The hottest Consumer behavior Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

Why Streaming Subscription Prices Will Continue to Rise

The Honest Broker • 25300 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
💼 Business Media Entertainment Pricing Strategy Consumer behavior
  1. Streaming subscription prices are increasing because companies are focusing on making more profit from fewer customers. They believe it's better to charge loyal users more instead of trying to attract new ones.
  2. The entertainment industry is cutting back on creating new content, which means we might see fewer movies and shows. This reduction is part of a strategy to maintain profits even as customer numbers decline.
  3. While big companies may struggle, this situation could open doors for indie creators. As larger companies shrink, new opportunities for creativity and innovation might arise for others.

What is next for collaborations?

The Sociology of Business • 737 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💼 Business Marketing Branding Collaborations Consumer behavior
  1. Brands are now combining different areas like food, art, and fashion to create unique experiences for customers. This helps them stand out and attract more attention.
  2. Collaborations allow brands to show their taste and connect with customers in a deeper way, almost like building a community around their identity.
  3. Creative directors play an important role in making brands culturally relevant by exploring new collaborations outside their core market, which helps them grow and stay appealing.

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

The Social Juice • 7 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.

AI influencer hype gone wild

Marcus on AI • 5572 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Productivity Tools Tech Trends Market Analysis Consumer behavior
  1. Many people are trying AI tools, but not everyone thinks they are effective. This shows there's a mix of interest and skepticism in using new technology.
  2. A recent survey revealed that while 79% of people have tried Microsoft Copilot, only 25% found it worthwhile. This indicates people are testing AI but still unsure about its overall value.
  3. People are not ignoring AI; they are being cautious and waiting to see if it meets their expectations before fully committing. It’s a wait-and-see attitude towards technology.

The age of SUPERCONTENT

The Sociology of Business • 957 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Marketing Branding Content creation Digital Media Consumer behavior
  1. Brands are becoming content creators to engage a wider audience, not just their customers. They create fun and informative content to attract fans and observers.
  2. Today's successful content is often found in show business style, blending storytelling and entertainment across various platforms. This means brands are constantly producing engaging material that keeps their audience interested.
  3. Content is vital for a brand's success, often affecting how products are viewed and sold. Good content can help a brand stand out and become more discoverable, especially in a crowded market.
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The Fed's Secret Confession: The Beige Book Reveals a Troubling US Economy

COVID Reason • 436 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
💰 Finance Economic Trends Market Analysis Central Banks Consumer behavior Global Economy
  1. The recent Beige Book shows that the U.S. economy is actually slowing down, not improving. Many regions reported economic decline, especially in manufacturing.
  2. There are rising concerns about job security and consumer spending. People are cutting back on spending due to financial worries and many companies are freezing hiring.
  3. Global economic issues are also affecting the U.S. market. Weak demand for products and looming recession signals are worrying for businesses and consumers alike.

How Super Apps & Platforms Are Turning AI On Its Head

High ROI Data Science • 79 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Platforms Apps Business Models Consumer behavior
  1. Super apps in Asia grow by offering many services to a smaller customer base, unlike Big Tech that focuses on single services for many users. This helps them cater better to local needs.
  2. The advantages of super apps include faster product development, lower costs for data collection, and a unique competitive edge through exclusive data. They can quickly adapt to market changes too.
  3. Wrtn, a South Korean startup, shows how a super app can combine multiple AI services into one platform. This model offers better value to users and keeps them engaged with ads instead of multiple expensive subscriptions.

What Does It Mean For a Brand To Be Radical?

The Ruffian • 276 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
💼 Business Branding Marketing Automotive Consumer behavior Luxury goods
  1. Jaguar is undergoing a major rebranding and switching to an all-electric vehicle lineup, but they won't have new cars to sell until 2026. This means they are promoting themselves as a brand without tangible products.
  2. The new branding has sparked a lot of negative reactions, suggesting that their attempt to modernize may be seen as losing their identity rather than revitalizing it.
  3. Jaguar is aiming to target wealthier consumers with fewer, more expensive vehicles, moving towards a luxury market rather than competing with mainstream car brands.

Thoughts For Sale

Working Theorys • 180 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Intellectualism Media Content creation Consumer behavior
  1. Substack is trying to become a platform for not just writers but all kinds of creators. They want to grow beyond just newsletters and include videos and podcasts, making it a one-stop shop for creative content.
  2. The platform is seen as a way to support and connect with writers while also offering subscribers a chance to show their intellectual tastes. It’s becoming a symbol of belonging to a specific community or culture.
  3. As Substack grows, it faces a challenge of maintaining quality while expanding its audience. There's a risk that it might lose its special intellectual vibe as it tries to attract more users and different types of content.

TikTokers are spreading North Korean propaganda to sell supplements

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3582 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers Propaganda Marketing Consumer behavior
  1. Some TikTok users are sharing North Korean stories to promote supplements. They claim life in North Korea is better than in the U.S.
  2. These videos often use AI-generated images and stories to grab attention and sell products. They can be bizarre and hard to believe.
  3. After being reported, many of the accounts promoting this content were taken down, but some continue to operate and push these products.

Market Movers - 12 October 2024

The Wolf of Harcourt Street • 539 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
💰 Finance Market Trends Investment Analysis Consumer behavior
  1. MercadoLibre in Argentina is seeing a boost in consumer spending after a tough few months, with more people buying and selling on its platform.
  2. Nubank has made it easier for customers to increase their credit limits by using government bonds as collateral, giving them more financial flexibility.
  3. InPost is dominating the logistics market in Poland with a huge share of parcel deliveries and is investing in new facilities to handle growing demand.

It Costs A Lot To Look This Poor

Total Rec • 12102 implied HN points • 18 May 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Luxury Fashion Fashion Industry Social Commentary Consumer behavior Economic Inequality
  1. Luxury fashion often comes with hefty price tags, blurring the lines between quiet luxury and loud displays of wealth.
  2. The paradox of fashion highlights societal disparities, where expensive clothes are marketed, contributing to economic inequality.
  3. Consumers often aspire to own status symbols, even if it means sacrificing financial security, reflecting societal values and dynamics.

Getting to the Fun Part

The Transcript • 139 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💰 Finance Market Trends Economic Policy Consumer behavior Investment Strategies Corporate Finance
  1. The economy is showing signs of resilience, with positive movements even though growth isn't super strong. People are feeling more optimistic about things improving.
  2. A drop in interest rates could lead to more business activity and investment. However, experts believe we might need more rate cuts for that to happen.
  3. Consumers are cautious but still spending. Overall, the job market remains steady, and many are waiting to see how upcoming events affect the economy.

The Minivan Stigma Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Automotive Identity Consumer behavior Market Trends Family Dynamics
  1. Minivans used to be very popular for family travel, but now they're often seen as uncool. This change is more about their image than their usefulness because they are still very practical vehicles.
  2. Despite the stigma, there's a growing trend of people using different types of vans for adventure, like those converted for #vanlife. These vans are seen as cool and can still be practical for families.
  3. There's a big opportunity for automakers to redesign minivans to make them more appealing. If they can combine the useful features of a minivan with a cooler look, they could attract more buyers again.

Not Much has Changed

The Transcript • 179 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
💰 Finance Macroeconomics Interest Rates Consumer behavior Investment Strategies Labor Market
  1. The economy is doing okay overall, even though growth has slowed down a bit since the Fed lowered interest rates. It seems like things are more stable than expected.
  2. Consumers are still spending, and there’s no big drop in retail shopping, which is a good sign for the economy. Most people are managing to keep up with their finances.
  3. Investors are holding onto a lot of cash right now and might be waiting for better opportunities to invest. Many think current asset prices are too high.

Cultural methodology

The Sociology of Business • 319 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Cultural Trends Brand Strategy Social Dynamics Consumer behavior
  1. There are two important steps in cultural research: first, discover and inform by understanding a company's business goals and existing materials. This helps create a clear strategy based on culture.
  2. The '4Cs' analysis looks at culture, category, company, and consumer to identify areas for growth and opportunity. It involves diving deep into market trends and understanding customer values.
  3. To effectively communicate a brand's purpose, businesses need to align their strategy with cultural influences and ensure it resonates with their audience.

Rethinking Returns: The Invisible Battleground of Modern Retail

Gad’s Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💼 Business Retail E-commerce Consumer behavior Sustainability Logistics
  1. Returns during the holiday season are rising, causing challenges for both shoppers and stores. Retailers are changing their return policies to manage costs and customer satisfaction better.
  2. Some companies are offering return-less refunds, where customers keep the items without returning them. This helps stores save money on shipping and processing, but it can create confusion about who benefits from these policies.
  3. Retailers are using new strategies to reduce returns, like providing customers with better information to help them make good choices. Companies need to balance easy returns while being mindful of costs and environmental impacts.

Winning isn't for Everyone

The Carousel • 50 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Brand Strategy Consumer behavior Corporate culture
  1. Nike used to be the main brand for running shoes but is now losing its edge. Other brands are becoming popular because people want variety and innovation.
  2. Nike's marketing strategies are not connecting with today's runners and they're failing to engage with the running community. They used to focus on meaningful campaigns but now seem out of touch.
  3. The company's recent struggles show that they are in danger of becoming irrelevant. Instead of adapting to modern trends, they have been more focused on image rather than performance and community connections.

Is Recommendation Culture Making Us Act Nutso?

Total Rec • 8148 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Consumer behavior Identity Decision-making Society
  1. Recommendation culture can lead to overkill, making every purchase feel like it needs to be perfect, which can cause unnecessary stress.
  2. Identifying strongly with brands and over-identifying with our purchases may simplify our self-concept based on what we buy, potentially clouding our personal values.
  3. Seeking validation through recommended experiences or products can create a false sense of community, leading to performative living and potentially isolating us further.

From Anti-Aging to Pro-Living

Creative Destruction • 22 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Health trends Social norms Consumer behavior
  1. People are really focused on anti-aging and doing extreme things to avoid getting older. This can make them miss out on actually enjoying life.
  2. The trend is getting more commercialized, with lots of companies selling products that promise to reverse aging. It's becoming more about selling than about real health.
  3. Focusing too much on living longer can lead to forgetting how to truly live and enjoy the present moment.

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

The Social Juice • 29 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!

Brands, Ads, and the Persuadable You

From the Desk • 9 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Advertising Branding Marketing Consumer behavior Digital Media
  1. Not all ads are great, but repetition can make a brand stick in your mind. Some ads just need to inform rather than entertain.
  2. Good brands connect emotionally with their audience. They aim to show that using their products can help you feel like a better version of yourself.
  3. Positioning is key for brands. They need to clearly show who their products are for, helping certain shoppers feel more drawn to them.

250 Things I Didn’t Buy This Week: Deinfluence Your Closet + Wallet

Total Rec • 5611 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Consumer behavior Personal style
  1. Be mindful of the constant push towards consumption in online spaces, especially by influencers and content creators.
  2. Consider the motivations behind your purchases - are they driven by genuine personal preferences or the desire to project a certain image?
  3. Distinguish between genuine style exploration and the temptation of instant gratification from shopping content, aiming for a more thoughtful and intentional approach to fashion.

Are Brands Coming For The Group Chat?

Total Rec • 2236 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
💼 Business E-commerce Entrepreneurship Consumer behavior Marketing Ethics
  1. Substack chats provide a space for genuine conversations and personalized recommendations, free from traditional algorithms and commercial pressures.
  2. The influx of brands into these organic spaces raises concerns about maintaining authenticity while allowing brands to engage profitably.
  3. Exploring the idea of creating online spaces that prioritize values like community, collaboration, and enrichment over the pursuit of vast wealth and success.

Apple v The World in Two Charts

Tim Culpan’s Position • 59 implied HN points • 12 Sep 24
💼 Business Technology Market Analysis Consumer behavior Competitive Analysis
  1. Apple is ahead of its competitors like Samsung and Xiaomi when it comes to making money from smartphone sales. Revenue is the key measure of success.
  2. The smartphone market is starting to grow again, but Apple is still the leader despite some doubts from critics.
  3. Apple's high market value shows that their business strategy is working well, even if the overall smartphone market isn’t expanding as rapidly as before.

Starbucks Wants to be Chipotle

Snaxshot • 339 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Trends Consumer behavior
  1. Starbucks is trying to change its image and wants to be more like Chipotle, focusing on fresh and customizable food options.
  2. The company recently hired Chipotle's CEO to help with this transformation and bring new ideas to Starbucks.
  3. This shift shows how popular fast-casual dining is, and Starbucks aims to attract a younger, more health-conscious crowd.

Where inflation comes from

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💰 Finance Inflation Statistics Economic Policy Consumer behavior
  1. Inflation measurement is complex and changes in how we calculate it can significantly impact our understanding of the economy. Small adjustments can make us feel either richer or poorer.
  2. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is crucial for economic policies, affecting everything from Social Security benefits to tax brackets, which makes its measurement a point of political debate.
  3. Various methods and indexes, like the PCE and the chained CPI, aim to capture price changes accurately, but they each have strengths and weaknesses in addressing real-life consumer experiences.

People Have More Money Than Ever

Spilled Coffee • 32 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
💰 Finance Personal Finance Consumer behavior Asset management Economic Trends Investment Strategies
  1. Many people have more money now than ever because wages have been rising faster than inflation for over a year. This means that they can buy more with their earnings.
  2. Homeowners are seeing their property values increase, while those looking to buy are facing more expensive housing costs. This shows the trade-off between rising asset values and affordability.
  3. Overall, both asset prices and wages are at all-time highs, which has led to a significant increase in net worth for Americans across all income levels, especially the bottom 50%.

What Is a Brand?

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 119 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
💼 Business Branding Marketing Design Consumer behavior Entrepreneurship
  1. A brand is more than just a logo or a website; it's how a company is perceived by customers. It includes everything about the company, inside and out.
  2. Building a brand involves creating trust and relationships with people. It's about how customers feel when they interact with your business.
  3. Your brand is shaped by how others see you over time. It's important to stand out and leave a memorable impression, as that perception affects your success.

#17: Niche cruise products: Why they work and how they might grow

Bureau of Adventure • 59 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
💼 Business Cruise Industry Market Trends Consumer behavior Business strategy
  1. Niche cruise products, like river and coastal cruising, work well because they focus on smaller, unique destinations. This creates a more personalized experience for travelers, allowing them to explore different places without the crowds of larger ships.
  2. Established cruise lines mostly stick to big ships and mainstream markets because they see smaller niches as a distraction. However, this leaves openings for new companies to succeed in these specialized areas.
  3. The future looks bright for niche cruising, especially with a trend toward sustainability. Smaller ships can become more eco-friendly, which might appeal to communities that want to limit large cruise ships and reduce environmental impacts.

Algorithms and the Homogenization of Taste

The Analog Family • 379 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Trends Consumer behavior Travel Personal Identity Art
  1. Social media algorithms influence our tastes by showing us similar things repeatedly, which can make our preferences less personal and more generic. Instead of discovering unique experiences, we often end up picking places that are popular online.
  2. The rise of these algorithms leads to a homogenization of culture, where everyone likes the same music, wears similar clothes, and follows the same trends. This makes our experiences and choices feel less special and diverse.
  3. To combat this, it's important to seek out personal experiences and make choices based on curiosity and spontaneity, rather than popularity. Trying new things and exploring without reliance on online reviews can lead to more memorable and meaningful moments.

Margaritas at the Mall

Kneeling Bus • 215 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Exercise Internet culture Urban life Evolution Consumer behavior
  1. The concept of exercise is portrayed as peculiar and counterintuitive in modern society, with emphasis on the trend towards optimizing the self.
  2. The digital age has paradoxically renewed focus on physical appearance and maintenance, despite the technological liberation that was once presumed.
  3. There is a critique on contemporary gym culture, illustrating a disconnect between the adapted physical ideals and the practical lifestyle in today's society.