You may notice this the next time you’re at a McDonald’s drive-thru

You may notice this the next time you're at a McDonald's drive-thru.

Key points

• Advertising business grew 43% in its fiscal second quarter, CNBC documented, amazon documented $68.6 billion in advertising services sales in 2025.
• McDonald's began testing the idea in August 2026 at 450 company-owned U.S.
• McDonald's hopes the media network can eventually become a $1 billion business, Global Chief Marketing Officer Morgan Flatley remarked during the presentation.
• Additionally unveiled at Investor Day, McDonald's intends to provide concerning $8.5 billion in backing to franchisees through 2036 to assist modernize restaurants, expand technology and improve operations.
• Commerce media is one of the fastest-growing areas in advertising, and it's expected to reach more than $100 billion in the U.S.

You may notice this the next time you're at a McDonald's drive-thru. Anthony Thompson USA TODAY. See USA TODAY try McDonald's global favorites at headquarters.

Foodies are flocking to McDonald's corporate headquarters in Chicago to taste global menu items. USA TODAY's Greta Cross tried them to see if it's worth the trip.

McDonald's customers may shortly see more than burgers, fries and other menu items on the screens they apply to order.

In practice, the fast-food giant remarked during the company's Investor Day presentation Sept. 23 that it is launching the McDonald's Media Network, a new advertising business that will allow other firms to place ads throughout McDonald's digital platforms and restaurant screens.

McDonald's began testing the idea in August 2026 at 450 company-owned U.S. Restaurants, the chain remarked during the presentation. This does not include franchisees which are independently owned and operated.

Notably, the pilot features advertising from other firms on digital drive-thru menu boards after customers place their orders, according to CNBC.

More McDonald's news: I tried these global favorites from McDonald's. Here's what I thought. Where will McDonald's ads appear?

Meanwhile, the initial test is limited to drive-thru screens, but the broader McDonald's Media Network could eventually put third-party ads on almost every digital screen in its restaurants.

That includes menu boards and self-order kiosks along with drive-thru screens, according to information presented during Investor Day. McDonald's indicated an example of a Geico ad taking over part of a drive-thru menu screen.

In practice, the pilot is intended to test "post-purchase content" that customers may find helpful, relevant or interesting, Individuals noted.

"This limited menu board advertising pilot at select company-owned restaurants is exploring ways to share post-purchase content that customers may find helpful, relevant, or interesting, while ensuring the McDonald's experience remains at the center of every visit, " McDonald's remarked in an official note to Residents.

For context, the firm stated tests and pilots are part of how it evaluates new ideas before expanding them. USA TODAY reached out to McDonald's for comment. Why is McDonald's selling ads?

McDonald's is entering a growing advertising market known as commerce media, in which firms apply their customer relationships, digital platforms and other assets to sell advertising.

"Commerce media is one of the fastest-growing areas in advertising, and it's expected to reach more than $100 billion in the U.S. Alone by 2028, " Flatley remarked.

McDonald's already has a sizeable customer base and loyalty program. CFO Ian Borden remarked concerning 85% of the U.S. Population visits a McDonald's restaurant at least once a year. The firm additionally has regarding 220 million active loyalty members worldwide.

Flatley remarked McDonald's uses loyalty-program data to group customers based on their habits and tailor promotions.

"The more our fans engage with us, the more we learn about them as individuals, " she remarked.

Now, the firm aims to employ its reach and digital infrastructure for advertising from other businesses as well. McDonald's follows Amazon, Walmart.

McDonald's is after businesses including Amazon and Walmart. It have built advertising businesses around their own platforms and customer reach.

While Walmart stated its U.S. Advertising business grew 43% in its fiscal second quarter, CNBC documented, amazon documented $68.6 billion in advertising services sales in 2025. McDonald's new $8.5 billion strategy.

For context, the McDonald's Media Network comes as the firm is additionally investing heavily in its restaurants and technology through its McDonald's > NEXT strategy.

Additionally unveiled at Investor Day, McDonald's intends to provide concerning $8.5 billion in backing to franchisees through 2036 to assist modernize restaurants, expand technology and improve operations. This story has been updated to add new information.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at [email protected], or on X @athompsonUSAT. Share your feedback to support improve our site!

For now, you may notice this the next time youre at a McDonalds drive remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.