McDonald’s spotlights Black Girls Surf to promote ‘Little Mermaid’ tie-up

The fast food giant is doubling down on inclusivity around a film that has faced racist backlash, while the chain faces its own accusations of racial bias.

By Chris Kelly • May 24, 2023

Walmart Connect enlists creative partners to help brands craft better ads

Companies including VidMob and The Mars Agency are allying with the retailer’s ad division amid a run of growth, with sales up 30% last quarter.

By Peter Adams • May 24, 2023

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Retail Marketing

Top stories that underscore the leading influences on retail marketing, including Gen Z, pop culture and generative AI.

By Marketing Dive staff

Report: As CTV commands advertiser interest, fraud grows nearly 70%

A focus at this year’s upfronts, the channel has also seen the variety of schemes triple since 2020, according to DoubleVerify.

By Peter Adams • May 22, 2023

Netflix boosts ad-supported tier with new product, measurement options

The streamer also shared that the tier has nearly 5 million active global users, with membership more than doubling since the beginning of the year.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 19, 2023

At Brandcast, YouTube weds power of NFL to creators like MrBeast

Convergence was a major theme at the 2023 presentation as the platform takes over NFL Sunday Ticket and contends with advertising headwinds.

By Peter Adams • May 18, 2023

WBD unveils robust advertising options for Max ahead of May 23 launch

The combined HBO Max and Discovery+ service offers marketers a range of advertising options, with focuses on reach, reward and interaction.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 18, 2023

NYX celebrates LGBTQIA+ gaming communities in new Pride campaign

The makeup company partnered with five different creators for “Game Out Loud” which spans several digital platforms, including Roblox and Twitch.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 16, 2023

Mythbusting the JIC, weaponizing the MRC: What’s up with measurement?

Execs from a new industry consortium focused on persistent measurement issues have been touting their rapid progress and Nielsen's potential role.

By Chris Kelly • May 15, 2023

NBCUniversal’s Linda Yaccarino resigns, named Twitter CEO

The former NBCUniversal executive will focus primarily on business operations while Elon Musk focuses on product design and new technology.

By Peter Adams • Updated May 12, 2023

Candy Crush ‘candifies’ the Jonas Brothers for gaming tie-up

Players will have access to two unreleased songs by the pop trio in addition to an in-game exclusive remix of new single “Waffle House.”

By Aaron Baar • May 11, 2023

Digital media to claim over half of upfronts spending, forecast says

Gains for digital during the media-buying bonanza could help offset declines in traditional TV as the industry continues to grapple with change.

By Peter Adams • May 10, 2023

Minute Maid’s first global campaign supports new unified visual identity

The Coca-Cola juice line’s “Filled with Life” campaign looks to combat consumers’ “autopilot moments” while showcasing its first global brand design.

By Jessica Deyo • May 9, 2023

TikTok expands overture to publishers with contextual ad program

Pulse Premiere partners include embattled organizations like Buzzfeed and Vox, which will receive a cut of ad revenue. 

By Peter Adams • May 5, 2023

Snap tests My AI sponsored links amid expansion of ad formats

The company also said Warner Bros. is an early partner for the new First Story takeover format that reserves the first video ad between Friend Stories.

By Aaron Baar • May 4, 2023

YouTube embellishes Shorts ads as monetization struggles endure

New tools will allow advertisers to optimize reach through artificial intelligence and position ads to appear first in users’ Shorts feeds.

By Jessica Deyo • May 2, 2023

Amazon brings greater precision, interactivity to football streaming ads

“Thursday Night Football” stood as the crown jewel of the company’s NewFronts presentation, which also featured announcements around measurement partners and Freevee.

By Peter Adams • May 2, 2023

Nielsen miscounted Super Bowl LVII viewership

On the heels of regaining MRC accreditation, the platform acknowledged measurement issues around the most-watched Super Bowl in history.

By Chris Kelly • May 2, 2023

Tubi targets upfronts attendees with satirical short films

Timed to media-buying season, Tubi prepped a campaign for and about marketers as the platform becomes a central part of Fox's digital efforts.

By Chris Kelly • May 1, 2023

Meta says AI is improving ad efficiency as revenue growth returns

AI helped better monetize Reels in Q1, though the company may not be out of the woods yet with continued challenges from TikTok, Apple and Amazon.

By Peter Adams • April 27, 2023

Google ad revenue slides again as platform’s dominance is challenged

Ongoing macro headwinds and Microsoft’s early lead with generative AI have put new pressure on the search category leader to keep up.

By Peter Adams • April 26, 2023

FTC talks tough in false-ad notice but faces hard enforcement road

Although the agency has put hundreds of companies on notice about marketing claims, its ability to penalize violators will be tested by resource constraints.

By Robert Freedman • April 24, 2023

Kraft Real Mayo claims mayo love can lead to more dating app matches

The brand conducted an experiment that found expressing mayo enthusiasm resulted in a 74% increase in matches and smoother pick-up lines.

By Peter Adams • April 21, 2023

Smirnoff Ice marks 23 years with branding overhaul, summer relaunch tour

Revamped packaging represents a modern take on popular looks of the past, while Y2K-inspired merchandise also factors into the effort. 

By Sara Karlovitch • April 21, 2023

Gopuff positions itself as go-to munchies delivery app for 4/20

An “I Puffed Today” campaign features election-style messaging, a partnership with creator The Fat Jewish and a pop-up “Puffing Place” van.

By Jessica Deyo • April 20, 2023

Expedia Group launches ‘shoppable’ platform with inspirational travel content

The GoUSA streaming hub “bridges the gap in travel marketing between the growing influence of streamed movies and TV on tourism and travel bookings,” according to the company.

By Michele Laufik • April 20, 2023