Social

Air Jordan releases shoppable sportswear for Snapchat's Bitmoji avatars

The Bitmoji collection for its Air Jordan XXXV line is the latest Snapchat-powered effort from a brand that has pioneered social commerce on the app.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 25, 2020

TikTok races into first NASCAR sponsorship with Hispanic newcomer

As the embattled app continues to push into sports marketing, TikTok will celebrate Latinx Heritage Month with the branded car and racing suit of "avid TikTokker" Ryan Vargas.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 25, 2020

Influencer impact increasingly tied to diversity, study says

One-third of consumers now make purchases based on the recommendations of a more diverse group of influencers than before social injustice protests started this summer.  

By Robert Williams • Sept. 24, 2020

Bagel Bites dips into Twitter debate about how dogs should wear pants

The Kraft Heinz brand sold out of dog pants within a day as part of a campaign that taps into pop cultural debates at a time of increased polarization.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 24, 2020

Insomnia Cookies dresses up in 'mouth pajamas' on Instagram, TikTok

Instead of urging people into its stores while wearing pajamas to get free cookies, the bakery chain offered designer face masks with delivery orders.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 23, 2020

WarnerMedia's Rooster Teeth offers AR experience for virtual fan event

The event features virtual fan art based on Rooster Teeth's anime series "RWBY," including a collaborative AR mural wall at the AT&T Discovery District.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 22, 2020

TikTok still faces uncertain future in US amid conflicting claims about deal

After being granted a one-week reprieve from a ban that was set to go into effect on Sunday, questions about the company's future ownership remain.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 22, 2020

Kellogg's Special K offers cereal kit inspired by Twitter conversations

"Blursday" kits aim to help people avoid the feeling that each day is blurring into the next as consumers spend more time at home.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 22, 2020

Oracle, Walmart deal for TikTok tentatively approved, paving way for digital shakeup

The proposed U.S. TikTok company will leverage Walmart's e-commerce, fulfillment and payments services while igniting a showdown with major digital platforms.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 21, 2020

Deep Dive

How TikTok's uncertain future and COVID-19 are transforming influencer marketing

As the TikTok shakeup continues, competitors are wooing influencers and becoming more accessible with new video tools while content evolves to be more frank. 

By Natalie Koltun • Sept. 21, 2020

Lowe's sees biggest social media lift from New York Fashion Week

While NYFW experienced significantly less engagement than normal due to the pandemic, followers on social mentioned the retailer more often than top designers during the event, Talkwalker found.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 21, 2020

Champs Sports kicks up photo-sharing with AR shoe try-on in Snapchat

As more people seek out digital shopping experiences during the pandemic, virtual trials appear to be gaining with brands and mobile users.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 21, 2020

TikTok downloads banned as of Sunday, setting off new scramble in video app saga

The app won't shut down until Nov. 12 under a new order, and could avoid any service disruption if a deal for its U.S. operations is approved this weekend.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 18, 2020

TikTok reportedly talks to Instagram co-founder about CEO role amid app's uncertain future

The embattled social video app's executive shuffle also includes hiring former YouTube executive Cheryl Gresham as head of media partnerships.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 18, 2020

Facebook plans to sell AR-equipped smart glasses from Ray-Ban

Along with moves that could make AR more commonplace, the tech giant introduced a lower-cost model of its gaming-centric VR headset.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 17, 2020

McDonald's app offers mock insurance to drive trial of new spicy McNuggets

The promotion that includes a 40-minute Instagram video of Anthony "Spice" Adams reflects the chain's focus on drive-thru, delivery and digital as it ramps up marketing spend.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 16, 2020

Deep Dive

How Oracle's TikTok deal could shake up social media

The enterprise technology firm does not have an established stake in the space, which might help the video-sharing app retain outsider status while opening new capabilities in areas like search.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 15, 2020

Facebook Messenger joins co-watching party and enables shared video viewing

For marketers that buy Facebook Watch ads, the new viewing experience may help to reach a broader audience in a fun, relaxed digital setting.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 15, 2020

Walmart reportedly in talks to join Oracle's proposed stake in TikTok

The retailer is now expected to team with Oracle on the deal, giving it access to a platform boasting potential in e-commerce and advertising as it works to keep pace with Amazon.

By Peter Adams • UPDATED: Sept. 17, 2020 at 10:47 a.m.

Barclays champions Black wealth creation on Instagram Live

The five-week #BlackWealthMatters series is the latest sponsored livestream to address social issues that include diversity and inclusion.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 11, 2020

Ferrero shares '31 Days of Halloween' on Pinterest

With the holiday expected to look different this year, the confectioner wants to extend the excitement over a period of weeks with content and shoppable pins.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 11, 2020

Louis Vuitton, Puma dress up for TikTok Fashion Month

Livestreams, apparel reveals and instructional videos by brands and creators arrive as TikTok works to make its app a fashion hub for young consumers.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 11, 2020

Gen Z shows higher ad recall than older age groups, Snap study finds

The cohort's higher rate of brand preference and shorter attention spans suggest both a challenge and opportunity for marketers to connect with this valuable audience.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 10, 2020

Verizon Media kicks off AR, co-viewing features for NFL games

Sports fans will have a more immersive way to view football games this season, as the pandemic prevents some teams from hosting attendees in person.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 10, 2020

Sabra enlists TikTok star Tabitha Brown for shoppable videos

Leaning into the challenges families with children at home face this year, the brand is trying to ease some of the stress around serving healthy meals.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 10, 2020