Starbucks and Dunkin’ are embracing creator-driven marketing this year as they roll out new beverage launches designed to appeal to younger, digitally engaged consumers. Moving beyond traditional celebrity advertising, both brands are partnering with influential figures whose large, active online followings help drive buzz and social media engagement around limited-time drinks.

Starbucks recently introduced its Cannon Ball Refresher, a vibrant limited-edition drink tied to Beast Games Season 2 — a Prime Video competition show hosted by internet star MrBeast. The drink combines refreshing lemonade with layered fruit flavors and dried fruit toppings, making it visually striking and ideal for social sharing. The product launch coincides with the show’s episodes and reflects Starbucks’ effort to deeply embed its products into entertainment experiences that resonate with younger audiences.

At the same time, Dunkin’ has partnered with rapper Megan Thee Stallion on its winter menu, including the Megan’s Mango Protein Refresher created in collaboration with the musician. Megan stars in the brand’s “Dunk N’ Pump” campaign, a playful, energetic promotion that highlights Dunkin’s new protein-infused beverage offerings. The wider protein menu includes six new drinks designed to attract fitness-minded customers while blending bold flavor and social appeal.

Marketing experts say these campaigns signal a broader shift in quick-service beverage marketing. Rather than relying on generic commercials, brands are increasingly tied to creators whose personalities, content styles, and community connections help turn product launches into cultural moments. Partnering with creators like MrBeast and Megan Thee Stallion — who command massive social audiences — can generate immediate online attention while also driving real-world purchases as fans seek to connect with their favorite influencers’ branded experiences.

This trend highlights how brands in competitive categories are leveraging the creator economy to cut through the noise of today’s fragmented media landscape, turning product drops into social moments and making drinks more shareable and buzzworthy than ever.