Ad Age Insider

Senior Engagement Editor Mark Fischer interviews Ad Age's communities and Substack strategy leaders Sabrina Sanchez and Parker Herren on how brands are turning consumers into brand builders. Learn how brands are meeting audiences where they are, designing repeatable, low‑lift interactions and choosing platforms that teams can sustain. Sanchez and Herren also outline first steps for marketers and agencies: audit existing audiences, prioritize trust and feedback loops, and treat community as a long‑term distribution and relationship strategy. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Subscribe to Ad Age's Substack ~More on Ad Age's The List community ~If you're an early-career professional and want to sign up for Ad Age's NextGen community, send an email to [email protected] ~Applications for Ad Age's Small Agency Network will reopen this summer. Stay tuned at AdAge.com for more information ~Read Ad Age's NextGen Marketing Playbook ~How brands can help Gen Z find fulfillment beyond curated feeds ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief podcast

Brain rot content has become a staple of virality on TikTok. But brands eager to jump into trending conversations should be wary of "Fruit Love Island" and similar AI-generated posts. Users will be far less kind to corporations than their peers. Influencer and Social Media Marketing Reporter Gillian Follett breaks down the "Fruit Love Island" trend, why it's become so popular and what it reveals about brands on social media. Plus, the shift of content toward entertainment and brands that have successfully tapped into emerging formats. And, what you need to know about Kristen Cavallo's return to the ad industry as well as CVS Health's creative and media agency reviews. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~What brands need to know about "Fruit Love Island" ~Creator takeaways from this year's NewFronts ~Submit for Ad Age's Small Agency Awards ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief podcast

Senior Reporter Jon Springer breaks into the rise of identity marketing, including how soda brands like Poppi, Dr. Pepper and Diet Coke are winning with Gen Z. Plus, how all marketers can incorporate better social listening and fan engagement to turn their branding into cultural currency. And why ChatGPT's Instant Checkout ad product flopped, and Apple's plans to bring brands to Maps. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Why the drinks people carry matter more to marketers now ~Takeaways from Ad Age's NextGen Marketing Playbook ~Behind the rise of alcoholic sports drinks ~Summer alcohol marketing trends to know ~Listen to the Marketer's Brief podcast

As the industry gears up for a week of presentations from YouTube, Meta, TikTok, Tubi and more, Ad Age reporters break down the topics trending at this year's NewFronts, from AI and agentic tools to creator amplification. Hear how to decipher hype from reality, how digital ad dollars are being spent in 2026 and why these presentations matter to the industry. Plus, why Publicis is calling out the Trade Desk. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~2026 NewFronts trends ~2026 NewFronts calendar ~Inside Q2 media budgets ~Listen to the Marketer's Brief podcast

Executive Editor and editorial lead of the Ad Age A-List Judann (Judy) Pollack talks the value of industry awards, and tips for climbing Ad Age's annual list of top agencies. She describes what defines success despite industry challenges, what judges look for in award submissions, the dos and don'ts of a good entry and trends to watch for next year's A-List. Plus, DraftKings' new creative agencies. And what Milan Cortina Winter Olympics marketers learned about brand safety, and how to apply those lessons to the FIFA World Cup. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~See 2026 Ad Age A-List winners ~Attend Ad Age's Editors Roundtable on March 26 ~Listen to the Marketer's Brief podcast

Senior agency reporter Brian Bonilla goes deep on the current new business marketplace, including how government policy, tech and AI innovation and industry consolidation are impacting agency account reviews. Bonilla shares current brand needs, explains how those are different from recent years, and provides tips for brands to get a leg up in pitches. Plus, tips for marketers overwhelmed by the review process. Plus, the lesson for brands in McDonald's cringe CEO taste test and what ChatGPT's first third-party ad tech partner means for brands. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~What separates agencies winning 2026 reviews ~How agencies are helping clients become more self-sufficient ~Inside agencies' new self-service platforms ~What are media rebates? Agency transparency in the hot seat

Agency reporter Ewan Larkin decodes a recent lawsuit against WPP Media that has made agency transparency the industry's buzziest topic. Larkin defines media rebates and principal media buying, explaining how agencies aggregate billions in client ad budgets to negotiate volume deals with platforms such as Google, Meta and Amazon, and how those arrangements can create conflicts over who benefits from discounted or proprietary inventory. He describes potential red flags in these practices and lists what questions marketers should be asking their agencies to protect their marketing budgets. Plus, Estée Lauder's media agency shakeup, and a shocking agency executive exit. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Inside the lawsuit against WPP Media ~Acadia's CEO on media rebate transparency ~Get tickets to Ad Age's NextGen Marketing Summit ~Listen to the Marketer's Brief podcast

Ad Age Tech Reporter Asa Hiken chronicles the evolution of generative AI use in major brands' advertising, the common mistakes that upset viewers and the checklist every marketer needs to know if they plan to scale generative AI use. Plus, why agencies are rushing to get their clients on ChatGPT, including the benefits they predict will come from being a first mover. And Raymour & Flanigan's new media agency. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Subscribe to Ad Age's Emerging Tech newsletter ~See AI generated work from Coca-Cola, Google, Progressive, Svedka, McDonald's and Kalshi ~Register for Ad Age's AI-focused Editor's Roundtable ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief podcast

Ad Age reporters and editors share their top Super Bowl takeaways that indicate elements of winning Big-Game strategies. From the downfall of celebrity slop to the best uses of social media and the risks brands take when they play it safe, take notes on what hit and missed last Sunday so that your brand can get ahead on its 2027 plan. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Ad Age's Super Bowl ad review ~How brands plan for the Monday after the Super Bowl ~Agency winners from Super Bowl LX ~Ad Age's Super Bowl diversity report ~Super Bowl advertisers fall behind on Hispanic representation

Ad Age's Gillian Follett redefines going viral for 2026, from how to pivot marketing strategies to the new metrics measuring social media success and emerging platforms brands should dig into. Plus, how to win with subcultures, manage fractured virality and avoid cringe. And the chaos behind the scenes of TikTok's ownership transition, why auto brands are skipping the Super Bowl and Home Depot's agency shakeup. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Universal viral moments are over—what brands need to know ~Inside social trends: Jet2 holiday, 2016 throwback, Brat Summer, ALS Ice Bucket Challenge ~Lessons from Taylor Swift's viral engagement ~Buy tickets for the Ad Age NextGen Marketing Summit ~Listen to the Marketer's Brief podcast

Creativity and media innovation reporter Brandon Doerrer breaks down the recent surge of long-form marketing and how brands are tapping into the microdrama surge. From measurement and performance, to platform strategy and this see-what-sticks mentality, learn what branded entertainment means for media strategy, and takeaways for marketers, even if they don't have a Hollywood budget. Also, OpenAI has begun testing ads in ChatGPT. Hear Ad Age's reporting on how much it costs to be first to market and strategy takeaways. Plus, how to win the Gen Z 2016 social trend. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Inside brands' long-form ad experimentation ~Watch long-form work from Maybelline, Gushers and Doritos ~Buy tickets for Ad Age's NextGen Marketing Summit ~Listen to the Marketer's Brief podcast

After attending CES and NRF's Big Show, Ad Age News Editor E.J. Schultz and Senior Marketing Reporter Adrianne Pasquarelli decipher what industry leaders are saying on stages versus the anxieties they face as the CMO role continues to fundamentally change. From the increasing complexity of AI innovation to how agencies are struggling to differentiate innovation and consumers' hunger for simplicity, hear how 2026 predictions are actually taking shape. Also, what Google's new agentic commerce framework means for brands and lessons on how to get the most out of TikTok Shop. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Top marketing takeaways from CES 2026 ~Trending topics at NRF's Big Show 2026 ~5 tips for selling on TikTok Shop ~Track 2026 Super Bowl ads ~Buy tickets for Ad Age's NextGen Marketing Summit ~Listen to the Marketer's Brief podcast

On Ad Age Insider's first episode of 2026, reporters from across the Ad Age newsroom share the most and least surprising takes from their predictions reporting, and what it all means for the industry. From how changes in the media landscape might impact brands' agency rosters to how consumer crazes around protein and weight loss drugs will influence marketing trends and plenty of AI, hear how this year's trending topics will impact your work and the industry. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Media buying and strategy predictions ~100 creativity predictions ~2026 influencer marketing shifts ~AI marketing predictions for 2026 ~100 ad leaders predict 2026 marketing trends ~Food and beverage marketing trends to watch ~The future of retail in 2026 ~Enter Ad Age's 2026 Tech Power List ~Listen to the Ad Age Marketer's Brief

Senior Agency Reporter Lindsay Rittenhouse breaks down ad industry instability and why agencies are undergoing heavy waves of layoffs, including from the recent Omnicom acquisition of IPG. She provides guidance on what to do when impacted by agency layoffs, how to prepare for the sparse job market and when to consider alternative job paths. Plus, the campaign Ad Age readers voted the best of 2025 versus creativity editor Tim Nudd's top picks from the year. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~What to know if you've been laid off ~The latest industry employment stats ~Listen: Why the Omnicom-IPG deal matters for all advertisers ~Agency layoff warning signs ~How agencies are changing their strategies for the AI era ~How AI is changing ad jobs ~Listen: the state of entry-level ad careers

Ad Age News Editor E.J. Schultz and Senior Marketing Reporter Adrianne Pasquarelli go behind the scenes of Ad Age's annual Marketer of the Year list. They share tips on how brands can increase their odds for next year's competition as well as a rundown of takeaways from this year's group of brands that might be useful for your 2026 marketing strategy. Plus, a look inside the Kansas City Chiefs' play to become the top Christmas NFL team, with key strategy takeaways from CMO Lara Krug. And the latest on Warner Bros. Discovery's sale saga. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Garage Beer is Ad Age's 2025 Marketer of the Year ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief podcast ~Vote for 2025's biggest brand fail ~Vote for the best ad campaign of 2025 ~Share your 2026 ad industry predictions with Ad Age

Agency reporters Brian Bonilla and Ewan Larkin dig into Omnicom's acquisition of IPG, and its impact for the advertising industry beyond just agency holding companies. They break down how independent agencies can win, what the deal means for the hold-co hierarchy and key factors to track as the industry's future structure takes shape. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Watch Brian and Ewan's day-one Omnicom takes on Breaking & Entering ~Everything to know about the Omnicom-IPG deal ~Inside Omnicom's new structure ~Top execs to know at new Omnicom ~Omnicom & IPG's joint Kenvue pitch ~The details on Havas and Horizon's joint venture ~Wpromote acquires Giant Spoon ~Inside Just Born's account review ~Recapping Publicis' acquisitions of Captiv8 and Influential ~Rewind: the failed Omnicom-Publicis merger

Ad Age Chief Technology Reporter Garett Sloane discusses how to separate artificial intelligence noise from real utility, the state of chatbot shopping, AI brand readiness and tools marketers are creating to better their businesses. Plus, put your tech knowledge to the test. In this week's episode, take Ad Age Insider's AI readiness quiz for marketers. Or dig deeper with additional questions here. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~All your AI Qs answered in Ad Age's AI Marketing Playbook ~The state of AI commerce ~Inside Lavazza's AI persona that says no ~How Amazon is testing ads in Rufus ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief

Ad Age reporter Gillian Follett breaks down why brands are leaning into the limited-edition strategy, the elements of a successful product drop strategy and more holiday social media trends. Plus, what Unilever's big bet on influencer marketing means for the industry, and the details on Peeps, Mike and Ike's and Hot Tamales' new ad agency. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Dig deeper into Starbucks' Bearista cup strategy ~Catch up on little treat culture and the trinket craze ~Watch holiday ads from Disney, Amazon and Brach's ~Dive into Ad Age's AI Marketing Playbook package ~Listen to this week's Marketer's Brief episode

Ad Age Senior Reporter Lindsay Rittenhouse explains how AI is automating work typically done by entry-level talent, and how marketers and educators are responding by training students and junior staff to use the technology themselves. Plus, what early career professionals can do to increase employment prospects in a difficult job market. Plus, Omnicom and IPG's joint pitch for health care giant Kenvue acts as a test for success of the mega-merger, but it may be riddled with complications. And, why Anomaly Co-Founder Jason DeLand decided to depart the agency. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~ Inside Kimberly-Clark's bid to buy Kenvue for $40 billion ~ How production companies are coming to terms with AI ~ Vote for the 2025 Ad Age Marketer of the Year

Ad Age Editor-at-Large Jack Neff explains why pharma ads can't be banned, and how the Trump administration is cracking down on marketers. Plus, what stricter regulation would mean for creatives and how a ban would impact media channels including linear TV and social media. And, inside the financial crisis at experiential agency Verb. Read more on how the surging shop grew too fast. Also, the NFL's CMO stood up to criticism of Bad Bunny's 2026 halftime show. See his callout on critics. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~The state of the pharmaceutical ad crackdown ~Listen to the data on U.S. Hispanic consumer trends ~Listen to Blumhouse's CMO talk horror marketing

Ad Age creativity editor Tim Nudd crowns the top spooky season marketing campaigns in the first-ever Halloween Marketing Awards. He also digs into the trends behind October's best work, including why brands are bringing energy previously reserved for April Fools' Day to the season of the witch. Plus, Ad Legends is a new agency offering brands access to AI replicas of industry legends. The offering is meant to allow marketers access top-tier creative ideas without having to hire an agency. It also offers agencies the ability to replicate their own talent for internal use. Read more about the 2025 Halloween Marketing Awards winners: ~Six Flags, "Come Out and Play" ~Disney+, "EDGEOFYØR Seat" ~Capri Sun, "Trick & Treat Pouches" ~Skittles, "Ghost Roommate" ~Gushers, "Fruithead" Dig deeper into additional stories mentioned in this week's episode: ~Burger King's 2017 "Scary Clown Night" ~Columbia Sportswear's Grim Reaper social takeover and Mini's Waymo disguise ~Yahoo's terrifying "Reply All" short ~Skittles' ghoulish TikTok series ~Airheads' unsettling robot trick-or-treater ~Buy tickets for Ad Age's AI Marketing Playbook conference ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief

Ad Age marketing reporter Erika Wheless describes the growth of AI-generated bot networks that fuel large percentages of current brand controversies. In the episode, Wheless breaks down how to identify fake social media accounts, tools brands can use to measure bot impact and how to prepare for potential fake outrage. Plus, Ad Age's 2025 Brand Report breaks down the numbers behind the world's largest advertisers. And TikTok is making aggressive pushes to up ad commitments, despite uncertainty over the platform's future with the Trump administration's planned spin-off. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Inside the social media bot crisis ~Listen to marketing takeaways from American Eagle and Cracker Barrel's recent controversies ~What Elf Cosmetics got wrong with its comedian collab ~Buy tickets for Ad Age's AI Marketing Playbook conference ~Listen to Ad Age's Marketer's Brief

Ad Age senior marketing reporter Adrianne Pasquarelli breaks down takeaways from the controversy surrounding the NFL's Bad Bunny pick for 2026's Super Bowl Halftime Show. Listen to hear data on U.S. Hispanic spending, best practices for building loyalty with multicultural audiences and how brands can prepare for political pushback. Plus, Domino's debuted new branding for the first time in 13 years, including a jingle by Shaboozey. And Hennessy launched a new partnership with LeBron James that took a risk with the athlete's fans. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~How to build loyalty with Hispanic consumers ~Papa Johns seeks a new creative agency ~Read Ad Age's coverage of Advertising Week New York ~Submit entries for Ad Age's 2026 A-List and Creativity Awards ~Buy tickets for the Ad Age AI Marketing Playbook ~Listen to Meta's CMO on Ad Age's Marketer's Brief

Ad Age reporters go deep on the future of marketing agencies, from consolidation to AI in-housing. Listen to hear more on the potential demise of mid-size agencies, resurgence of social media agencies of record and transformation of capabilities, plus what industry leaders need to know to start strategizing now. This series is in celebration of Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 editorial package, which includes insights across marketing, media, agencies and technology. Read more here, and subscribe to Ad Age All Access to read the full series, including deep reporting, exclusive data, expert insights and interactive elements. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Read Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 package ~Inside the 2030 ad agency ~2030 readiness checklist ~How to incorporate AI into your work ~The future of social media and influencer ~How AI is changing the RFP process

Ad Age reporters break down the transformation of consumer behavior that will impact marketing strategies over the next five years, and how brands can begin preparing now. From changing demographics to revamped loyalty programs and the role of the Super Bowl in 2030, listen for insights into how consumers will interact with brands in 2030. This series is in celebration of Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 editorial package, which includes insights across marketing, media, agencies and technology. Read more here, and subscribe to Ad Age All Access to read the full series, including deep reporting, exclusive data, expert insights and interactive elements. Dig deeper on the topics mentioned in this week's episode: ~Read Ad Age's Future of Advertising 2030 package ~The CMO job in 2030 ~Loyalty and shopping in 2030 ~How AI is changing the RFP process ~Will the Super Bowl still matter in 2030? ~Inside the 2030 ad agency ~The future of social media and influencer