Siegel+Gale's Lauren Thebault explains four ways marketers should be using AI, including creatively for brand-building, exemplified by Coca-Cola's "Create Real Magic" platform. The technology also can speed up the creative development process with creators while adhering to brand guidelines, help to uncover meaningful brand identity insights and develop customizable brand-learning opportunities, Thebault writes.

Songs by Universal Music Group artists will again be available for use on TikTok under a new agreement between the two companies, ending a standoff over artist compensation that began in February. UMG says the new deal improves performer remuneration and collaborative efforts to promote and monetize artists' content.

Roblox is moving beyond game hub to full-blown platform status with its introduction of ecommerce and expanded video ad inventory. "The reality is that these audiences shift in and out of digital and IRL seamlessly," says Gamefam's Ricardo Briceno, adding, "These are just more building blocks that provide more integrated and authentic ways for brands to show up on Roblox."

Anime has moved from niche to mainstream over the past few years as pandemic lockdowns created a global audience for both anime and gaming, and brands are taking notice of the marketing possibilities. "I feel that brands are treating it as they were treating gaming maybe 10 years ago," says Kerry Waananen, an esports journalist and marketer, "where they're dipping their toe in, seeing some success, then coming back to the fat cats upstairs and trying to figure out what their next move is."

Generative AI is empowering scammers with convincing impersonations, from fake celebrity endorsements to cloned voices and text, leading to substantial financial losses and privacy breaches. As the Federal Trade Commission ramps up efforts to combat AI-based fraud, businesses are advised to remain vigilant and verify suspicious communications, even from seemingly trustworthy sources like family members.

Consumers are finding more products through social media, although many are still buying directly from a retailer. Social media can be a powerful tool for reducing uncertainty in purchasing decisions, notes Robert Cialdini, author of "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion."

BBDO created a campaign for AT&T Business that shows how the brand helps Rainn Wilson reunite with five of his "The Office" co-stars and launch his "Sleep with Rain" product -- a pillow with built-in speakers that allows people to fall asleep to the sound of his voice. Fans can enter a sweepstakes to win a limited-edition pillow, and download "Guided Sleep" tracks on Spotify.

Wes Anderson directs and stars in a three-minute spot for Montblanc, along with actors Jason Schwartzman and Rupert Friend, to celebrate the 100th birthday of the brand's Meisterstück pen. The quirky short film begins with the trio on top of Mont Blanc, before they shelter in a cabin to discuss the pen's history and marketing slogans, and fans can buy a Montblanc pen designed by Anderson.

A fan of Boston Dynamics' robot dog Spot was barking up the wrong tree when he thought a video snippet of a fluffy blue-and-white sheepdog was a CGI dog dancing with Spot. It actually is a regular Spot beside a $75,000 Spot wearing a glittery costume that helps Spot "explore the intersections of robotics, art, and entertainment," the video description explains.