Comms Snapshot: September 3

Art, Pain & Purpose: A Guide to Self-Discovery and Healing

David Choe uses humor and vulnerability to explore the importance of authenticity, connection, and self-awareness for finding true happiness.

“You are not your thoughts. What you think is not who you are. It’s just what you think.”

Watch the full video here.

Chick-Fil-A’s New Elevated Drive-Thru Gives Us A Glimpse At The Future

Chick-fil-A's new two-story drive-thru-only restaurant features oversized kitchens and four drive-thrus, this innovative concept can serve up to three times as many cars as a standard location. With it, Chick-fil-A can achieve quicker service for a larger volume of customers, potentially setting a new standard for fast-food operations.

Read the full article here.

Americans Are Creating Their Own Special Occasions

Political polarization, social shifts, and economic pressures are reshaping how Americans celebrate special occasions. A recent report highlights that 74% of Gen Z and Millennials are eager to create new holiday traditions, often inspired by social media. Despite economic concerns, holiday spending is on the rise, with 40% of Americans spending more in 2023 than the previous year, particularly among Gen Z (44%) and Millennials (41%).

Dining out has also become popular, with 41% of Americans viewing it as a treat, and nearly half planning to eat out for Thanksgiving in 2023. Communal activities, such as decorating and playing board games, remain central to celebrations, emphasizing connection and memory-making.

Read the full report here.

Instagram Adds a Myspace-Like Music Feature

What’s New? Instagram announces a new feature that lets users pin 30-second snippets of songs to their profiles with the help of Sabrina Carpenter, who used the feature to tease her song "Taste."

So what? The 30-second song snippets support brand storytelling efforts, adding a musical element to a brand’s visual identity. It can also be a different way of collaborating with artists and content creators on campaigns.

Read the full article here.

TOP TRENDS

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TikTok: You Open My Camera Roll But I’m a…?

X: Came Out a Beast?

Reddit: Naomi Osaka?

Youtube: Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Pinterest: Fall Routine Reset

Raising Cane’s Celebrates 28 Years with 828 Golden Prizes and 828th Opening

Raising Cane's latest campaign is centered around the symbolic number 828, marking the company's founding date and opening its 828th restaurant. Through a unique combination of social media interactions, in-store promotions, and physical expansion, the campaign utilizes multiple touchpoints to maximize engagement and celebrate the brand's journey.

Read the full article here.

Hot Ones And Blippi Are The Latest Youtubers To Get Store Shelf Deals

We're seeing a shift in brand collaborations from simply sponsored content to more substantial partnerships where creator brands are integrated into physical products. For instance, the famous YouTube channel Hot Ones partners with Panda Express, while children's entertainer Blippi launches a new shoe line with Reebok.

For creators, these deals represent opportunities to build long-term brand presence beyond their digital platforms, potentially leading to sustained revenue and brand recognition.

Read the full article here.

Creators Go Viral for Releasing Their Own Blockbuster Hit Directly to Youtube

"Milk & Serial" is a low-budget horror film ($800) created by YouTuber Curry Barker and his comedy partner Cooper Tomlinson. The film was released for free on YouTube and quickly gained traction, amassing over 323,000 views in less than three weeks.

It points to a future where the lines between professional and amateur content continue to blur, and where success is increasingly determined by audience engagement rather than production budget or traditional distribution channels.

Read the full article here.