How TikTok's uncertain future and COVID-19 are transforming influencer marketing

As the TikTok shakeup continues, competitors are wooing influencers and becoming more accessible with new video tools while content evolves to be more frank. 

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Sept. 21, 2020

Champs Sports kicks up photo-sharing with AR shoe try-on in Snapchat

As more people seek out digital shopping experiences during the pandemic, virtual trials appear to be gaining with brands and mobile users.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 21, 2020

Bud Light spotlights Black-owned eateries in 'Thursday Night Football' ads

The initiative arrives as the dual crises of the pandemic and civil unrest due to racial injustice simultaneously take their toll on Black Americans.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 21, 2020

Samsung tests live video shopping to showcase new foldable phone

Interest in shoppable video streams has grown during the pandemic, which has kept brands from hosting flashy in-store events.

By Aaron Baar • Sept. 21, 2020

TikTok downloads banned as of Sunday, setting off new scramble in video app saga

The app won't shut down until Nov. 12 under a new order, and could avoid any service disruption if a deal for its U.S. operations is approved this weekend.

By Peter Adams • Updated Sept. 18, 2020

TikTok reportedly talks to Instagram co-founder about CEO role amid app's uncertain future

The embattled social video app's executive shuffle also includes hiring former YouTube executive Cheryl Gresham as head of media partnerships.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 18, 2020

Havas buys majority stake in Camp + King to expand digital creative network

The deal comes as agencies are positioning themselves for a new reality when digital and virtual strategies are more important.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 18, 2020

Henkel sponsors wellness web series distributed via blockchain

Teaming with an award-winning creator on content is one way the marketer of Persil and Purex addresses pandemic-related challenges.

By Aaron Baar • Sept. 18, 2020

Facebook plans to sell AR-equipped smart glasses from Ray-Ban

Along with moves that could make AR more commonplace, the tech giant introduced a lower-cost model of its gaming-centric VR headset.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 17, 2020

Some blue-chip brands see loyalty drop precipitously during pandemic, survey finds

As consumers adjust to a "new normal," an annual ranking of brand loyalty adds the most newcomers ever while some previous stalwarts disappear.

By Aaron Baar • Sept. 17, 2020

Google expands media-buying services as connected TV's importance grows

With the pandemic only compounding media buying's existing troubles, a potential opportunity has opened for digital platforms like Google to gain a stronger foothold.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 16, 2020

McDonald's app offers mock insurance to drive trial of new spicy McNuggets

The promotion that includes a 40-minute Instagram video of Anthony "Spice" Adams reflects the chain's focus on drive-thru, delivery and digital as it ramps up marketing spend.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 16, 2020

Hulu keys into nostalgia with 'PEN15' audio ads on Pandora

"PEN15" creators Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle are featured in audio ads developed with Studio Resonate, the platform's in-house creative shop.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 16, 2020

How Oracle's TikTok deal could shake up social media

The enterprise technology firm does not have an established stake in the space, which might help the video-sharing app retain outsider status while opening new capabilities in areas like search.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 15, 2020

Miller Lite turns beer cans into antennas for watching football

As more fans stream live sports this season, the beer brand is helping them watch digital TV — without turning to illegal streaming sites it parodied on social media.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 15, 2020

EMeals app helps Emmys viewers prep at-home watch parties

Fans of the awards show can prepare a festive at-home viewing experience through a shoppable menu and Zoom content.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 15, 2020

Facebook Messenger joins co-watching party and enables shared video viewing

For marketers that buy Facebook Watch ads, the new viewing experience may help to reach a broader audience in a fun, relaxed digital setting.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 15, 2020

'Got milk?' creators tap 'Black-ish' star for bilingual positive news series

By tapping "Hollywood's youngest executive producer" along with notable kidfluencers, the California Milk Processor Board seeks to engage Gen Z with timely content marketing.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 14, 2020

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