Dripped Digest #40: Trend Hunter

Before I know it, a year has passed. Only recently (a long time ago) I typed: T-r-e-n-d-h-h-u-n-t-e-r-2-0-2-4-r-e-p-o-r-t.

When a new one popped up: 2025th. ??

I'm excited, even though I haven't even started reading the report yet.

Speaking of how I write.?

I can summarize it in one sentence: without delay. ??

Hot impressions. Not always, but I take notes. A report, as well as an article, as well as a digest - are saturated with impressions. And then comes the analysis - and with it my critical opinion as a professional.

Not to forget: Everything is accompanied by a cup of coffee. At almost or just right temperature. ?

I must say at the outset that I've not selected all the trends from the TrendHunter report. But that doesn't diminish their importance.

If you want to take a closer look at all the trends, just write a comment and we'll send you the full report.

What we're going to talk about today:

1. AI Brainshtorm.?? Brands are launching AI tools that foster creativity and collaborative ideation.
2. Decentralized Affiliate.?? New ecommerce apps enable everyday consumers to earn commissions?
3. Data Storytelling. ?? Data storytelling bridges the gap between data collection & actionable insights?
4. Sustainable De-Influencing.?? Brands launch campaigns that highlight the danger of overconsumption.

AI Brainstorm.?

Well, you should agree that there are many people today who have already written about such features of AI, just take the same ChatGPT for example - play with it as you like. But to be honest, it may be clear to some people that you can try to do what you want, but some people don't realize it at all, and it's not like those who don't understand it aren't among your peers. ??

Here's a brainstorming question for you: Where could your organization use AI-powered tools to improve its daily operations???

This is the trend: start-ups are launching tools equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) that automatically expand and connect rough ideas. These tools are designed to boost creativity and increase the value of brainstorming sessions - and speed up the process of turning ideas into actionable plans. ??

Given the explosion of the AI industry in recent years, almost every company is looking to improve some aspect of their operations with the help of AI.

The needs may vary: some want to optimize their current workflows, others want to break new ground in their industry.?? New start-ups are addressing the needs of the latter group by bringing AI tools to the market that lend themselves to creativity and the development of new, coherent ideas.

Decentralized Affiliate.

Today's consumers are savvier than ever before.?

Traditional influencers, once a mainstay of marketing, are losing their luster.

The inclusion of brand ambassadors in daily life fosters trust, engagement and loyalty. As social commerce evolves, brands that embrace this democratization can create more engaged consumers and greater long-term value with an authentic, community-focused approach to marketing. ??

And it all seems natural. Especially when you combine this trend with previous editions of Dripped Digest. Nowadays, all customer testimonials are scattered across so many sources, be it social media channels, review platforms, YouTube videos or vendor websites.

So the question is: How can your brand get consumers to share real product recommendations? ??

Others have already done it:

Data Storytelling.?

Data storytelling, which combines data visualization with narrative techniques, is emerging as a powerful way for companies to understand and act on complex data. ??

The growing trend is fueled by the evolution of analytics tools like Tableau and Yellowfin, which have integrated data storytelling capabilities, making them more accessible.??

Although large amounts of data are collected, a significant amount of it remains unused, highlighting the inefficiency of data management and the underperformance of traditional analytics.

This problem is prompting companies to rethink their strategies for handling data and analytics and improve their ability to understand data through visualization and storytelling.

Even though TrendHunter’s popularity ratings are the lowest among the above, it is not only beneficial to everyone on the team and even between departments, but also to the consumer. ??

I'm banking on this data story being a big story, maybe even the biggest among all the ones I’ve chosen for this edition.

Sustainable De-Influencing.

Just think about it. Brands are launching campaigns highlighting the dangers of overconsumption. Sounds a bit controversial. And yet it is.

?? On social media, especially on platforms like TikTok, the "de-influencing" trend is on the rise.

This movement turns traditional influencer marketing on its head by encouraging users to critically analyze trending products and avoid impulsive purchases.

De-influencers often expose the potential downsides of popular products, causing a change in consumer behavior. As this movement gains traction, brands are strategically engaging in de-influencer campaigns to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices.

So it’s not controversial at all, brands are simply following the trend.

This growing awareness is leading to a re-evaluation of what truly brings fulfillment and a critical examination of the beneficiaries of the endless cycle of consumption – primarily large corporations – and the costs borne by both consumers and the environment. ?Interestingly, this shift in consumer behavior has the potential to redefine the nature of brand loyalty in the digital age.

At a time when skepticism towards influencers is growing, how can your brand authentically contribute to sustainable practices and engage customers in a meaningful way? ??