Trends Archive

Throughout the pandemic, many consumers have been seeking ways to alleviate stress and improve their physical and mental health. A Whole Foods Market survey, commissioned from the Harris Poll, found that 85% of respondents said they want to take steps to boost their well-being. Additionally, 79% want to learn to eat more mindfully. To fulfillContinue reading “Whole Foods and Headspace Collaborate on IGTV Series and Guided Meditations”

A GIF sticker is an animation with a transparent background and seamless loop that can be used on social media such as Instagram stories. Brands have the opportunity to spark engagement by turning their assets into branded GIF stickers. Interactive elements on Instagram stories, such as branded GIF stickers, give your fans a chance to interactContinue reading “Why Your Brand Needs Branded GIF Stickers”

Ikea partnered with Ogilvy to create its next marketing campaign that leverages augmented reality (AR) on Snapchat. The immersive experience invites users to organize a cluttered room in an ‘escape room’ format. The campaign will reach consumers where they’re at so they can interact with the products virtually and visualize them in their own homes.Continue reading “Ikea Uses Augmented Reality to Reach Consumers at Home”

Instagram’s new feature, Live Rooms, is currently being tested in India. The feature allows users to go live with up to three other users. Currently, users outside of India, using Instagram Live, can only go live with one other person. Instagram announced it plans to expand the feature to more countries and users soon. SoundsContinue reading “Introducing Instagram Live Rooms”

Short-form video content is on the rise and it isn’t going away any time soon. Meet another TikTok copycat, YouTube Shorts. It’s the new short-form vertical video experience (up to 15 seconds) on YouTube. Shorts first launched in India last fall. Since December, videos received more than 3.5 billion daily views globally. Keep in mindContinue reading “New YouTube Shorts To Launch in The U.S. Soon”

There were many social media moments during the Super Bowl LV. According to Brandwatch, brands received 916,000 Twitter mentions during the game. According to iSpot.tv data, Mountain Dew’s spot with John Cena, Amazon’s Alexa spot with Michael B. Jordan, and Jeep’s “The Middle” with Bruce Springsteen all received the highest digital share of voice. MountainContinue reading “Social Media Moments From The Super Bowl LV”

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, Clubhouse is the new social media platform that houses live audio-only chat rooms. Clubhouse has amassed 2 million weekly active users, a number that is continuing to grow rapidly. It’s invite-only and as a new member, you can only invite a few new users. On Clubhouse you canContinue reading “How Brands Can Harness The Power of Clubhouse”

The redesigned Facebook Pages aims to improve navigation and functionality for both the user and page owner with updates in page design, admin controls, safety features, and more. Say goodbye to Page likes and hello to Page follows. Facebook is ditching Page likes because the follower count is a better representation of how many usersContinue reading “Facebook Improves User Experience With Pages Redesign”

Online shopping exploded in 2020 and is expected to continue growing. This is important for marketers because social media platforms are readily integrating shopping features. Recently, TikTok has partnered with Shopify to introduce in-feed, shoppable videos. In addition, Instagram has a designated shopping tab and conveniently allows users to checkout within the app. It willContinue reading “Social Media Platforms Grow eCommerce Integration”

Coca-Cola, Chevron, Seventh Generation, Axe, and Ben & Jerry’s were among some of the brands that condemned the violence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 and called for the peaceful transition of power.  Over the years, Ben & Jerry’s has been well known for advocating for marginalized groups and increasing awareness of social injustices.Continue reading “Ben & Jerry’s Once Again Takes a Powerful Stance”

According to eMarketer, in 2021, almost 50 million social media users will use augmented reality (AR), such as filters and lenses, once a month. AR is a beneficial marketing tool for boosting e-commerce sales because brands can use branded AR technology to engage with their audience while also promoting products. AR can offer consumers anContinue reading “Why Your Brand Needs AR in 2021”

Reaching your audience on social is becoming easier thanks to TikTok. Brands like Raising Cane’s are winning it on TikTok by simply commenting on fan’s videos. For example, TikTok user @maseplace, Mason Glasco, posted a video about how he got pulled over while driving because an anonymous caller claimed he was taking “jello shots.” InContinue reading “How Brands Can Reach Their Audience on TikTok Without Even Posting a Video”

Twitter is launching native Snapchat and Instagram integration, so users can link tweets directly. Previously, if users wanted to share tweets to other platforms they had to screenshot the tweet. The new integrated option can bring users directly to Twitter to facilitate engagement. Takeaway: Expand your Twitter content’s reach to Snapchat and Instagram to driveContinue reading “Twitter Tests Tweet Sharing to Snapchat and Instagram”

Recently, Instagram updated its in-app search capabilities. The new keyword search allows users to find specific content better and connect with accounts and content that they wouldn’t normally. Previously, users could only search by username, location, or hashtag. Now, users can search for untagged content and other phrases. Previously if you wanted to search forContinue reading “New Keyword Search Feature on Instagram”

Last week Snapchat launched Spotlight, a feature very similar to Instagram Reels and TikTok. How it works: users can submit videos for a chance to be featured on the scrollable feed on Snapchat. Snapchat says top creators can even earn a share of $1 million every day. The scrollable feed can be found on theContinue reading “Snapchat Launches Scrollable Feature ‘Spotlight’”

On October 22nd, TikTok user, John Casterline (@h1t1), shared a video saying, “someone really just sold me a flat screen TV for $25. I go home and hook it up and a mf Arby’s menu pops up.” In less than one week, the video garnered 15 million views, 3.3 million likes, 44.2K comments, and 74.4KContinue reading “How Arby’s Capitalized On This TikTok Meme”

HP’s new holiday ad, “Madam President,” depicts what the future of the world and technology will look like lead by Gen Z change-makers. The spot empowers the voices of four Gen Z activists and scientists, Jacqueline Azah, Tiana Day, Fionn Ferreira, and Kavya Kopparapu, and their hopeful vision for the future. HP uses real peopleContinue reading “HP Partners with Gen Z Activists for New Holiday Ad”

PepsiCo just launched a new project called More Smiles With Every Bite that includes two cookbooks and an online recipe hub with various recipes from Lay’s Hashbrown Casserole to Smartfood Popcorn Holiday Wreath Cake. The limited time Cheetos cookbook, “Bon Appe-Cheetos®: A Holiday Cookbook by Chester & Friends, was launched to support World Central KitchenContinue reading “PepsiCo Inspires Creativity with New Cookbooks and Recipe Hub”

Instagram recently announced it will be testing ads on IGTV videos. The ads will play at the beginning, be up to 15 seconds long, and there might be a skippable feature. In line with other platforms, Instagram plans to share 55% of the ad revenue with creators and brands. Takeaway: Soon advertisers, brands, and creatorsContinue reading “What You Should Know About IGTV Ads”

Instagram is gradually rolling out badges to a large group of creators. You can now support your favorite creator by buying a badge during a live video. Viewers who purchase badges will have a special heart next to their name helping them stand out in the comments. Additionally, viewers who purchase a badge are featuredContinue reading “New Instagram Live Badges for Creators”

According to Planoly, user-generated content (UGC) is 76% more trustworthy than traditional branded advertising. UGC shows authentic examples of your customers enjoying your brand. See how Yeti is killin’ it with UGC. Every week they share curated content from their loyal customers. Takeaway: Use user-generated content to instill trust in your audience.

In August, Snapchat released its first ad campaign targeting brand partners. Additionally, they released a report with data to help marketers navigate how to reach younger audiences on the platform. Takeaway: Consider using Snapchat to reach your younger audience. Key takeaways from the report: The facts: 82% of Snapchatters believe they are responsible for creatingContinue reading “Discover the Snapchat Generation”

I listened to “To Jump or Not to Jump on a Viral Trend” from the “Yeah, That’s Probably an Ad” podcast created by the Adweek news team. Here are my key takeaways from the viral TikTok trend of skateboarding, drinking Ocean Spray cranberry juice and listening to Dreams by Fleetwood Mac. Watch Nathan Apodaca’s, @420doggface208,Continue reading “Key Takeaways From the Dreams Viral TikTok Trend”

Many platforms have adopted stories that disappear within 24 hours. Recently, LinkedIn enabled LinkedIn Stories. Who’s next, Twitter? Instagram extends IG Reels (TikTok replicate) recording max from 15 seconds to 30 seconds. Facebook will no longer penalize ads that include more than 20% text on the image. To help promote informed discussion, Twitter is promptingContinue reading “Meet the New LinkedIn Stories and More Platform Updates”

In a memo and zoom meeting, CEO of Wells Fargo, Charlie Scharf said “while it might sound like an excuse, the unfortunate reality is that there is a very limited pool of black talent to recruit from.” Many people are cancelling WF for being tone deaf. Talk about a PR nightmare.

For more than a decade the Honey Deuce has been the official drink of the U.S. Open. Since fans can’t attend the tennis tournament in person, Grey Goose teamed up with Sourced Craft Cocktails to make the Honey Deuce Cocktail Kit to help recreate the experience. The best part— the kit includes a 2020 U.S.Continue reading “Engage with Your Audience Virtually”

Everyone and their mother is promoting voter registration. Snapchat is running ads and even sending users a private message urging them to register. Additionally, Instagram and Facebook have voting information centers. When users open these apps a message pops up with information on how to register to vote. Check out this Instagram story feature thatContinue reading “Register to Vote”

Twitter mentioned in a report that it is exploring additional potential revenue opportunities. While Twitter has grown by 29 million from Q4, its revenue is down 19%. To supplement revenue, Twitter is in the very early phases of developing a subscription model. Read the Twitter thread from users who received a survey pertaining to paid memberships and advertising. 

Snapchat is working on a new way to share music within snaps and is experimenting with a new vertical swipe for discover content. Snapchat already has a music sticker option, linked to Spotify, but this would allow a more direct music connection option.

As TikTok hangs by a thread, other platforms attempt to replicate it. Facebook successfully copied stories from Snapchat. But now this? Instagram Reels is lag-y and content isn’t as unique.

Podcasting is growing in popularity. According to analysis from eMarketer, this year, podcast advertising revenue will grow 10 percent to $782 million and jump 45 percent to $1.1 billion in 2021. Additionally, Podtrac said that podcast downloads from top podcast publishers in the U.S. have grown 20.6 percent year-to-date. Farm Progress and DTN/The Progressive Farmer both introduced their own podcasts this spring with episodes featuringContinue reading “Podcasting Surge”

Many platforms are recognizing creators by making creator funds. Recently, TikTok announced its first 19 recipients of their $200M fund, which is expected to grow to $1B in the next three years. Additionally, Facebook announced its commitment of $25M to Black creators. Lastly, YouTube announced its $100M creator fund to amplify black voices. Takeaway: There is growing demand from the public for businesses to supportContinue reading “Supporting Creators”

There’s been an increase in brands using the poll feature on Instagram story ads. This is a great way to engage your audience and make them feel like a part of the brand. Takeaway: Interactive elements on ads help brands build better connections.  

Recently, dairy advocates and social influencers participated in a virtual Dairy Food Advocacy Network conference about social media. Dairy farmers who double as social media gurus helped fellow farmers learn the skills to be successful on social. Consider this: Empower dairy advocates with tools to promote the dairy industry on social.

Twitter announced that soon you can slide into DMs without clicking away from your timeline. Users clapped back with hilarious replies, such as “that’s nice but when can we edit our tweets?,” “handle the hacking of billionaires first” and “you all still get DMs?” Read the full thread here. Takeaway: Social listening is crucial.

Many food brands are disassociating from their racist food branding. Recently, Trader Joe’s renewed its commitment to ending all-Americanized brand lines of international products such as Trader José and Trader Ming’s. Read the full article here. Takeaway: Consumers will call you out for performative activism.

Brands are finding innovative ways to connect with consumers at home. In the fast-food industry, restaurants created jigsaw puzzles. Check out the tweets from @Arbys and @HeinzKetchup to see their brandified puzzles. New gift idea: Send clients or sales representatives a customized jigsaw of their company.

To celebrate National Cookie Day, Nestlé created the Remix the Original challenge, inviting users to come up with the most original recipe using Nestlé Toll House morsels. Nestlé utilized Instagram stories to have users vote on the winners. Takeaway: Contests are a great way to engage followers and promote brand loyalty.

Tim Horton will launch their limited edition of Hero Cups later this summer. The cups will be covered in hundreds of names to recognize the sacrifice of frontline workers.

The media blames producers for beef prices. Let’s set the record straight. Producers have struggled as beef prices have increased by 25% in the past three months while cattle prices have decreased significantly. Unfortunately, the only ones benefiting from this are the beef packers, whose profit margins are historically high.

Critics blame Facebook for allowing political misinformation. Facebook is shifting the responsibility to the user: you can now turn political ads off on your Facebook feed. A survey of over 2,000 Facebook users found that 58% said they are very likely to turn off political ads.

Facebook is developing an option for users to view and reply to Instagram Stories from Facebook. Facebook is also planning to connect messaging capabilities on WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram. Soon, you will be able to manage your client’s Instagram messages from the Messenger app. Takeaway: Platforms are becoming more and more integrated.

A few government agencies and big corporations have banned employees from using TikTok because they are concerned private information can be stolen. Politicians are also tiptoeing around the idea of banning it in the U.S. Will TikTok be banned? It seems that anything is possible in 2020.

Twitter started testing out the new feature and soon iOS users will have access. Consider this: Be one of the first to test this with your client.

There has been a noticeable shift on Instagram from high-quality images to text-heavy images related to social activism. Check out @soyouwanttotalkaboutit and @Target on Instagram. Takeaway: Be cognizant of the environment on social and monitor your platform’s tone.

Instagram Guides were created as an easy place to find wellness recommendations in a new scrollable format. Only a select few creators can create guides. Check out this guide, Mental Health Resources For The Black Community, and you’ll see a list of posts from multiple Instagram users. Soon you can check if your favorite creator has a guide by looking on their profile for a guide icon next to the IGTV icon.

Brands are repurposing their content from TikTok and Twitter directly on their Instagram and Facebook pages. Check out how Starbucks posted its Tweet-turned-Instagram-post here. Takeaway: Make your content work hard for you and repurpose when it makes sense. Even the big brands are doing it.