Aldo launches first TikTok campaign with #StepIntoLove challenge

The footwear chain is offering $5,000 to the winner of the contest, which is being promoted in an influencer campaign targeting Gen Z.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 11, 2020

Microsoft's bid to buy TikTok: A 'head-scratcher' or surprisingly sensible?

Some analysts think an acquisition would make a poor match. But areas of Microsoft's business, like LinkedIn, key into potentially overlooked synergies.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 11, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Retail Marketing

Top stories that underscore the leading influences on retail marketing, including the creator economy, '90s nostalgia and Gen Z. 

By Marketing Dive staff

Dunkin' offers up branded RV in social media sweepstakes

The brand is capitalizing on the popularity of recreational vehicle travel during the pandemic to promote a new line of cold teas.

By Dianna Christie • Aug. 11, 2020

WSJ: Twitter discusses merger with TikTok's US operations

A potential Twitter deal would add an interesting fold to the narrative considering the company's history with Vine, a pioneering video app it shuttered in 2017.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 10, 2020

LG showcases new Velvet 5G phone in documentary film series

Shot using the new smartphone, interviews of the directors for each film will run on Instagram Live and IGTV starting this week.

By Dianna Christie • Aug. 10, 2020

Study: Fewer marketers expect UK mobile ad market to grow amid pandemic

Reduced estimates follow a period of strong growth for the region, and arrive even as engagement with mobile channels soars among locked-down people.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 10, 2020

'American Idol' creator Simon Fuller partners with TikTok in search for next pop supergroup

The Spice Girls impresario will look for undiscovered artists to participate in the global music collective, making them "the most connected pop group ever."

By Robert Williams • Aug. 10, 2020

TikTok makes first push into streaming with Fire TV app

The move into video streaming comes at an ignominious time for the popular app, which faces a crackdown in the U.S.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 7, 2020

Transactions with WeChat, TikTok banned under new Trump orders

A new executive order sets a formal deadline of Nov. 12 for ByteDance to divest TikTok's U.S. operations and any data obtained on U.S. users through the social video app or its predecessor, Musical.ly.

By Peter Adams • Updated Aug. 17, 2020

You & Mr Jones buys influencer marketing agency Collectively

Following a pandemic-related slowdown in influencer marketing earlier this year, a recovery appears to be underway as brands seek ways to reach homebound consumers.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 7, 2020

Bagel Bites' first ad campaign in decades stirs pop cultural debates

Humorous videos debate things like pony versus unicorn, wrapping with the tagline "Pizza on a Bagel — We Can All Agree With That."

By Dianna Christie • Aug. 7, 2020

Forrester: Influencer campaign volume slipped 3% during pandemic

Influencer activations slowed in March, but returned to near normal levels by April and May as brands sought influencer help with content and ad creative.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 6, 2020

Social media sees drop in customer satisfaction amid privacy worries, study says

Despite a surge in online activity during the pandemic, customer satisfaction declined for Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 6, 2020

Instagram looks to steal TikTok's thunder with worldwide expansion of Reels

The platform has launched ads on Reels worldwide. The ads loop, can be up to 30 seconds long and will be available across the app.

By Robert Williams • Updated June 17, 2021

Jose Cuervo taps Lil Dicky to host first episode of live YouTube series

The five-week series, "Who's Making Margs?," will bring viewers inside a new celebrity host's home each week to mix drinks and compete for prizes.

By Dianna Christie • Aug. 6, 2020

Podcast dealmaking is exploding in 2020 — and marketing dollars will follow

A deluge of deals this year, including Omnicom inking an unprecedented $20 million ad pact with Spotify, signal the medium's ascendance will continue as consumers favor mobile-first content.

Updated Dec. 21, 2020

Burberry opens 1st 'Social Retail' store in China

The luxury retailer partnered with Tencent on a concept shop that blends social media interactions with an in-store experience.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Aug. 5, 2020

TikTok helps Gen Z learn about social justice issues, study finds

Social activism posts on the platform have urged 54% of Gen Zers to engage in deeper discussions with family and friends.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 5, 2020

Gillette Venus, Cottonelle help players customize Nintendo's 'Animal Crossing'

Both brands debuted digital content that gives players more ways to design their avatars and virtual homes in a game that surged in popularity during pandemic lockdowns.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 5, 2020

Kraft pushes Mac & Cheese as pandemic breakfast to reach busy parents

A new ad, limited-edition packaging and sweepstakes come after Kraft found that parents have served the meal in mornings more often in recent months.

By Dianna Christie • Aug. 5, 2020

Twitter could face $250M FTC fine over use of personal data for ad targeting

A financial blow of that scale could hit the company hard, as it is already under revenue pressure stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 4, 2020

Retailer apps see highest opt-in rate for location data, study finds

Growth in location data sharing during the pandemic reversed a downward trend seen in prior years because of stricter privacy laws.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 4, 2020

Heineken gives soccer fans chance to win 'Stadium in a Box'

The beer brand's #CheersfromHome contest urges fans to post pictures on Twitter of how they celebrate their favorite Major League Soccer teams.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 4, 2020

Chipotle debuts branded apparel dyed with recycled avocados

Available at a microsite, the line supports sustainability at a time when fast fashion is often associated with negatively impacting the environment.

By Dianna Christie • Aug. 4, 2020

Anheuser-Busch hosts virtual music festival for International Beer Day

Featuring its portfolio of brands, the marketer will run promotions on Drizly and other delivery services to urge people to enjoy the festival from home.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 4, 2020