Trendjacking is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a marketing street fight, where brands either strike gold or get publicly humiliated before they can hit ‘delete’ on their tweet.

One moment, you're the brand of the hour, riding a viral moment straight into record-breaking engagement.

The next?

Your PR team is sweating bullets, and your social media intern is "suddenly unavailable."

We've watched smart brands get smarter by hijacking the right trends at the right time. We've also seen marketing teams go down in flames because they jumped too fast—or worse, jumped into something they never understood in the first place.

This is not a game of luck. Brands don’t accidentally stumble into viral success; they study, strategize, and execute before the trend dies in the algorithmic graveyard.

So, do you want to be the brand that owns the moment or the one that becomes a cautionary LinkedIn post?

What Is Trendjacking?

Trendjacking is the art of cutting into a viral conversation and making yourself at home. One minute, no one was thinking about your brand. The next, you’ve shoved yourself into a trending moment so fast and smooth that people actually engage instead of asking, “Why are you even here?”

When it works, brands rake in engagement, credibility, and yes, sales.

When it doesn’t?

Think about Kendall Jenner handing out Pepsi, and you’ll understand why trendjacking has a body count.

Most brands that screw this up don’t even know why they failed. They think it’s about being fast and witty. No!

It’s about precision, timing, and knowing which trends you actually belong in.

A 2024 study revealed that 70% of consumers who actively engage with trendjacked content are more likely to buy products promoted by influencers using that trend.

Now, that’s not just brand awareness—it’s direct conversion.

So how do brands pull this off without getting canceled or, worse, ignored?

Newsjacking Strategies – Turning a News Event into Your Ad Campaign

When IKEA saw Cristiano Ronaldo publicly snub Coca-Cola at a Euro Championship press conference, they didn’t waste time. Within hours, they rebranded their reusable water bottle as “Cristiano.” Zero explanation needed. The internet got the joke.

• Aligned with a cultural moment.
• Pushed a brand message without forcing it.
• Went viral for all the right reasons.

That’s how real-time marketing techniques are done.

Memetic Marketing – Using Trends Before They Die in 48 Hours

Memes are marketing gold—until they aren’t. The internet chews through trends at lightspeed, and brands trying to be funny a week too late look like that one uncle using Gen Z slang.

There’s a reason Wendy’s roasts people on X, and no one questions it. It’s on-brand for them. If a law firm did it? HR crisis.

If you’re gonna jump on a meme, ask yourself:

• Would my brand say this in real life?
• Will this still be funny in three days?
• Do we even understand this joke?

Event-Driven Social Media Campaigns – Latching Onto a Moment That Matters

When ALS launched the Ice Bucket Challenge, brands joined in. But this wasn’t just about a viral stunt—it raised $115 million for ALS research and permanently changed social media fundraising. That’s how trendjacking works when it has purpose.

The Do’s – How to Trendjack Without Torching Your Brand

Trendjacking doesn’t reward the slow. If you’re not ahead of the wave, you’re just another brand desperately chasing a moment that’s already dead.

Social media doesn’t wait. It doesn’t pause for approval chains, corporate hesitation, or brand committees that need three weeks to decide if using a trending meme will “align with our identity.” It moves, devours, and discards. If you’re not first, you’re irrelevant. If you’re late, you’re embarrassing. And if you’re clueless, you’re a case study in what not to do.

Here’s how to ride this wave successfully:

DO: Act Fast (or Don’t Bother at All)

The best trendjackers strike before the masses catch on. Waiting too long means stepping into a trend when it’s already been milked dry, chewed up, and spat out by faster brands.

Case Study: Balenciaga and The Simpsons—A Fashion Week Surprise That Broke the Internet

Balenciaga jumped on (and created) a trend by using cultural moment marketing to fuse high fashion with pop culture. At Paris Fashion Week 2021, they didn’t go the predictable route with a runway show. Instead, they debuted a Simpsons episode where Homer, Marge, and the gang walked a Balenciaga runway.

The internet went ballistic. Balenciaga didn’t force its way into a meme; it became the meme. The episode racked up millions of views, catapulted Balenciaga into mainstream conversations, and set a new standard for event-driven social media campaigns.

• Instant virality – A completely unexpected move that made headlines globally
• Aligned with a cultural moment – The Simpsons is timeless pop culture currency.
• Boosted their brand – Balenciaga positioned itself as not just a fashion house, but a cultural force.

DO: Know What’s Yours (And What’s Not)

Trendjacking isn’t a free-for-all. Just because something’s viral doesn’t mean your brand belongs in the conversation.

If it doesn’t fit, don’t force it. Trendjacking only works when it’s natural. If it feels forced, your audience will smell it from a mile away.

Case Study: Ben & Jerry’s – Trendjacking with a Purpose

Ben & Jerry’s doesn’t just tweet random viral moments. When they engage in newsjacking strategies, it’s because the issue aligns with their brand. When political tensions rise or social issues take center stage, Ben & Jerry’s steps in—not with empty PR fluff, but with actionable responses, petitions, and real contributions.

• They don’t jump on every trend. They focus on activism, climate change, and social justice—issues they’ve been vocal about for decades.
• Their audience expects it. No one questions when Ben & Jerry’s speaks up, because it’s part of their brand DNA.

Why It Worked:

• It wasn’t performative. They didn’t force their way into a trend—they led it.
• They used reactive content creation to speak when it mattered without looking opportunistic.

DO: Make the Trend Work for You (Not the Other Way Around)

Jumping into a trend shouldn’t feel like cosplay. The best brands don’t just react—they reshape the conversation.

Trends don’t last. But the way your brand interacts with them does.

Case Study: Duolingo’s TikTok Trendjacking Masterclass

Duolingo doesn’t just use TikTok trends—it owns them. While other brands play it safe, Duolingo’s social team goes all in, using memetic marketing to turn their aggressive green owl into an internet icon.

• They create a viral marketing campaign every time they engage.
• They interact like an actual person, not a corporate brand.
• They push the boundaries of what brands are “supposed” to do on social.

Why It Worked:

• They used social media trend analysis to stay ahead of viral moments.
• Their content feels organic, not like a desperate attempt to be “cool.”

DO: Prepare to Move Faster Than Legal Approvals Allow

The ugly truth about trendjacking is… if your legal team is still "reviewing" a trend, it’s already dead. The brands that win at trendjacking are built for speed.

If you need six meetings, an executive sign-off, and a corporate alignment discussion before posting a tweet, just skip trendjacking entirely.

Case Study: Ryanair’s No-Holds-Barred Trendjacking

Ryanair doesn’t play it safe. Their social media team has zero fear and absolute speed. They roast their own customers, mock travel complaints, and jump on viral moments before anyone else.

Their secret is freedom. They don’t sit through endless approval chains—they just execute.

Why It Worked:

• They don’t overthink. Their strategy is raw, fast, and fearless.
• They lean into their personality. They’re not trying to be "everyone’s airline"—just the funniest one.

The Don’ts – How to Get Canceled in 3 Easy Steps

If trendjacking were a game, some brands wouldn’t even make it past the tutorial. It’s not just about jumping into conversations—it’s about not being the brand everyone collectively drags for trying too hard. The difference between viral marketing tactics and brand hijacking gone wrong is knowing what not to do.

DON’T: Jump on a Trend You Don’t Understand

Nothing torches credibility faster than a brand trying to be Gen Z cool—and failing. If a trend doesn’t align with your brand, if you don’t understand its origins, or if it requires “explaining” to your legal team—just stay out. Consumers can smell corporate cringe from miles away.

Case Study: Pepsi’s Kendall Jenner Ad – The Trendjacking Disaster That Ended Before It Began

Pepsi thought they were riding the wave of social activism. What they actually did was produce an ad so tone-deaf that it got pulled within 24 hours. The commercial showed Kendall Jenner handing a police officer a Pepsi during a staged protest—because, apparently, soda solves systemic issues.

The backlash was instant. Activists, social media users, and even major media outlets dragged Pepsi into the ground. It was so bad that Pepsi had to issue a public apology.

What Went Wrong?

• They didn’t understand the cultural weight of the movement they were trying to trendjack.
• It was performative, not authentic.
• It felt like a corporate attempt at “relevance” rather than real support.

Lesson: If a trend is rooted in real-world activism, social justice, or historical significance, brands should think twice before inserting themselves. Trendjacking only works when there’s actual value, not just an attempt to capitalize on sentiment.

DON’T: Use Tragedy to Sell Your Stuff

Brands that exploit disasters get canceled. Using real human suffering as a marketing gimmick is the fastest way to wreck brand trust. Consumers will call you out, and no PR team in the world can save you.

Real Case: Brands Using Hurricane Sandy to Push Sales

In 2012, Hurricane Sandy devastated the East Coast. The entire country was watching as homes were destroyed, people were displaced, and billions of dollars in damages piled up.

Then some brands thought it was a great time for a sale.

• Retailers started posting “Hurricane Sandy Discounts.”
• Fashion brands used the storm’s hashtag to promote new collections.
• Some companies turned the disaster into “storm survival must-haves.”

The backlash was swift and brutal. Social media users shamed brands for turning a catastrophe into a sales pitch. Some companies issued apologies, while others just deleted their posts and pretended nothing happened.

Lesson: Cultural moment marketing only works if it adds value. If a disaster is unfolding, people don’t need your “limited-time offer” or your new product line—they need help. Brands that actually support relief efforts will always win more trust than those trying to profit off pain.

DON’T: Overuse Hashtags Like a Desperate Brand

Hashtags can boost reach, but drown your post in them, and you look like a spam bot. Even worse? Using a trending hashtag without knowing what it actually means.

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Case Study: DiGiorno’s #WhyIStayed Tweet – The Most Tone-Deaf Trendjacking Fail

The hashtag #WhyIStayed was trending worldwide, filled with survivor stories about domestic violence. It was a space for real, vulnerable conversations.

Then DiGiorno jumped in and tweeted, “#WhyIStayed You had pizza.”

•  Instant backlash.
• Thousands of angry responses.
• A PR disaster in real time.

DiGiorno immediately deleted the tweet and issued an apology, saying they hadn’t researched the hashtag before using it. But by then, the damage was done.

Lesson: Always research a hashtag before using it. Some trends aren’t meant for marketing. If a hashtag is tied to a social issue, movement, or personal stories—leave it alone. Also, using too many hashtags makes your brand look desperate.

Why Trendjacking Works (or Fails)

Trendjacking is manipulation. And no, that’s not a bad thing. The entire game is about shaping perception, creating urgency, and making people believe your brand belongs in the conversation.

Brands that understand the psychology behind trends win big.

Those that don’t? They trend for all the wrong reasons.

Why Trendjacking Works: The Psychological Triggers behind Virality

Trendjacking doesn’t just work because something is trending. It works because humans are wired to care about what other people care about.

1. Social Proof – “If Everyone’s Talking About It, It Must Be Important”

People engage with what they see others engaging with. When a brand trendjacks a moment correctly, it’s not just riding a trend—it’s reinforcing it.

Brands love this because it means free exposure. A well-timed trendjack can get millions of impressions without spending a cent on ads. But if a brand misfires, it becomes the joke instead of the conversation.

Netflix and the “Wednesday Dance” Phenomenon

When Wednesday Addams’ dance scene went viral on TikTok, brands rushed in. Some nailed it (like brands collaborating with influencers who recreated the dance), while others just threw up a lazy “Have you seen Wednesday yet?” tweet and got ignored. Netflix, on the other hand used real-time marketing techniques to fuel the fire, remixing the scene, encouraging user-generated content, and making sure Wednesday stayed trending.

Why It Worked:

• They hopped on and controlled the trend.
• Influencer trend collaboration helped amplify its reach.
• They made it easy for audiences to participate.

2. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) – “If I Don’t Engage, I’m Out of the Loop”

FOMO is why limited-time deals work. It’s also why people jump on trends—they don’t want to feel left out.

If a trend feels exclusive, more people want in. The more engagement it gets, the bigger it becomes. But brands that enter a trend too late or awkwardly force themselves in end up looking like the last person at the party when the lights are on and the music’s off.

Spotify Wrapped – A Masterclass in FOMO

Spotify Wrapped is a viral marketing tactic that turns data into a social currency. By giving users shareable, personalized content, they make everyone who doesn’t have Spotify feel like they’re missing out.

Why It Worked:

• It triggers FOMO. People want to compare their stats.
• It’s exclusive. If you don’t use Spotify, you don’t get one.
• It dominates conversations. The sheer volume of Wrapped posts forces other brands to react to it.

3. Cognitive Ease – “Familiarity Makes Engagement Effortless”

People engage more with what feels easy to process. If a trend is already in their brain, they don’t have to think twice before interacting with it. This is why memes explode and why repetitive challenges keep spreading.

But brands that overcomplicate trendjacking by trying to be too clever miss the point. Simplicity wins.

Duolingo’s Unhinged TikTok Strategy

Duolingo’s TikTok isn’t some overproduced, polished content strategy. It’s low-effort, chaotic, and insanely effective. They lean into existing TikTok trends, using their owl mascot in ways that match viral content rather than trying to reinvent it. The result is millions of views and a reputation as the funniest brand on the platform.

Why It Worked:

• It doesn’t fight the algorithm—it feeds it.
• It feels effortless. No brand voice filters, no stiff approvals. Just reactive content creation at its best.
• It’s culturally aware. Duolingo understands exactly how Gen Z communicates.

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Why Trendjacking Fails: How Brands Wreck Themselves

For every Spotify Wrapped, there’s a Pepsi Kendall Jenner Ad. For every Wednesday Dance, there’s a cringe corporate attempt at using a meme 3 weeks too late.

Here’s how brands screw it up.

1. Being “Trendy” for the Sake of It

Trendjacking works when a brand adds value to the conversation. It fails when it’s forced and desperate.

❌ Brand Hijacking Gone Wrong: When fashion brand Boohoo tried using a social justice hashtag to promote their clothing, Twitter dragged them to hell. It was obvious brand opportunism—no authenticity, no value, just a corporate attempt to ride sentiment for profit.

2. Misreading the Room and Creating a Social Media Crisis

Brands that misuse hashtags, exploit tragedies, or try too hard to be funny get ripped apart.

❌ Burger King’s “Women Belong in the Kitchen” Tweet

Burger King UK thought they were starting an important conversation about gender inequality in the restaurant industry. Instead, they led with the worst possible tweet ever:

“Women belong in the kitchen.”

Imagine the instant outrage. They meant well (they were promoting scholarships for female chefs), but Twitter only saw the first tweet before the explanation followed. The backlash was so bad they had to delete the entire campaign.

3. Being Late to the Party

If a trend has already peaked, you’re just another brand trying to stay relevant. By the time your legal team approves it, it’s old news.

❌ Every Corporate “How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?” Moment

Brands trying to use memes weeks late is why so many trendjacks flop. If you’re reacting instead of leading, you’re already behind.

Play Smart or Get Buried

Trendjacking is not about being funny on Twitter. It’s about knowing when to jump in—and when to sit this one out.

Get it right, and your brand earns credibility, engagement, and influence. Get it wrong, and you’re scrambling for social media crisis management before the internet eats you alive.

Viv Segal said it best: "PR means telling the truth and working ethically—even when all the media want is headlines and all the public wants is scapegoats." That’s the real game.

Brands that approach trendjacking with authenticity, speed, and a deep understanding of their audience win big. Those that treat it like a free-for-all become case studies in what not to do.

There’s no middle ground. You either control the narrative or become the narrative.

Another week, another batch of social media updates! From Instagram’s latest experiments to TikTok’s big rebrand, let’s break it all down.

What’s new on Instagram?

Community Chats Are Coming

Instagram is testing community chats, a feature that would allow users to create group discussions around shared interests. Think of it like Discord, but built into Instagram’s ecosystem. This could be a game-changer for brands looking to foster engaged communities directly within the app. Brands should start thinking about how they can use this feature for exclusive discussions, product launches, or real-time engagement.

Edits App Enhancing Reels Quality

Instagram is highlighting that Reels created with its new Edits app will be optimized for high-quality playback. If you’re using third-party editing tools, this might be your sign to give Instagram’s in-house solution a shot! Native tools often get favored by platform algorithms, so experimenting with the Edits app could lead to higher engagement.

A Separate Reels App?

A new rumour is spreading that Instagram may be considering launching a standalone Reels app, potentially in an effort to better compete with TikTok.

How the Algorithm Weighs Watch Time

Adam Mosseri has clarified how Instagram ranks videos: It’s not just about the percentage watched, but also the total seconds viewed. This means a 10-second view on a 1-minute video holds as much weight as watching an entire 10-second video. So, if you're posting long-form content on your brand's profile, take note!

Text-Only Testimonials for Partnership Ads

Instagram is rolling out text-only testimonials for partnership ads, making it easier for brands and creators to share endorsements without the need for visuals. Could this be the next big shift in influencer marketing? Brands should experiment with this format to see if it improves credibility and authenticity compared to traditional video or image testimonials.

What’s new on TikTok?

TikTok Marketplace is Becoming TikTok One

TikTok is rebranding its creator marketplace as TikTok One, set to launch on April 1, 2025. Expect a more streamlined experience for brands and influencers collaborating on sponsored content. This shift could indicate TikTok’s push to make partnerships more accessible, so marketers should stay updated on the new interface and potential new features.

Ecommerce Growth Insights

TikTok has shared a new report detailing the rise of ecommerce on its platform. Spoiler: It’s booming. With more brands seeing success in social commerce, now might be the time to rethink your TikTok strategy. Marketers in the B2C space should look closely at these insights to identify trends and adjust their product promotions accordingly.

What’s new on YouTube?

AI Audio Replacement Options

YouTube is adding AI-powered audio replacement, allowing creators to swap out background audio without re-uploading videos. This could be a game-changer for those dealing with copyright issues or simply looking to refresh old content. If leveraged correctly, brands can now repurpose videos more easily, keeping their content fresh and adaptable to different audiences.

Testing ‘Hype’ Purchasing

YouTube is experimenting with ‘Hype’ purchases, a new feature that could allow users to buy virtual goods to support their favorite creators. Monetization on the platform is evolving! Marketers should monitor how this impacts creator revenue and engagement—could this be a future model for brand collaborations and promotions?

What’s new on LinkedIn?

Comment Impression Counts Now Available

LinkedIn is rolling out comment impression counts, giving users more insights into how their engagement contributes to post visibility. If you’re active in the comments section, this is something to keep an eye on! Thought leadership is becoming more measurable, so brands and marketers should focus on crafting insightful comments that increase visibility and reach.

What’s new on X?

Grok Adds Voice Mode

X’s AI chatbot, Grok, now supports voice mode, allowing users to interact using voice commands. As downloads of the standalone app continue to rise, this could be another step toward AI-powered social engagement. Voice search and AI-driven interactions are growing, and brands should start thinking about how they can integrate voice-driven content into their social strategies.

Brand loyalty programs are supposed to build relationships, right? Then why do they often feel like a well-placed bribery?

You throw discounts at customers, they stick around—until a shinier offer shows up, and poof! They’re gone. That’s not loyalty. That’s discount tourism.

There are 3.3 billion loyalty memberships floating around in the U.S.—more than there are actual people. But let’s be real: how many of those programs actually keep you coming back, not just when there’s a promo? Exactly.

So, let’s rip this thing open.

Are you creating real brand attachment, or just training your customers to expect discounts? Because if your loyalty program disappears tomorrow and so do your customers, you never had loyalty to begin with.

What ‘True’ Loyalty Means—And Why Most Brands Get It Wrong

Most brand loyalty programs aren’t about loyalty. They’re about keeping customers just addicted enough to keep spending—but not enough to actually care about the brand.

Let’s be honest: if your program disappeared tomorrow, would your customers stick around, or would they bolt at the first sign of a better deal?

That’s not loyalty. That’s incentivized tolerance dressed up as customer retention.

Apple doesn’t have a loyalty program. Yet, their customer retention rate is an industry-smashing 90%.

People camp outside stores for 48 hours just to be the first to hand over their wallets for another rectangle with a slightly better camera. Their customers don’t need “points” to stay—they’ll fight in comment sections and tattoo the logo on their bodies. That’s real brand loyalty.

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Now, let’s compare that to airline loyalty programs. The top three U.S. airline loyalty programs were worth $74 billion in 2023—more than some airlines’ entire fleets. But here’s the thing: if a different airline offered better rewards tomorrow, a good chunk of “loyal” customers would swap faster than you can say “pass.”

What does this tell you?

Loyalty programs don’t build loyalty—they build habit-driven transactional relationships. Customers aren't emotionally invested. They’re just trained to chase the next reward.

Psychology Says Most Loyalty Programs Are Doomed

If you’re treating your loyalty program like a buy-10-get-1-free punch card, congratulations—you’ve successfully taught your customers that your brand is only worth sticking with when there’s a dangling carrot.

Are Customers Staying or Just Stuck?

Ever stayed in a terrible relationship because you’ve already “invested too much time” to leave? That’s the sunk cost fallacy in action.

Loyalty programs often do the same thing—customers aren’t staying because they love you, they’re staying because they’ve already spent too much. If they leave, they “lose” the points they’ve accumulated. But here’s the brutal truth: the moment a better offer shows up, they’re out. That’s not building customer loyalty, that’s hostage-style retention.

Loss Aversion & The Starbucks Stars Effect

Customers hate losing more than they love winning. Starbucks knows this, and they milk it.

Their Starbucks Rewards program is built on a psychological hook: Stars expire. When you’re close to redeeming a free drink but need one more purchase to “not waste” your points, guess what happens? You buy something. Not because you need it, but because Starbucks engineered the system to make you afraid of losing progress.

This is why most “loyal” customers aren’t actually loyal—they’re just conditioned to play the game.

The Personalization Failure That’s Killing Engagement

About 22% of loyalty program members are frustrated by bad personalization.

That means generic rewards make customers feel like just another entry in your CRM. If your loyalty program sends the same discount to every customer, it’s not loyalty—it’s a mass coupon blast with a fancier name.

True loyalty is when customers feel like you "get" them.

If you’re training customers to shop with discounts, points, and perks, don’t be surprised when they shop elsewhere the moment someone comes with a slightly bigger discount. Building customer loyalty isn’t about conditioning spending habits—it’s about making them care about your brand enough to stay, rewards or not.

Why Most Loyalty Programs Aren’t Actually Rewarding Loyalty

Many brand loyalty programs are about as genuine as a politician's promise—designed more to manipulate than to reward. When companies mistake transactional bribery for genuine loyalty, the fallout can be catastrophic.

The JCPenney Disaster: When "Fair Pricing" Flops

In 2011, JCPenney's then-CEO, Ron Johnson, decided that customers were "tired of coupons" and axed discounts in favor of "everyday low prices." The result was a 25% plunge in sales within a year and a stock price decline that would make any investor queasy. Johnson's miscalculation not only alienated loyal shoppers but also served as a masterclass in how not to handle customer retention strategies.

Uber Rewards

Uber's free loyalty program, Uber Rewards, seemed like a sweet deal—until the company decided to pull the plug in 2022. Despite millions of users, Uber shifted focus to its paid subscription service, Uber One, leaving many to question the company's commitment to rewarding loyal customers. This move highlights a growing trend where companies prioritize subscription models over genuine loyalty, effectively putting perks behind a paywall.

The Backlash of Misguided Loyalty Programs

When loyalty programs are designed poorly, they don't just fail—they backfire spectacularly.

Transactional "Loyalty" Destroys Real Retention

A staggering 74% of Millennials are ready to jump ship to a different retailer after a single bad customer service experience. This statistic underscores that no amount of points or discounts can compensate for subpar service. True loyalty is earned through consistent, positive interactions, not just transactional incentives.

Customer Exploitation of Flawed Programs

Poorly designed loyalty schemes are ripe for manipulation. Take the CVS "ExtraCare Hack" scandal, where savvy shoppers gamed the system to amass rewards, forcing the company to overhaul its policies. Such incidents reveal that when customers exploit these programs, it not only impacts the bottom line but also erodes the trust and integrity the program was meant to build.

As Jeff Bezos aptly put it, "If you do build a great experience, customers tell each other about that. Word of mouth is very powerful." This sentiment highlights that authentic loyalty stems from exceptional experiences, not just from dangling carrots in front of consumers.

The Loyalty Programs That Actually Work (And Why)

Most brand loyalty programs fail because they treat customers like walking wallets instead of real people. But a few brands get it. They don’t just hand out points like cheap flyers—they engineer obsession. Their customers don’t just engage; they buy, stay, and evangelize.

Let’s break down the effective loyalty programs that don’t just survive but dominate.

Amazon Prime: When People PAY to Be Loyal

Amazon didn’t just create a loyalty program—it created an addiction cycle that 200+ million people voluntarily buy into. Prime members spend an average of $1,400 per year compared to $600 from non-members. Talk about conditioning!

Why does it work?

Amazon didn’t just add perks—they made non-Prime shopping feel unbearable.

Slower shipping? No Prime Day deals? Forced ads on Prime Video?

Customers don’t stay for the love of Amazon; they stay because leaving feels like punishment.

Look, if you make customers feel like they’re missing out, they’ll pay to stay in your club.

Sephora’s Beauty Insider: The Ultimate Status Game

Points? Sure.

Discounts? Sometimes.

But Sephora’s real trick is Status. Their tiers (Insider, VIB, Rouge) are badges of beauty supremacy.

Members get early access to products, exclusive rewards, and even personalized events. And it works: Beauty Insider drives 80% of Sephora’s revenue.

Sephora crushed Ulta in loyalty effectiveness because they understood their customers’ psychology. People don’t just want free products—they want to feel exclusive, superior, and ahead of the crowd.

So, stop making loyalty programs about discounts. Make them about identity.

Chipotle Rewards

Chipotle went from E. coli outbreaks to a loyalty-fueled empire—and it wasn’t by accident.

They rebuilt customer retention strategies by focusing on gamification, social commerce, and personalized perks. Their program rewards not just purchases but engagement—interacting with the app, trying new menu items, and even participating in promotions.

The result was 30 million members and a 25% increase in digital sales.

What These Brands Did Differently

They don’t just throw perks at customers—they make them feel like VIPs. And they don’t rely on transactions alone—they create emotional investment.

• They Tease a Product, Not Just Discount It – Instead of slashing prices, they create exclusive access, beta releases, and gated content.
• They Personalize Beyond “Spend More, Get More” – They use customer data to craft real, meaningful experiences.
• They Blend Social Commerce and FOMO – They make customers feel like they’re part of something bigger.

And they understand this simple truth: Loyalty isn’t a points system—it’s an emotional bond.

Building a Customer Loyalty Program That Works

Most loyalty program benefits sound good on paper. But in reality, they are only pushing customers to spend, earn, repeat until the program stops making sense. Customers don’t want to be trapped in some complicated loyalty scheme; they want value, exclusivity, and real connection.

If you want a customer loyalty program that actually works—and doesn’t make people roll their eyes—you need to get four things right.

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Step 1: Understand What Your Customers Actually Want

Most brands don’t fail because they lack rewards. They fail because they have no clue what actually motivates their customers.

Did you know that companies with advanced personalization strategies drive 40% more revenue than those without. If you think customers are staying loyal for generic points and mass emails, you’re wrong.

Nike gets it. Their SNKRS app doesn’t just throw discounts at sneakerheads—it gives them exclusive first access to limited drops. They make customers feel like they’re part of an inner circle, not just a transactional relationship.

So, stop copying Starbucks and Amazon. Your audience is different. If you don’t know what makes your customers tick, you’re just guessing.

Step 2: Don’t Make Loyalty Hard work

If your customer loyalty program ideas require a Ph.D. in fine print to understand, you’ve already lost.

Customers won’t engage if your program is too complicated. The best types of loyalty programs don’t make people jump through endless hoops just to get rewarded.

What does stupid simple look like?

• Amazon Prime: One membership, instant perks, no nonsense.
• Target Circle: Automatic discounts, no registration headaches.
• Chipotle Rewards: Buy food, earn free food. Period.

Step 3: Offer More Than Discounts

If your loyalty program’s only value is "spend more, save more," you’ve already lost. They don’t care about 10% off coupons. They want exclusivity, experiences, and engagement.

Here’s what works:

• Exclusive Access Over Generic Perks – Nike’s SNKRS App turns access into a privilege.
• Experiential Rewards Create Emotional Connection – Sephora’s Beauty Insider gives VIP members exclusive events, not just points.
• Gamification Fuels Engagement – Starbucks doesn’t just offer free coffee; they make collecting stars an actual game.

Your loyalty program should be something customers want to talk about. Nobody raves about a 5% discount.

Step 4: Track the Right Metrics

Most brands measure loyalty program benefits all wrong. If your only metric is how much customers are spending, you’re missing the bigger picture.

• Customer Retention Rate: Are people actually sticking around, or are they just here for the freebies?
• Brand Loyalty Metrics: Are customers engaging beyond purchases—sharing, advocating, interacting?
• Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): Is your loyalty program increasing the long-term value of each customer?

So, Are You Building Loyalty Or Just Creating Discount Addicts?

Loyalty program usage jumped 28% in 2024, but let’s be honest—how many will actually last?

If your loyalty program isn’t driving engagement, exclusivity, or emotional connection, you’re just training customers to expect discounts.

The real question is: If you remove the perks tomorrow, do your customers still love your brand?

If the answer is no, you don’t have a loyalty program—you have a glorified coupon scheme.

Look… ad-free social media isn’t the future. It’s already here, and most brands are fumbling like it’s a surprise.

Marketers burned through $526 billion in digital ads last year. Half of that was straight-up ignored.

74% of social media users are exhausted by ads. And yet… businesses are still pouring cash into a fire that isn’t even producing smoke.

Ads aren’t dead, but they might as well be for anyone who actually uses the internet. If your entire strategy revolves around paid promotions, congratulations—you’re now invisible.

But don’t panic. Some brands are absolutely crushing it without a single ad dollar. And if you’re smart, you’ll pay attention. Because the way brands win today has got nothing to do with paid reach.

Why Consumers Are Running from Ads

Let’s be honest—if you’re still throwing money at ads, you might as well be lighting your marketing budget on fire. The ad-free social media era is already here, and most brands are scrambling to keep up.

Consumers are now actively blocking, ignoring, and mentally filtering ads out like they never existed. And yet, brands keep acting like they’re the exception—as if their ads are the magical unicorns that people will actually pay attention to.

Here’s a reality check (don’t shoot the messenger):

People Are Over Ads—But Somehow, Still Buying

Social media users are exhausted from the constant bombardment of ads. But nearly half of them still buy from social ads.

So, what’s happening?

Simple: ads work—but only for brands that people already trust.

If you’re some random faceless company screaming “BUY NOW” in their feed, you just paid for an ad that no one gives a damn about. Brands that win today are the ones playing the long game.

Ad Blockers Are Eating Your Budget Alive

52% of U.S. internet users now use ad blockers. Two years ago, that number was 34%. It’s climbing fast. That means more than HALF of the internet never sees your “highly targeted” Facebook or YouTube ads.

Most brands pretend this stat doesn’t exist. They keep throwing cash into the void, hoping a few clicks will justify the spend. But the smartest marketers are already shifting gears—because they know ads alone won’t cut it anymore.

People Trust a Random Internet Stranger More Than Your Ads

• 60% of consumers trust influencers over traditional ads.
• Only 3% of consumers actually trust celebrity endorsements.

Let that sink in: Sometimes, a college student filming a 15-second TikTok review in their car has more influence than a million-dollar ad campaign starring a Hollywood A-lister.

Why?

Because people trust people—not polished, corporate marketing.

This is why influencer partnerships are dominating. It’s why brands investing in social media content marketing are thriving. The most effective ads today don’t feel like ads at all—they feel like conversations, recommendations, and content people actually want to engage with.

Brand Trust is the Only Reason People Are Buying

77% of consumers prefer buying from brands they already follow. So, if you’re not building an audience, you’re burning money.

This isn’t some temporary shift—it is how the game works now. Brands that invest in audience-building, real engagement, and trust-based marketing will win.

Everyone else will keep running ads no one sees, wondering why their ROI keeps shrinking.

Brands Are Thriving without Ads (And Why You’re Not One of Them Yet)

If paid ads were the only way to build a brand, Nike, Tesla, and Duolingo wouldn’t exist. And yet, here we are—watching them rake in billions while most brands are out here throwing money at ads no one even sees.

Look… you don’t need paid ads to win. What you need is a brand people actually care about.

Nike: The Brand That Lets Its Customers Do the Talking

Nike doesn’t need your TV time, Facebook ad, or YouTube pre-roll. They have millions of real people doing their marketing for them for free.

• Their user-generated content campaigns are legendary—#JustDoIt isn’t just a slogan, it’s a movement.
• Athletes, sneakerheads, and everyday runners flood social media with their own Nike content, making it the most natural social media content marketing strategy in the game.
• They don’t scream “BUY OUR SHOES.” They let their audience flex their own success stories—with Nike in the frame.

No wonder they’re everywhere without overspending on ads.

$700B Tesla

No Super Bowl ads. No influencer sponsorships. No “BUY NOW” banners flashing in your face.

Tesla barely spends a dime on marketing. But everyone knows who they are.

How?

• They create viral content without lifting a finger.
• Elon Musk tweets something unhinged → news outlets pick it up → free global attention.
• Tesla fans spread the hype for free—whether they love the cars or love to hate them.

Tesla turned its customers into its sales team. They don’t run ads—they run a cult. And it works.

Duolingo: The Green Owl That Took Over TikTok 

Brands are out here spending millions on polished, high-production social media ads. Duolingo just sh*tpost on TikTok. That’s it. That’s the strategy.

Their owl is a menace. They comment on trending posts, roast users, and jump on every viral moment. They don’t “sell” the app—they make people want to be part of their ridiculous social media presence.

And guess what? It worked. Their TikTok account blew up, and their audience skyrocketed.

Why You’re Still Paying for Ads (And Why It’s Not Working)

Nike, Tesla, and Duolingo aren’t unicorns. They just understand one thing: people engage with people, not corporate garbage.

So, why isn’t your brand pulling this off?

• You rely too much on traditional ads. But internet users now block them.
• You’re not giving people something to engage with. Viral content creation is about showing up where people actually spend time and being part of the conversation.
• You treat social media like a billboard instead of a two-way conversation. If your “strategy” is posting polished product shots and hoping people care, you’ve already lost.
• You’re playing it too safe. The biggest brands lean into bold, ridiculous, and ultra-relatable social media audience retention tactics.

Ok, But How Do You Win without Ads?

Now, ads are getting blocked, ignored, and hated—yet some brands are out here winning without overspending on paid ads.

What’s their trick?

It’s not luck. It’s not a secret. It’s just better marketing. Here’s exactly how they’re doing it—and how you can, too.

Strategy 1: Influencer Partnerships That Don’t Feel Like Cheap Endorsements

Nobody believes LeBron James actually drinks Pepsi. That’s why celebrity endorsements are dying.

But you know who people do believe?

The small, hyper-niche influencers who actually use the products they promote.

60% of consumers trust influencers over traditional ads. And only 3% trust celebrity endorsements. Micro-influencers and niche creators sell better because their audience actually listens to them.

But here’s the real challenge: keeping track of influencer partnerships, measuring their actual impact, and making sure the content stays authentic.

With ZoomSphere’s Social Media Scheduler and Analytics tools, you can plan influencer collaborations, track engagement, and measure conversions without a mess of spreadsheets and DMs.

Strategy 2: User-Generated Content (UGC) That Makes Your Audience Sell For You

Want free marketing that doesn’t feel like marketing? Get your customers to do it for you.

Gymshark, and Lululemon let their customers market for them.

Customers flood social media with their own content, keeping the brand relevant 24/7.

Also, Lululemon runs entire campaigns with customer content, making their audience feel like insiders, not just buyers.

User-generated content campaigns work because people trust real customers over brands.

Strategy 3: Marketing with Memes (Stop Taking Yourself So Seriously)

Corporate-speak is dead. No one cares about your perfectly worded “brand mission.” You know what they do care about?

• Wendy’s Twitter roasting McDonald’s.
• Duolingo’s psychotic TikTok presence.

Brands that act like humans, not robots.

Duolingo built a 9M+ TikTok following with nothing but memes, chaos, and unhinged content.

Brands that use humor, embrace cultural moments, and interact like real people win the engagement game—without throwing ad dollars at it.

Strategy 4: Community-Driven Content = Built-In Loyalty

Here’s the ugly truth: if you’re not building a community, you’re just throwing content into the void.

The biggest brands today are already creating spaces where people want to belong.

• LEGO turned their fanbase into an entire UGC ecosystem.
• Glossier scaled a billion-dollar brand through customer-driven content.
• Fenty Beauty makes its customers feel like they’re part of the brand’s success.

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Strategy 5: Email Marketing—The $36 for Every $1 Secret No One Talks About

Social media rents you an audience. Email lets you own it. And yet, brands are still sleeping on email marketing.

Email marketing is 2x more effective at generating leads than social media and PPC. It generates $36 for every $1 spent.

You control who sees your content, when they see it, and how you nurture them. No algorithm changes. No ad blockers. Just direct, high-value marketing that actually converts.

You see, the brands winning today aren’t throwing money at ads. They’re building communities, creating content that matters, and making people WANT to engage with them.

The Ad-Free Social Media Cheat Code

Social media owes you nothing—and if you’re not playing by the rules it keeps changing, your content becomes invisible.

No, organic reach isn’t dead—it’s just a survival-of-the-smartest game. Some brands are hacking the system, while others are crying about how “the algorithm is unfair.”

The difference is, they know what actually works.

Understanding the Algorithm (So It Doesn’t Kill Your Reach)

Social media isn’t out to get you. It just wants engagement. And if your content isn’t getting that? Good luck showing up anywhere.

• Instagram’s latest update: More short-form videos from strangers, less static content from people you follow.
• Facebook: Prioritizing groups, discussions, and meaningful engagement—not brand pages shouting into the void.
• TikTok: If you’re not posting consistently and hooking viewers in the first 3 seconds, your content is dead on arrival.

Adapt, or disappear. Brands that get social media work with the algorithm, not against it.

Short-Form Content—Because Attention Spans are Really Short

73% of consumers prefer short-form videos for brand content. Videos under 60 seconds outperform longer content in engagement, shares, and reach.

So, if your content isn’t short, fast, and addictive, nobody cares.

• TikTok Reels > Your Blog Post.
• Instagram Stories > Your Perfectly Designed Carousel.
• YouTube Shorts > Your 15-Minute Deep Talk.

And yet, most brands still don’t have a short-form content strategy.

Why? Because they think polished = good marketing. It’s not.

Only raw, fast, and engaging wins.

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Controversy = Attention (And Brands That Get This Are Winning Hard)

Most brands are terrified of having an opinion. And that’s why no one remembers them.

• Nike took a stand with Colin Kaepernick. Twitter exploded. Sales skyrocketed.
• Ben & Jerry’s constantly speaks on political issues. Their core audience is more loyal than ever.
• Liquid Death’s entire brand is built on mocking the bottled water industry—and it’s working.

Being vanilla gets you ignored. Having a real, bold, “this is who we are” brand voice gets you noticed. Seth Godin said it best: "Marketing is no longer about the stuff that you make, but about the stories you tell."

If your brand has no story, no opinion, and no personality—you don’t have a brand.

Create a Viral Marketing Campaign without Forcing It

Viral content isn’t luck. It’s knowing what makes people want to share something.

Here’s the formula:

• Short, punchy, and relatable
• Emotionally charged—funny, shocking, or controversial
• Feels native to the platform (not a repurposed LinkedIn post on TikTok)
• Posted consistently—because one viral hit doesn’t mean sustained growth

The brands crushing it right now are not “going viral” by accident. They’re engineering moments that make people hit ‘share.’

Brand Storytelling—Facts Don’t Sell, Stories Do

Nobody wants to hear:

"We are committed to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction."

You know what works instead? 

A brand story that actually means something.

When you nail your brand storytelling on social platforms, people become part of your brand.

Look, social media doesn’t owe your brand any thing. The brands winning without ads are the ones understanding the algorithm, creating viral content, leveraging short-form, and building a brand that actually matters.

So what’s the move?

Stay forgettable—or start playing the game the way it actually works.

So, is Advertising Really Dead? (And What Happens Next?)

Ads aren’t dead. Stupid marketing is.

Yet, brands keep throwing money at ads that no one sees, acting surprised when their ROI looks like a dumpster fire.

If your strategy still revolves around “targeted” display ads that get blocked, ignored, or skipped in under 2 seconds, congratulations—you’re actively paying to be invisible.

The truth is, brands who don’t build trust and engagement NOW will be irrelevant in three years.

So what happens next?

That depends on which side of marketing history you want to be on.

Another week has passed, and we're back with the latest scoop on social media news! Platforms are rolling out fresh updates (as always), so we’ve summarized everything you need to stay ahead.

What’s new on Instagram?

More New Fonts for Stories

It feels like we’re updating you about new fonts almost every week, but here we go again. Instagram is reportedly working on another batch of fonts for Stories. But hey, we’ll take whatever we can get to better match with our branding!

DM Upgrades: Scheduled Messages & Better Translations

Instagram has also rolled out a big update to DMs, adding features like scheduled messages, improved translations, and the ability to send music directly in chats. Now, you can better plan your responses in advance, and international conversations just got a whole lot easier.

Testing Comment Downvotes

Instagram is also experimenting with comment downvotes, a feature you might recognize from Reddit. Adam Mosseri later hopped on Threads to clarify that these are not meant to be dislike buttons but rather a tool to surface the most relevant comments.

What’s new on Threads?

Limiting Post Replies

Threads is testing the option to restrict replies to just your followers. This could be a great feature for brands wanting more control over conversations and a way to reduce spam and trolling in the comments.

What’s new on Facebook?

Livestreams Will Be Auto-Deleted After 30 Days

Big change incoming—Facebook will now automatically remove livestreams after 30 days. Make sure to download and repurpose your live content before it disappears!

What’s new on TikTok?

Expanding Live Shopping to More Countries

Rumor has it that TikTok plans to expand its live shopping feature to more countries. If you're in the B2C segment, we recommend keeping an eye on how e-commerce trends shift on the platform.

‘Most-Loved’ Tag for Shop Items

Speaking of TikTok Shop, they’re also rolling out a “Most-Loved” tag, highlighting popular products. This could boost product discoverability and credibility.

Highlighting Music Industry Impact

TikTok just released a new report showcasing its influence on the music industry. If you work in music or influencer marketing, this is definitely worth a read.

What’s new on YouTube?

Testing Voice Replies in Comments

YouTube is experimenting with voice replies in the comments section. This could open new engagement opportunities, making it easier for brands and creators to interact with audiences in a more dynamic and personal way.

What’s new on LinkedIn?

New Newsletter Metrics

LinkedIn is rolling out expanded analytics for newsletters, giving brands deeper insights into audience engagement. Use these insights to refine your newsletter content and improve performance.

Guide to Live Event Marketing

If you’re running events on LinkedIn, they’ve also just dropped a new guide on maximizing performance before, during, and after your event. Make sure to give it a read!

What’s new on Bluesky?

Reply Controls & Profile Search

Bluesky users can now control who replies to their posts and search through profile content more easily.

What’s new on X?

Grok Standalone App Now Available on iOS

Remember how we teased the Grok standalone app? It's now available on iOS!

Grok is X’s AI chatbot—think of it as ChatGPT, but with Elon’s twist. Now, you can access it without needing to go through X—just open the app and chat away!

Google Expands AI Image Generator

Google is rolling out its AI-powered image generator, Whisk, to more than 100 new countries, giving marketers new creative opportunities for visual content creation.

BuzzFeed Eyes a Social Media Platform

BuzzFeed is reportedly working on launching its own social media platform with a focus on fostering a more positive online space.

That’s a wrap on this week’s updates! Stay tuned for more social media news next week.

Would you buy Crocs that smell like fried chicken? Or a jar of Heinz pasta sauce… with a splash of vodka? Welcome to the world of unexpected brand collabs—where marketing goes completely off the rails, and somehow, it actually works.

Some partnerships just make sense (Nike and Michael Jordan? Duh.), but others? They’re so random that you have to double-check if they’re real. And yet, these bizarre mashups generate insane hype, sell out instantly, and get studied by marketers for years.

So, what makes these collaborations successful? And more importantly—should your brand hop on the weird collab train? Let’s break it down.

Why Do These Collabs Work?

At first glance, some of these pairings seem like a fever dream. But if you look closer, there’s a strategy behind the chaos. The most successful collaborations tap into:

1. Cultural Relevance & Timing

Trends move fast. The best collabs latch onto viral moments, nostalgic throwbacks, or pop culture trends before they fade away.

2. Shock Factor & Virality

The internet loves chaos. If your partnership makes people laugh, question reality, or say, “Wait… is this real?”—congrats, you’ve won organic engagement.

3. Audience Crossover

The best collabs blend two brands with overlapping (or wildly different) fan bases in a way that just works. Think sneakerheads + ice cream lovers.

4. Scarcity & Hype

Limited drops = instant FOMO. People will camp out (physically or virtually) for something they know won’t be around forever.

Now, let’s check out some of the wildest, smartest, and straight-up weirdest brand collabs that somehow became marketing gold.

7 Weird Brand Collabs That Actually Slapped

1. KFC x Crocs: Finger-Lickin’ Footwear

In 2020, KFC and Crocs dropped a limited-edition clog that looked like a fried chicken bucket. The kicker? They came with scented charms that actually smelled like KFC.

Why It Worked:

• The shock factor made it go viral instantly.
• Meme potential drove organic engagement.
• Scarcity turned them into a collector’s item.

2. Heinz x Absolut Vodka: Tomato Vodka Pasta Sauce

Inspired by the viral TikTok trend of vodka pasta, Heinz and Absolut teamed up in 2023 to drop a pre-made version. A pasta sauce collab? Makes perfect sense.

Why It Worked:

• Jumped on a social media trend at the perfect time.
• Merged two iconic brands in a way that felt natural.
• Got people curious enough to taste-test (and post about it).

3. Nike x Ben & Jerry’s: ‘Chunky Dunky’ Sneakers

Nike and Ben & Jerry’s teamed up for the ‘Chunky Dunky’ sneaker, decked out in cow-print and bright colors inspired by the ice cream brand. It was one of 2020’s most hyped sneaker drops.

Why It Worked:

• Combined sneaker culture with a beloved food brand.
• Extremely limited-edition drop fueled resale frenzy.
• Bold visuals made them instantly recognizable.

4. Taco Bell x Doritos: Doritos Locos Tacos

In 2012, Taco Bell swapped a traditional taco shell for one made entirely of Doritos. Simple? Yes. Genius? Also yes. It became one of their best-selling menu items ever.

Why It Worked:

• Merged two massive fan bases (fast food + snack lovers).
• Actually improved the product experience.
• Had major repeat purchase power.

5. IKEA x Virgil Abloh: ‘Markerad’ Collection

IKEA partnered with Off-White’s Virgil Abloh to release a collection featuring ironic design elements—like a rug that looked like a giant IKEA receipt.

Why It Worked:

• Virgil Abloh’s influence made it instantly cool.
• Everyday objects became hype-worthy collector’s items.
• Limited-edition status sent resale prices through the roof.

6. Dolce & Gabbana x Smeg: High-Fashion Kitchen Appliances

Luxury fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana designed an ultra-extra line of Sicilian-inspired kitchen appliances for Smeg. Yep, high-end toasters are a thing now.

Why It Worked:

• Tapped into the trend of aesthetic-driven home decor.
• Targeted high-income consumers who love exclusivity.
• Reinforced the premium status of both brands.

7. LEGO x NASA: Space Shuttle Discovery Set

LEGO and NASA dropped a Space Shuttle Discovery set that was both an epic collector’s item and an interactive tribute to space exploration.

Why It Worked:

• Merged education with entertainment.
• Perfectly aligned with both brands’ focus on creativity.
• Appealed to LEGO fans, STEM enthusiasts, and space nerds alike.

Should Your Brand Try a Weird Collab?

Some of these partnerships were pure marketing genius. Others? A little chaotic. But all of them got people talking, and that’s what really matters.

So, should your brand hop on the trend?

Yes, if…

• The collaboration feels authentic and aligns with your brand values.
• You have a clear strategy and audience crossover.
• You’re ready to fully commit to the weirdness.

No, if…

• It’s random for the sake of being random.
• It doesn’t resonate with your target audience.
• There’s no follow-through in messaging or execution.

At the end of the day, if a collab makes people laugh, raises eyebrows, or sparks curiosity, it’s probably a marketing win. So, go ahead—embrace the weird.