Comms Snapshot: September 16

Visualizing Your Feelings With Director Mia Barnes

Dylan Hahn talks with director Mia Barnes about all things music videos. From crafting and word-building to her creative process and lessons she's learned over the years.

Watch Now Here.

High-Speed Rail Revolution Hits American Soil

Siemens Mobility is making history by bringing high-speed rail manufacturing to the United States for the first time. The company is investing $60 million in a cutting-edge facility in Horseheads, New York, set to produce state-of-the-art trains for the Brightline West project.

A catalyst for economic growth and technological advancement, this groundbreaking project is more than just transportation. As the U.S. takes its first steps into high-speed rail production, we can anticipate ripple effects across various sectors, from technology and engineering to urban planning and tourism.

Read the full article here.

Digital Identity Revolution: Gen Z And Millennials Say They Feel More Themselves Online Than Offline

The latest Consumer Trends Highlights reveal a fascinating shift in how generations perceive their online and offline selves, with more Gen Z and Millennials feeling "most like themselves" online - a trend persisting post-pandemic. In contrast, Gen X and older generations predominantly feel most like themselves offline. Interestingly, even 16% of Boomers now feel most authentic online, up from 10% in 2022.

Read the full report here.

Twitch Gives Streamers Control Over Ads that Fans See on Their Streams

What’s New? Twitch's new ad system empowers creators by eliminating mandatory pre-roll ads—a current pain point for both viewers and creators alike—and introducing an incentive program that guarantees predictable monthly ad revenue, allowing streamers to focus more on content creation and community engagement.

So What? Platforms are increasingly offering more flexible, creator-centric advertising options. Brands and creators can expect more innovations that prioritize viewer retention and creator empowerment as the streaming landscape continues to evolve.

Read the full article here.

TOP TRENDS OF THE WEEK

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TikTok: They’re Eating the Pets

X: VMAs?

Reddit: Boeing Workers Strike?

Youtube: Dress To Impress

Pinterest: New York Fashion Week

Zara Embraces Circular Fashion Revolution With a “Pre-Owned” Platform Coming Soon to the US

Fashion giant Zara is set to make a significant impact in the sustainable fashion arena with the expansion of its pre-owned platform to the U.S. market. This development demonstrates how established retailers can innovate within their existing business models to embrace circular economy trends to build brand loyalty and meet evolving consumer expectations.

Read the full article here.

Heineken 0.0 Gamifies Safe Driving with F1 Champion Max Verstappen

Heineken is revving up its "When You Drive, Never Drink" campaign with an innovative twist that merges gaming, social responsibility, and brand engagement.

By rewarding safe driving instead of speed, this clever initiative reinforces the importance of responsible driving behind the wheel, flipping the script on traditional racing games. It also leverages star power by involving F1 champion Max Verstappen, bridging the gap between virtual and real-world racing.

Read the full article here.

#MomTok Drama Continues in a New TV Show

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives picks up where the drama left off, adding to the wave of creator-led streaming releases this summer. But unlike the reality shows that precede it (like Hype House and The D’Amelio Show), its cast of characters are actively engaging with the show’s storytelling on their own channels, creating a new second-screen experience for viewers.

Read the full article here.