Walmart reportedly in talks to join Oracle's proposed stake in TikTok

The retailer is now expected to partner with Oracle on the deal, giving it access to a platform that has potential in e-commerce and advertising, as it works to keep pace with Amazon.

By Peter Adams • Updated Sept. 17, 2020

Belvedere's new brand platform ties ingredient simplicity to nature

The LVMH spirits maker is taking a product-oriented creative approach to showcase how its vodka reflects the values ingrained in its origin story.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Sept. 14, 2020

Amazon starts selling Twitch ad inventory programmatically

Marketers can now more efficiently target Twitch viewers and streamers based on their interests as well as Amazon's audience insights.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 14, 2020

H&M debuts Instagram AR filters for Kangol fashion rollout

In an effort to engage Gen Z, the retailer is letting users create their own versions of a music video starring British singer Mabel that previews a new 31-piece collection.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 14, 2020

Pepsi creates team-specific videos, contests and packaging for homebound NFL fans

Local fan traditions — some more infamous than others — are the focus of an effort addressing how showing team spirit might be different this year. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris and Chris Kelly • Sept. 11, 2020

Barclays champions Black wealth creation on Instagram Live

The five-week #BlackWealthMatters series is the latest sponsored livestream to address social issues that include diversity and inclusion.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 11, 2020

Campaign Trail: Gap leans on brand heritage in unity-focused campaign

The first effort from new CMO Mary Alderete showcases Gap's philosophy of "American optimism" and aims to amplify voices through voter education.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Sept. 11, 2020

Louis Vuitton, Puma dress up for TikTok Fashion Month

Livestreams, apparel reveals and instructional videos by brands and creators arrive as TikTok works to make its app a fashion hub for young consumers.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 11, 2020

Walmart homes in on family, community in first ad push for Walmart+

Called "A Different Kind of Membership," the multichannel campaign features 22 diverse families and focuses on reclaiming precious time lost to shopping.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 11, 2020

Crown Royal enlists singers Ari Lennox, Anthony Ramos to help venues hurt by COVID-19

Proceeds from the duo's cover of iconic song "If You Want Me To Stay" will go toward uplifting businesses on the verge of shutting down.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 10, 2020

LG teams with esports business Evil Geniuses on 2 video series

A series about how professional gamers strategize appears on YouTube, along with a companion Twitch livestream that highlights LG monitors.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 10, 2020

Verizon Media kicks off AR, co-viewing features for NFL games

Sports fans will have a more immersive way to view football games this season, as the pandemic prevents some teams from hosting attendees in person.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 10, 2020

Sports marketing is no longer the safe bet, but bolder brands could win out

NFL season kickoff might serve as a litmus test for how the space realigns as it grapples with the dual forces of a pandemic and widespread civil unrest.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 10, 2020

Sabra enlists TikTok star Tabitha Brown for shoppable videos

Leaning into the challenges families with children at home face this year, the brand is trying to ease some of the stress around serving healthy meals.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 10, 2020

Bud Light unveils 'Showtime Cam' for NFL fans on Twitter

Sports marketers are forced to consider new ways to engage fans as the NFL season kicks off and many stadiums are restricting attendance.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 9, 2020

Lowe's unites NFL fans with 'Home Team' player tie-up

Capitalizing on sports fans' enthusiasm looks different this year as the home improvement retailer's campaign focuses on communities and fans' homes.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Sept. 9, 2020

Chipotle employs TikTok creator cohort to promote group-ordering app feature

As TikTok users join up to form creator houses, Chipotle is early to a trend that reflects its own efforts to target wannabe brand ambassadors.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 8, 2020

Workload up for 82% of in-house creative teams, driven by demand for digital content

The pandemic has bolstered internal shops, while external agencies flounder, a report from the WFA and The Observatory International suggests.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 4, 2020

TikTok widens ad options with new marketing partner program

Developing an ecosystem of approved marketing service providers could help the app compete against Facebook for advertising dollars.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 4, 2020

HBO debuts VR event series to promote 'Lovecraft Country'

As the pandemic continues to limit in-person activations, the online gatherings integrate elements of the show and connect fans remotely via YouTube Live.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 3, 2020

'Pokémon Go' creator Niantic starts global AR alliance

Verizon is among the mobile carriers that joined Niantic's Planet-Scale AR Alliance to develop augmented reality experiences for 5G devices.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 2, 2020

Perfect Corp. adds contactless makeup try-on features

The pandemic has pushed retailers and brands to experiment with AR tools in place of high-touch store experiences. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 1, 2020

Teespring lets TikTok creators sell merch directly to fans

The news is another signal that TikTok is expanding its commerce ambitions, a development that's recently influenced talks around an acquisition of the app.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 1, 2020

Chobani gamifies Instagram Story in multichannel push for new yogurt

A TV spot, influencer tie-in, and audio ads on Spotify and several podcasts round out the effort to introduce Chobani Complete this week.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 1, 2020

Burger King delivers immersive AR experience during VMAs

Scanning QR codes in TV commercials during the awards show activated offers in the BK App, including a chance to win a year of free Whoppers.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 1, 2020