A brief overview of what is currently trending in news, culture, and/or trending hashtags and formats.
SNAP: Federal food assistance will halt on Nov. 1. Here’s what states are doing.
Halloween: Halloween is tomorrow and users are showing off their costumes.
#TreyYesavage: The MLB rookie has set a record of strikeouts in a single game.
A deeper dive into a subject that is impacting culture on a macro level, beyond just the social space.
Chronically Online Halloween
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What It Is: Fair warning: you may need a translator this Halloween — preferably, your chronically online friend. In recent years, costumes have taken a turn into internet obscurity. Forget recognizing superheroes and pop stars — today’s costumes are inside jokes that require hours of screen time to decode. In recent years Halloween costumes have gotten more niche, starting with “wdym you hate gay Halloween…” which has evolved to “chronically online” Halloween. The costume references are hyper-specific and meme-coded, spanning from last week’s viral sensation to deep cuts from the Tumblr era. The internet never forgets and now neither does Halloween!
The Brand Takeaway: This trend marks the cultural shift of costumes becoming the litmus test for internet literacy. It also reveals how online communities have created their own cultural vocabulary, one that’s increasingly disconnected from traditional media. You don’t need to have seen the newest TV show or movie to understand cultural references anymore — you just need the right FYP. These hyper-specific Halloween costumes create instant in-groups, connecting and creating a bond between the people who understand the reference. For brands, tapping into niche moments in culture for your audience can forge a powerful connection within specific communities. Focusing on the smaller details creates opportunities for authentic engagement and content that positions you as a relatable and in-the-know brand. When done right, you’re not just another brand on social, you’re part of the conversation.
Four must-click links that crossed our feeds today.
Dictionary.com has named “67” as the word of the year (if you can call it a word.)
China will require influencers to hold degrees when speaking on finance, health, and law.
TikTok has added new AI Assistance Tools for creators.
Can you spot all the 2000s Easter eggs in Rosalia’s “Berghain” music video?
The Witcher S4 premiere - Netflix, 10.30
Jurassic World Rebirth - Peacock, 10.30
Bugonia - Theaters, 10.31
Back to the Future 40th anniversary - Theaters, 10.31
The Mastermind - Theaters, 10.31
Everybody Scream: Florence and the Machine
Tremor: Daniel Avery
Through the Open Window: The Bootleg Series Vol. 18: Bob Dylan
Iconoclasts: Anna von Hausswolff
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