T-Shirts, TikTok, and 4:5 Shenanigans

Welcome to the FIRST issue of Badass Chronicles. I’ve got the digital marketing gossip and it might be hotter than your third cup of coffee on a Monday morning (especially if you're like me and left it sitting in the microwave for an hour before you remember you heated it).

Breaking News: The TikTok Ban Saga Continues

Pour some tea; we’ve got updates. The TikTok ban, which feels like the longest-running soap opera in social media history, has been upheld.

Starting January 19, unless TikTok’s parent company sells to a U.S. business, the app’s future looks grim.

Adding to the plot twist, the Biden administration tossed the enforcement hot potato to the incoming Trump administration. President-elect Trump has requested a delay to “sort it out” soooo ... TikTok’s fate is still TBD.

Stay tuned.

Badass Spotlight: T-Shirts with Buzz, Not Boring Branding

Our pals over at Aviate Creative have been stirring up some buzz (and probably some side-eye envy). They launched a bold move to get their branded t-shirts into the hands of their followers.

They invited their audience to share, like, or comment their way into a free tee. Genius? Yes. Also, their design? Chef’s kiss.

Why are we sharing this? Because we love their idea to get their audience engaged. They didn’t just create swag—they turned it into a moment. It’s a reminder that when you make your brand fun and interactive, people want to be a part of it.

Lesson: Never underestimate the power of free swag paired with social engagement.

Plus, owner, Paul Kiesche was kind enough to include his team in the fun. I was excited to rip open the packaging and sport the brand as soon as it arrived in the mail! Spoiler alert: it’s a new wardrobe favorite.

Trends to Watch: Instagram’s 4:5 Feed Takeover

Instagram has officially declared 4:5 the chosen ratio for photos and graphics. If your feed still looks like a time capsule from 2017, consider this your wake-up call.

Sure, 4:5 isn’t exactly earth-shattering. Many of us have been using it for years, but Instagram seems to be trying to butter us up while the potential TikTok ban (now delayed yet again, because of drama) looms. The devs are working overtime to make IG the golden goose of creativity.

Here’s the kicker: they’re already rolling out this beta quietly, and my feed has been volun-told to participate. Congrats to me, I guess?

But let’s be honest, how often are we really lurking on someone’s actual feed? Reels still rule the game, and stories are where the action’s at.

Feeds? They’re just the wallpaper. Pretty, but mostly ignored.

Hashtag Shenanigans: Are They Still Relevant in 2025?

Once upon a time, hashtags were the thing. Now? They’re more like the aging rockstar of social media: still relevant, but only if used wisely.

Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Quality > Quantity: Gone are the days of hashtag vomit. Stick to 3-5 strategic tags.
• Research is Key: Trends shift faster than you can say “algorithm.” Use AI tools like ChatGPT to keep your tags fresh and discoverable.
• Embrace Niche Tags: Hyper-specific hashtags = hyper-engaged audiences. General ones like #love? Forget about it.
• Mix It Up: Rotate your hashtags regularly to dodge the shadowban boogeyman.

Pro tip: Focus on creating high-quality content, and let the hashtags be the wingman, not the main event.

That’s all for now. Until next quarter, stay sharp, stay witty, and maybe don’t wait too long to fix that Instagram feed.

Do you have questions or topics you would like to see covered in the next issue? Drop me a line and let me know what makes you curious.

Best,

Melissa