Where ad spending is thriving during COVID-19, including a few surprises

Marketers in categories like toys and prescription eyeglasses have leaned in with big budget lifts, but what does the future hold as the economy reopens?

By Shane Schick • May 27, 2020

Scandit secures $80M in funding as COVID-19 drives demand for contactless mobile tech

Areas like click-and-collect are booming, pushing retailers and supply chain companies to invest in tech that can meet the demand in a safe manner.

By Peter Adams • May 26, 2020

Benefit Cosmetics brings AR try-on to WeChat

Beauty shoppers on mobile can sample eyebrow shapes before booking an appointment at a Benefit BrowBar, where a stylist will help to recreate the look.

By Robert Williams • May 26, 2020

Budweiser honors healthcare workers and military heroes in new campaign

The brand, which has shown its skill in the past at delivering heart-tugging ads, debuts its latest effort as the pandemic continues to impact consumer behavior.

By Dianna Christie • May 26, 2020

PepsiCo Foodservice CMO on linking restaurant relief to culture amid a pandemic

Scott Finlow spoke to Marketing Dive about how the food and beverage giant's purposeful efforts have tapped into what's popular now, including John Krasinski's "Some Good News."

By Peter Adams • May 26, 2020

Coke bets on new music streamer BeApp as virtual concerts take center stage

With gamified and social media elements, BeApp looks to innovate in a crowded virtual performance space commanded by platforms like Twitch and Facebook.

By Peter Adams • May 22, 2020

Bloomberg: Apple expands podcast ambitions to support streaming TV

The iPhone maker began acquiring audio spinoffs of movies and shows from its Apple TV+ video streaming service.

By Robert Williams • May 22, 2020

Warner Bros. debuts 'Tenet' trailer in new social 'Fortnite' gameplay mode

It's another sign of how the video game hit is evolving into a social network and virtual entertainment venue, including through features like Party Royale.

By Robert Williams • May 22, 2020

Walmart flips associate's hopeful poem into new video ad

The retailer continues to spotlight employees during the pandemic as people place a higher value on how brands treat workers.

By Dianna Christie • May 22, 2020

USAA unveils Snapchat AR lens for Memorial Day digital exhibit

A virtual version of USAA's Poppy Wall of Honor lets mobile users dedicate a poppy flower to a fallen loved one.

By Robert Williams • May 22, 2020

Mazda brings playable concept car to PlayStation, esports series

By bringing the high-tech model to "Gran Turismo Sport," Mazda is looking to get homebound folks to virtually test drive its vehicles and connect online.

By Dianna Christie • May 22, 2020

Campaign Trail: Muscle Milk flexes mental resilience under PepsiCo banner

"Own Your Strength" is the protein beverage's first effort since being acquired in 2019 and aims to connect with fitness buffs stuck at home during the pandemic.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • May 22, 2020

TikTok analytics tool aims to help marketers evaluate campaigns

​NASCAR will use Conviva's tools to evaluate the performance of its content on the viral video platform.

By Robert Williams • May 21, 2020

Pandemic hastens shift in ad buying to mobile, study says

Audience preferences for mobile are forecast to remain, even as lockdowns relax and recent surges in digital viewership among homebound consumers recede throughout the summer.

By Robert Williams • May 21, 2020

Bank of America, Facebook defied April slump with higher programmatic spend

Amid pandemic lockdowns that kept people at home, the travel industry's programmatic ad spending plunged 79% last month.

By Robert Williams • May 21, 2020

Michelob Ultra puts Peyton Manning in 'Caddyshack' to tee up live golf match

As a sponsor of Capital One's The Match: Champions for Charity, the AB InBev brand is supporting the first televised golf event since the pandemic hit. 

By Dianna Christie • May 21, 2020

Anne Klein streams video series on Facebook Live

The fashion brand's "Women Who Do" highlights inspiring stories by innovative women during the coronavirus pandemic.

By Robert Williams • May 21, 2020

Bodyarmor's new campaign may signal a return to OOH post-pandemic

This is the largest campaign by the fitness beverage, which is partially owned by Coca-Cola, and may appeal to sports-starved fans looking for empowering messages.

By Dianna Christie • May 21, 2020

How to safeguard and grow OTT, CTV ad revenues during the pandemic

Coronavirus has catapulted connected TV into the spotlight, which comes with a unique set of opportunities and challenges, per TheViewPoint's Daniel Elad.

By Daniel Elad • May 20, 2020

75% of ANA members have diversity plans, but only 40% apply them to marketing

COVID-19 could hurt suppliers hired as part of diversity programs, as companies cut ad spend due to the crisis.

By Dianna Christie • May 20, 2020

Mastercard brings Priceless experiences lineup online

A library of content features everything from cooking shows to live concerts with brand ambassador Camila Cabello.

By Dianna Christie • May 20, 2020

Coronavirus brings thorny issue of worker treatment to the marketing fore

Consumers are putting more value on brands that treat their employees well during the pandemic, but the crisis has sharply amplified labor tensions.

By Peter Adams • May 20, 2020

YouTube advertisers get access to streaming TV under new YouTube Select offering

Ahead of the NewFronts, YouTube is unifying and expanding its premium video ad offering with an emphasis on areas that are booming during the pandemic.

By Peter Adams • May 19, 2020

Schick mobile game, Twitch stream raise money for cancer research

The Edgewell brand enlisted livestreamers to play "Shave The Day," after which they will shave their heads when donation goals are met.

By Robert Williams • May 19, 2020

Sameness, exploitation sets in for COVID-19 ads, study says

Pandemic-related ads can still be effective, but brands must be creative in order to connect with consumers who are tiring of this messaging.

By Dianna Christie • May 19, 2020