TikTok takes page from Twitch as battle for creators intensifies

A Live Subscription feature promises predictable monthly income, which could appeal to a creator base that’s felt the double-edged sword of overnight virality.

By Peter Adams • May 26, 2022

Carl's Jr. and Hardee's head to 'Jurassic World' as $500M brand transformation looms

Chief Brand Officer Chad Crawford details how the brands are leveraging digital content across Uber and Lyft vehicles, Snapchat, TikTok and Waze.

By Chris Kelly • May 26, 2022

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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

Candle Media extends content deal-making run with Attn: acquisition

The reportedly $150 million deal will invest in Attn:’s marketing services, including a dedicated TikTok studio launched last year.

By Peter Adams • May 23, 2022

Chipotle bends reality in new ad during NHL game

A unique video this week built on prior campaigns that integrate the QSR brand into virtual- or mixed-reality content.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 19, 2022

TikTok's new ad product lets brands crowdsource content

Branded Mission creates a channel between brands and creators, potentially removing the need for agencies that offer influencer marketing services.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • May 19, 2022

Noodles & Co. gamifies mobile rewards to boost loyalty

The chain saw a ninefold gain in click-through rates while generating $71 for every 100 emails it sent to app users via a loyalty promotion.

By Robert Williams • May 19, 2022

Gap sets up shop in Roblox to boost teen inclusion, self-expression

Inspired by its summer ad campaign, the retailer's Club Roblox Boutique is in line with Gen Z preferences around the nascent metaverse space.

By Chris Kelly • May 18, 2022

Burger wars: How Burger King's rivalry with McDonald's reverberates through adland

Despite McDonald's boasting twice as many restaurants, five times the ad budget and 10 times the revenue, Burger King's marketing innovations have had lasting impact.

By Chris Kelly • May 17, 2022

Snap taps Wieden + Kennedy vet as chief creative officer

Colleen DeCourcy, who built a reputation during a decade with the decorated agency, helped develop the Snapchat owner’s first Oscars campaign this year.  

By Peter Adams • May 16, 2022

Domino's grants 'Stranger Things' fans 'mind-ordering' powers through new app

An immersive mobile experience tied to the Netflix show’s return uses facial recognition and eye-tracking technology to help users order pizza.

By Peter Adams • Updated May 17, 2022

Google adds customizable ads on search and YouTube

New tools help users manage interactions with advertisers, including blocking or reporting content and viewing an ad’s funding sources and targeting metrics.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • May 12, 2022

Mattress Firm wants listeners to rest easy with new podcast as audio medium climbs

The mattress retailer worked with Vox Media's branded content studio to create a series featuring sleep-related stories and tips.

By Robert Williams • May 12, 2022

Burger King goes for gamers with glitchy deals

The latest mobile activation from the QSR chain has users searching its app for deals in the form of graphics errors and other bugs.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 12, 2022

Pepsi, Pizza Hut put soccer fans in Paul Pogba's shoes with AR game

Activations with Yum Brands restaurants attempt to capture the excitement ahead of the UEFA Champions League final with help from the star midfielder.

By Peter Adams • May 11, 2022

Taco Bell asks diners to swap out mundane meals via TikTok dance challenge

"Taco Swap" builds on an effort that helped to drive the highest sales week in the chain's history and represents another bid to be closer to youth culture.

By Chris Kelly • May 9, 2022

Starbucks builds out 'third place' with foray into NFTs

As a means to build a community around coffee, the chain will link the upcoming digital tokens to exclusive content and perks.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • May 5, 2022

Snap expands e-commerce reach for brands with new AR tech

Puma, American Eagle and Zenni Optical tested the upgraded tools to offer virtual product try-ons via Snapchat and within their own apps.

By Robert Williams • May 5, 2022

TikTok's new premium ad unit aligns brands with top 4% of videos

TikTok Pulse is bought at a fixed CPM and on a reservation basis, speaking to the app’s efforts to cater to deeper-pocketed advertisers at the NewFronts.

By Peter Adams • May 5, 2022

Snapchat partners with Cameo to streamline brand-creator ad deals

Mattress Firm, Molson Coors and Kraft have been beta testing the program, letting them draw on over 45,000 personalities for custom video ads.

By Peter Adams • May 4, 2022

Panera partners with T-Pain and Ntwrk to promote chicken sandwich

The rapper will host a day of merchandise drops on the shopping app, including a line of items branded with Panera’s logo and images of its chicken sandwich.

By Sara Karlovitch • April 28, 2022

TikTok deepens AR investment with Camera IQ tools

Estée Lauder’s Smashbox and Cartoon Network piloted the new tech, the latter of which notched 4 million views from an AR effect without paid promotion.

By Robert Williams • April 28, 2022

Benefit Cosmetics reinforces gaming link with 9-tournament series

A monthslong effort builds on the brand's Game Face program it debuted in 2020 to connect the beauty and female gamer communities.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • April 28, 2022

Facebook sees users grow again while metaverse bets gain traction

Wendy's recent activation in Horizon Worlds drew 52 million visitors, a promising development as Meta's broader ad business continues to slow.

By Peter Adams • April 28, 2022

What Elon Musk's Twitter takeover means for advertisers

The Tesla CEO's stated mission around preserving "free speech" tees up looser content moderation policies on a platform already infamous for toxicity.

By Peter Adams • April 26, 2022

Snap's ad business challenged as global chaos adds to Apple headwinds

While the Ukraine war and inflation are impacting revenue, the Snapchat owner has secured upfront commitments more than 60% higher than last year.

By Peter Adams • April 22, 2022