Latest Marketing & Advertising News

📅February 4, 2026 at 1:00 AM
AI firms ramp up ad spends amid global growth in digital marketing, Super Bowl campaigns, regulatory conferences, and retail innovations dominate 2026 marketing trends.
1

AI Giants Spend $333.6M on US Linear TV Ads in 2025

Google, Anthropic, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Perplexity spent $333.6m on linear TV advertising for AI offerings in the US last year, up 43% from prior year per iSpot data.Source 1 Digital ad spend hit $426m, tripling 2024 figures according to Sensor Tower.Source 1 Average ad price rose 9% for the year.Source 1

2

Global Ad Expenditure to Reach $162-169bn in 2026

2026 ad expenses expected between $162bn and $169bn driven by infrastructure and talent investments.Source 1 Strong double-digit growth in 2025 focused on performance and cultural moments.Source 1 UK adspend predicted to exceed £50bn with 7.5% growth, led by digital channels.Source 1

3

UK Ad Market Grows 10.1% to £46.9bn in FY 2025

AA/WARC forecasts 10.1% growth to £46.9bn, fifth year of expansion.Source 1 Digital search and display hit 83% of spend, up 14.6% YoY.Source 1 Cinema grew fastest at 23.9%, radio at 19.2%.Source 1

4

Grubhub Debuts Super Bowl Ad with George Clooney

Grubhub promotes fee-free delivery on $50+ orders in Super Bowl ad directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.Source 3 Features George Clooney in oddball spot to 'eat the fees'.Source 3 Aims to boost engagement during the big game.Source 3

5

Crocs Launches 'Wonderfully Unordinary' Self-Expression Platform

Crocs new platform emphasizes self-expression over algorithmic sameness.Source 3 Agency Flower Shop handled creative focusing on real-world experiences.Source 3 Released January 28, 2026.Source 3

6

Coke’s World Cup Campaign Taps Fan Emotions

Coca-Cola ads feature Van Halen’s 'Jump' cover highlighting shared excitement amid political fractures.Source 3 Unifies fans for the tournament.Source 3 Updated January 29, 2026.Source 3

7

Choice Hotels Global Campaign Features Keegan-Michael Key

Campaign hones in on value and unique experiences across brands.Source 3 Stars entertainer Keegan-Michael Key in ad spots.Source 3 Launched January 21, 2026.Source 3

8

Edelman Hires Eduardo Tavares as Global Health Creative Director

Tavares joins from FCB Chicago and Brazil as executive creative director for global health.Source 4 Bolsters Edelman's creative leadership.Source 4 Recent PR industry move.Source 4

9

TikTok Expands Ads for Entertainment Brands

New formats connect viewers directly to shows, movies, and subscriptions.Source 5 Enhances short-form video ROI for marketers.Source 5 Announced January 23, 2026.Source 5

10

Vitamin Shoppe Opens AI-Enabled Store in NYC

Debuts Shoppe Advisor, AI tool for in-store education and personalization.Source 6 Focuses on engagement in retail marketing.Source 6 Opened February 2, 2026.Source 6

11

Salesforce and Duolingo Tease Super Bowl Ads Early

Salesforce partners with MrBeast for teaser tapping consumer motivation via sweepstakes.Source 7 Duolingo leverages Bad Bunny halftime with cultural micro-ads and subway wraps.Source 7 Strategies shape perception pre-game.Source 7

12

Advertising and Promotion Regulatory Affairs Conference Set for Feb 23-24

Explores AI in promo review, FDA policies, digital trends for biopharma.Source 2 Features industry, FDA experts on compliance.Source 2 In-person event amid regulatory shifts.Source 2