#MortalKombat1: The Mortal Kombat Universe is rebooted as Mortal Kombat 1 - a game to be released Sept 19 - and the trailer just dropped! Twitter is excited.
How brands can jump in: Brands could talk about their favorite video games, reboots, or throwbacks. Be mindful of IP, though!
Haitian Flag Day: Today is Haitian Flag Day, a national holiday commemorating the country's independence. Some folks are protesting today. Please be aware and mindful.
Killers of the Flower Moon: The teaser trailer for Martin Scorsese’s new film was released this morning starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, and Jesse Plemons.
How brands can jump in: Is your brand a film buff? Always up to date with celebrity news? Loves Westerns? Today could be a good day to tweet out something that references the film - just be mindful of IP!
Asked AI to...
What it is: Users are using AI to create or do something interesting and sharing the results on social media. Oftentimes, AI is treated like a persona or character that the person or brand interacts with. The content demonstrates silliness, absurdity, or just plain truthfulness.
How brands can jump in: First and foremost, it’s important to be mindful of AI tools’ IP. However, despite IP sensitivities, there could be a thoughtful way in for brands to tap into the AI conversation. Does your brand have a product that involves making choices (such as SweetGreen)? How about imagining a perfect (or worst) product? Does your brand agree/disagree with what the AI gives you? Have fun with it!
Examples: 1, 2, 3
Urgency level: The sooner, the better! It seems like this is about to be quite hot. However, AI is not going anywhere anytime soon.
Entering Our Wholesome Era
What it is: In an increasingly dark and overwhelming world, Gen Z and Zillennials are embracing things that are pure. The term for this? Wholesome. While the word may have historically taken a slightly negative or conservative connotation, it now signifies something that breaks from cynical internet content and makes you go “awww.” It’s a compliment, an aspiration, or as NYT writes, “a cultural value.”
What we can learn: From a brand perspective, it's important to understand the role of wholesome content in culture - on and off the internet. Gen Z craves authenticity and goodness. They’re easily turned off by shallowness or over-selling in content. They can and will see through it. Fans want to be reminded of the good in a world that can sometimes feel so crushingly bad. How can you help craft the future of what a truly wholesome world might look like?
🐌 An extremely rare *rainbow* sea slug was found off the coast of New England. You have to check out these images - this slug is COOL.
🌭The Weinermobile is getting a rebrand for the first time since 1936. Enter, the “Frankmobile”.
🥫Speaking of hotdogs…Heinz’s new “remix dispenser” lets you mix your favorite flavors and create the best sauce combination. Brb, gotta go try mango-chipotle-ranch.
📺 Be on the lookout for climate change in your next favorite show or movie. Or, read this interesting article about climate placements in the industry.
Thanks for reading! Today’s issue was created by Ellie Martin and Gianna Barone. Want to subscribe? Reach out to Steph Caruso and Shelby Jacobs.