The Social Juice

The Social Juice is a Substack newsletter focusing on the dynamic landscape of marketing, social media trends, advertising innovations, and brand strategies. It provides insights into the impact of culture on marketing, predictions for future trends, and reviews changes in technology and consumer behavior relevant to marketers and content creators.

Marketing Strategies Social Media Trends Advertising Innovations Brand Strategy Consumer Behavior Cultural Impact on Marketing Technology in Marketing Influencer Partnerships Content Creation and Distribution

The hottest Substack posts of The Social Juice

And their main takeaways

What happened in brand and agency: WPP struggles, Instagram & AdTech vs Sensitive Content and Fashion Week

22 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Branding Economics Trends
  1. WPP is facing tough challenges, highlighting the pressures in the advertising industry. This might mean changes for many companies and advertisers in how they operate.
  2. Instagram recently dealt with backlash over graphic content on its platform. This shows the ongoing struggle between user experience and ad tech, as brands seek engagement without alienating users.
  3. Building a strong community around a brand is key. Companies should nurture their audiences, allowing them to engage and share value, making the community feel connected to the brand itself.

What happened in marketing: Amazon dethrones Walmart, NikeSKIMS & Big Tech vs EU

24 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing E-commerce Advertising Retail Digital Media
  1. Amazon has now surpassed Walmart in quarterly revenue, making it a leader in sales with $187.8 billion. This is the first time Amazon has taken the top spot over Walmart.
  2. Nike has joined forces with SKIMS to launch a new brand aimed at women, which shows their effort to attract new customers and expand their market.
  3. Big Tech companies are facing challenges in Europe, as governments push for stricter regulations, impacting how these companies operate in the region.

What happened in marketing: UK vs Privacy, TikTok returns, Youtube loves AI and Spotify...

19 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Technology Media Trends
  1. TikTok is back in the US app stores, which is good news for many users and creators. It shows the platform's resilience despite facing challenges.
  2. YouTube is putting more focus on AI technology, which could change how content is created and shared on their platform. This means innovative tools for creators to work with.
  3. The UK is in a legal battle with Apple over user privacy, highlighting ongoing concerns about how tech companies handle data. It's important for users to stay aware of their privacy rights.

Super Bowl vs Valentine vs Duolingo's death — The best of brands and marketers

26 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Brands Advertising Consumer behavior Digital Media
  1. Marketing can feel really fast and crazy, especially with big events like Valentine's Day and the Super Bowl happening at the same time. It’s like a mix of excitement and chaos.
  2. Testing different email times for newsletters can help find the best way to reach more readers. It’s all about experimenting to see what works better.
  3. Investing attention in good content is important, just like spending money wisely. When you pay attention to quality, it pays off in the long run.

I talked to the creator behind my favourite Are.na board

66 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Media Strategy Creativity
  1. The author interviews creators and marketers regularly. This gives insights into the world of marketing and helps readers learn from the experiences of others.
  2. There's a community aspect where subscribers can join a Discord group and WhatsApp chat. This allows for interaction and sharing among like-minded individuals.
  3. The newsletter offers a mix of marketing resources and news updates. This helps keep readers informed about the latest trends and strategies in the marketing field.
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I wouldn't market to Gen-Z in 2025 without knowing these stats and insights

95 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Consumer behavior Brand Strategy Digital Trends Social media
  1. Gen-Z is moving away from Google and is using TikTok more for searches. They want content that feels real and relatable, not just the same old marketing.
  2. Brands should avoid commenting on every viral post. Instead of trying to engage in comments sections, it's better to join existing conversations in places like Discord or Reddit.
  3. Gen-Z prefers authentic content over polished ads. They want brands to focus on real-life issues and community engagement rather than just selling something.

What happened in marketing: Gemini, Advantage+, Trump, DeepSearch and Earnings

19 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Technology Media Finance
  1. OpenAI has introduced a new feature called Deep Search, which helps with deep research online. This could change how we find and understand complex information.
  2. LinkedIn is focusing more on video content, with a 36% increase in video uploads. This shift could influence how professionals share and engage with content.
  3. Google's new AI updates aim to improve advertising performance and user experience. These advancements highlight the growing role of AI in digital marketing.

What happened in marketing: Google's gift to marketers, OpenAI's response to Deepseek and Meta's weird future

31 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Technology Public Relations E-commerce
  1. Google launched a new tool to help marketers measure their advertising effectiveness across different platforms. This tool should make it easier to understand what works best for their campaigns.
  2. OpenAI introduced a smaller version of their AI model, making it available for free. This aims to provide more people access to AI tools for their projects.
  3. There are concerns about privacy and safety in social media, especially with bills being proposed to limit access for kids under 13. This shows a growing tension between tech companies and government regulations.

Not another marketing trends report: I accidentally wrote this

41 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Trends Advertising Consumer behavior Digital Media
  1. Brands are focusing more on real-life experiences instead of CGI and visual effects. Real events can engage customers just as strongly as elaborate digital fantasies.
  2. The lines between online and in-person experiences are blurring for Gen-Z. They still value real-world events but are motivated by how they can boost their online presence.
  3. AI in marketing is shifting from low-quality content to more creative, thoughtful pieces. It's about using technology to enhance storytelling and engage audiences better.

What happened in marketing: RIP TikTok, Instagram's weird redesign and next social media app

36 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Social media Technology Consumer Trends
  1. TikTok is facing a potential ban in the US, but the app is still trying to keep its users engaged. Creators are moving their audiences to other platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
  2. Instagram's redesign has not been well received. Many users are complaining about the new changes, particularly how it displays liked Reels.
  3. Google is facing antitrust issues and struggles with maintaining its search market share. Their new policies and updates are causing confusion among advertisers.

Big as the what? Big as the Super Bowl: Marketing, Storytelling &...

17 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Branding Storytelling Media
  1. Good brand storytelling is not just about being creative; it's important to have a clear strategy. A story that resonates can build trust and engage your audience.
  2. You should always focus on solving a problem your audience has when telling your brand story. This helps make the story relevant and valuable to them.
  3. When a brand fails at storytelling, it loses customer loyalty and trust. But if a business fails in its brand storytelling, it risks shutting down completely.

What happened in marketing: Meta is cooked, Microsoft goes big and TikTok's last hope

39 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Technology Investments Social media AI
  1. Microsoft is investing heavily in AI, planning to put $80 billion into data centers this year. This shows their commitment to growing their technology influence.
  2. Meta is facing serious challenges and has decided to remove certain AI character accounts, signaling struggles in their strategy.
  3. TikTok is in a critical situation and needs to find new ways to maintain its user engagement and popularity.

Meta's surrender, Walmart brand refresh and Heineken's brand genius

26 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Branding Advertising Social media Trends
  1. Meta's recent changes haven’t affected most businesses because their content moderation was already lacking. Many users are concerned about hate speech and adult content getting out of control as Meta steps back.
  2. Walmart is refreshing its brand with small changes to appear more friendly, but it's more about their recent collaborations and less about a big transformation. This reflects the trend of brands wanting to look welcoming without really changing much.
  3. Heineken is working hard to connect with Gen-Z by addressing loneliness and promoting a positive drinking culture. Their creative campaigns are helping them stay relevant, even as younger audiences trend towards less alcohol consumption.

What happened in marketing: Meta trumps fact checking, TikTok shutdown and AdTech at CES

26 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Technology E-commerce Media
  1. Meta is changing its policies around content moderation and fact-checking, which is causing concern among advertisers. They want more freedom and less control over what can be shared.
  2. TikTok is facing potential bans in the US due to national security worries, which has many users worried about the future of the platform.
  3. CES 2025 brought new advertising technologies and trends, showing a shift towards innovative ad solutions and increased spending, especially in online platforms.

What happened in marketing: TikTok ban, OpenAI expensive and Trends everywhere

44 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Social media Trends Technology
  1. The US appeals court has upheld the TikTok ban, making it more likely that the app will have to be sold or face further restrictions in the country.
  2. OpenAI has launched a new, pricey subscription service called ChatGPT Pro, costing $200 a month, which offers advanced features for its users.
  3. Social media platforms like Pinterest and Google are sharing their trend predictions for 2025, indicating major shifts in how users will engage with content online.

What happened in marketing: TikTok's last chance, ChatGPT hotline and LinkedIn's campaign manager makeover

31 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Social media Consumer Trends Digital Strategy
  1. TikTok is facing potential bans as the US Supreme Court considers a case about it. Companies are trying to find ways to keep users engaged despite the uncertainty.
  2. ChatGPT has launched a hotline, allowing people to interact with AI in new ways, which could change customer service and support.
  3. Platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram are updating their features to help marketers better reach their audiences, including new ad tools and insights.

What happened in marketing: Reddit is more AI, Instagram is better and Agency chaos: IPGxOmnicom

31 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Social media Technology Trends
  1. Reddit is improving its search features with AI, making it easier for users to find answers and content. This change could enhance the overall experience of using the platform.
  2. Instagram is rolling out new features, like Trial Reels, to engage users more effectively. These updates aim to keep the platform fresh and appealing.
  3. The agency landscape is changing with big mergers, like Omnicom acquiring IPG. This could mean more competition and innovation in marketing strategies.

How to think about social effectiveness to protect creative budgets

24 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Social media Strategy Branding Analytics
  1. When discussing social media success, it's important to focus on effectiveness, not just creativity. You need to tell a complete story about how your ideas impact the brand and business.
  2. To have a strong approach, measure three key areas: channel effects, brand effects, and commercial effects. This way, you can show not only how many people saw your content but also how it influenced brand awareness and sales.
  3. Always establish clear success measures before starting a project. This helps everyone understand how to evaluate success and can lead to better budget support in the future.

The Collection of Every Report Mentioned In The Social Juice Newsletter in 2024

31 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Marketing Consumer behavior Advertising Sales Strategies Market research
  1. Studies show that consumers want brands to respond quickly to their questions. Fast responses can lead to repeat business.
  2. Marketing needs to focus on how consumers feel about their products. Emotional advertising can make people more willing to pay more.
  3. Research indicates that consumers prefer sorry offers over loyalty points or credits when brands make mistakes. An apology can go a long way!

What happened in marketing: FTC working overtime, LinkedIn becoming home of AI slop and Bluesky

26 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Technology E-commerce Consumer behavior
  1. The FTC is actively investigating companies like Google and Microsoft for potential monopolistic practices in the ad tech industry. This could lead to changes in how these companies operate.
  2. LinkedIn is seeing an increase in AI-generated content, which some users find less authentic and engaging. It's becoming more common to encounter bot-generated posts.
  3. Bluesky is gaining popularity among journalists, as it's reportedly driving more referral traffic than Twitter. This shift might indicate a growing preference for alternative social media platforms.

Trump vs Harris: Compound Marketing, Culture Policing and Feelings vs Facts

31 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Campaigning Media influence Cultural Issues Public Sentiment
  1. Blaming echo chambers and media literacy isn't the solution. Changing societal structures is key to addressing these issues.
  2. There are various emotional responses in society, and it's important to understand that differing opinions are common.
  3. Culture policing and feelings often clash with facts in political discussions, highlighting different approaches in campaigns.

What happened in Marketing: Instagram is better, OpenAI slows down and TikTok isn’t backing down

24 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Social media E-commerce Digital Media
  1. Meta is reducing ad subscription prices in the EU and using less data to show ads. This shows their effort to address user privacy.
  2. YouTube is launching a new way for creators to earn money with a feature called Jewels. This can help creators make more from their content.
  3. TikTok is expanding its tools for creators with an AI video generator. This will make it easier for users to create engaging videos.

What happened in marketing: TikTok is confused, Pinterest grows and Meta improves ad formats

26 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
💼 Business Marketing Social media Advertising Technology E-commerce
  1. TikTok is seeing good revenue growth even with the threat of being banned in the U.S. This shows that they are still strong in the market.
  2. Pinterest is growing, which suggests that users are finding value in its unique content. It's important for marketers to consider this platform.
  3. Meta is improving its ad formats, which could help businesses reach their audiences better. This may lead to more effective advertising strategies.

A TL;DR List of My Favourite Marketing Resources + Building 1,000 Fans

58 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing Resources Libraries Newsletters
  1. The post includes a TL;DR list of favorite marketing resources and insights on building a loyal fan base of 1,000 true fans.
  2. Discovering and connecting with true fans involves understanding what they need, evolving touchpoints, and showing genuine care and appreciation for their support.
  3. In today's rapidly changing digital landscape, artists and businesses need to adapt, differentiate themselves, and find ways to connect personally with fans to build a sustainable career.

Here’s What Happened: Paid Social rises, TikTok Bill passes & LinkedIn’s UGC Success

24 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Social media Marketing AI E-commerce Advertising
  1. Paid Social witnessed significant growth with new updates and features, benefiting marketers looking to leverage social media platforms for advertising.
  2. Legislation around apps like TikTok and changes in social media platforms, such as Instagram and LinkedIn, continue to impact the digital landscape and user experience.
  3. LinkedIn offering 250 AI courses for free until April, showcasing a commitment to providing educational opportunities and fostering skill development among users.

Here's What Happened; Reddit IPO, Walmart-AdTech Revolution & New Marketing Guides

24 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising E-commerce Acquisitions
  1. Recent updates include Reddit's IPO details, Meta expanding Creator Marketplace, and Walmart's acquisition of VIZIO to boost AdTech.
  2. Pinterest's unique B2B campaign mix, X offering new features for non-premium users, and TikTok's global advancements are trending in the marketing world.
  3. Various agencies are making significant moves, like Build-A-Bear naming KNOWN as its Agency of Record and Mod Op acquiring Red Tettemer O'Connell+Partners.

Here's What Happened; Meta's bye to News, X's free reach & the future of TikTok Shops

19 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Social media Artificial Intelligence Marketing Data Privacy
  1. Meta plans to stop showing Facebook news in the US and Australia, affecting social media and content access.
  2. TikTok introduces a feature where creators can identify similar products to promote their TikTok shop, expanding e-commerce opportunities.
  3. X (Twitter) is implementing algorithm changes, ensuring all followers see your pinned post, improving content visibility.