Comms Snapshot: October 21
How Doechii Ditched The Formula And Took Her Own Path On Denial Is A River
During the latest episode of Rolling Stone's The Breakdown, the Florida rapper shares how letting go of preconceived expectations led her to write "Denial Is a River." Watch now
"I make my best work when I'm not thinking about a formula…and when nobody cares and nobody’s listening, I make my hardest music."
New FTC Rule Says Canceling Subscriptions Has To Be As Easy As Signing Up
The FTC has officially adopted a rule that requires businesses to make canceling subscriptions as easy as signing up for them. This means no more endless phone trees, certified mail requirements, or in-person visits just to cancel a service you no longer want.
Despite opposition from some industry groups, the FTC sees this as a win for consumers. Read More
Color Complexity Increases Engagement On Social Media
The study, conducted by business professors, analyzed thousands of Facebook posts and used advanced eye-tracking technology. They discovered that color complexity—which refers to the variation of colors across pixels in an image—has been found to significantly impact user engagement on social media platforms.?
Unlike simple colorfulness, color complexity requires our brains to work harder to process the image, often leading to increased attention and engagement. And, surprisingly, combining complex images with complex text actually enhanced user engagement. Read More
YouTube Shares Insight Into What Viewers Are Seeking From Content
What’s New? What's most interesting about this report is that it challenges traditional notions of video quality, emphasizing that technical specifications are no longer the only determinant of "premium" content. Instead, YouTube argues that viewers' perception of quality is shaped by emotional factors. Read More
So what? Brands can create emotional connections with viewers by partnering with creators with strong audience connections and tailoring content to viewers' interests.
Top Trends of the Week
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TikTok: Subtle Foreshadowing
Reddit: Liam Payne
Youtube: ST. CHROMA? ?
Pinterest: Scary & Sweet Cakes
KFC Launches Tongue-in-Cheek Chicken Tenders Battle Campaign
The campaign takes a playful jab at the fast-food "wars," using over-the-top satire to grab attention. By embracing humor and taking a more assertive stance, KFC is hoping to ruffle some feathers (pun intended) and reinvigorate the brand's image—engaging consumers in a fresh, memorable way. Read More
The Ritz-Carlton Forays Into Fashion with Exclusive Partnership with Late Checkout
The Ritz-Carlton has partnered with Madrid-based menswear brand Late Checkout to create an exclusive capsule collection blending the hotel’s iconic luxury brand with a contemporary streetwear aesthetic.
This collaboration represents a bold move for The Ritz-Carlton, allowing them to engage with customers in a new way and potentially attract a younger, fashion-conscious audience. It's a prime example of how luxury brands venture outside the box to stay relevant and exciting in today's market. Read More
Man Walks Barefoot Across the Country for Men’s Mental Health
Anton Nootenboom, a Guinness World Record holder, is walking barefoot from Los Angeles to New York City—a staggering 3,100 miles—to raise awareness for men's mental health.
Brands should keep in mind the changing male persona as traditional notions of "toxic masculinity" are being challenged, with men embracing self-care and holistic wellness without feeling it compromises their masculinity. Read More
Author’s Note: If you haven't already, check out Cut's video "If Men Opened Up About Mental Health" (linked above). It features men candidly talking about their mental health struggles, which perfectly aligns with Nootenboom's message.