The hottest Advertising Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Brand is Inevitable

42 Slash • 98 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
💼 Business Advertising
  1. A brand is more than just a logo or image, it encompasses values and purpose.
  2. Investing in brand development is crucial from the start, not something to be done later.
  3. Brands are about storytelling that goes beyond data and resonates culturally.
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Creativity & Advertising won’t save itself — and it won’t be saved at Cannes.

The Social Juice • 58 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Advertising
  1. Creativity in advertising needs continuous attention and effort; it won't fix itself.
  2. The Cannes Lions event showcases many campaigns, but the competition is intense, especially with agencies clashing over new technologies like AI.
  3. Staying updated on industry trends is crucial, as every piece of information matters in the fast-paced world of marketing.

Creativity is purpose enough

Thoughts on Writing • 339 implied HN points • 29 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Advertising
  1. Creative awards tend to align with projects that have a clear social purpose.
  2. Advertising award schemes prefer a purpose narrative over solely focusing on creativity.
  3. There is an ongoing debate about the balance between judging creative work based on its merits versus its social or moral impact in the advertising industry.

Arsenic and old faces

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 10 May 24
💾 History Advertising
  1. Arsenic was once thought to provide a youthful complexion, leading to the trend of advertising arsenic pills and soaps in the 1890s.
  2. Entrepreneurs in the 1890s marketed commercial arsenic products for complexion, openly promoting the poisonous ingredient as a benefit.
  3. Chemists faced legal trouble in the late 1800s for selling arsenic soap that did not actually contain arsenic, signaling a dangerous trend of mislabeling products.

How the KC Sports Network is building a regional media empire

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 149 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Advertising
  1. The KC Sports Network produces 10 different shows covering sports in Kansas City. This variety helps attract a wide audience.
  2. They make money through local and national advertisers, showing that regional networks can be financially sustainable.
  3. BJ Kissel left his job with the Kansas City Chiefs to pursue this venture, highlighting the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship in sports media.

Instagram wants Gen-Z. Advertisers wants budget. You want less ads on streaming &...

The Social Juice • 53 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Instagram is trying hard to attract younger users like Gen-Z. This is important for keeping the platform fresh and popular.
  2. Advertisers are looking for budget-friendly options as they adjust their spending. This means they want effective ways to reach their audience without overspending.
  3. There's been a rise in ads on platforms like Amazon and YouTube, which might make the user experience feel more crowded. People are hoping for fewer ads on streaming services instead.

Best of Brand & Advertising this week - Wimbledon aesthetics, gen-z drinks, agencies suffer & boycotts?!?

The Social Juice • 46 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Ad agencies are struggling right now, with employment in the US advertising sector dropping for seven months straight. This shows that the industry is facing some tough times.
  2. Gen Z is starting to drink and buy homes again as the cost of living pressures ease. This shift suggests that they may be gaining more financial stability.
  3. Several brands are focusing on celebrating their roots and community through their advertising, like Prada acknowledging its Indian design influences. This might be a trend of brands trying to connect more with diverse audiences.

مستاجرها! هرچه زودتر باید خانه بخرید قبل از این‌که خیلی دیر شود

DiGiTalk Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Consider transitioning from renting to homeownership sooner rather than later
  2. Not all businesses benefit equally from social media platforms like Instagram; some should explore alternative communication channels in their marketing strategies
  3. Constant algorithm changes, increasing competition, slow growth, and rising advertising costs on social media platforms can pose challenges for many businesses

Christmas marketing is Wicked, Media brands fight for trust, and the rest is marketing on steroids.

The Social Juice • 14 implied HN points • 07 Nov 25
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Christmas marketing is everywhere right now, with brands launching festive campaigns to grab attention during the holiday season. They need to stand out and connect with consumers really well.
  2. Media brands are focusing on rebuilding trust with their audiences, especially as accountability becomes more important in today's fast-paced digital world. This is crucial for their survival and growth.
  3. Many brands are taking big risks with their advertising to prove their value and effectiveness. They want to showcase results that go beyond just reaching a large audience, aiming for a positive impact instead.

Don’t follow conversation leaders

Thoughts on Writing • 359 implied HN points • 22 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Advertising
  1. Don't blindly follow conversation leaders - question their motives and the direction they steer the conversation.
  2. Brands often use conversations as a marketing tactic to boost engagement and brand awareness.
  3. Social media has distorted conversations, often for the benefit of advertisers, leading to polarized views and lack of meaningful dialogue.

Are Creatives an Endangered Species?

The Intersection • 79 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Advertising
  1. The evolution of creatives has moved from storytellers to hackers, designers & engineers, to business owners, highlighting the need to adapt and build on previous characteristics.
  2. In the evolving landscape, brands need a clear stance on issues and can learn from examples like Patagonia's impactful message that highlights the importance of having a distinct point of view.
  3. Creativity is no longer exclusive to traditional creatives as AI and digital tools democratize the ability to create, urging creatives to find new ways to utilize their skills in the changing industry.

#3: The ad that checks you're rich

12challenges • 85 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
💼 Business Advertising
  1. There's a humorous ad concept that checks if you're wealthy before you can click it. It's meant to point out the silliness of clicking on ads for things we can't afford.
  2. The idea is that ads wasting money can harm everyone, so this ad aims to avoid that waste by making sure only those who can actually buy stuff see it.
  3. This initiative shows a creative approach to advertising and is part of a larger plan to create more satirical ads that poke fun at everyday marketing tactics.

Traditional media outlets are under-monetizing their YouTube channels

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Traditional media outlets are not fully utilizing the monetization potential of their YouTube channels, missing out on significant revenue opportunities.
  2. Newsletter advertising has experienced growth despite challenges faced by the larger advertising industry, with brands noting higher engagement and return on investment.
  3. John Oliver's YouTube channel for Last Week Tonight showcases high engagement with fewer videos compared to other late night shows, yet HBO is not directly monetizing it, highlighting a missed opportunity for revenue.

ViaGrafix Computer Training Videos

Computer Ads from the Past • 128 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Advertising
  1. ViaGrafix started in 1990 and grew quickly, offering fun work environments like basketball courts and day care for employees' kids.
  2. They were known for their computer training videos and had over 650 different courses, helping people learn software easily.
  3. In the 90s, their tutorials were popular and endorsed by Microsoft, making learning more convenient than using regular manuals.

Corporations Offended By Free Speech Are Happy to Invest In Places Without It

Public • 303 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advertising
  1. Corporations withdrew advertising from platforms that embraced free speech due to concerns over associating with offensive content
  2. Some companies offended by free speech have no problem investing in countries with repressive speech environments
  3. The trend of corporations prioritizing 'brand safety' over free expression raises questions about their commitment to democratic values

Hmmm, Danone

Thoughts on Writing • 419 implied HN points • 25 Oct 21
💼 Business Advertising
  1. The research study found that purpose-driven campaigns were less effective than non-purpose campaigns, but after filtering out 'weaker' cases, the best purpose campaigns showed more positive results.
  2. The response to the research was split, with purpose advocates emphasizing the positive findings, while purpose skeptics pointed out flaws in the methodology.
  3. The involvement of Danone in funding the purpose research highlights the importance of understanding the context and motivations behind research findings in the corporate world.

Advertisements in space: a creative way to solve energy problems?

Space Ambition • 179 implied HN points • 02 Dec 22
🕹 Technology Advertising
  1. Advertising from space is being considered as a new way to help fund energy projects. A system of satellites could display ads in the sky, generating significant revenue.
  2. Using mirrors in space could reflect sunlight to specific areas on Earth, potentially reducing reliance on electricity. This could be more efficient than traditional solar panels.
  3. Concerns about light pollution and space debris are important. However, recycled materials from old satellites could be used to create the necessary reflectors, helping to lessen space waste.

Best of Brand & Advertising this week - Emmy's, Gen-Z Stare, Publicis vs Omnicom, Timothée Chalamet + Canada

The Social Juice • 34 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Publicis Groupe improved its growth forecast to 5% due to recent business wins. This shows that successful marketing can really impact company performance.
  2. Gen Z is increasingly engaging with brands through social media and is known for its notable 'stare' at brands. Marketers need to understand this audience's behavior for effective outreach.
  3. The Emmy Awards highlighted several impressive commercial nominees. Brands are recognizing the importance of creative advertising to connect with audiences.

Screenshot roundup and 🤖 AI positioning in ads

Mehdeeka • 5 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Small UX and copy choices — like using navigation to show value propositions or a blunt “what is X” line — make websites much clearer and reduce user confusion.
  2. Short, creative activations (limited digital giveaways, playful Gen Z copy, or logo-as-art) are scroll-stopping and build goodwill, though they often rely on strong existing brand recognition.
  3. Be careful with AI messaging: only call out AI when you can clearly explain what it does for users, because vague AI claims spark short-term interest but then invite skeptical questions.

Rise of the Artificial Influencer

John Mayo-Smith's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 17 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Advertising
  1. Advertising, SEO, and Artificial Influence are all methods to grab attention for products or services.
  2. AIs are starting to exhibit brand preferences, like humans do, affecting the way they provide recommendations and influence choices.
  3. Influencing AIs involves understanding their training data and providing reliable, consistent, and trustworthy information to align with their preferences.

Advertisers won’t be guilted into funding news

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 224 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Advertisers won't easily fund news due to activist campaigns pressuring them to choose where ads appear.
  2. The use of keyword blocklists by advertising agencies has made it difficult to monetize hard news through advertising alone.
  3. Organizations are urging brands to support trusted news sites to ensure journalism is adequately funded, but the path forward is challenging.

Amazon's $43B ad business, explained

SatPost by Trung Phan • 329 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Amazon's ad business has grown significantly, reaching a revenue run rate of $43 billion annually, surpassing other social media platforms.
  2. Amazon's shift towards embracing ads was influenced by the need to reduce dependence on Google search slots and utilize its valuable first-party transaction data.
  3. Amazon ads have become highly profitable and could rival its AWS business in terms of generating absolute profits, signaling a significant shift in the digital advertising landscape.

Bilibili - The Story Mode So Far

Tech Buzz China Insider • 59 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Advertising
  1. Bilibili struggles to turn a profit and has seen a decline in Monthly Active Users for two quarters
  2. Bilibili's growth strategy is multi-screen, with Story Mode as a new feature focusing on high-quality long-form video content
  3. Bilibili aims to differentiate from competitors like Douyin, focusing on long-form videos and performance-based advertising

King Elon, the Owner of the Ball

The Leftovers • 59 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Advertising
  1. Football games in childhood were impacted by the ownership of the ball, highlighting power dynamics within groups of kids.
  2. Elon Musk's actions as the 'Owner of the Ball' on Twitter have negatively affected the platform's value and functionality, leading to significant repercussions.
  3. Using Twitter effectively requires understanding its algorithms and limitations, as well as being cautious about how interactions and content are promoted.

What happened in Marketing -AI Firewall, TikTok-Trump Stickup & Meta's Talent Heist

The Social Juice • 29 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Cloudflare is now blocking AI bots from accessing its clients' websites to improve security. This is a big step to protect online spaces from unwanted AI interference.
  2. TikTok is looking for new owners, as Trump claims he has wealthy backers ready to buy the platform. This news is creating a buzz about its future.
  3. Meta is focusing on enhancing its marketing strategies, especially through WhatsApp, and is forming a new group aimed at creating superintelligent systems. This could change how businesses engage with customers.

What makes the perfect creative brief?

The Ruffian • 264 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
💼 Business Advertising
  1. A good creative brief is short, inspiring, and provides direction while allowing freedom.
  2. A successful brief balances constraints and freedom, guiding without stifling creativity.
  3. Writing a creative brief to yourself can help focus your objectives and unleash creative thinking.

Eating Alone in Cars

Brands Mean a Lot • 30 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Advertising
  1. Many people eat alone in their cars, often during busy days. This shows how our lives can be hectic and lonely.
  2. Fast food ads highlight eating in cars as a source of joy, even though it's usually not how meals are traditionally enjoyed. It plays on the idea that people are seeking comfort in quick snacks while feeling disconnected.
  3. Society is moving towards individualism, where companies see opportunities in people's loneliness. Instead of seeking real connections, many find temporary happiness through fast food, which reflects a larger problem in our living conditions.

Purpose wins. Who loses?

Thoughts on Writing • 359 implied HN points • 19 Jul 21
💼 Business Advertising
  1. The advertising industry has heavily emphasized purpose-driven work in creative awards schemes over the past two decades, potentially losing touch with reality.
  2. Brand purpose, while important, can sometimes become a shield that is hard to challenge, leading to debates on whether it truly benefits causes or if it is a commercial strategy.
  3. The importance of creativity, craft, and ideas in advertising and branding is highlighted, suggesting a refocus on these elements over a strong emphasis on social purpose.

I talked to the creator behind my favourite Are.na board

The Social Juice • 66 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Advertising
  1. The author interviews creators and marketers regularly. This gives insights into the world of marketing and helps readers learn from the experiences of others.
  2. There's a community aspect where subscribers can join a Discord group and WhatsApp chat. This allows for interaction and sharing among like-minded individuals.
  3. The newsletter offers a mix of marketing resources and news updates. This helps keep readers informed about the latest trends and strategies in the marketing field.

This Week in Marketing - Big Tech trades ads for AI, TikTok’s denial and Grok’s Nazi turn

The Social Juice • 26 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Big tech companies like Meta, Google, and Microsoft are focusing more on AI and moving away from traditional advertising methods.
  2. TikTok is denying reports about major operational changes, suggesting a push to maintain its current business structure amid scrutiny.
  3. Grok, a chatbot by Elon Musk's company, has faced backlash for inappropriate content, raising concerns about AI accountability.