This week’s top marketing and advertising stories focus on star power and finding the bright side during a stressful time. Catch up on the latest news you need to know in our Weekly Must Reads.

Snoop Dogg & Corona’s Fine Life

Corona (the beer brand, that is) is attempting to separate itself from the stress now associated with their name with the help of the most relaxed dude on the planet. In their latest ad, Snoop Dogg introduces Corona’s new tagline, “La Vida Mas Fina,” or in English, “the fine life.” According to the brand, the new campaign is meant to show consumers that they need to slow down and make more time for moments that matter.

The ads, set on an on-brand beachfront, were actually shot just before the Covid-19 shutdowns. However, their overall message of adopting a positive perspective is needed now more than ever. Watch for the campaign to feature more celebrities in future ads, along with other Corona products, like their recently launched seltzer. Check out Snoop’s first Corona commercial here: https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/snoop-dogg-good-life-corona-new-campaign/

Celebrities Call for USPS Support

The US Postal Service has been one of the hottest news topics in recent weeks. With concerns surrounding new changes to the USPS and resulting effects on mail-in voting ballots this fall, celebrities have taken to social media to voice their support for the postal service. Celebrities with major followings, including Tom Hanks, Mark Hamill and Taylor Swift, posted messages last week to remind their audience to vote early and ensure their ballot will be counted.

Perhaps the best message came from the “Cheers” mailman himself, John Ratzenberger, who posted a video with suggestions on how to help the USPS raise more money. Even Cher got in on the conversation, posting a thread of tweets asking how she can volunteer for the post office. Find all the messages of support here: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/08/17/usps-postal-service-taylor-swift-tom-hanks-mark-hamill/5598559002/

Pepsi Prepares for Football Watching

Pepsi has been the official soft drink of the NFL for 18 years, but this season is going to look a little different than the others. In their first ad for the 2020-21 season, Pepsi is putting the focus on at-home football fans. Instead of videos featuring large groups of friends cheering at the game, the ad targets families who are following along at home.

For now, the NFL season is moving along as planned, even though a growing group of players have opted out and two major college football conferences have postponed their seasons. Pepsi announced that they do have contingency plans should the NFL have to make sudden changes, and that “agility is a huge thing we’re reinforcing with our team.” They’ll also support their TV ads with social media posts and in-store promotions. Check out the full story here: https://www.thedrum.com/news/2020/08/18/pepsi-preps-uncertain-nfl-season

HBO Max Tests Pinterest Story Pins

HBO Max recently launched one of the first campaigns on the newest social media Story feature. Pinterest’s new Story Pins allow business accounts to include multiple videos, images and lists in a single Pin that will live on your designated board. The streaming service’s first Story Pins promote their new quarantine cooking show with star Selena Gomez, “Selena + Chef.” Their first Pinterest posts feature both recipes from the show and exclusive videos of Selena cooking with her grandmother.

For a new cooking show, Pinterest is the ideal social media choice. Eighty million users engage with food content every month on Pinterest and 87 percent of Pinners look for meals on the platform every day. Will this campaign produce a hit for HBO Max? Learn more here: https://www.marketingdive.com/news/hbo-max-shares-pinterest-recipes-to-promote-selena-gomez-quarantine-cooking/583530/