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

Assessing new channels for your mobile ad spend

As usage of mobile apps and devices continues to rise, there's an opportunity to future-proof plans across a diverse range of experiences, writes Nativex's Jonathan Chan.

By Jonathan Chan • Sept. 1, 2020

Shipt offers free groceries in first dance challenge on Instagram

The Target-owned service enlisted "Fuller House" star Candace Cameron Bure to show her version of the "Shipt Shuffle" and urge others to join in.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 31, 2020

Unilever, Target partner for voice-powered ads on Peacock

Verizon, Subaru and State Farm also have signed exclusive deals with NBCUniversal for access to interactive commercial pilots.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 31, 2020

Knix tells women to 'stop trashing their periods' in new OOH, digital ad

Calling attention to the 6 billion tampons that fill landfills every year, the DTC company customized a garbage truck and had it visit New York landmarks.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Aug. 31, 2020

Amazon debuts AR tool for viewing multiple furniture items in one room

The Room Decorator allows customers to virtually style their homes with products from Amazon and its third-party sellers.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Aug. 27, 2020

TikTok CEO resigns after 3 months as app nears inflection point in US

In an internal memo obtained by CNBC, Kevin Mayer said "we expect to reach a resolution very soon," a potential nod to the platform getting acquired.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 27, 2020

Lunchables' back-to-school hotline teaches personal safety

A choose-your-own-adventure audio experience from the Oscar Mayer brand shares tips for washing hands, wearing face masks and social distancing.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 27, 2020

Olay extends STEM-focused mission in Women's Equality Day campaign

A new video and print ads feature four women who deliver messages about the industry's gender gap that are coded within scientific formulas.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Aug. 26, 2020

Marketers spend $100M on ads as live sports return to TV

However, Microsoft, LVMH, Expedia and Sprint are among the brands that didn't return to advertising during live sports.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 26, 2020

Facebook adds shopping section, expands Instagram checkout

The social network also introduced a "live shopping" feature to let merchants livestream a browsing session to potential customers.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 26, 2020

Lowe's hits the runway with fashion show streams, curated home decor

The New York Fashion Week tie-in suggests how new Lowe's CMO Marisa Thalberg might boost the brand's lifestyle positioning, a strategy she also applied during her Taco Bell tenure. 

By Robert Williams • Aug. 26, 2020

KFC drops 'Finger Lickin'' slogan around the globe as hygiene concerns persist

Deeming the 64-year-old catchphrase inappropriate during the pandemic, the brand is expanding a pause as part of its first global campaign.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 25, 2020

Burger King angers Twitch streamers with stunt campaign

The chain exploited a Twitch feature that lets viewers hear a message read aloud by a bot when they donate money to a streamer.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 25, 2020

KitchenAid profiles women's struggles, triumphs in restaurant industry with Hulu documentary

Directed by an Oscar-winning filmmaker, "A Woman's Place" debuts ahead of Women's Equality Day and features no product shots of the Whirlpool brand.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 24, 2020

Tecate hosts virtual concerts, expands e-commerce selection to benefit Latino groups

The Heineken-owned brand continues to shift its focus to music and culture and away from sports like boxing as it looks to reach a younger U.S. audience. 

By Robert Williams • Aug. 21, 2020

Verizon signs 5G sponsorship deal for Twitch Rivals streamers tournament

The two will work on applications for 5G wireless technology that appeal to the gaming community, including broadcast and media integrations.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 21, 2020

Video impressions rose 40% on CTV platforms in Q2, study says

The findings suggest that inventory previously available only through premium publishers showed up on exchanges as marketing budgets have been cut during the pandemic. 

By Dianna Christie • Aug. 21, 2020

Activision embeds AI-powered ads in Call of Duty League videos

The move comes as a survey found 41% of gamers who watch esports have bought something from a company after seeing the brand sponsor a game, streamer or gaming event.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 20, 2020

Bumble Bee Seafoods pushes consumers to rethink tuna in major refresh

The company has seen sales jump and a younger audience come to the category during the pandemic, spurring a big advertising push. 

By Dianna Christie • Aug. 20, 2020