A brief overview of what is currently trending on on X in news, culture, and/or trending hashtags and formats.
#CHIHUAHUA: Made viral by crypto currency, "Chihuahua" is trending. Users on X are responding the way they know how: with pictures of their beloved dogs as a serotonin boost of sorts.
Meek: Users are reacting to news of names released in the explosive Sean 'Diddy' Combs case that list the likes of Meek Mill, Chris Brown, & Usher.
The Unknown: New details have emerged on the Willy Wonka Experience disaster, including a made up villain called The Unknown — 'an evil chocolate maker who lives in the walls.' Let the memes commence.
A deeper dive into a subject that is impacting culture on a macro level, beyond just the social space.
Reconnecting with Nature
What it is: Users are using this sound to chronicle moments when they needed to "reconnect with nature." The trend gained popularity this past fall with students "healing" from a rough exam or young adults removing themselves from a stressful Thanksgiving dinner. In recent weeks, the trend has resurfaced with a unique, quirky twist. Enter "reconnecting with the outdoors after kissing the McDonald's workers for free nuggets" or "after kissing the Uber driver." Other iterations include after "AT&T made us all have no service" or "to get over my unhealthy crush on an internet celebrity."
What brands can learn: Brands, this trend is an opportunity to be a bit unhinged, using nature as the all-encompassing healer. In these scenarios, the outdoors prove to be a grounding presence that help people bounce back from real struggles or (in newer cases) odd instances of human behavior. The key here is to have fun with this sound (if IP allows) or something similar with the help of an outdoor setting. Aim for on-screen copy that consumers can relate to, like instances of a product selling out or relatable moments like leaving one's wallet at home. No matter your approach, lean into the fun of it all to get your audience engaged.
Must-click links that crossed our feeds today
Heard of Lapse? The photo-sharing app inspired by the simplicity of disposable cameras just raised $30 million in funding.
The dating app duel continues. While Bumble deals with a 10% drop in shares, Hinge is busy handing out phonebooks for the Global Day of Unplugging.
Could NFTs be back? Sales nearly doubled between December & January. Meanwhile, the art world is still interested in them as an investment vehicle.
WTF, Wendy’s. The fast-food chain announced it would start surge pricing its menu items, causing instant frustration across the internet.
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