Gen Z, meet 7-Eleven Slurpees

Welcome to mid-June. The summer’s already flying by. Don’t miss out on the season—go outside. But we do get the need to check up on the brands. Let’s get to it.

7-Eleven Introduces Slurpees to Gen Z

Slurpees are back for summer with “a diverse cast of characters sipping flavors as bold and colorful as they are.” If Gen Z hasn’t been acquainted with Slurpees before, 7-Eleven is introducing them now through an omnichannel push, “including new TV spots, social and paid media campaigns, and two new designs.” Plus, there’s fun merch.

Marketers are Skeptical of AI Media Buying

Marketers are struggling to “trust the robot” when it comes to AI media buying on platforms. Many are reluctant to give AI their data and control over how to reach their campaign goals. Unfortunately, marketers who choose not to adopt may be left behind when AI becomes the norm—we’ll see how this plays out.

Vanderpump Rules Star & BIC Collaboration Takes Off

BIC’s razor division hit an all-time engagement high with a witty collaboration featuring the Bravo reality TV star Ariana Madix. Referencing the on-screen drama, BIC’s ad featured Madix removing “clogs” from her life. And the ad is working—women’s EasyRinse razor sales rose 35% in the two weeks since going live.

Twitch Backpedals on Content Rule

Just one day after rolling out new rules for branded content, Twitch has done away with them. Creators balked when Twitch decreed in-stream ads were no more and restricted on-screen logos to “a maximum of 3% of the screen size.”

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Around the Web

• Shopify's president prefers paying micro-influencers to grow his loose-leaf tea business.

• Amazon's Freevee is launching FAST channels from Warner Bros. Discovery and MGM.

• Elon Musk says Twitter will start sharing ads-in-replies revenue with creators—but “the creator must be verified and only ads served to verified users count.”

• MarketerHire is offering an exclusive Summer Special Promo, providing a 15% discount on all new Expert Marketer or Expert Assistant hires, billed through August 31, 2023. There’s only one catch, you need to act fast! This offer is only valid if you sign a contract and kick off your project by June 30, 2023. Learn more.*

• Jack Daniels sued a parody brand and won—the Supreme Court has ruled parody doesn’t shield from infringing on trademark.

• Netflix’s password crackdown seems to be working—73,000 sign-ups occurred from May 23 to May 28.

Just Can’t Get Enough

Vanderpump Rules Reunion. Just being honest.

• The drama is A+.

• And the memes are immaculate.

Will you be sipping a Slurpee this summer? Are you wary of AI media buying? Are you watching Vanderpump Rules Reunion? Do you have feelings? Reply and let us know everything.

Thanks for joining us, and we’ll see you Thursday!