How Absolut aims to grow LGBTQ+ allyship among consumers, businesses

A new global initiative includes an online guide and certification program for bars and restaurants as Pride-themed marketing comes under heavy fire.

By Peter Adams • June 13, 2023

GroupM: Ad spending normalizes while AI’s impact on budgets surges

A half-year report falls in line with December forecasts while noting uncertainty in areas like AI, which is expected to “inform” at least half of 2023 ad revenue.

By Peter Adams • June 12, 2023

7-Eleven refreshes Slurpee with ‘Anything Flows’ campaign

Each of four new TV spots focuses on a different Slurpee flavor and features a diverse cast of individuals that embrace self-expression.

By Chris Kelly • June 12, 2023

TikTok parks on gas station screens around US as part of GSTV deal

Ignite, the video network’s creative studio, will produce weekly TikTok segments with QR codes that link out to the embattled app.

By Peter Adams • June 9, 2023

Campaign Trail: Waterloo Sparkling Water taps AI to bring brand to life

Created with agency Agent A, an evolution of the “Water Down Nothing” campaign helped the challenger brand bring buzzy tech to a growing category.

By Chris Kelly • June 9, 2023

WSJ: Amazon exploring ad tier for Prime Video

An ad-supported tier would follow streaming industry trends and could boost an ad business that has been a bright spot amid headwinds. 

By Chris Kelly • June 8, 2023

Coke links with League of Legends developer on latest flavor experiment

A new Creations variant is meant to taste like experience points from the game and is complemented by custom missions and emotes. 

By Peter Adams • June 7, 2023

McDonald’s brings back Grimace for birthday party nostalgia

The chain says it's meeting fans at the "intersection of nostalgia and culture" with an 8-bit video game, Snapchat AR experience and Instagram tie-up.

By Chris Kelly • June 6, 2023

Heinz honors ‘irrational’ fan love in first unified global brand platform

Representing Kraft Heinz’s biggest media investment to date, the effort celebrates tales of brand passion, such as ketchup bottle tattoos. 

By Peter Adams • June 1, 2023

Wendy’s and T-Pain remix ‘Buy U A Drank’ for Frosty push

"Buy U a Frosty" is available on the fast-food chain’s YouTube channel and will soon be available for consumers to duet on TikTok.

By Chris Kelly • June 1, 2023

Frito-Lay makes largest-ever investment in women’s sports for World Cup

As women’s sports continue to gain viewers, the snack marketer’s activations will span popular brands and include its Cracker Jill campaign.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 31, 2023

How State Farm meets the challenge of Gen Z marketing with esports

The insurance firm’s “Gamerhood Challenge” is returning for a second year with bigger challenges and adding YouTube as a streaming partner.

By Aaron Baar • May 31, 2023

WPP shakes up creative process with AI-powered content engine

Supported by Nvidia, the new platform promises to generate large volumes of assets like images and videos while staying true to client goals. 

By Peter Adams • May 30, 2023

Invisalign rejects the hassle of braces for creator-led social media push

“Stay Clear of Drama” enlists popular TikTok creators to share the perks of Invisalign compared to braces, like the ability to eat gummy candy.

By Aaron Baar • May 25, 2023

Chipotle gears up for a fight with Street Fighter 6 activation

The chain is rewarding consumers who place orders on the web or via app with in-game currency and will trade free food for viewing time on Twitch.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 25, 2023

McDonald’s spotlights Black Girls Surf to promote ‘Little Mermaid’ tie-up

The fast food giant is doubling down on inclusivity around a film that has faced racist backlash, while the chain faces its own accusations of racial bias.

By Chris Kelly • May 24, 2023

Walmart Connect enlists creative partners to help brands craft better ads

Companies including VidMob and The Mars Agency are allying with the retailer’s ad division amid a run of growth, with sales up 30% last quarter.

By Peter Adams • May 24, 2023

Report: As CTV commands advertiser interest, fraud grows nearly 70%

A focus at this year’s upfronts, the channel has also seen the variety of schemes triple since 2020, according to DoubleVerify.

By Peter Adams • May 22, 2023

Netflix boosts ad-supported tier with new product, measurement options

The streamer also shared that the tier has nearly 5 million active global users, with membership more than doubling since the beginning of the year.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 19, 2023

At Brandcast, YouTube weds power of NFL to creators like MrBeast

Convergence was a major theme at the 2023 presentation as the platform takes over NFL Sunday Ticket and contends with advertising headwinds.

By Peter Adams • May 18, 2023

WBD unveils robust advertising options for Max ahead of May 23 launch

The combined HBO Max and Discovery+ service offers marketers a range of advertising options, with focuses on reach, reward and interaction.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 18, 2023

NYX celebrates LGBTQIA+ gaming communities in new Pride campaign

The makeup company partnered with five different creators for “Game Out Loud” which spans several digital platforms, including Roblox and Twitch.

By Sara Karlovitch • May 16, 2023

Mythbusting the JIC, weaponizing the MRC: What’s up with measurement?

Execs from a new industry consortium focused on persistent measurement issues have been touting their rapid progress and Nielsen's potential role.

By Chris Kelly • May 15, 2023

NBCUniversal’s Linda Yaccarino resigns, named Twitter CEO

A star in the marketing world, the ad sales chief is leaving in the thick of upfronts season, with NBCUniversal’s presentation scheduled for May 15.

By Peter Adams • Updated May 12, 2023

Candy Crush ‘candifies’ the Jonas Brothers for gaming tie-up

Players will have access to two unreleased songs by the pop trio in addition to an in-game exclusive remix of new single “Waffle House.”

By Aaron Baar • May 11, 2023