Comms Snapshot: March 18
Lilly Singh on her Entertainment-First Approach to Changing Culture
There is nothing funny about shame. But as the co-writer, producer, and star of her debut film feature, “DOIN' IT,” Singh shares how she employs comedy to subvert cultural norms and expectations to change culture.?
To truly represent millions, we cannot rely on one story or character to represent everyone, but rather we have to choose from a range of stories that represent the different experiences within a culture.
Amy Webb Speaks on the Current Tech Super Cycle Pushing Us Forward: SXSW 2024
At this year’s SXSW Conference, Amy Webb—CEO of Future Today Institute and NYU Stern School of Business professor— discussed how we're currently experiencing a tech "supercycle," where booming demand is driving up commodity prices. This supercycle is fueled by significant advancements in Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, and the connected ecosystems of things. These three areas are not only advancing individually but are also converging, creating what she calls a "flywheel of big leaps." This convergence generates value for consumers, practical utility attracting funding, and excitement, which in turn brings in new talent to further fuel the tech boom.
Read full article here.
Brave Opinion: TikTok Ban Is Not About China or Your Data
A lot of clients have been asking us about this TikTok ban, so we’ve done our homework. Here’s what we’ve found…
What’s Happening? The House recently passed a bill that could ban TikTok if its parent company ByteDance refuses to sell the app to the US. Main concerns focused on how TikTok leaves Americans vulnerable to data collection from China, while TikTok believes it’s an infringement on millions of Americans’ freedom of speech.
A Toast to TikTok Let’s take a moment to celebrate TikTok, the app with over 170 million US users that has evolved culture and commerce. Turning the polished, exclusive social media influencer industry into a thriving and diverse creator economy, TikTok has built a platform where anyone (and any brand) can find fame, become a thought leader, or discover a niche community where they feel like they belong. People use TikTok to share their ideas and opinions, cultivating unfiltered and honest conversations that give brands a chance to connect directly with their audiences in real time and on a deeper level. Many of the brands with the strongest communities today are finding and engaging fans on TikTok.
So Why Do They Want to Ban It? It’s not about protecting your data; it’s about making money, patrolling mainstream media, and returning authority to institutions vs. individuals.?
Sources: New York Times,? ABC, Where is Kate Middleton, Boeing Conspiracies, Wren & Jacqueline,? Wall Street Journal
So What? TikTok does something for brands that no other platform can. We’ve heard nothing about consumers’ change of heart in their love for the platform. We’ll continue to keep tabs, but we see it as a creative marketplace that’s still valuable to brands.?
Read full article here.
TOP TRENDS
Tiktok: Tic Tac Toe
X: Don Toliver
Reddit: Black Mirror
Youtube: I'm Just Ken
Pinterest: On The Shoulders Of Giants
CREATIVE CAMPAIGN & BRAND ACTIVATIONS
‘The Most Illegal Beer’ Breaks Laws In 50 Countries, Simply By Being Brewed By Women
Apart from the creative diversity in the frames that give the ad's storytelling versatility, the brand also has a powerful message about empowering women and taking a stand against global gender inequality.
Read full article here.
What’s Going On with Kate Middleton?
Over the past few weeks, it has come to light that Kate Middleton might not be peacefully recovering from surgery in her home. Creators have come to TikTok with their mystery-solving hats on, piecing together clues that show discrepancies in what the media is saying about the Princess’ absence from the public eye and uncovering dark secrets amongst Royal Family members that suggest an uncertain fate for Kate.?
On the app, you can find details like first responders showing up at the home on Christmas, the fact that there’s no record of her family going to visit her, the photo-shopped Mother’s Day image, and the “soft launch” of William’s alleged mistress, Rose in the media.??
So What?? TikTok has evolved the media cycle. Before, the media used to be able to silence whistleblowers and pot-stirrers much more easily; But, in today’s creator economy, there is much less censorship. Now more than ever, consumers and creators are holding brands, institutions, and individuals accountable for the truth. This more 360-degree view provides consumers with a new sense of transparency but also creates fear and a loss of control for those in the public eye.
Watch full breakdown here.