Product teasers are like flirting—subtle, intriguing, and just enough to keep them thinking about you long after you’ve left the room. But too many brands’ teasers are like bad pickup lines: way too obvious, painfully desperate, and straight-up annoying.

Overselling makes people cringe. But underselling doesn’t help either. It’s like sitting in the corner hoping someone might notice you exist.

The truth is, 95% of new consumer products flop—not because they suck, but because nobody cared enough to pay attention. If you’re not teasing right, you’re either a punchline or invisible. Neither gets you sales.

So, how do you make your audience obsessed without sounding like a desperate infomercial? Stick around.

By the end of this, you’ll know how to tease your product so well, they’ll be begging for more. (And unlike the Galaxy Note 7, no one’s getting burned.)

The Fine Art of Teasing: Why Less Is So Much More

You’d think spilling all the juicy details about your product would get people excited, right? Wrong.

Look, people don’t crave what’s shoved in their faces—they crave what’s just out of reach.

This is called the Information Gap Theory—when people know something but not everything, their brains itch to close the gap. But if you give it all away, that itch disappears faster than your budget after a bad campaign.

Case in point: Coca-Cola Blak.

Yeah, that thing. “It’s Coke with coffee!” Cool. And? No mystery. No buzz. No one cared. It was dead on arrival and yanked off shelves in under two years.

Now compare that to Apple. They drop a cryptic invite with a shadowy image, and suddenly the internet loses its mind speculating over a rectangle. And when they finally show it, people are lining up like it’s the second coming of sliced bread. That’s the power of creating product hype without overselling.

The lesson here is… Tease, don’t tell. Keep your audience guessing, let them want more, and you’ll be generating buzz for new products without sounding like a desperate door-to-door salesman. Because in the end, less is more.

Overselling Is the Fastest Route to Nowhere

1. Don’t Overhype—Unless You Enjoy Public Humiliation

Amazon’s Fire Phone was supposed to “change everything.” You know what it did change?

Amazon’s ability to pretend they always win. After hyping it as the next big thing, reality hit hard—a $170 million write-down. Turns out, no one wanted a clunky, overpriced phone with a gimmicky 3D display that barely worked. When the hype doesn’t match the product, the market shrugs and laughs.

Overhyping doesn’t just make your product look bad—it makes you look clueless. And once your credibility’s gone? Good luck getting it back.

2. Don’t Be Vague Just for the Sake of It

Teasing is an art. But being so vague that people have no clue what you’re selling is just lazy. Sure, mystery can build interest, but if your audience feels like they’re being strung along, they’ll bounce faster than a kid on a sugar high.

Over 50% of consumers say they’re frustrated by teasers that feel like smoke and mirrors. If your marketing teaser campaigns are all buildup and zero payoff, people won’t stick around to see the punchline. You need to give them just enough to stay curious—but not so little that they stop caring.

3. Don’t Ignore Your Audience’s Actual Desires

Here’s the harsh truth: Your product isn’t as special as you think it is—unless your audience says it is.

Seth Godin nailed it: "Don't find customers for your products, find products for your customers."

You can have the slickest, most creative teaser on the planet, but if it doesn’t hit what your audience actually wants, it’s DOA.

Remember Google Glass?

Cool tech. Zero real-world demand. It flopped harder than a bad stand-up routine.

Your teaser needs to tap into real desires, not just what you think is cool. Miss that, and your product launch will be more forgettable than last year’s viral meme.

Overselling is a fast track to nowhere. So, tease smart, respect your audience’s intelligence, and let the product earn the hype.

How to Tease Without Being That Annoying Friend

Let’s get one thing straight here: teasing isn’t about being vague for the sake of it. It’s not about dropping random cryptic hints and hoping your audience magically cares. It’s about precision.

Hit the sweet spot between intrigue and information, and you’ll have people obsessing over your product before it even exists.

Miss it?

You’ll be background noise.

1. Tell a Story (Without Spoiling the Ending)

You don’t need to scream, “THIS IS THE BEST PRODUCT EVER”—because that’s exactly what people expect you to say. And when you sound like everyone else, you get ignored like yesterday’s spam folder.

Take Samsung’s Galaxy S6 Edge. They didn’t plaster every ad with boring specs or scream about curved glass. Nope. They let cryptic, sleek visuals do the talking. No over-explaining. No hard sell. Just enough mystery to get people whispering. The result was over 20 million YouTube views before the product even hit the shelves.

Lesson: Stop talking your product to death. Drop hints. Let people want to know more. That’s the foundation of effective teaser campaigns.

2. Leverage Social Proof Before the Product Even Launches

Want to know why the Xion CyberX eBike sold over $800,000 on launch day?

It’s because they pulled in 23,000 email subscribers before the bike even dropped. It wasn’t because of flashy ads or over-the-top promises.

How?

They made their audience feel like insiders. They shared sneak peeks, real-user testimonials, and behind-the-scenes content that made people feel like they were part of the launch—not just watching from the sidelines.

Lesson: Teasers aren’t just for the product—they’re for the people. Show them others are excited, and they’ll follow the crowd. That’s pre-launch marketing done right.

3. Use the Scarcity Principle Like Your Sales Depend on It (Because They Do)

Nothing gets people foaming at the mouth like limited access. It’s basic psychology—if something’s hard to get, people want it more. You don’t have to invent a fake shortage (toilet paper panic of 2020), but you do need to create urgency.

Here’s proof:

Think about every Nike drop that sells out in minutes. It’s not just about the product—it’s about the fear of missing out. And yes, FOMO is still alive and kicking.

Brian Lawley said it best: "After the launch phase, your product is old news. Take advantage of the opportunity to generate interest when your product is new."

Lesson: Don’t wait until launch day to get people hyped. Use teaser advertising techniques to make your product feel like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Product Launch Fails (And What You Can Learn from Them)

The road to product glory is littered with billion-dollar trainwrecks. If you think a big budget and a flashy teaser guarantee success, these disasters are here to prove you painfully wrong.

Let’s dig up some corporate skeletons and see what they should’ve done differently.

Case Study #1: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 – When Speed Kills (Literally)

Samsung was so desperate to beat Apple to market, they skipped a tiny detail: making sure their phones didn’t explode. The Galaxy Note 7 was hyped as the next big thing, but instead of dominating the smartphone game, it became a literal fire hazard. Phones were catching fire on planes, in people’s pockets, and even in bed.

The result was a $19 billion loss, a worldwide recall, and a PR disaster that made Samsung the butt of every tech joke.

The Lesson: Rushing a launch to outpace the competition is a gamble with your brand’s reputation. No amount of flashy product launch strategies can save you if the product itself is a ticking time bomb. Test. Then test again. Or risk becoming a cautionary tale.

Case Study #2: HP TouchPad – The Tablet Nobody Asked For

HP thought they could waltz into the tablet market and dethrone the iPad. Instead, they created the TouchPad, a tablet so forgettable that HP yanked it from shelves in just 48 days.

Why?

Because no one knew—or cared—why it existed. The marketing was bland, the software clunky, and the product had zero value proposition. It was like showing up to a party no one invited you to—and then realizing you brought the wrong dish.

The Lesson: You can’t slap together a product, throw a weak teaser at the wall, and hope it sticks. Effective teaser campaigns start with a clear message: Why should anyone care?

If you can’t answer that, don’t expect your audience to.

What a Perfect Teaser Looks Like: Step-by-Step Guide

Anyone can slap together a teaser. But if you want to stop people in their tracks, you need more than flashy graphics and empty buzzwords. You need a formula that hooks, intrigues, and leaves them desperate for more.

Here’s how you craft a teaser that dominates.

Step 1: Know Your Audience Inside Out (Because Guessing Is for Amateurs)

If you don’t know what makes your audience tick, you might as well toss your teaser into the void. Vague assumptions will get you ignored faster than a robocall during dinner.

Don’t Assume—Know. Use surveys, social media stalking (yes, stalking), and dig through customer feedback like your product depends on it—because it does.

When Coca-Cola Blak launched their coffee-infused soda, they assumed people wanted it. Unfortunately, they didn’t. The product tanked because Coke didn’t listen—they told.

Step 2: Craft a Narrative That Hooks (But Leave ‘Em Hanging)

Teasers aren’t about being cryptic for the sake of it. They’re about dropping just enough info to make your audience’s curiosity itch—without scratching it.

Be Specific Enough to Intrigue, Vague Enough to Tempt.

Samsung nailed this with their Galaxy S6 Edge teaser—cryptic visuals, sleek designs, and zero over-explaining..

Step 3: Spread It Everywhere (Yes, Everywhere)

If your teaser is only living on Instagram, congrats—you’ve limited yourself to one corner of the internet. Real teasers saturate every channel.

• Email Campaigns: Send sneak peeks to your subscribers. Make them feel like insiders, not just inbox clutter.
• Influencer Hype: Get people who actually matter in your niche to whisper about your product. Not influencers who promote protein shakes one day and car insurance the next.

Step 4: Use Scarcity Like Your Life Depends on It

Want people to want what you’ve got? Make it scarce. Humans are wired to crave what feels exclusive or fleeting.

• Limited Pre-Orders: Give early birds first access. Make it crystal clear this is a one-time shot.
• Exclusive Drops: Think about Nike. Their limited releases don’t just sell out—they spark riots.

Step 5: Track, Tweak, Repeat (Because No One Gets It Right the First Time)

The first teaser isn’t always the golden one. Track your metrics—click-through rates, engagement, pre-orders. If something’s flatlining, pivot before your whole campaign crashes.

Data Is Your Friend: Watch how your audience responds. Are they clicking? Sharing? Ignoring? Adjust accordingly.

Even the best pre-release marketing tactics need refinement. The brands that succeed don’t just launch—they adapt.

Tease Smart, Launch Big, and Leave Them Begging for More

Teasing isn’t about shouting the loudest—it’s about hitting the right nerve. A sharp, well-timed teaser sparks obsession. The difference between a product that flops and one that sells out in minutes is not always the product itself—it’s how you introduce it.

You’ve got the pre-release marketing tactics and product announcement ideas in your arsenal. Now, use them to build a buzz that sticks. Tease smart, launch big, and watch your audience demand more.

Ready to make them crave what you’re selling? We’ve got your back—without the oversell.

Social media never slows down, and neither do we. This week is packed with updates across platforms (as always), plus we’ve rolled out some new ZoomSphere features you won’t want to miss.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s new:

What’s new on Instagram?

New Fonts for Instagram Stories (Again!)

ICYMI, Instagram was testing two new fonts for Stories last week, and now they’re officially rolling out. More ways to personalize your content? We’re here for it. Will brands actually use them? We’ll see.

Plus, they’re already working on adding new effects to bring fresh creative options to Stories! Out of the two, "Jagged" is definitely giving aesthetic, and we wouldn’t be shocked if it blows up.

Drag & Zoom for Post Previews

Small but useful—Instagram now lets you drag and zoom to adjust how your post looks before publishing. It’s a simple tweak, but for brands and creators aiming for that perfect feed aesthetic, this is a welcome change.

Testing a New Audio Search Page

Instagram is experimenting with a dedicated audio search page, which could mean easier discovery for trending sounds. If this rolls out widely, expect more brands to jump on viral audio trends for Reels.

What’s new on Facebook?

Reuse Reels Audio in New Reels

Facebook Reels just got a boost! Users can now repurpose Reels audio directly into new Reels. This makes content remixing way easier—great news for brands wanting to jump on audio trends without extra effort.

What’s new on Threads?

Markup Now Available

Threads just introduced Markup—press and hold on a caption to highlight parts of a post. While this feels like a small update, it could help brands emphasize key messaging in longer posts.

AI Labels for Realistic-Looking Generated Content

In the fight against AI-generated misinformation, Threads now labels posts with realistic AI-created content. This transparency move is great for credibility, especially as brands and creators explore AI-generated visuals.

What’s new on TikTok?

Full-Screen Livestreams

TikTok is testing a full-screen mode for livestreams, making it easier to pull viewers in and keep them engaged. If you're into live shopping or events, this could be a big win. More screen, more attention? Guess we’ll find out.

Expanding In-Stream Shopping to Latin America

TikTok is bringing in-stream shopping to Mexico and other Latin American countries. If it catches on, it could change how people shop on the app globally. Want to know more about TikTok livestream shopping? Check out our blog.

What’s new on YouTube?

Expanding Text-to-Speech for Shorts

Short-form video creators, rejoice! YouTube is rolling out more text-to-speech options for Shorts, making it easier to add voiceovers with just a few taps. Perfect for those who don’t want to record their own audio.

What’s new on ZoomSphere?

Facebook Reels Collabs Now Available

From now on, you can plan and schedule your Facebook Reels collaborations directly in ZoomSphere! This means you can easily add collaborators to your Reels, simplifying the process for brands and influencers. This feature has been available for Instagram Reels for a while, and now it's finally here for Facebook too!

Add an Audio Name to IG Reels

Another creative tool—ZoomSphere now allows you to add custom audio names to your Instagram Reels, making your content more discoverable. This feature helps improve searchability, making it easier for users to find trending sounds and boosting engagement for brands and creators alike.

New 3:4 Grid in Scheduler

The preview grid in ZoomSphere just got a refresh! Instagram recently announced their new 3:4 profile grids, so we're updating ours too to provide you with a realistic look at how your profile will appear once your posts go live.

TikTok is no longer a stage for viral dances and Gen Z memes—it’s where brands either thrive or get publicly roasted in record time. And trust, TikTok doesn’t believe in second chances. That’s where TikTok crisis management becomes your brand’s lifeline.

One bad post, and you’re a meme.

One poorly timed comment? You’re trending, and not in the fun way. And with 80% of brand-generated TikToks failing to spark any emotion at all, the rare times people do care could be the start of your worst PR nightmare.

Because the truth is, on TikTok, perception is your product. And once you lose control of that, the app will make sure everyone knows.

The Fastest Way to Go from Trendy to Tragic

Oh! You think your brand is untouchable? That TikTok loves you today, so it’ll love you tomorrow? Cute. But , look.. TikTok doesn’t care about your intentions. It cares about content. And if your content stinks of desperation, tone-deafness, or anything remotely shady, Gen Z will sniff it out faster than you can hit ‘delete’.

Here’s how some brands learned that lesson the hard way.

1. P.Louise’s £240 Raffle: Went From Festive to Fraudulent in 60 Seconds

Ah, the holiday season—time for twinkly lights, cozy vibes, and, apparently, allegedly illegal raffles. UK beauty brand P.Louise thought they’d sprinkle some festive cheer by raffling off £240 advent calendars at £5 a ticket.

Cute, right?

Except for one thing: TikTok sleuths quickly pointed out that raffles in the UK require a license from the Gambling Commission. Oops.

What followed was a full-blown social media PR crisis. TikTok creators tore into the brand, questioning its ethics and accusing it of exploiting fans under the guise of holiday generosity. Suddenly, P.Louise wasn’t just a beauty brand; it was that brand—the one skirting legality for a quick buck.

Lesson: If your promo sounds too good to be true—or too shady to be legal—TikTok will find out, and they’ll roast you for it.

2. Tarte Cosmetics and the $700 Bracelet That Cost Them More Than Money

Tarte Cosmetics thought they were flexing hard when they sent out $700 Hermès bracelets in their influencer PR packages. Luxury, exclusivity, the whole nine yards. But here’s where it got messy: not everyone got the bracelet.

TikTok noticed. Accusations of favoritism, lack of diversity, and flat-out tone-deaf marketing flooded the app. Suddenly, that fancy bracelet wasn’t a flex—it was a symbol of everything wrong with influencer culture. Instead of building relationships, Tarte found themselves responding to TikTok criticism from influencers and followers alike.

Lesson: If you’re going to flaunt luxury, make sure it doesn’t come with a side of exclusivity backlash.

3. TikTok’s Own Meltdown: The PR Stunt That Might’ve Worked a Little Too Well

In January 2025, TikTok “accidentally” shut down in the U.S. for 12 hours.

Technical glitch?

Server overload?

Nah, experts believe it was a deliberate PR stunt designed to stir panic and remind users just how hooked they are. And boy, did it work.

Users lost their minds. Hashtags like #TikTokDown trended globally, and conspiracy theories ran wild. But it worked. TikTok dominated headlines, controlled the narrative, and came back stronger than ever. But it also showed the world just how fragile their grip on the platform really is.

Lesson: Even the giants can play risky games—but when you try it? Yeah, good luck surviving the fallout.

Look, TikTok isn’t loyal. It doesn’t care about your brand story, your intentions, or your PR budget. All it takes is one mistake, and suddenly, you’re not that cool brand anymore—you’re that brand. The one that messed up.

Why TikTok Crises Hit Harder

TikTok crises hit different—and they hit hard. Here’s why your brand is at risk of getting called out (or even cancelled) on TikTok:

1. Speed of Outrage: Blink and You’re Cancelled

You know how X gives you a few hours before things go nuclear? TikTok doesn’t. The platform’s algorithm is designed to pour gasoline on controversy and light a match. In just 24 hours, your brand’s reputation can go into oblivion, and the worst part is, you don’t even need millions of followers to go viral for the wrong reasons. One angry creator, a well-placed hashtag, and boom—you’re toast.

And the algorithm doesn’t differentiate between positive engagement and a PR firestorm. Engagement is engagement, and TikTok loves controversy just as much as it loves cat videos. So while you’re still figuring out your next crisis communication move, TikTok has already handed your brand over to the masses for public dissection.

2. The Bandwagon Effect: From One Comment to a Full-Blown Mob

On TikTok, it only takes one person to light the match. Once a single creator calls you out, it’s not just their followers piling on—it’s everyone. And the bandwagon effect is ruthless. Suddenly, people who’ve never even interacted with your brand are stitching videos, adding their two cents, and making sure your brand becomes the punchline of every joke.

When P.Louise’s raffle blew up, it wasn’t just because a few people were upset—it was because TikTok creators saw an opportunity to ride the wave of outrage, and the platform rewarded them for it. Likes, shares, comments—it all adds fuel to the fire.

3. Negativity Bias: Bad News Travels Faster Than You Can Blink

Let’s be real: humans are wired to love bad news. It’s called negativity bias, and TikTok has it down to a science. Studies show that negative content spreads three times faster than positive content. So while you’re trying to push out your carefully crafted brand message, the internet is more interested in watching you fail.

On TikTok, negativity is the content. People flock to bad news, especially when it involves brands making fools of themselves. And once your brand becomes the example of “what not to do,” good luck shifting that narrative. Because now, you’re not just a brand—you’re the case study everyone references in their ‘How to Handle a PR Disaster’ TikToks.

If you’re marketing to Gen Z, you better be ready to play by their rules. This isn’t a demographic that’s going to let you slide with a half-hearted apology or a PR statement stuffed with buzzwords. They want authenticity, accountability, and above all—speed. Because on TikTok, if you’re not ahead of the outrage, you’re buried under it.

So yeah, crisis communication on TikTok is survival.

Early Warning Signs Your Brand Is on the Brink

TikTok doesn’t cancel brands overnight—it just feels that way. The warning signs are always there. The problem is, most brands are too busy patting themselves on the back to notice the ground cracking beneath their feet. By the time you realize what’s happening, it’s already too late.

If you’re serious about preventing TikTok PR disasters, here’s what to watch for.

1. Your Comments Section Becomes Fire

Your post goes live, and instead of the usual “🔥” and “Love this!”, you’re greeted with “This ain’t it,” “Yikes,” and “Who approved this?” Congratulations—you’ve just triggered the first wave of backlash.

And here’s the thing: TikTok’s algorithm LOVES controversy. More comments mean more views. More views mean more people joining the roast. Suddenly, your brand’s a meme, and not the good kind.

2. Influencers Turn Against You

When influencers—especially those micro-influencers with loyal, cult-like followers—start calling you out, it’s a business disaster. TikTok’s audience trusts influencers more than they trust brands. If someone with even 10k followers says you’re problematic, expect a snowball effect that could bulldoze your reputation.

You think you can just wait it out? Good luck with that. TikTok doesn’t forget.

3. Hashtag Hijacking: When Your Campaign Gets Flipped on You

You spent weeks brainstorming the perfect branded hashtag, only for TikTok to hijack it and turn it into a punchline. Now, instead of being a fun marketing tool, your hashtag is the centerpiece of a viral joke. This isn’t only embarrassing—it’s PR quicksand. The more you struggle, the deeper you sink.

4. The Silent Treatment: When Nobody Cares Anymore

Sometimes, the biggest red flag isn’t loud. It’s silence. Your once-engaged audience stops commenting, sharing, or even acknowledging your content. This is a death sentence for your brand’s credibility. On TikTok, silence means your audience has stopped trusting you.

5. Random Users Start Fact-Checking You (And They’re Right)

If random TikTok users start fact-checking your posts and finding real errors, your brand’s in deep. TikTok users are ruthless detectives who thrive on exposing corporate BS. And when they catch you? It’s open season. Your next campaign won’t just flop—it’ll become the case study for what not to do.

Crisis Mode: What to Do When You’re Already Viral (for the Wrong Reasons)

So, you’ve gone viral. But not for that clever campaign your team spent months perfecting. Nope. You’re viral because TikTok decided you’re the villain of the week. Welcome to the hot seat. Now what?

1. Own It Before It Owns You

Silence on TikTok is like throwing gasoline on a fire and hoping it doesn’t explode. The longer you wait, the worse it gets. If you messed up, don’t dance around it. Admit it. Straight up. Lanny J. Davis nailed it:

“Gaffes can be excused—Americans are a forgiving lot. But it requires an authentic admission, ‘I screwed up’— and let’s move on.”

People don’t expect perfection, but they do expect honesty. Dragging your feet or blaming someone else is a fast-track to making things worse.

2. Keep It Human (Because Robotic PR Statements Don’t Fly Here)

If your response sounds like it was written by a legal team and filtered through five executives, delete it. TikTok isn’t LinkedIn. Ditch the corporate jargon. No one wants to hear about your “commitment to excellence” when they’re calling you out for something dumb. Remember what crisis expert Melissa Agnes said:

“When it comes to crisis communications, if you always focus on building a relationship with your customers, fans and followers, you will always find yourself communicating in the right direction.”

So, talk like a human. Admit where you messed up. Don’t over-explain. Don’t deflect. Just own it.

3. Respond in Their Language (Yes, That Means Making a TikTok)

You got roasted on TikTok? Your apology doesn’t belong in a press release or a stiff tweet—it belongs on TikTok. This isn’t the time for a carefully crafted statement buried in the fifth paragraph of a corporate blog post. If the backlash happened in 15 seconds, your response better fit in that same time frame.

Think of it this way: TikTok loves authenticity. People can smell a fake apology from a mile away.

Remember when Logan Paul apologized on YouTube with a scripted video and got dragged even harder?

Yeah, don’t be that brand. Be direct, be real, and for the love of everything, don’t disable the comments. That’s like waving a flag that says, “We’re guilty but too scared to talk about it.”

4. Don’t Overreact (Unless You Want to Make It Worse)

Panicking will turn a bad situation into an irreversible one. Pulling down posts, deleting comments, or pretending it didn’t happen is an invitation for TikTok to dig deeper. If your brand gets caught in a mess, address it head-on.

If you start scrubbing your feed, you’re not fixing the problem—you’re becoming the problem. TikTok’s users are like bloodhounds for shady behavior. Once they sense you’re hiding something, they’ll make it their mission to expose you.

5. Let the Community Speak (If You’ve Earned It)

If you’ve built a loyal audience, they’ll defend you. But this only works if your brand has actually earned their trust. If you’ve been authentic, transparent, and consistent, your community might just step up and drown out some of the noise.

But if you’ve been fake, inconsistent, or tone-deaf? Good luck. TikTok doesn’t hand out free passes. And trying to rally support when you’ve never engaged with your audience in a meaningful way is like asking strangers to help move your couch—they’re not interested.

Handling TikTok Influencer Controversies

Influencers can make your brand—or they can set it on fire, pour gasoline on the ashes, and watch from the sidelines while you scramble. Just ask Tarte Cosmetics—we covered their case above. Their $700 Hermès bracelets in PR packages were slammed for favoritism and lack of diversity. What should’ve been a flex turned into a PR disaster.

So no, the trick isn’t to avoid influencer drama. That’s impossible. The real challenge is knowing how to handle it when it hits.

1. Vet Before You Bet (Because Follower Counts Mean Nothing)

Just because someone’s got 500k followers doesn’t mean they won’t wreck your brand the moment you hand them a product. Dig deep.

• What do they stand for?
• Have they been involved in past controversies?
• Does their audience actually give a damn about your product?

If you skip this step, congrats—you’re gambling your brand’s reputation on someone who might not even align with your values. And when the backlash comes, you’ll have no one to blame but yourself.

2. Crisis Clauses

Yeah, legal talk is boring. But you know what’s worse? Getting dragged into an influencer’s mess with no way out.

Put crisis clauses in your contracts. This is your exit strategy when an influencer screws up. Spell out exactly what happens if they land you in hot water:

• Do they owe you a public apology?
• Do you get to cut ties immediately without penalty?
• Can you force them to take down content?

If you don’t lock this down upfront, you’ll be stuck watching your brand crumble from the sidelines.

3. Distance Strategically (Don’t Panic and Overreact)

When an influencer messes up, your first instinct might be to cut ties immediately. But hold up. A knee-jerk reaction can make things worse.

Sometimes, distancing yourself too fast makes you look guilty or disloyal, especially if the controversy isn’t black-and-white. Take a breath. Assess the situation.

Is it something they can recover from? Is the backlash temporary, or will sticking by them show that your brand actually stands for something?

If you drop them too fast, you might end up looking just as bad—like you’re trying to save face instead of doing the right thing.

4. When Influencers Drag You Into Their Drama (Without Even Trying)

Sometimes it’s not even your influencer causing the problem—it’s their followers. Maybe they misinterpret your campaign. Maybe they think your product doesn’t align with the influencer’s values. Whatever it is, you’re in the crossfire.

In these cases, the key is swift, clear communication. Don’t let the influencer fight your battles for you. Own your part of the conversation and clarify things before they spiral out of control.

How to Claw Your Way Back After a TikTok Scandal

If you’ve blown up on TikTok—but not for the reasons you wanted --- maybe it was a tone-deaf campaign, a clumsy influencer partnership, or just a plain-old screw-up. Doesn’t matter. What matters now is this: how do you stop the bleeding and claw your way back from the digital graveyard?

Here’s how to not only survive a TikTok scandal but come out swinging.

1. Turn the Narrative (Because “Sorry” Isn’t Enough)

Let’s be honest here —“We apologize for any inconvenience caused” doesn’t cut it on TikTok. People can smell a fake apology a mile away. If you’ve messed up, don’t just say sorry. Prove you’ve learned something.

Use the scandal as a case study for change. Show your audience you’re actually fixing the issue.

Did your brand screw up a diversity campaign? Highlight how you’ve brought in real experts to guide future campaigns.

Got called out for unethical sourcing? Show your new transparent supply chain practices.

Don’t just say you’ve changed. Document the receipts. Post updates. Share progress. Make it impossible for anyone to say, “They didn’t learn a thing.”

2. Let Your Audience Do the Talking (But Only If They Still Like You)

If you’ve got any loyal fans left after the scandal, now’s the time to rally them. Launch user-generated content (UGC) campaigns that put the spotlight back on your good side. Get your audience involved in telling the story of your comeback.

But you can’t fake this. If people don’t genuinely believe you’ve owned your mistakes, they’re not going to back you up. Worse, they’ll call you out again for trying to manipulate the narrative.

So keep it authentic. Let your audience share their own positive experiences with your brand, but don’t force it. TikTok users can smell desperation, and that’s a stench you don’t want lingering around.

3. Stay Consistent (Or Get Forgotten)

The absolute worst thing you can do after a scandal is, go dark. Disappear. Pretend it never happened.

TikTok doesn’t forget. If you stop posting, people will assume you’re hiding. And the next time you pop up with a new campaign, guess what? The first comments will be, “Oh, look who crawled out of hiding.”

So keep posting. Keep engaging. And most importantly—keep it real. Don’t act like nothing happened, but don’t wallow in it either. Find the balance between addressing the past and showing you’ve moved forward.

4. Don’t Overcorrect (Because That’s Just Awkward)

Here’s a mistake brands love to make: swinging too hard in the opposite direction after a scandal. You got called out for a tone-deaf ad, and suddenly your entire feed is filled with over-the-top apologies and painfully obvious virtue signaling.

Stop. TikTok users can spot fake “growth” a mile away. You don’t need to reinvent your entire brand overnight. Just show that you’ve learned, adapted, and moved on. Authenticity beats overcompensation every single time.

How to Build a Brand That’s Bulletproof on TikTok

Look… no brand is truly bulletproof on TikTok. But if you’re smart, you can make your brand so hard to cancel that even the most dedicated trolls will give up halfway through.

Here’s how to stay off the chopping block.

1. Content Moderation Strategies: Spot the Fire Before It Burns Down Your Brand

If you’re not watching your content like a hawk, you’re asking for trouble. TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t just reward creativity—it rewards controversy. That means one bad comment can snowball into a full-blown PR nightmare if you’re not paying attention.

Keep an eye on conversations to catch issues before they explode. Whether it’s tracking mentions, monitoring sentiment, or spotting red flags early, staying proactive can save you from a PR disaster. Because let’s be honest—by the time you notice the problem manually, it’s already too late.

2. Authenticity Over Perfection: Stop Polishing, Start Being Real

Gen Z isn’t here for your perfectly curated brand voice. They can spot fake from a mile away. If your content feels forced or overly polished, they’ll roast you harder than your worst enemy in high school.

It’s better to be messy and real than flawless and fake. Share the behind-the-scenes. Admit when you mess up. Crack a joke at your own expense. TikTok thrives on authenticity, and if you’re not giving it to them, they’ll find someone who will.

3. Crisis Drills: Practice Screwing Up Before You Actually Do

You think you’re too smart to land in a TikTok scandal? Nah. The best way to survive a PR meltdown is to prepare like you’re already in one.

Run mock PR crises with your team. Test how fast you can respond to a fake backlash. Pretend your latest post went viral for all the wrong reasons and see how your team handles it. If your first real crisis is the first time you’ve thought about your response strategy, you’re toast.

4. Social Listening: Hear the Rumblings before the Earthquake

If you’re only paying attention to your own posts, you’re missing the point. The real danger comes from what people are saying about you—not what you’re saying yourself.

This is where social listening comes in. Some tools help you monitor your own content—they let you hear what’s happening in the TikTok trenches. You’ll know when a hashtag starts turning against you, when influencers start side-eyeing your brand, or when a seemingly harmless comment starts gaining traction.

Conclusion

TikTok is a double-edged sword. One day, you’re the brand everyone loves; the next, you’re trending for all the wrong reasons. But TikTok doesn’t just expose your mistakes—it magnifies how you handle them.

A scandal could be your shot to prove you’re more than a logo and a PR statement. It’s not about avoiding mistakes—it’s about owning them. The brands that survive are the ones that stay real when things go sideways.

In an age where brands scream for attention, the smartest ones are barely whispering—and somehow, everyone is still listening.

Minimalist marketing isn’t just about clean aesthetics and whitespace; it’s a full-blown strategy that cuts through the noise without adding to it. And if you’re thinking, Isn’t that just a fancy way of saying ‘do less’?—you’re not wrong. But the trick is knowing what to strip away and what to keep.

So let’s break it down. Why does minimalist marketing work, and how can you use it to strengthen your brand strategy?

Minimalist Marketing, Explained in 10 Words or Less

Fewer words. Simpler designs. Stronger impact. Higher perceived value.

Minimalism in marketing is all about precision—communicating just enough to intrigue, without overwhelming your audience with fluff. No shouting, no clutter, just the message and the feeling. And it works because:

• People’s attention spans are microscopic. You have seconds to make an impression.
• Simplicity builds trust—clear messaging feels more authentic and confident.
• Less noise = more curiosity. When done right, minimalism makes people want to lean in.

The Psychology Behind Minimalist Branding

Minimalism in branding is not just about aesthetics; it taps into deeper psychological principles that influence consumer behavior:

• Cognitive Ease: The brain processes clean, simple visuals faster, making brand messages stick.
• The Paradox of Choice: Too many options can overwhelm people. By simplifying offerings, brands reduce decision fatigue and make purchasing easier.
• Emotional Resonance: Minimalist design creates a sense of calm, trust, and clarity—key factors in building brand loyalty.
• Scarcity Principle: When something feels exclusive, demand goes up. Minimalist marketing often taps into this by making products seem more valuable.

Understanding these psychological triggers helps marketers create campaigns that not only look clean but also drive real engagement and loyalty.

Does Minimalism Actually Work? The Data Says Yes

If you’re wondering whether stripping away the noise actually helps, the data says yes.

According to a Google study, people find simple, uncluttered websites more appealing almost instantly—within the first 50 milliseconds. In other words, the cleaner and more streamlined the design, the better the first impression.

Similarly, companies with simple branding outperform competitors by 214% in the stock market, proving that clear, easy-to-understand messaging resonates more with consumers and translates into business success.

The Risks of Going Too Minimalist

Minimalism works—when it’s done right. But some brands have taken it too far, losing the very essence of what made them recognizable.

Take The Gap Logo Disaster (2010)—a masterclass in “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Gap decided to swap its classic logo for a painfully generic, corporate-looking redesign. The internet revolted, memes were made, and within a week, they hit the undo button and went back to the original logo.

More recently, Jaguar’s 2024 rebrand followed a similar path. In an effort to look modern and sleek, they ditched their iconic leaping jaguar for a flat, monochrome logo. Sure, it’s clean, but is it exciting? Not really. Some people loved the new look, others felt it sucked the soul out of the brand.

‍Moral of the story? Minimalism should elevate a brand, not make it unrecognizable. Keep it simple, but don’t strip away the personality.

How Apple, Uniqlo, and Calm Master Minimalism

Some brands are loud, some are flashy, and then some have mastered the art of saying almost nothing while making a lasting impression.

Apple: The Ultimate Silent Flex

Apple’s marketing strategy is the definition of less is more.

Their ads? A product floating on a black or white background.

Their copy? “Shot on iPhone.” That’s it. No extra words, no fluff.

Their product launches? Simple slides, minimal text, and an audience that hangs onto every word.

Apple doesn’t need to convince you that its products are premium. The clean design and effortless confidence tell you that already.

Uniqlo: Fashion, Function, and Zero Extra Words

Uniqlo isn’t just about clothing—it’s about necessities done perfectly.

Their branding is straightforward: timeless essentials with high-quality materials.

Product descriptions focus on practicality—no exaggerated fashion lingo, just the facts.

Store layouts mirror their branding: clean, simple, and easy to navigate.

Uniqlo doesn’t chase trends. It creates wardrobe staples people trust, and its minimalist branding reinforces that sense of reliability.

Calm: Marketing That Matches the Mood

Imagine an ad that tells you to “Breathe in, breathe out.” That’s Calm’s entire brand energy.

Their ads feature simple backgrounds, soft colors, and minimal text. Their social media? One-line reminders to slow down and take a breath. Even their push notifications are chill—reminding you to take a break, not demanding your attention.

For a meditation app, making the marketing feel like meditation? Genius. Calm nails this with its minimalist approach, reinforcing exactly what it stands for—less stress, more mindfulness, and a simpler life. No loud promos, no cluttered visuals—just a brand that actually practices what it preaches. And in the crowded wellness space, that’s what makes it stand out.

Final Thought: Less Is More (If You Do It Right)

Minimalist marketing isn’t about being boring or doing nothing—it’s about knowing what not to do. Brands like Apple, Uniqlo, and Calm prove that cutting out the noise makes people listen even harder.

As a marketer, understanding the power of simplicity can lead to stronger brand perception, higher engagement, and long-term success.

So, is your brand ready to embrace less? If done right, it could mean a lot more.

Before you start side-eyeing your sales team for this quarter’s numbers, ask yourself this: is your social commerce strategy actually pulling its weight—or quietly tanking your revenue behind your back?

Look… TikTok Shop casually raked in $100 million in a single day last Black Friday. Meanwhile, Gen Z’s buying with one hand and recording reaction videos with the other, all before your post even loads.

And while you’re wondering why your carts are empty, Chinese consumers spent $352 billion on social commerce alone. And in the U.S., 10 million more people jumped on the social shopping bandwagon in just two years.

The message is clear—people are buying where they scroll, not where you’re sending them. So before you point fingers, maybe it’s time to look at the real problem.

Let’s talk about what you’re missing.

Social Commerce Is No Longer Optional – The Data Proves It

Let’s not sugarcoat it—your audience is shopping, scrolling, and buying faster than most brands can keep up. Between 2021 and 2023, over 10 million new social shoppers joined the U.S. market, pushing the total to 107 million. That’s more than a trend. It’s a tidal wave, and the only thing optional is whether your brand gets swept along or left gasping on the sidelines.

Social media isn’t just about likes and shares anymore; it’s a trust hub. Reviews, user-generated content, and shoppable posts have all become the digital equivalent of a well-placed recommendation from a friend.

Social commerce taps into what behavioral psychologists call validation triggers—the subtle nudges that make people trust and buy, right where they are. If you’re not optimizing this, you’re essentially asking shoppers to second-guess you.

The Rise of Cross-Platform Shopping

While brands are still fumbling over sales, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and emerging players like RedNote have nailed the art of cross-platform social commerce strategies. They’re already creating seamless, almost frictionless buying journeys that stretch across channels.

Now, this isn’t just about being present everywhere. It’s about successful multichannel marketing, where each platform plays a distinct role in guiding shoppers toward a purchase. TikTok thrives on spontaneity, Instagram perfects visual appeal, and Facebook stays the king of social proof. Meanwhile, RedNote is quietly carving out space with its community-driven approach to social selling. If you’re still relying on a one-size-fits-all strategy, well, let’s just say your audience has already moved on.

With shoppers expecting streamlined, trust-driven experiences, it’s time to start thinking beyond single-channel tactics. If your social commerce strategy isn’t evolving, your competitors’ probably is.

7 Deadly Social Commerce Sins Killing Your Sales

If your sales report feels more like a eulogy lately, it’s because of bad social commerce decisions. The truth is, many brands unknowingly commit sins that send customers fleeing faster than you can say “jack.”

Now, let’s get into the seven most common mistakes and how they’re quietly sabotaging your success.

1. Ignoring Ephemeral Content: The Fear of Missing Out Is Real

Ephemeral content is a ticking clock that makes people act.

Why? FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).

Platforms like Instagram Stories are perfectly engineered to trigger this urgency, and brands that skip ephemeral content are skipping out on engagement.

Take Glossier, for example. Their Instagram Stories offer limited-time product drops, sneak peeks, and polls that feel personal and interactive. The result is instant audience engagement and, yes, sales.

The practices are clear: if your content disappears, your audience is more likely to show up before it does.

2. Treating Influencers Like Billboards

In 2024, influencers drove 20% of Cyber Monday’s e-commerce revenue, but the key wasn’t transaction-heavy posts. It was authentic, creative collaborations.

Brands like Gymshark nailed this with fitness challenges led by micro-influencers. It’s not about slapping your product in someone’s feed; it’s about making it part of their narrative. The influencer marketing’s impact on sales is undeniable, but only when partnerships feel genuine.

3. Overlooking Social Proof: Trust Is the Currency

Would you buy from a store with no reviews? Neither would 54% of social shoppers, who cite legitimacy concerns as their top hesitation.

Social proof in online shopping—user-generated content, reviews, and testimonials—builds the trust that leads to conversions.

Platforms are revolutionizing this by integrating customer feedback directly into shoppable content. If you’re not leveraging your customers’ voices, you’re leaving money on the table.

4. Forgetting Live Streaming: Where Sales Happen in Real Time

Did you know that Beauty brand P Louise pulled in $2 million during a 12-hour TikTok live shopping session?

Live streaming is a real-time sales machine! It taps into real-time urgency, giving audiences the sense that if they don’t buy now, someone else will.

Integrating live streaming into your social commerce strategy creates moments your audience won’t forget.

5. Neglecting Chatbots in Conversion Funnels

You wouldn’t leave customers unattended in a physical store, so why do it online?

Integrating chatbots into social selling techniques ensures your customers get instant answers to their questions, breaking down barriers to purchase.

Brands using chatbots see higher conversion rates because they remove friction—no waiting, no guessing. If you’re serious about your social commerce strategy, chatbots aren’t optional; they’re essential.

6. Failing to Optimize Shoppable Posts

Shoppable posts are supposed to make buying easy, but if yours are hard to find or poorly tagged, you’re turning potential sales into scrolls. Instagram and Facebook Shop optimization tips are everywhere, but here’s the deal: keep it clean, keep it clear, and keep it quick.

Brands like ASOS lead the charge with effortless tagging, relevant product links, and seamless navigation.

Anything less? You’re giving your competitors an edge.

7. Ignoring the ROI of Social Campaigns

Let’s be honest—if you’re not measuring the ROI of your social media campaigns, you’re just shooting in the dark. Social commerce is full of moving parts, and advanced analytics tools are the only way to keep track.

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram already provide built-in insights, but tools that consolidate metrics across channels take it to the next level. Measuring your campaigns is the difference between guessing and growing.

Every one of these sins is costing you sales, and the fix isn’t about overhauling your entire strategy—it’s about getting smarter. The sooner you address these mistakes, the sooner you stop leaving money on the table.

Mastering the Social Media Sales Funnel

If you’re still treating the social media sales funnel like a copy-paste of traditional marketing, it’s no wonder your audience keeps ghosting you. The rules have changed, and so has your customer. This sales funnel is a proven structure that turns casual scrollers into loyal buyers—if you know how to do it right.

The Four Stages of the Funnel

Awareness

The top of the funnel is all about getting noticed. Well-targeted shoppable posts on Instagram are your tools here. Big brands use ephemeral content in Stories to stay on top of mind—because what’s seen today, and gone tomorrow, is remembered longer than you think.

Engagement

Now that you’ve caught their attention, keep it. Gen Z expects more than a one-size-fits-all strategy; they want real interaction. Polls, quizzes, and user-generated content fuel conversations and create emotional hooks. This stage is also where social proof in online shopping—like reviews and testimonials—starts to sway decisions.

Conversion

Here’s where the dopamine loop takes center stage. Likes, shares, and the seamless experience of shoppable posts create instant rewards. The psychology is simple: small wins keep customers coming back for bigger ones, like hitting “Buy Now.”

Loyalty

Do you also think loyalty isn’t part of the funnel? Ask Netflix. They thrive on post-purchase engagement. Retargeting campaigns, exclusive offers, and personalized content keep customers coming back—and telling their friends.

Why Personalization Is Non-Negotiable

Marketing isn’t just about being present; it’s about being relevant. From TikTok’s algorithm-fed For You page to Instagram’s hyper-personalized ad placements, Gen Z has been trained to expect brands to know them better than their own friends. If your funnel isn’t personalized, it’s invisible.

Social Commerce Campaigns You Can Steal (Ethically)

The art of social commerce is about following trends as well as borrowing brilliance from those who’ve nailed it. Some brands have turned simple ideas into money-making machines, showing that creativity and strategy trump big budgets every time.

Here are three campaigns you want to learn from.

1. Gymshark’s TikTok Fitness Challenges

Gymshark sprinted straight into the hearts (and wallets) of their TikTok audience. Their secret was fitness challenges that tapped into TikTok’s viral loop. These were strategic viral marketing campaigns designed to ignite social sharing.

Take their #Gymshark66 challenge, which encouraged users to commit to 66 days of fitness and share their progress. By blending user participation with aspirational content, Gymshark turned everyday customers into brand advocates. They had over 240 million views and a direct pipeline of engagement-driven sales.

Viral marketing campaigns work best when you hand the reins to your audience. Make them part of the story, and they’ll market your product better than you ever could.

2. Warby Parker’s AR-Driven Social Proof

Eyewear shopping online feels risky—what if they don’t look good?

Warby Parker obliterated that hesitation with AR (Augmented Reality) try-ons through Instagram. Users could see how glasses looked on their faces without ever leaving the app.

The AR feature drove conversions and built trust. Customers shared their AR experiences with friends and followers, creating a ripple effect of user-generated content. This wasn’t just about sales—it was about eliminating doubt and making the customer feel in control.

Don’t just sell a product—solve a problem. If you can remove friction and build trust, you’ll close the deal before customers even think about competitors.

3. LEGO’s User-Generated Content Contests

LEGO knows that their audience is fiercely proud of their creations. Their campaign strategy leverages that pride through UGC (user-generated content) contests that bring fans into the fold.

In its ongoing campaign, LEGO invites users to submit designs for a new LEGO Ideas set. The winning design is featured and becomes a real product. This move not only boosted engagement but also created an emotional investment from fans, turning them into lifelong customers.

User-generated content in e-commerce isn’t just about likes and shares—it’s about ownership. When customers feel like they’ve contributed, they’ll back your brand with unwavering loyalty.

Why These Campaigns Work

• They’re Socially Native: Each campaign fits seamlessly into the platform it was designed for. Gymshark thrives on TikTok’s short-form energy, Warby Parker leverages Instagram’s visual-first ethos, and LEGO engages directly with its community.
• They Leverage Trust: Whether through AR, UGC, or challenges, these brands focus on building genuine connections, not transactional relationships.
• They Drive Sales by Driving Engagement: Every campaign above shows how social engagement directly fuels social media sales.

You don’t need a groundbreaking idea to succeed in social commerce—you just need a strategic one. Borrow what works, tweak it for your audience, and watch as your sales strategy transforms into a sales engine.

Beyond Platforms – The Future of Social Commerce

When Chinese consumers dropped $352 billion on social commerce in 2021, it was a preview of what’s headed for Western markets. If that doesn’t have you rethinking your long-term strategy, consider this: the platforms and techniques dominating the scene today might not be the ones leading tomorrow. Here’s where the future of social commerce is taking shape.

Emerging Trends to Watch

1. The Rise of Niche Platforms Like RedNote

While the big players—TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook—dominate, platforms like RedNote are carving out unique spaces. Their focus on community-driven engagement is reshaping live streaming e-commerce, where intimacy and relatability sell more than flashy ads. Brands that embrace niche platforms early often secure loyal audiences before the competition even notices.

2. AI-Driven Personalized Shopping Experiences

AI isn’t just for chatbots anymore; it’s rewriting the rules of e-commerce. Whether it’s hyper-personalized ads that feel eerily accurate or AI-driven recommendations that boost cart sizes, the technology ensures you’re marketing to Gen Z on their terms. Personalization is no longer optional—it’s the expectation.

3. Social Selling Techniques for Smaller Brands

Big brands may dominate headlines, but smaller brands are using social selling techniques to punch far above their weight. By focusing on niche audiences and leveraging Facebook Shop optimization, they’re turning engaged followers into repeat buyers.

Look… It’s not about the size of your audience; it’s about how you use it.

Global vs. Local Strategies

It’s tempting to copy global campaigns, but don’t underestimate the power of localized strategies. While TikTok Shop can generate $100 million in a day globally, cultural nuances matter. A campaign that works in New York might flop in Tokyo. Winning brands balance global reach with local relevance, tailoring messaging to resonate deeply with individual markets.

Social commerce is actually accelerating faster than most brands can keep up. The platforms may change, but the principles—personalization, trust, and community—remain constant. The question isn’t whether your strategy is ready for the future. It’s whether it’s ready for now.

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We're back a week later with our latest social media scoop—and there's a lot you might have missed but definitely shouldn't!

From Threads launching another batch of new features to Instagram teasing its new Edits app, here's everything you need to know before heading into the weekend.

What's new on Instagram?

New Fonts for Instagram Stories

Instagram is currently testing two new fonts for Stories that will give brands and creators more options to align their content with their visual identity. We're not entirely sure if a font that looks like it was taken from the Burn Book cover will be useful for many brands, but hey, it's something.

Timed Polls for

Another feature that has been secretly in development is timed polls. These provide an opportunity for brands to increase audience interaction—because we already know that what doesn’t last forever grabs way more attention.

Profile Grid Editing

Now, this one’s a bit controversial. Would you want the option to rearrange your entire grid and completely switch up your profile aesthetic? To be fair, this could be a great feature for brands and creators who want to highlight key content or promos when the three Pins just aren’t enough. Plus, with the ability to add Highlights directly to the grid, it opens up even more ways to showcase what's important. But also… imagine the chaos.

Instagram Teases AI Elements from the Edits App

So, remember when we told you Instagram is working on its own editing app that’s supposed to drop this February? Well, they’ve just cranked up the hype by teasing a few features we can expect—including an AI photo-to-video tool that honestly sounds both impressive and like something we’ll probably use twice before forgetting it exists.

WhatsApp Connection Stickers

You can now add WhatsApp connection stickers to your Instagram Stories, making it easier for people to reach you on WhatsApp instantly.

Archiving Live Stories

Another new feature from Instagram—you can now archive Stories that are still active on your profile.

Meta’s AI Content Disclosure Updates

This one’s for both Instagram and Facebook—Meta just updated its AI content disclosure tags to bring more transparency to AI-generated posts. Does this mean the end of AI-generated grannies celebrating their 120th birthday with a cake they totally baked themselves? Probably not. At least now it should be a little clearer that they’re not real (and hopefully, fewer boomers will take the bait in the comments).

New 'Pals' Sticker

And lastly, something for fun—Instagram is also testing a new sticker called "Palls." It's basically like a modern virtual Tamagotchi, but without the I-have-to-feed-them stress. To be completely honest, even though it sounds cool and could bring a lot of community engagement, we think it will only be a trend for a few days.

What's new on Threads?

Custom Feeds

Threads is rolling out custom feeds, letting users personalize their content and share curated feeds with followers. Brands can jump on this to create topic-focused feeds, making it easier to engage audiences and get noticed.

Privacy Settings for Tagging

Last week, we talked about the new photo tagging option on Threads. Now, you can also manage who can tag you in posts with new privacy settings. So if bots keep spamming you, maybe it’s time for a quick settings check!

Follow All Mentioned Users

The new “Follow All” feature lets users instantly follow every account mentioned in a post. Perfect for networking and building brand communities—because who has time to tap follow one by one?

Meta’s Best Practices for Threads

Feeling a bit lost on Threads? Meta just dropped a guide to help you navigate the app like a pro. If you're still figuring things out, we definitely recommend checking it out!

What's new on YouTube?

A New Batch of Features

YouTube just rolled out some fresh updates to make content consumption even better. Say hello to Faster Speeds, Shorts Smart Downloads, Shorts Picture-in-Picture, and High-Quality Audio.

What's new on LinkedIn?

New Video Updates

LinkedIn is updating its video features to make it easier for people to find and interact with video posts. For brands, it’s a great chance to start sharing more videos and see what sticks.

B2B Marketing Guide

LinkedIn’s new guide is all about how measurement drives growth. It’s packed with tips from marketing pros on using machine learning, new analytics tools, and fresh data. If you’re into that, give it a read!

What's new on X?

Grok Standalone App Coming Soon

The standalone Grok app is launching this February! If you haven’t heard of it yet, think ChatGPT, but with Elon’s spin on it.

X Adds New Elements to Grok Chatbot

Speaking of Grok, X just rolled out a few updates, including file uploads and personalization. You can now tell Grok What would you like me to know about you? and tweak How would you like me to respond? to make it feel more like your AI.