This week in marketing, fresh platforms are making their debut, while old hacks are finally being debunked. Meanwhile, Instagram teases a new update that will change the way your profile looks. Keep reading to explore the latest trends and insights you won’t want to miss!
🦉 #RIPduo
Duolingo has officially “killed” its infamous green owl mascot, Duo, in a shocking yet hilarious marketing stunt. The language-learning app announced the character’s demise in a social media campaign, sparking waves of reactions from fans. The move, which included a fake obituary and a series of dramatic posts, is an example of how brands are leaning into absurdist, internet-driven humor to keep engagement high.
💘 Good Vibes Only
BuzzFeed is launching a new social platform designed to compete with Instagram, TikTok, and X. The platform focuses on spreading joy and positive content, providing users with a more enjoyable, less algorithm-driven experience. This new venture aims to offer a refreshing alternative to the fast-paced, attention-grabbing nature of current social media platforms.
🌹 Pete Davidson, The Internet’s Boyfriend
Sustainable fashion brand Reformation just made a genius Valentine’s Day marketing move, bringing on the internet’s “official boyfriend,” Pete Davidson, for their Boyfriend Collection. With witty, on-brand copy and Davidson’s first-ever tattoo-free appearance, the campaign instantly went viral.
His effortless cool and mass appeal make him the perfect face to help Reformation reach beyond its traditionally female audience—proving once again that great branding (and a great boyfriend) never go out of style.
🥤 Poppi's PR Fizzles
Poppi's latest marketing move—sending branded vending machines to influencers—has left a sour taste. People argue the campaign is out of touch, suggesting the machines would be better placed in schools or hospitals rather than given to influencers who can already afford the products.
Beyond fairness concerns, critics are also calling out the campaign’s environmental impact. Since these heavy machines will be returned in a few weeks, many argue that the carbon footprint from shipping them to multiple creators outweighs the marketing benefit.
Read more about the backlash and Poppi’s response here: The Influence Agency
📱 Your Grid, Your Rules
Instagram will soon allow users to rearrange their profile grid, providing greater flexibility in customizing the layout of their posts. This new update will give users more control over how their content is displayed, offering new ways to personalize and curate their profiles for a unique look.
👆 One Tap Wonder
Instagram is testing a new feature that allows users to pause Reels with a single tap, responding to requests for a more convenient pause option. This update comes as TikTok's future remains uncertain, with the platform facing the possibility of a permanent ban in April.
✨ LinkedIn's New Era
LinkedIn video views have jumped 36% over the past year, reflecting a major shift toward video content. As users and brands embrace this format, video is becoming key to driving engagement and growing reach on the platform.
What’s Next Online?
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