Good morning,

Apple Music hasn't confirmed if Jay-Z is headed to the Super Bowl, but the brand has revealed a fresh look.

Today, creativity editor Brittaney Kiefer reports on Apple Music’s rebrand and the process behind its new identity.

We also have the latest on Substack’s growing advertising ambitions, and Walmart’s embrace of AI agents that can shop for you.

Plus, TVNewser’s popular cable ratings got a refresh.

Before you dive into the headlines, register for ADWEEK’s live workshop on Oct. 28 at 1pm ET, How to Audit Your Social Strategy, to learn how to bring community, content, creators, and paid amplification into one connected strategy. Plus, see where data and AI can sharpen your calls on which content and creators to scale.

Let’s dig in.

Lauren Johnson, deputy editor, commerce

Must Reads

1. Apple Music Rebrands With a Look Made by Sound

Apple Music has yet to confirm that Jay-Z is next year’s Super Bowl halftime show headliner, but the brand is getting a makeover in the meantime, reports Brittaney Kiefer.

Apple Music worked with TBWAMedia Arts Lab (MAL) on the rebrand, which includes a new mnemonic and logo. The new look will start appearing across its original content and event programming this week, as well as on out-of-home ads.

2. Substack Brings Dynamic Ad Insertion to Podcasts

Substack is adding a feature that will place ads when the listener downloads or streams a podcast—as opposed to being placed in an audio file.

Mark Stenberg reports that the change will allow podcasters to run and target campaigns with sponsors they have sourced themselves. Podcasters who do not want to sell their own sponsorships will also be able to fill ad breaks through programmatic marketplaces and demand-side platforms. The tools are the newest example of how Substack is beginning to offer monetization tools to compete with Beehiiv.

ADWEEK's TVNewser Introduces the New and Improved Daily Cable News Ratings

ADWEEK’s TVNewser is introducing a new way to keep tabs of ratings at the cable news giants.

The ratings showcase the performance of CNN, Fox News, and MS NOW and now include interactive charts. Learn more about the new look from our Mark Mwachiro.

Walmart Embraces AI Agents That Shop on Behalf of Customers

Walmart is opening the door to agents that shop on customers’ behalf, a month after Amazon blocked Meta’s Muse from doing the same.

Walmart unveiled a dedicated portal that makes it easier for agents to connect with its ecommerce platform, Mitchell Parton reports. The retailer is also launching a feature that allows consumers to control how agents shop for them, as well as rules for what agents can and can’t do.

The changes open up new advertising implications around getting products discovered.

Whatnot Launches Its First National Spot as Live Shopping Finally Starts Gaining Traction

Live-streaming platform Whatnot tapped Cam Skattebo, New York Giants’ star running back, to star in its new campaign.

Backed by a $20 billion valuation, Whatnot is making a big push in the U.S. after amassing a 60% market share in the live shopping market in Europe and North America.

The Round Up

Ellie Kemper is back in Kohl’s holiday ad, (ADWEEK).
Meta beats Q3 expectations, (ADWEEK).
ADWEEK's Mark Stenberg interviews AI actress Tilly Norwood, (ADWEEK).
AT&T’s Kellyn Smith Kenny on the role of the CMO, (ADWEEK).
Retail ad firm Kevel raises $52 million, (AdExchanger).
EBay lays off 1,000 employees, (CNBC).
Why it’s getting harder for Hollywood to build buzz, (ADWEEK).
CNN redesigns website, (ADWEEK).
Your ad got their attention. Now what? (Brandshare from Invoca).

Revolving Door

PepsiCo and AB InBev vet Sebnem Erim joins Diageo North America as CMO, (ADWEEK).

1. Apple Music Rebrands With a Look Made by Sound

2. Substack Brings Dynamic Ad Insertion to Podcasts

3. ADWEEK's TVNewser Introduces the New and Improved Daily Cable News Ratings

4. Walmart Embraces AI Agents That Shop on Behalf of Customers

5. Whatnot Launches Its First National Spot as Live Shopping Finally Starts Gaining Traction