Tina Turner: The international superstar and "Queen of Rock and Roll" has passed away at the age of 83, in her Switzerland home. She was a champion for the LGBTQIA+ community and sold millions of albums.
#PlayStationShowcase: Sony announced a lot of upcoming Xbox and PC games at their showcase. Fans are taking to social to share which titles they guessed would be released vs. the games that were actually revealed.
How brands can jump in: If you have ties to the gaming community, your brand could share content related to gaming, wanting to be a part of a new video game, or snacking while gaming.
Desantis: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his 2024 presidential bid on Twitter - featuring Elon Musk.
What brand should be aware of: Consider a temperature check on content that could appear to imply political influence.
Barbiecore is IN this summer!
What it is: There's a new It Girl in town, and her name is Barbie! Margot Robbie is set to star in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie, due in theaters this July. The trailer has swept social media with overwhelmingly positive reviews. Sneak peeks of its diverse ensemble cast of Barbies and Kens have opened the door for a new generation to fall in love with the doll (and the brand!) all over again. Not to mention: we just got word of who will be on the highly-anticipated soundtrack!
How brands can jump in: Brands can jump in on “Barbiecore” by adding bit of doll-like levity to posts. Consider creating content that speaks to a doll/toy brand without directly naming said franchise. Think: bright colors, fun fonts, and LOTS of accessories. Brands could share post copy that mention dolls, doll fashion, or childhood nostalgia, if it feels right.
Examples: 1, 2, 3
Urgency level: This trend will be evergreen for the summer months!
Ubiquitous Screens, Social Media, and Gen Z
What it is: According to CNN, today’s twelfth-graders are more likely to lie on their beds and scroll through their social media feeds than they are to socialize IRL with friends - compared to Gen X. Parents of this generation have concerns on how smartphones and social media will further shift their children’s social norms. Further, professionals argue some of biggest behavioral changes ever recorded in human history have coincided with the release of the smartphone.
What we can learn: As media specialists, these findings strengthen our role and responsibility in creating social content that entertains, educates, and resonates with Gen Z. We have their attention. As teens spend more time in the feeds, consider the type of content that your brand is sharing with them - is it authentic? Does it clearly speak to your brand’s values?
Netflix’s "Queen Charlotte" is on a press tour and is teaching a Masterclass In natural hairstyling! 👑🪮
Watch out Twitter: Instagram is reportedly coming out with a similar app this summer 👀🫢
Tupac Shakur will be honored with a street name in California 🎶🫶
Versace and Dua Lipa made the campy, luxurious vacation wardrobe of our dreams 👗
Thanks for reading! Today’s issue was created by Kalifa Washington and Gianna Barone. Want to subscribe? Reach out to Steph Caruso and Shelby Jacobs.