfair delivered real value during the first year of the women’s 3-on-3 basketball league.

By Chris Kelly • May 12, 2025

Meta touts complementary powers of video, AI in overture to brands

At the NewFronts, executives said that generative AI tools are “are going to help mark a new era of creativity” that marketers will aid in shaping.

By Peter Adams • May 9, 2025

Sociable: Meta offers tips for advertisers based on latest engagement trends

The Facebook and Instagram owner breaks down five key insights and how to apply them to advertising efforts.

By Andrew Hutchinson • May 8, 2025