Our Burning Questions for Cannes Lions 2026

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1. 

   29 Jul 2026 · 27 min

   Microdramas Are a Mega Trend

   This week, we’re going all in on microdramas – and we aren’t alone. Brands and streamers are turning to short-form videos to sell products, but will this trend last longer than a mini episode? We take a look at the length, home, production value, and risks of investing in microdramas, and share thoughts on which brands might want to jump in, or keep scrolling. 00:00: Intro 02:35: Microdramas are inexpensive 05:10: Made for different platforms 11:40: Is the goal for completion or consumption 14:00: Brands as entertainment companies 16:50: Is it for every brand 21:00: How is AI being used for…

2. 

   22 Jul 2026 · 30 min

   Attention Marketers: You Are Trapped in an AI Bubble

   This week, we’re looking at the very large gap between the marketing industry’s love for AI, and the consumer sentiment that reveals precisely the opposite. New research has customers declaring their strong annoyance for the technology, so why do marketers insist on using it for everything from ideation to creative content? And is there a way for brands to stand out with a different approach? 00:00: Intro 03:00: New poll reveals consumers’ annoyance with AI 06:20: Exploring the bubble 08:40: Is all AI just AI slop 10:15: Perception of AI ads 15:00: Brands avoiding AI are generating good will…

3. 

   15 Jul 2026 · 28 min

   Affordability Marketing is Not for All Brands

   This week, we’re diving into the dos and don’ts of affordability marketing. It’s not for all brands, but some have figured out the ways to keep customers with long-term strategies, while others are opting for a quick, catchy moment. How do you make consumers feel valued and savvy, while still providing a good deal? 00:00: Intro 01:55: Food brands embracing affordability marketing 03:00: Non food brands doing the same 05:20: Risking a lack of genuine feelings 07:00: Can brands implement long-term strategies 08:50: Relative to your competitor strategy 13:00: Importance of rewards programs…

4. 

   8 Jul 2026 · 27 min

   Culture, Community & Sports: America 250’s Key Campaigns

   This week, we’re taking a look at the way brands navigated celebrating America 250 in a variety of ways. From focusing on big national sports moments like this year’s Olympics and the World Cup, to celebrating their own company anniversaries, and most importantly, doing their best to unite Americans of all backgrounds via everything from action stars to apple pies. 00:00: Intro 02:45: How brands approached America 250 05:30: What do brands normally do for July 4 06:30: Brands celebrating their own anniversaries 10:15: How do global brands tap into this moment 13:00: Can brands look toward…

5. 

   1 Jul 2026 · 29 min

   Cannes Lions 2026: The Biggest Takeaways & Trends

   This week, we’re coming to you live from Cannes Lions 2026! Editor Kelsey Sutton and reporter Jennimai Nguyen recap some of the convos they’ve had with execs across the week, detail the activations they got to see IRL, and share their biggest takeaways from the year’s most memorable marketing event. 00:00: Intro 01:50: Offline is the new online 04:50: Experiential at Cannes 06:40: Creators are the new A-listers 11:00: B2B marketers want to work with creators 12:35: Move over Millennials, it’s about Gen Z now 16:50: AI discussions at the festival 22:00: Winning campaigns 24:30: What we’d do…

6. 

   17 Jun 2026 · 26 min

   Is a DEI Pullback Preventing a Pride Marketing Comeback?

   This week, we’re examining if brands have actually pulled their support for Pride month, or if they’re just keeping it private now. Some are still shelling out money, others are making their presence known at parades, and others…just aren’t talking about their involvement. But when it comes to Gen Z, some brands will prove they want to be loud and proud about their support for the LGBTQIA+ celebrations. 00:00: Intro 02:50: When did the Pride pullback begin 06:00: Brands need to be clear in their own values 09:00: How companies have shifted support in presence and financials 13:20: Pride…

7. 

   10 Jun 2026 · 26 min

   Catch The Bus (And Their Attention) With These Mobile Marketing Moves

   This week, we’re rolling out the best mobile marketing moves to make when considering bus advertising for your campaign. From the Knicks’ DoorDash bus, to The Ordinary’s lessons learned along the way, these are the best tactics for maximum impact. 00:00: Intro 01:36: The DoorDash Knicks bus and popular NYC ads 03:40: Why the Museum of Sex ads are impactful 06:00: How do you measure if it’s working 08:15: Lessons from The Ordinary bus 13:45: An opportunity for product sampling 15:15: Honing in on cultural events 16:50: The S train in NYC and unique opportunities 21:40: What actually makes a…

8. 

   3 Jun 2026 · 32 min

   The World Cup’s Marketing Moment is Here

   This week, we’re getting ready for the World Cup, as many marketers have been for months and even years. With the help of Senior Reporter Alyssa Meyers, we take a look at the local vs. international branding opportunities, what creators and in-person activations can do to help goals, and how brands can take advantage of this global moment for long-term success. 00:00: Intro 02:30: The World cup brand at large 04:45: Global demographics and opportunities 08:30: Opportunities for creators 11:15: Unexpected brands getting in on the action 14:00: Benefits of US Women’s Soccer vs Men’s team…

9. 

   27 May 2026 · 30 min

   How Online Brands Are Creating Offline Impact

   This week, we’re talking about the latest Pinterest campaign that encourages users to…get off their phones? With a focus on IRL events, we take a look at how to measure the success of these moments without UGC or typical social analytics, what impact these experiences have after they’re over, and how to positively build community and brand awareness amongst fans and followers. 00:00: Intro 00:40: Pinterest wants you to touch grass 04:00: How Pinterest wants to differentiate itself from other social media sites 06:20: Pulling off a phone-free experience at Coachella 10:45: Logging off and…

10. 

    20 May 2026 · 28 min

    Who Are Upfronts Even For?

    This week, Marketing Brew’s senior reporter Katie Hicks is joined by reporter Jasmine Sheena and senior reporter Alyssa Meyers to discuss the state of Upfronts in 2026. Does anyone besides Big Tech have a chance in the entertainment/streaming world? Did we…learn anything new? Are live events the only programming that matters? And how do creators fit into this landscape? 00:00: Intro 00:55: Main takeaways from upfronts week 06:50: Emphasis on live events and execs 09:25: The presence of creators 13:30: What are they really selling at upfronts? 16:45: Who is paying attention to upfronts?…