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● LIVE Updated 51m ago · 11 sources tracked

McDonald’s is testing ads on its drive-thru menus

McDonald's is testing the sale of digital menu board ad space to other brands through the creation of the McDonald's Media Network. The company is placing third-party advertisements on digital screens, including those in drive-thrus, and plans to use customer data to sell targeted ads. This move follows a similar trajectory to retail giants Amazon and Walmart, with the company suggesting the advertising venture could potentially become a $1 billion business.

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  • ✓ McDonald's is testing third-party advertisements on digital menu boards, including drive-thru screens.
  • ✓ The company is establishing the McDonald's Media Network to sell ad space to other brands.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 11 independent reporting domains (90% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

McDonald's is launching a dedicated media network to sell ad space on its digital menu boards.

Live updates

  1. McDonald's tests third-party ads on drive-thru menu boards

    McDonald's is testing the sale of digital menu board ad space to other brands through the creation of the McDonald's Media Network. The company is placing third-party advertisements on digital screens, including those in drive-thrus, and plans to use customer data to sell targeted ads. This move follows a similar trajectory to retail giants Amazon and Walmart, with the company suggesting the advertising venture could potentially become a $1 billion business.

    Why it matters

    The shift toward a commerce media network allows the fast-food chain to monetize its digital footprint beyond food sales. This occurs as the company integrates broader AI initiatives like the ArchIQ platform to manage restaurant operations.

    What is confirmed

    • McDonald's is testing third-party advertisements on digital menu boards, including drive-thru screens.
    • The company is establishing the McDonald's Media Network to sell ad space to other brands.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The company intends to use customer data to sell targeted advertisements.

    What to watch next

    • Expansion of the media network to all global locations
    • Financial reports detailing revenue generated from third-party ad sales
    • Integration of targeted ads into the ArchIQ AI platform
    Sources used for this update (12)
    1. CNBC — Why McDonald's is following Walmart and Amazon into the advertising business
    2. Bloomberg — McDonald’s Tests Placing Ads for Other Brands on Menu Screens
    3. The Verge — McDonald’s is testing ads on its drive-thru menus
    4. PYMNTS.com — McDonald’s Tests Selling Digital Menu Board Ad Space to Other Brands
    5. Marketing Dive — Inside McDonald’s new marketing model as it enters media network fray
    6. MediaPost — McDonald's To Launch Media Network, Runs Ads In Some Stores 09/24/2026
    7. gizmodo.com — McDonald’s Is Putting Ads in Its Drive-Thru… and Everywhere Else
    8. www.insideradio.com — McDonald’s Tests Drive-Thru Advertising.
    9. www.nrn.com — McDonald’s may get into the advertising business
    10. www.ad-hoc-news.de — McDonald's Bets $8.5 Billion That Automation Can Outrun Its Traffic Slump
    11. finance.yahoo.com — McDonald's unveils AI-enabled drive-thru system
    12. finance.yahoo.com — McDonald’s turns to AI for drive-thru, inventory management, order accuracy
    confidence 90%
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