Brand collaborations play a key role in modern-day marketing. When companies pair up, the lesser-known brand can gain recognition and credibility, while all brands involved can reach new demographics, scale faster, and spark conversation among consumers. All in all, teaming up can be a powerful opportunity for companies of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 500s.
Read on for examples of some of the strongest brand collabs announced so far in 2026, many of which have already been released and are yielding favorable results.
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1. Coca-Cola x Crocs
The Coca-Cola and Crocs collab, released on January 13, is the perfect example of how two major brands can successfully team up to generate even more buzz and create a sense of scarcity due to limited-drop items. Consumers can choose to rep standard Coca-Cola or the diet version of the popular soda in Croc form. With this dual pair-up, Crocs gains interest from Coca-Cola lovers, while the footwear essentially serves as a “walking billboard” for Coca-Cola. Ultimately, it keeps Crocs customers coming back for more while giving Coca-Cola fans a nostalgic way to show off their love for the beloved soda brand. The combination of hype and emotional appeal make this a strong campaign.
2. Apple x Google Gemini
Apple is making a major shift with its Google Gemini collab. Rather than relying on its brand-created Siri app, Apple will now be integrating Gemini 3’s technology into its Next-Gen Siri app, according to a joint public statement released on Google’s blog. This collaboration will provide Apple users with an enhanced way to chat with Siri, featuring improved conversational memory, enhanced deep reasoning, and on-screen awareness. As long-time rivals, the cooperation between Apple and Google is surprising, but their alliance is a smart move, combining Google’s AI “brain” and Apple’s polished design. The partnership was announced in mid-January, with an expected release by Spring 2026.
3. Miniverse x Taco Bell
Consumers’ favorite Taco Bell items, from the Crunchwrap Supreme to the Mexican Pizza, are going mini thanks to the Miniverse x Taco Bell collab project, with eight collectible items becoming available worldwide as of March 1. Inspired by the “kidult movement” and the trend surrounding realistic miniature figures, this special edition Miniverse partnership is appealing to a wide range of individuals. Think DIYers, crafters, kids, collectors, and even simply Taco Bell lovers eager to showcase their passion for the fast-casual Mexican spot. This fusion is proof for entrepreneurs that a partner doesn’t have to be within the same industry for a collab to be successful.
4. Stanley 1913 x Antonela Roccuzo
Stanley 1913 is putting a cultural spin on their popular stainless-steel tumbler cups. With its fashion-meets-fitness partnership with Antonela Roccuzo, an Argentine-based model-influencer and the wife to a famous soccer player, consumers can enjoy a Mate mug, a precision flow Mate system, and a flip-straw tumbler, in an exclusive, serene sage-green color. Not only do these limited products offer a unique aesthetic, but they let quality speak for itself with leakproof innovation and the use of sustainable materials. This brand collab, which was released worldwide on January 13, is an excellent example of how products can be innovated in alignment with the current wellness trend and naturally incorporate cultural influences.
5. e.l.f. x Liquid Death
The e.l.f. and Liquid Death collaboration first dropped in 2024 and sold out in 45 minutes. In 2026, the two brands joined together again for a sequel released on January 14 for their new self-expressive Lip Embalm collection. The edgy hydration glosses feature Liquid Death flavors ranging from Killer Cola to Rest in Peach, packaged in a coffin-shaped box.
So far, the launch has been successful, with the lippies selling out in all six flavors by January 15. A collaboration like this inspires entrepreneurs to seek a collaboration with a brand outside of their niche, especially when looking to reposition their brand or open interest to a wider audience. While Liquid Death’s aesthetic differs from e.l.f.’s preppy feel, the “tension” between the two brands in this project encourages scroll-stopping behavior. e.l.f.’s CMO also believes “normalizing the bizarre” will help build brand authority, even after the limited line is over.
6. Club x Hidden Valley Ranch
Starting in March of 2026, consumers across the nation will be able to permanently enjoy two of their favorite brands in one bite: Club and Hidden Valley Ranch. The ranch-flavored, mini-sized crackers are more than just a powerhouse of flavor for ranch-loving consumers. They also prove Hidden Valley is more than just a salad dressing and that Club is more than just another cracker brand. Since the brand comes in mini form, Club is able to align their brand image to fit consumers’ desire for guilt-free indulgence. The “tiny but mighty” fusion ultimately keeps consumers on their toes, helps Club borrow Hidden Valley Ranch’s massive following, and ensures both brands stay relevant.
7. Lethal Cosmetics x The SpongeBob Movie
On January 15, the indie beauty brand, Lethal Cosmetics, released a makeup line inspired by the newly released SpongeBob Movie, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. With the collection featuring items for every budget ranging from a massive makeup set, to an eye shadow palette and “jelly” sticks, to flavored lip glosses and nail polishes, Lethal Cosmetics creates hype from both nostalgic adults and SpongeBobs’ new, younger audience, bridging a multi-generational gap. Not only was the cinematic timing right, but the collaboration emerged during the “kidult” era. Plus, with beauty brands making a shift from “clean girl makeup” to artistic and soft goth, Lethal Cosmetics made a smart choice by creating a line inspired by the bold and slightly edgy Nickelodeon movie.
8. Coach x Sims 4
Coach goes digital with its January 13 collab with Sims 4. The popular life simulator game now features Coach-branded handbags, clothing items, and a trunk. Best of all, the nine simulated Coach additions are a completely free addition to Sims 4 players.
Business owners can be reminded by this collaboration that advertisements don’t have to be stale and boring; they can be immersive and fun. This collab also signifies the importance of reaching an audience in a more accessible way, especially with a luxury product whose traditional advertising might otherwise intimidate an audience due to the price tag alone. A subtle advertisement with a generous incentive (i.e., free game content) is less intimidating for consumers and can help build brand authority and trust, slightly building a future audience.
9. Starbucks x Khloud
As of January 6, Starbucks has been selling Kardashian’s popcorn brand, Khloud, as part of its grab-n-go line. In a world where consumers are gravitating towards smart snacking, this Starbucks-Kardashian collab just makes sense in 2026. It’s light, low in calories, packed with protein, and crafted with clean ingredients, which many consumers are gravitating towards today. What’s more, the healthy, sweet and salty snack pairs well with the coffee company’s protein lattes, refreshers, and iced teas. The low cost of this snack is also a smart strategy as it provides a high-value, celebrity-backed snack without breaking consumers’ coffee budget in the process. Ultimately, the functional add-on aspect of this partnership gives Starbucks the ability to easily boost their average ticket amount without putting too much financial strain on customers, which is crucial in this economy.
10. Rare Beauty x Ulta Beauty
Selena Gomez’s beauty brand, Rare Beauty, will make its grand debut in all Ulta Beauty locations on February 1. Before the collaboration announcement, Rare Beauty was the top-searched brand on the Ulta Beauty website in 2025, signifying a clear consumer demand. While Gomez’s brand is already at Sephora, the collaboration with Ulta Beauty caters to Ulta fans, as well as those not near a Sephora store
Not only is this a brilliant move for Rare Beauty to expand brand awareness and increase their sales, but this opportunity is also being used as a cause-driven brand strategy. For the first month, 100% of all Rare Beauty sales at Ulta stores will be jointly distributed between two non-profits: the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation and the Rare Impact Fund. This charitable act can help drive up the hype surrounding the brand’s Ulta launch, while creating lasting trust in both brands.
11. NASCAR x Justice
NASCAR expanded its target audience by partnering with Justice, a tween fashion brand that primarily caters to girls. This campaign, released on January 4, moves away from traditional marketing by recognizing girls’ need for bold self-expression, encouraging confidence, and straying away from gender “norms.” Since the NASCAR line is only available at Walmart, this helps Justice continue serving a broader audience while enabling NASCAR to significantly expand its audience reach.
While very different from the glitz and glam of Justice clothing items and accessories, the NASCAR line still offers feminine touches to stay in line with the apparel brand, from a baby pink-colored matching sweat set to a sparkly pink flame purse. Some of the other pieces in the collection offer a more gender-neutral or even masculine appeal, which helps cater to a non-feminine audience.
12. Dave’s Hot Chicken x Fallout
Fans of the video game (or newly popularized television series) Fallout will be able to enjoy a Fallout-themed meal for a limited time, denominated as the Saucy Survival Kit. For an affordable $12.99, consumers receive their choice of 10 pieces of boneless chicken or a chicken slider, fries, ranch, and a collectible Stimpak toy that doubles up as a “sauce injector.” So far, the campaign, which was released on January 7, has gained significant traction, with many locations selling out within 48 hours. Short-term co-brand experiences like this create a fear of missing out, urging consumers to try it as soon as possible. Even if not fans of Dave’s Hot Chicken, consumers may buy the meal simply for the collectible, creating a revenue boost and an audience expansion for the eatery.
13. International Delight x Paris Hilton
Coffee lovers can rejoice with the new Paris Hilton-inspired International Delight coffee creamer, with its release in January 2026. The limited-time co-created drop features a trio of unique creamer flavors, including retro-inspired cotton candy, sweet and spicy, and raspberry “champagne.” As the dirty soda trend continues, more coffee lovers experiment with making coffee at home, and “pretty drinks” remain popularized on social media, this campaign is appealing even to non-fans of Paris Hilton. Like Starbucks and Khloud’s campaign, the International Delight and Paris Hilton collaboration helps create a perceived connection with a celebrity through a product at a low cost. Think “luxury for less.”
14. Starbucks x MrBeast
Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, launched a partnership with Starbucks on January 14. The most popular YouTuber of 2025 with over 450 million subscribers and one of the largest international coffee brands in the world came together to create a powerful campaign revolving around a limited-time drink called the Cannon Ball, which features a delicious and “Instagrammable” strawberry acai and mango dragonfruit base over refreshing lemonade. The MrBeast-inspired beverage with strong visual appeal helps target the massive fan base of MrBeast while also appealing to Starbucks lovers, creating a strong joint alliance. Apart from the hype around the influencer, the choice of drink for the collaboration is a smart one considering the Strawberry Acai Refresher is one of Starbucks’ most popular drinks.
15. Dunkin’ x Megan Thee Stallion
Dunkin’, like Starbucks, is gearing up with collaborative projects with public figures in 2026. The establishment’s first collaboration this year was with rapper-singer Megan Thee Stallion. On January 7, Dunkin’ released a line of five protein beverages, ranging from a mango-flavored protein refresher to a caramel chocolate iced protein latte, as part of the Dunk N’ Pump campaign. The protein-packed, celebrity-endorsed drinks align with the current protein movement among consumers while also relating to Megan Thee Stallion’s ongoing fitness journey. For Dunkin’, this collaboration helps shift their “sweet treat” brand into a more authoritative, lifestyle-centric persona.Dunkin’ also announced that there will be a limited-edition Megan The Stallion-themed “Hot Girls Run on Dunkin’” reusable cup starting January 16.
Brand Collabs as a Visionary Marketing Tactic
From the latter brand campaigns, it’s evident that marketing today is more than just selling a product. It’s also about creating an experience for consumers, gaining authority while establishing trust among the general public, and consistently adapting your brand based on the current demands and trends.
Marketing today has also shifted towards co-creating with other companies, whether it be a major influencer, an internationally-popularized eatery or drink spot, or even a kids’ brand. While the primary goal of collaborations is typically to expand each brand’s reach and revenue, a strong campaign has the capability of helping businesses build instant credibility, break invisible barriers set by algorithms, target audiences outside of a brand’s “comfort zone,” and pool resources together for a more cost-effective marketing strategy.
How to Kickstart a Successful Brand Collaboration
Feeling inspired by these strategic partnerships? Our team can help you refine your brand and adjust your brand positioning through the creation of strong collaborations, cutting-edge social media marketing, and PR efforts. Connect with us today to turn your next collaboration or other marketing strategy into a revenue-driving engine.
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