McDonald's, P&G wade into 'danger zone' with Black Lives Matters ads, study says

Both brands created ads perceived by viewers as more exploitative than empowering, a challenge as marketers look to support the social justice movement.

By Dianna Christie • June 23, 2020

Microsoft shutters Mixer, partners with Facebook Gaming

Popular streamers such as Tyler "Ninja" Blevins have been released from their contracts, allowing them to sign deals with other livestreaming platforms.

By Robert Williams • June 23, 2020

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Retail Marketing

Top stories that underscore the leading influences on retail marketing, including Gen Z, pop culture and generative AI.

By Marketing Dive staff

Apple iOS 14 introduces App Clips for easy access to specific tasks

This week's iOS 14 preview showed how retailers, restaurants and other brands will be able to customize App Clip codes for iPhone users to scan and expedite transactions.

By Robert Williams • June 23, 2020

Google's 2020 ad revenue will dip 5.3% due to COVID-19, eMarketer says

The search giant has been hit by a lack of travel ads due to the pandemic, and as Amazon and Facebook continue to nab online ad sales.

By Dianna Christie • June 23, 2020

Starburst debuts 'best enjoyed vertically' video ads

The ads support the launch of Starburst Swirlers, which the brand describes as its first "vertically shaped candy."

By Robert Williams • June 23, 2020

Hulu unveils direct response ad format for second-screen experiences

GatewayGo lets advertisers including SmileDirectClub, The RealReal and Sweetgreen use QR codes and push notifications to let viewers access offers they see on TV.

By Robert Williams • June 23, 2020

Quibi's quick demise: A look inside the mobile-only streamer's fumbled launch

Big name executives. Big stars. Big advertising commitments. Big hype. Brightcove principal analyst Jim O'Neill asks, "What happened?"

By Jim O'Neill • June 23, 2020

P&G's new video 'The Pause' addresses LGBTQ bias

Released during Pride Month, the clip urges viewers to consider how they can make a positive difference in the lives of people in the LGBTQ community.

By Dianna Christie • June 22, 2020

Girl Scouts debuts media brand for women

Verizon and Shutterstock are launch partners for the new CircleAround platform of content grounded in the organization's values of service, honesty, courage and respect.

By Robert Williams • June 22, 2020

Marketers spend 42% of app install ad budgets on video, study finds

More than half of app marketers plan to boost their user acquisition campaigns this year.

By Robert Williams • June 22, 2020

Google unveils shoppable video ads for YouTube

In tests, Aerie generated sales conversions that were nine times better than its traditional media mix and saw return on ad spend 25% higher than a year prior.

By Robert Williams • June 22, 2020

Pandemic personas include careful optimists and remiss pessimists, study says

New research outlines four persona types that reflect how different core demographics are coping and spending in the COVID-19 era.

By Dianna Christie • June 19, 2020

Lexus gamifies preview of new car with AR app

Users can virtually drive the new 2021 IS as if it were a remote-control toy in the carmaker's app, which features immersive technology.

By Robert Williams • June 19, 2020

Nintendo's 'Animal Crossing' to host virtual Global Pride parade

Twitch creators on June 27 will livestream "Animal Crossing" sessions and host Pride activities in the hit social simulation game.

By Robert Williams • June 19, 2020

Burger King debuts 1st 'dance ordering' on TikTok

With the influencer-powered #WhopperDance challenge, the chain is offering $1 burgers to users who create music videos that include special moves.

By Robert Williams • June 19, 2020

Samuel Adams celebrates Pride with GLAAD partnership, video series

The platform aims to show the Boston Beer Co. brand's support for Pride Month at a time when most celebrations are canceled due to the pandemic.

By Dianna Christie • June 19, 2020

Etsy unveils AR shopping tool for wall art

The features are particularly useful while the pandemic keeps people inside and consumer attention remains focused on the home.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 18, 2020

Crisis management: How two DTC brands found success in the midst of a pandemic

As much of retail struggles to survive, intimates brand Knix and bridal business Azazie have seen sales spikes amid an outbreak that has pushed more shoppers online.

By Cara Salpini • June 17, 2020

Spotify unveils self-service video ads

Advertisers can format video ads to appear horizontally or vertically, optimizing them for viewing on iOS and Android devices.

By Robert Williams • June 17, 2020

Jack Daniel's celebrates Pride with drag brunch video series

The "Drag Queen Mukbang" series combines the real-world trend of drag brunches with the online fad of "mukbang" food-eating videos.

By Dianna Christie • June 17, 2020

Verizon inks 3-year pact with 'League of Legends' esports league

A deep partnership around 5G and network services comes as the telecom's own streaming bets on gaming draw millions during the pandemic.

By Peter Adams • June 15, 2020

Stihl Timbersports drives YouTube views among sports-hungry fans

The push behind a year-old extreme lumberjack competition series spurred 1.9 million social media impressions and 95,000 clicks on YouTube.

By Robert Williams • June 15, 2020

Global ad marketplace to drop 7% this year, rebound next year, Magna says

Despite the strength of digital formats, COVID-19's impact on the overall advertising industry now appears to be deeper than previously forecast.

By Dianna Christie • June 15, 2020

Disney+ surges from last to 1st place in 'most beloved brands' this spring

The new streaming platform was popular in homebound consumers' offline conversations during the early days of the pandemic, Engagement Labs found.

By Dianna Christie • June 15, 2020

Bounty targets gamers with Twitch influencer campaign

A spot by the Procter & Gamble brand dramatizes gamers' anguish when they knock over drinks on computer equipment during intense gaming sessions.

By Robert Williams • June 12, 2020