Instagram adds video chat to help people stay connected

As part of its coronavirus-related efforts, the platform also added a "Stay Home" sticker that shares posts to a collective story about social distancing.

By Robert Williams • March 25, 2020

Coca-Cola pauses all marketing in Great Britain

While some brands opt to adjust their campaigns, the beverage giant is responding to the pandemic by halting Q2 marketing efforts in the region altogether.

By Dianna Christie • March 25, 2020

SoundCloud teams with Twitch to help musicians get paid from livestreams

Having affiliate status on Twitch lets streamers run ads, link to music and merchandise stores and receive direct donations from fans.

By Robert Williams • March 24, 2020

4As: 56% of consumers interested in brands' COVID-19 initiatives

As brands navigate these challenging times, the report points to several ways forward when it comes to finding the right messaging.

By Dianna Christie • March 24, 2020

Ford, Guinness coronavirus-related ads score well with general population, study says

Overall, consumers are fine with ads addressing the current crisis and want messages of brands taking action, Ace Metrix found.

By Dianna Christie • March 23, 2020

E-commerce sites boost ad spend as COVID-19 drives orders

Ad spending doubled to $9.6 million during the first week of March from a month earlier, according to research from MediaRadar. 

By Robert Williams • March 23, 2020

COVID-19 could cause AR/VR headset shipments to fall, IDC predicts

Shortages of key parts are restricting shipments, which are forecast to bounce back in the second half of 2020.

By Robert Williams • March 23, 2020

Toyota, Hyundai pivot to ads sharing optimistic message

Following Ford, the carmakers cut their respective campaigns around spring sales events to run supportive messaging during the pandemic.

By Dianna Christie , Natalie Black (Koltun) • March 23, 2020

Why brands are doubling down on hip-hop talent

Marketers are more deeply integrating rappers into campaigns to target wider audiences, providing a way forward after the current pandemic subsides.

By Chris Kelly • March 23, 2020

Shopify launches 3D model, video integration for merchants

To entice customers and support sellers, the e-commerce platform introduced new features that don't require custom coding or a third-party app.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • March 20, 2020

TikTok opens programmatic ad inventory to Trade Desk in Asia-Pacific countries

PepsiCo is the first advertiser to access the viral video app's inventory with a campaign for Lay's in Thailand.

By Robert Williams • March 20, 2020

Facebook suspends AR approvals amid coronavirus threat

The social media giant is working with its contractors to send reviewers home, where they can't approve or publish new AR effects.

By Robert Williams • March 20, 2020

Campaign Trail: Fanta satirizes cinematic sports clips in 'idiot influencer' ads

A 90-second hero spot and OOH placements from the soda brand feature real-life internet personalities goofing off to emphasize the importance of play.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • March 20, 2020

Local OTT ad spend jumps 127% as connected TV audience grows

The total number of local OTT campaigns jumped 58% while the number of advertisers increased 33% from a year earlier.

By Robert Williams • March 20, 2020

Global ad spend growth retracts in response to coronavirus, eMarketer says

The revised forecast for the advertising industry assumes the virus will be contained in the coming months and that the Olympics will occur.

By Dianna Christie • March 20, 2020

Popsugar plans free workout app as coronavirus disrupts routines

Once the crisis abates, the women's lifestyle brand ​could convert users into paying subscribers or develop another revenue model to keep it free and ad-supported.

By Robert Williams • March 19, 2020

Hyundai celebrates boundary-pushing Gen Z, millennials in new Elantra campaign

The ads play up the car's performance and tech features while showcasing how younger generations like to challenge the norm.

By Dianna Christie • March 19, 2020

'Pokémon Go' tweaked for indoor play during coronavirus pandemic

Niantic quickly adjusted its location-based AR app to allow in-home gameplay as people stay indoors.

By Robert Williams • March 18, 2020

Your brand's real offering to Gen Z is community

Brands that prioritize community-building will win over the young demographic that wants to connect through shared values, writes DoSomething Strategic's Mary Noel.

By Mary Noel • March 18, 2020

Ford shifts marketing focus to coronavirus relief program

The automaker is extending its Ford Credit service for federal and local disaster relief to include those affected by the pandemic.

By Peter Adams • March 17, 2020

Travel industry slashes ad spending in half amid coronavirus

The drop was more extreme on a monthly basis, with TV spending falling 69% and digital spending contracting 62% from February.

By Robert Williams • March 17, 2020

Chipotle tackles social distancing with virtual hangouts on Zoom

As the coronavirus keeps people apart, the chain is hosting online events to bring them together, with guests like Colton Underwood from "The Bachelor."

By Robert Williams • March 17, 2020

Pepsi highlights Wild Cherry, Vanilla flavors with TV, Giphy campaign

An extension of Pepsi's "That's What I Like" platform, the effort focuses on products created after fans called for separating Cherry Vanilla into two flavors.

By Dianna Christie • March 16, 2020

Benjamin Moore amplifies emotional impact of paint in 'See the Love' spots

With more people looking for painting experts, the new positivity-focused effort celebrates craftspeople and their love for their work.

By Dianna Christie • March 16, 2020

EMarketer: Coronavirus will slow 2020 ad spending growth to 7%

Revised estimates are mostly based on the outbreak's effects on ad spending in China, potentially foreshadowing what may occur in other parts of the world.

By Robert Williams • March 16, 2020