How About Some Commercials With Those Fries?

McDonald’s is launching a Media Network that will sell third party advertising space on its digital restaurant screens and other platforms, a business the company hopes can eventually generate $1 billion in revenue.

The fast-food chain announced the plan during its Investor Day presentation on Sept. 23. Global Chief Marketing Officer Morgan Flatley said the company wants the media network to grow into a $1 billion business.

McDonald’s began testing the concept in August 2026 at 450 company-owned U.S. restaurants. Franchise locations, which are independently owned and operated, are not part of the pilot.

The test places third-party ads on digital drive-thru menu boards after customers place their orders, according to CNBC. McDonald’s showed an example of a Geico ad occupying part of a drive-thru screen.

The broader McDonald’s Media Network could later expand to nearly every digital screen in restaurants, including indoor menu boards and self-order kiosks.

The pilot is designed to test “post-purchase content” that customers may find helpful, relevant or interesting, People reported.

“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,” the company said in a statement to People.

McDonald’s said tests and pilots are how it evaluates new ideas before deciding whether to expand them.