Patrón 'backs the bar' with benefit concert on Instagram Live

The tequila brand's virtual benefit concert is designed to support Black artists and raise money for small business owners hurt by the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 19, 2020

Uber plans OOH ad network expansion to Chicago, LA in Q4

Ridership appears to be rebounding since the pandemic spurred declines last spring, giving Uber a chance to capitalize on people returning to regular activities with potentially fresh eyes.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Oct. 16, 2020

Google expands visual search in latest shopping push

Along with an upgraded tool that matches items to products sold online, AR Autos soon will let customers look for a vehicle in Google Search and see it in a 3D or AR rendering.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 16, 2020

Nielsen adds ratings for YouTube CTV ads as digital viewing surges

The move can help Nielsen bring together viewer data that may be siloed across platforms, so advertisers can better measure campaign effectiveness.

By Aaron Baar • Oct. 16, 2020

Mars' Temptations brand releases Halloween horror film for felines

The movie features sounds the brand says will captivate cats while entertaining their owners.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 16, 2020

TikTok's marketing spreads a feel-good message. Could it make a difference for the app's future?

Amid the Trump administration's continued aggression, the platform is making a case for saving its business without directly addressing its political woes.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 16, 2020

Budweiser duets with Halsey on documentary spot, poetry and merch

The partnership around themes of inspiration and ambition comes as people have tired of pandemic-centric ads and are seeking positive and entertaining content.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 15, 2020

57% of younger adults ramp up smartphone use to stream video, study says

The segment tends to be the most willing to pay for app subscriptions, which is a mixed blessing for the mobile industry.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 15, 2020

Mucinex to unveil 'Sickwear' clothing with influencer fashion show on YouTube

Teaming with a diverse group of creatives and using a DTC approach, the brand can directly reach younger consumers with apparel designed to comfort people recovering from a cold.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 15, 2020

Devour's 'Cheat Day' YouTube series digs into pro athletes' downtime fun

After previously provocative efforts, the Kraft Heinz brand seeks to reach young consumers without risking the backlash recently faced by its parent company.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 14, 2020

Allure designs holiday shopping issue around virtual try-on experiences

Working with Perfect Corp., the publisher created an "Ultimate Guide to Shopping" that uses QR codes and AR to align with a season set to skew toward mobile.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 14, 2020

TikTok deal could affect 2021 ad plans for 73% of marketers, survey finds

The pending TikTok deal could make Oracle a leader in advertising data, but its impact on Walmart's e-commerce aspirations may not be as significant.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 14, 2020

Abercrombie & Fitch addresses LGBTQ mental health with IGTV miniseries

Featuring chats between soccer star Megan Rapinoe and a group of influencers and activists, the series airs as brands market around LGBTQ+ History Month.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 14, 2020

SheaMoisture showcases Black female artists in purpose-driven spot

Amid the global movement for racial and gender equality, the Unilever brand pledges proceeds from every product sold to invest in businesses owned by Black women.

By Aaron Baar • Oct. 14, 2020

Disney enshrines streaming as 'primary focus' amid broad media reorganization

A recent move to debut Pixar's upcoming "Soul" on Disney+ is indicative of the entertainment giant's strategy — and a grim portent for theater owners.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 13, 2020

Despite pandemic, Hilton launches new global campaign with a toast to travel

Americans are itching to get back to leisure travel and creating new memories, per the chain's research, but it remains unclear how ready they really are.

By Aaron Baar • Oct. 13, 2020

Amazon brings delivery boxes to life with AR Halloween activities

First appearing around Prime Day, scannable packages may compel shoppers to engage with festive experiences by the retailer beyond purchasing products.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 13, 2020

P&G, Bank of America sponsor first virtual event by NowThis

The mobile news brand is betting on enduring interest in virtual events, with its first offering focused on women's equality and hosted by Seth Meyers and Netflix CMO Bozoma St. John.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 13, 2020

Infiniti puts 'Hamilton' star Daveed Diggs behind the wheel for live Instagram test drive

As consumers continue to turn to livestreaming during the pandemic, this activation shows the brand reaching for the immersion and intimacy of a showroom experience.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 12, 2020

YouTube expands shopping tools with video creators before holidays

A Shopify integration and more arrive as parent company Google gets into a growing advertising war with Amazon in areas like search and video content.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 12, 2020

Honda leans into 'rewilding' trend with John Cena as its voice

Amid increased interest in the outdoors during the pandemic, the carmaker taps a talent known for "toughness and strength" to demonstrate its ruggedness.

By Aaron Baar • Oct. 12, 2020

1800 Tequila immerses Snapchat users in AR artwork

With the pandemic limiting sales at bars and restaurants, engaging people through digital channels is more important than ever for spirits brands.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 12, 2020

Pandemic forces Halloween candy makers to get creative to protect $5B in sales

Mars Wrigley, Hershey and Ferrero, which prepare years in advance for the holiday, have quickly altered their strategies on packaging, selling and marketing their sweets.

By Christopher Doering • Oct. 12, 2020

TikTok flaunts its good vibes in TV ad centered on viral 'Dreams' video

Debuting as the Justice Department appeals an injunction against a ban on new downloads of the app, the effort could reassure brands and users. 

By Peter Adams • Oct. 9, 2020

Mars partners with Disney for Halloween short film series amid altered holiday

After unveiling a virtual Halloween experience, the candy company continues to connect with homebound consumers through holiday-themed content.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 9, 2020