Influencer marketing continues to grow as brands increasingly rely on creators to deliver content that drives awareness, trust and purchase behavior. This ARF Knowledge at Hand report synthesizes findings across academic research, industry studies and ARF events to identify what truly drives influencer impact—and how marketers can optimize creator partnerships for effectiveness.
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On December 3, the ARF Creative Council pulled back the curtain on how leading brands navigate the evolving creator and influencer landscape. This roundtable discussion offered a candid, client-side look at the creator/influencer economy and provided attendees with real-world examples of how leading brands strategically deploy creators, select the right partners, brief them effectively, and measure their performance.
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This Marketing Science Institute (MSI) working paper introduces Inclusive Design Orientation (IDO)—an emerging organizational mindset, as well as a set of practices that help firms design products not only for the “average” consumer, but with consumers who are typically excluded. Through interviews with 27 industry experts across technology, retail and design, this study shows how engaging so-called edge consumers can unlock product innovation, strengthen brand loyalty and expand market opportunities. The study outlines how organizations can embed inclusive beliefs into their development processes, how internal champions drive transformation and why inclusive design is fast becoming a competitive necessity.
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As virtual influencers (VIs) increasingly front campaigns for major brands, how does disclosing sponsorship affect audiences? This mixed-method study analyzed over 48,000 Instagram comments. Researchers also conducted an online experiment to examine how users respond emotionally and behaviorally to sponsorship disclosure by a virtual influencer. Results reveal that disclosure can increase positive sentiment but reduce engagement, challenging long-held assumptions about persuasion knowledge in influencer marketing.
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On October 8, 2025, representatives from three organizations – Dyanta (Council member Nicole Mitchell), Kantar (Valeria Piaggio), and the GLAAD Media Institute (Megan Bartley) -- presented research on the current state of consumer attitudes towards diversity and inclusion in the U.S., particularly with respect to advertising. Dynata's and Kantar’s presentations included trend data from 2023 and 2025, and Kantar’s included data from a neuroscience study. IPG and Mintel collaborated with GLAAD on their research. The speakers agreed that in spite of loud opposition to DEI, data shows a "silent majority" of consumers still supports inclusion efforts. The speakers also acknowledged a significant generational divide, with younger consumers being far more supportive of DEI initiatives. The presentations were followed by a discussion with Mitchell, Piaggio, and Carol Hayneworth of IPG, moderated by Cultural Effectiveness Council Young Pros Officer Danielle Zito.
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On November 5, the ARF Social Council explored how audiences perceive authenticity on social media and how brands can build trust, credibility, and stronger outcomes through more genuine messaging and partnerships. Attendees heard new research from HawkPartners, Breakthrough Research, SunDogs and the ARF Social Council, followed by a dynamic discussion.
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On August 14, Snapchat and BBDO led a provocative discussion as they debunked myths about marketing to Gen Z and offered a clearer picture of what truly drives this generation. Attendees gained fresh insights on how brands can authentically connect with Gen Z by focusing on their core values, communication styles, and daily ways of engaging with the world.
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A large-scale analysis of clickstream data reveals that how often and how regularly pre-roll skippable ads are shown significantly influences whether users accept or skip them. Using advanced modeling, researchers find that less frequent and more irregular exposure increases the hidden “acceptance propensity” underlying viewing behavior. These findings challenge conventional scheduling tactics and offer new strategies for maximizing skippable ad effectiveness.
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