What's Trending | Week of 1.21.2025
Culture Dive:??
A deeper dive into a subject that is impacting culture on a macro level, beyond just the social space.?
How To Combat ‘Doomscrolling’ As A Brand Explained ?
What It Is:?“Doomscrolling,” or the act of spending?excessive time on your phone or computer consuming negative content?or news, has undoubtedly had a resurgence during this first month of 2025. With recent natural disasters such as the California wildfires, rare snowstorms in the U.S. South sparking climate concerns, news of the potential TikTok ban, and political divides broadening as the new (old) Presidential administration takes shape, it’s easy for social users to become overwhelmed or consumed by the flood of news and negative information in their feeds.?
The Brand Takeaway: While staying informed is important, it’s crucial that people prioritize mental well-being online, both for ourselves as social users as well as for our audiences as brands. In both cases, it’s worthwhile to become familiar with effective strategies to help combat the doomscrolling cycle, such as:?
As many people rely on social media as their primary source of news and information, it’s important for brands to be sensitive to their audience's needs during uncertain times. To combat your audience’s potential feelings of anxiety, make sure your content aligns with the current cultural climate and be aware of heightened emotions in the comments.?
"Tap, Hold, And Load In 4K" Explained?
What It Is:?Welcome to 2025! A new year that has already come with its own new trends. Of these, one of the most prevalent so far has to be the “tap, hold, and load in 4K” format currently residing on X. But what does this feed filler actually mean? Simply rooted in a feature that exists on X, the platform allows users to download images in high resolution 4K formats by tapping and holding on the image in the app. Accounts have begun taking advantage of this feature, using it to highlight or promote images that relate to them - while also drawing in engagements. ?
The Brand Takeaway: This trend is the latest to highlight platform-specific features. It is important to note?that this trend isn’t one to be syndicated across all channels. Trends like these are specifically unique to the platform from which they stem, and brands should always ensure they don’t seem unaware by referencing/using these trends on other platforms. However, that shouldn’t leave your brand scared to get involved. Also, even though there may be an overflow of posts in a set format on feed already doesn’t mean that you can’t participate. It just demands that you add your own spin or twist to differentiate yourself from the pack. ?
The Jelly Cat Craze Explained?
What It Is: Jellycat, a brand that first gained attention last year, continues to grow in popularity, particularly?among Gen Z consumers.?But what is driving this surge in fan devotion? Is it the brand's name — suggesting a cat made of jelly — or something else entirely? In fact, Jellycat is neither a jelly product nor a cat-themed brand. Instead, it’s a collection of?whimsical, collectible plush toys?that offer a unique sense of comfort and joy.?
These soft, quirky animals tap into a growing trend among Gen Z: a deep desire for products that evoke?nostalgia?and promote?serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone. Much like the popular?Sunny Angels figures,?Jellycat toys are designed to bring out the inner child in their collectors. With many of its creations only available in limited quantities through exclusive stores or online platforms, the brand has successfully cultivated an air of?scarcity and exclusivity, making these plushies highly sought after.?
The Brand Takeaway: Nostalgia has become a central theme for Gen Z and other age groups seeking to reconnect with their inner child. In response, many brands are shifting towards creating immersive experiences with collectible items, reviving styles from Gen Z’s formative years, and even designing home decor that evokes a sense of childlike wonder. Jellycat is a brand that has successfully tapped into this sentiment, continually embracing nostalgia as their key selling point. With its whimsical plush toys and emphasis on comfort and joy, they’ve capitalized on the growing desire for items that offer connection to the past and a sense of emotional fulfillment.?
Must-Read Links:???
Must-click links that crossed our feeds this week.???
This edition was created by: Aidan Maloney (Assoc. Social Media Manager); Katie Gans (Sr. Social Strategist); Autumn Myers (Assoc Director, Social Strategy); Rebecca Winship (Director, Social Strategy); Lucy Froelich (Social Media Manager); Katla McGlynn (Sr. Social Strategist)??
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