A brief overview of what is currently trending on on X in news, culture, and/or trending hashtags and formats.
Eagles: X users are discussing Monday Night Football's Seahawks-Eagles matchup.
Jonathan Majors: Marvel Studios has fired Majors after a New York jury found the actor guilty of assault in the third degree and guilty of harassment.
Pope: Pope Francis says priests can bless same-sex couples.
A deeper dive into a subject that is impacting culture on a macro level, beyond just the social space.
Sad Shark Facts
What it is: TikTok users are posting short slideshows of "sad shark facts" to bring awareness to things that sharks can't access in the ocean — whether that's ice cream or popular tv shows. While this meme is pretty evergreen, and there are entire accounts dedicated to unserious shark facts, this lo-fi format is truly having a moment and garnering serious numbers. If you have access to two (2) stock images of sharks and a product to promote, this could be an easy win for your brand.
What brands can learn: Sad facts about sharks may not have a direct tie to your brand or its strategy, but...that's kind of the point. Numerous brands are seeing virality with this format, even while overtly showing multiple branded products, because the overall aesthetic still feels extremely casual and like something a friend would send to you. TikTok users are becoming hyper-aware of when they're being "sold" something on the platform, and unexpected post formats with subjects as random as sharks may become an increasingly useful tool for brands to reach their fans in a way that feels friendly and not so sales-y.
Examples: 1, 2, 3
Must-click links that crossed our feeds today
Ziwe sat down with George Santos for an interview about his time in congress and more.
Beyoncé's website was down for several hours last night and yet...we did not get the Renaissance visuals.
Have you heard about this nine-month world cruise?
Celine Dion has lost control of her muscles following her battle with stiff-person syndrome, according to her sister.
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