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

McDonald’s customers may soon see more than burgers, fries and other menu items on the screens they use to order.

The fast-food giant said 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 companies to place ads across 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 said during the presentation. This does not include franchisees which are independently owned and operated.

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

McDonald’s hopes the media network can eventually become a $1 billion business, Global Chief Marketing Officer Morgan Flatley said during the presentation.

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

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

The pilot is intended to test "post-purchase…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/money/