A brief overview of what is currently trending in news, culture, and/or trending hashtags and formats.
VMAs: “APT” by Rosé and Bruno Mars wins the Song of the Year at the MTV VMAs.
Hyundai: Hundreds of workers are detained in a massive immigration raid on a Hyundai facility in Georgia.
Josh Allen: Leads the Bills to an impressive 41-40 comeback against the Ravens.
A deeper dive into a subject that is impacting culture on a macro level, beyond just the social space.
Blogging is Back
What It Is: Substack is bringing blogging back. From influencers to prominent writers, people are turning to the platform as a community to blog, share ideas, and express themselves through long-form writing. Substack is a newsletter publishing platform that lets writers send content directly to subscribers through free or paid email newsletters. With over 20 million active subscribers, it has become more than a hobby-only platform. It is a legitimate career path where writers build communities, land brand partnerships, and monetize their content in ways that feel authentic. As one user put it: “Substack feels like Tumblr and old Instagram had a baby. It makes me want to create art and bake a pie and enjoy life.”
In an era dominated by short-form content, Substack proves there is still a real appetite for critical analysis, deeper storytelling, and thought leadership that TikTok and Instagram do not always deliver. Prominent journalists, thought leaders, and cultural critics have flocked to the platform, leaving behind traditional outlets for independence and a direct line to their readers.
Brand Takeaway: For brands, this shift reflects a broader trend. Audiences are losing trust in mainstream platforms like Instagram, Meta, and X. They are seeking out independent media voices and carving out digital spaces that feel less algorithm driven and more community based. In many ways, Substack brings back what first made the internet fun: finding your niche and growing with it. Many users are also becoming more intentional about the media they consume. Aware of the toll that doomscrolling takes, they are turning to long-form content such as video essays, podcasts, and newsletters as a way to engage more deeply and meaningfully.
A recap of what you might have missed while not online
🗞 Meet Chloe Malle the new Head of Editorial Content at US Vogue
🍸 NYC Nightlife: Would you make the guest list?
🪩 Valentino Beauty is opening the iconic club Studio 54 for one night only
Remembering Georgio Armani: His legacy beyond fashion
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