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SUMMER’S OVER… AND SO ARE SOCIAL TRENDS!

Is it time to rethink our approach to social trends

By Sam Coleman

Friday, 13th of September 2024

While marketers and social agencies chase down the new social trend, the Holy Grail feels as mythical and ethereal as ever. If this summer has proven anything, it’s that we need to rethink our approach to social trends.

Trends vs. Shifts: A Crucial Distinction

It’s time we start differentiating between social trends and social shifts. Trends are like summer flings — exciting but short-lived. On the other hand, social shifts are the tectonic movements that are shaped by behavioural, attitudinal, and algorithmic changes that require our attention.

The Folly of Trend Chasing

Trends, by their nature, are transient and temperamental. Admittedly they are often spawned from a real-life cultural moment. Spending the time to uncover the causation behind the trend is certainly worthwhile. However, jumping on a bandwagon trend for the sake of it will usually result in very little value whatsoever.

Why? Because by the time you’ve noticed more than one brand jumping in, it’s already too late.

And by the time the US presidential candidate references ‘Brat Girl Summer’, you know the trend is over!

In fact you could argue that brands are contributing to the fleeting nature of trends. The general public are social-media savvy, and if it looks like brands are getting involved to garner a few extra views….the trend dies. It’s been snatched from the people that created it.

Brands can of course be part of, and even shape culture, but trying to capture the cultural zeitgeist by blindly running from one social trend to the next is not a strategy for success.

The Underdog Advantage

The brands that do succeed are often smaller organisations where it feels less capitalistic. Take the current trend, ‘letting our Gen Z colleague write our marketing script’. Aside from Currys who did achieve first mover advantage; it’s zoos, museums and other local non-for-profit organisations that get it right.

These smaller companies have far more good will over their big global counterparts, and they can also move much faster. Their risk versus reward nearly always shows upside for the smaller guys. Getting it right means incredible coverage and awareness. Getting it wrong, won’t wipe millions from their market cap or lose a huge amount of credibility for the brand.

Embracing Social Shifts

Unlike trends, social shifts are longer-term changes that fundamentally alter how we create and distribute content on social platforms. Understanding these shifts can give our clients a competitive edge.

Here are a few current examples:

TikTok Evolution: Understanding TikTok’s move to social selling and search, and how your brand can be discovered ensuring you stand out versus your competitors

Passive Consumption: If the UK adult population isn’t posting as much, what does this mean for branded content?

Algorithm Changes: The IG algorithm now favours content shares and DM activity over likes and engagement, significantly impacting the content we are creating for our clients

Video Editing: How a video is produced and edited can significantly affect its performance. Proprietary AI technology analyses social video efficacy to incredible levels of granularity. For example, which are the most effective camera angles or best backdrops in a certain scene to improve performance.

So as the seasons change, it’s time to leave behind those transient trends and focus on the social shifts that will have far more impact on your business…

Or (shameless plug) contact THE FIFTH for help sam.coleman@thefifthagency.com

JORDAN CARROLL CELEBRATES 2 YEARS AT THE FIFTH

September 2024

Our Innovation Director, Jordan Carroll, has officially reached his two-year milestone at THE FIFTH! To celebrate this special occasion, we sat down with him to reflect on the past two years and gain some insights into his journey.

Congratulations, Jordan, and thank you for all the incredible work you’ve done over the years!

What is your best memory being at THE FIFTH since joining?

I’ve loved the pitch wins in which AI or measurement have played a part. My innovation work at THE FIFTH is much more client-focused than previous roles, and it’s been really gratifying to be involved in the big agency wins and get that buzz again.

What is the best campaign you’ve worked on since joining?

Our social work for Tommee Tippee has been really fun to be involved in. We’ve used Vision AI to help get creative insights about our content at scale, and used a social-search strategy to unlock incremental views. I play a small part, but it’s great to augment our amazing creative, strat and client service teams with innovation that genuinely contributes to improving the work.

What lasting memory from your first day do you have?

I am terrified of heights and The Fifth at the time was on the 10th floor (now the 14th!), so my excitement to be working with a group of such lovely people was being slightly foiled by my existential dread everytime I caught a glimpse of the view.

What is one thing you wish you had known earlier in your career?

Soft skills are just as important as hard skills. The need to have good soft skills is the only thing that will remain a constant whilst your industry changes every 3 seconds!

What was your first ever job?

Cue the cliche klaxon, it was McDonald’s! I used to do a 7am-5pm shift 4 times a week whilst in uni so that helped transition me from a bit of a hapless lazy teenager into a hapless teenager with a bit of work ethic. I still hear the beeps from the kitchen to this day…

THE FIFTH AT MAD//FEST 2024

July 2024

WOW, what an incredible three days we had last month at MAD//FEST!

We kicked off the festival with an insightful talk from our COO Jess Markwood and the talented Jesse Chuku, one of the amazing creators we’ve collaborated with for our campaign with YouTube Shorts.

They discussed ‘Short Wins for Long Gains: Chewkz has dominated YouTube’s new format and you can too.’ It was a fantastic opportunity for attendees to discover the ultimate recipe for success on YouTube Shorts.

The presentation leveraged THE FIFTH’s AI tools to analyse the relationship between Chewkz and his fans, coupled with his deep understanding of the format. Jess and Chewkz delved into the creative ingredients behind his phenomenal success.

It was great to hear such positive feedback on the session, Jess and Chewkz absolutely nailed it! You can now watch their talk on youtube which you can access below..

Here’s to MadFest 2025!

Photos taken by the talented Henry Wainwright

OPENING DOORS: THE FIFTH AND BBBSLA PARTNER TO DIVERIFY ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

By Spencer Hulse

Wednesday, 31st July 2024

In an initiative aimed at diversifying the entertainment and advertising industries, global social and influencer marketing agency THE FIFTH joined forces with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles (BBBSLA) to introduce high school students to behind-the-scenes careers in these dynamic fields. The inaugural program, which launched last month on the Fox Studio lot, represents a significant step towards addressing the long-standing issue of underrepresentation in creative spaces.

The entertainment industry has long grappled with a lack of diversity, both in front of and behind the camera. This disparity extends to the advertising and marketing sectors, where diverse voices and perspectives are equally crucial in shaping the narratives that influence our culture. Recognizing this gap, THE FIFTH and BBBSLA crafted an immersive experience designed to spark interest and open doors for the next generation of diverse storytellers and marketing professionals.

“We are thrilled to partner with BBBSLA on this impactful program to open doors for the next generation of diverse storytellers and impactful marketing professionals,” says Charles Ifegwu, Managing Director of THE FIFTH, US. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission at THE FIFTH to increase representation within creator and creative circles, and we firmly believe that starts with access and visibility as a youth.”

The program’s structure is carefully designed to provide a comprehensive view of the industry. Participants in the inaugural event, entitled Tours Open Doors, explored the Fox Studio lot, visited active production sets, and connected with influential professionals who call Fox Studios home. This hands-on approach aimed to demystify the industry and make career paths in entertainment and marketing more tangible for students who may not have previously considered these options.

While the entertainment industry has made strides in recent years to increase on-screen representation, the behind-the-scenes workforce often lags in diversity. This discrepancy can lead to a narrow range of perspectives influencing the content that shapes our cultural narratives. By introducing young people to the myriad of roles available in production, marketing, and advertising, THE FIFTH and BBBSLA are taking a grassroots approach to changing the face of media production.

The importance of this initiative extends beyond individual career opportunities. As media continues to play an increasingly significant role in shaping public opinion and cultural norms, the voices behind content creation become ever more critical. By diversifying these voices, we can expect to see a broader range of stories, perspectives, and experiences reflected in our media landscape.

This partnership between THE FIFTH and BBBSLA is not just about career exposure; it’s about mentorship and creating lasting connections. The program aims to pair students with industry professionals who can provide guidance, share experiences, and potentially open doors for future opportunities. This mentorship component is crucial in helping young people navigate an industry that often relies heavily on networking and personal connections.

The impact of such initiatives can be far-reaching. By exposing students to careers they might not have otherwise considered, THE FIFTH and BBBSLA are planting seeds that could grow into a more diverse and representative industry in the years to come. This approach addresses the pipeline problem often cited as a barrier to diversity in creative fields – by inspiring interest early, the program aims to cultivate a new generation of diverse talent ready to enter the industry.

Moreover, this partnership sets an example for other companies in the entertainment and marketing sectors. It demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing diversity issues, moving beyond mere acknowledgment to taking concrete action. As other organizations observe the potential long-term benefits of such programs, we may see similar initiatives sprout across the industry.

The choice of the Fox Studio lot as the venue for this program is significant. As one of the most recognizable names in entertainment, Fox’s involvement lends credibility to the initiative and provides students with a glimpse into the heart of the industry. This setting not only inspires but also reinforces the message that these career paths are attainable for students from all backgrounds.

As we look to the future, programs like this partnership between THE FIFTH and BBBSLA represent hope for a more inclusive and representative media landscape. By opening doors and providing mentorship, they are laying the groundwork for a transformation in the industry. The true measure of success will be seen in the years to come, as these students potentially enter the workforce and bring their unique perspectives to bear on the content that shapes our culture.

In an industry where change often comes slowly, grassroots efforts like this are vital. They remind us that diversifying the entertainment and advertising industries is not just about meeting quotas or ticking boxes – it’s about enriching our collective narrative, broadening our cultural understanding, and creating media that truly reflects the diverse world we live in.

The success of this partnership could pave the way for similar initiatives across the country, potentially reshaping the future of entertainment and advertising from the ground up. In the words of THE FIFTH’s Charles Ifegwu, this is just the beginning of a journey to “increase representation within creator and creative circles.” It’s a journey that promises to change not just individual lives, but the very fabric of our culture.

First published on Grit Daily News

Yesterday, the free streaming platform, UKTV Play, rebranded to U, and we’re delighted to have been part of the journey.

Needing to drive mass awareness of U’s new brand in a crowded streaming space, our campaign is all about showing up on social media in the moments our audience are searching ‘what to watch’, responding with U’s huge range of content and personalised suggestions, and helping our audience find exactly what suits them.

Produced alongside our in-house production agency, Studio 5, the campaign will see 22 pieces of content go live across TikTok and Meta throughout July. Featuring award winning megastar Louise Boyce as our recommender-in-chief, scroll-stopping cameos from other top creators, and more viewing recommendations from TikTok’s top-searched TV creators, this campaign will leave you in no doubt that U has something for you to sink your teeth into.

“Bringing ‘#WeGotU’ to life through talent-first social content, we are revolutionising how our audience discovers what to watch. Strategically leveraging top-ranking TV influencers and key search terms, we are answering cries for perfect show recommendations and showing our audience the best place to watch them. We recruited our influencers to stop the scroll with playful content offering curated suggestions for every craving. From Vox-Pop style street recommendations through to reactive show suggestions, we’ll showcase the incredible variety of free shows available on the U platform, proving that ‘#WeGotU’ is more than a tagline—it’s U’s unwavering commitment to their audience’s entertainment satisfaction.” Candice Green – Creative Director.

The rebrand sees a fully integrated campaign from The Fifth, Havas, Taylor Herring PR and U’s internal marketing teams; the biggest and most important marketing campaign in UKTV’s history. With word of mouth being a key drive in U’s launch strategy, we knew that we had to go BIG with our social and influencer campaign – especially when the TV advert features the one and only Cher.

LAUNCHING STUDIO 5, OUR FULL-SERVICE CREATIVE PRODUCTION STUDIO

Wednesday, 12th of June, 2024

The new division was formed after we brought the celebrated creative production and artist representation agency Studio PI into our portfolio late last year.

Studio 5 will offer a comprehensive suite of visual production services spanning live-action video, photography, animation, illustration, graphic design and experiential production.

Rooted in Studio PI’s commitment to inclusion and representation, Studio 5 centres around a set of core commitments, including the discovery and platforming of new diverse talent, inclusive crew sourcing, an empathy-led shoot culture, the creation of professional pathways for underrepresented creatives, and upskilling initiatives.

“At THE FIFTH, we’ve always been committed to engaging diverse creators and promoting inclusion in the influencer marketing space,” said Oliver Lewis, CEO of THE FIFTH. “With the launch of Studio 5, we’re doubling down on that mission and bringing industry-leading creative production capability in-house. Studio 5’s resources will allow us to create even more culturally impactful content for our clients.”

Darren Sital-Singh, Managing Director of Studio 5, previously of Studio PI, added: “I’m thrilled to integrate our production capabilities into THE FIFTH as we formally launch Studio 5. Together, we’ll combine our passion for inclusivity with best-in-class creative execution to deliver genuine, narrative-driven branded content that moves audiences.”

The 2024 Hollywood Diversity Report revealed that only 22.9% of film directors identify as a person of color and less than 10 percent of creatives in the UK are from a working class background. While the UK’s creative economy generates more than £12 million per hour, the value is captured by a minority. A small homogenous group captures a disproportionate percentage of senior creative roles. The lack of representation has created a gap in the industry. Without lived experience behind the camera, brands struggle to tell resonant stories with niche audiences.

“There’s a huge opportunity for brands to better connect with diverse audiences by embracing authentic voices and perspectives in their marketing,” said Lewis. “Studio 5’s representation-first approach to production will allow us to craft culturally attuned campaigns that drive real brand affinity.”

The Studio 5 launch expands our end-to-end influencer and social marketing capabilities, which span influencer partnerships, social strategy, creative, campaign execution, paid media, measurement and innovation.

Check out Studio 5’s website here.

HOW BOOKTOK IS DIRECTING HOLLYWOOD

WITH THE HASHTAG GAINING OVER 200 BILLION VIEWS ON TIKTOK, HOW IS BOOKTOK INFLUENCING HOLLYWOOD?

By Jack Redmayne

Friday, 17th of May 2024

Since the early days of Hollywood, film makers and financiers have sought after one thing above anything else, a guaranteed audience. Across the decades this desire has resulted in a plethora of different strategies such as casting popular actors or producing films within the most favoured genres. As of 2020, Hollywood’s strategists have turned their sights to the social media phenomenon, BookTok.

The BookTok hashtag started to gain popularity during the 2020 Covid-19 Lockdown. This growth has certainly not plateaued, with the community now having over 200 Billion views on TikTok gaining recognition from media outlets and major publishing companies. Penguin Random House has even developed a built-in knowledge assistance tool to make the vast community even more interactive and informative. The trend has provided lesser-known and self-published authors with an unprecedented platform which has resulted in some miraculous success stories. The most notable example of the platform’s unsuspecting influence is Colleen Hoover, otherwise known as The Queen of BookTok. It is fair to say that when Colleen Hoover published her debut novel Slammed in 2013, she was far from a success. However, in 2021 Hoover experienced a colossal surge resulting in her book It Ends With Us achieving #1 on The New York Times Best Sellers List.

How does this influence Hollywood?

BookTok began as a place for people to recommend books to viewers. However, in the last few years it has become a hub for book-to-screen adaptation content with thousands of TikTokers taking their favourite books and creating their dream casts for when they are ‘inevitably’ adapted.

Hollywood has finally got what they wanted, a guaranteed audience. Over the last year, numerous flagship titles of production companies have come from BookTok, such as ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ and ‘Conversations With Friends’.

This is a seminal moment for the consumers of television and film. Previously, the decision making power stayed firmly inside the executives office, but now it seems as if their metaphorical door is wide open and ready for suggestions. No longer do you have to sit and wait patiently for your prayers to be answered and your favourite book to be adapted. BookTok has a seat at the table.

Overall, BookTok’s influence on Hollywood reflects the evolving relationship between social media, popular culture, and the entertainment industry. As platforms like TikTok continue to shape consumer tastes and preferences, they are also reshaping the way books are discovered, promoted, and adapted for the screen. By tapping into the cultural zeitgeist and amplifying diverse voices, BookTok has the potential to influence the types of stories that are told and celebrated in mainstream media.

TOMMEE TIPPEE APPOINTS SOCIAL CREATIVE AGENCY, THE FIFTH.

Tommee Tippee, the brand whose innovative designs make caring for babies easier, simpler, and more instinctive, have chosen THE FIFTH as their social creative agency to create social content for their platforms.

Tuesday, 14th of May, 2024

The appointment comes as Tommee Tippee looks to be the ultimate parent care brand, liberating parents’ intuition through empathetic design and being renowned as a ‘cultural powerhouse’ in the parent care space.

Ensuring Tommee Tippee’s social channels are a place where parents can find answers, support, and connect with others, The Fifth will work closely with the brand across both their UK & US social presence to be there for the parents! With real parents as the heart and soul of their channels, instilling confidence and empowering them to trust their intuition, supported by the smart design of Tommee Tippee products.

Oliver Lewis, founder and CEO of THE FIFTH said of the appointment, “We’re thrilled to have been appointed as Tommee Tippee’s social creative agency; we’ll work with them to apply our expertise of cultural understanding within social and influencer marketing. We can’t wait to help their next stage of growth in becoming the go-to brand for millennial and Gen Z parents.”

Candice Green, Creative Director, added: “It’s incredibly exciting to be working with a brand who understands the importance of using TikTok creatively to become a cultural powerhouse. We can’t wait to start our work together, applying our unique approach to creating influential content to seamlessly integrate Tommee Tippee into the first hand experiences of their audience.”

Nicola Wallace, Head of Global Brand Communications at Mayborn Group Limited

“Tommee Tippee has chosen The Fifth due to their unique ability to harness the power of both creativity and social search behaviour. This ensures that our social content not only captivates our audience by directly responding to them but also drives meaningful engagement, maximising our brand visibility and impact across platforms.”

How Social Turned the Stanley Cup into an Influencer Icon

STANLEY SALES HAVE BLOWN UP TO £750M. HOW DID WE GET HERE?

By Chiara Yeomans and Bella Hales

Wednesday, 31st of January 2024

“Wisteria, Orchid, Lilac, Cloud, Tiger-Lily…” @doesnttiktok kicks off. But this isn’t your typical baby name brainstorm; instead, this TikToker is actually naming all 120+ of her beloved Stanley Quenchers. Holli Silva is just one of the hundreds of women all over the globe proudly documenting their ever-expanding Stanley collections, and the craze doesn’t seem to be dying down anytime soon. Just recently, a viral clip showing customers fighting to claim their very own exclusive Valentine’s Day Stanley Cup took over our TikTok FYP, sparking a whole conversation about consumerism and the sway of influencer marketing in the social media realm.

But it didn’t start off so cute. Back in 2016, the Stanley 40oz Quencher model was introduced by the brand it wasn’t an instant hit. Traditionally, Stanley products were targeted at workmen, with the marketing being directed at those who enjoy outdoor activities like camping. In 2012, Stanley mentioned that its products resonated with “a 30-year career veteran policeman” and “a retired Army soldier.”

That was until ✨social media✨ stepped in. Fast forward to 2023, and the #StanleyTumbler has over one billion views on TikTok and the tumbler found itself as now one of Gen Z’s most in-demand Christmas gifts. This newfound popularity among Gen Z and Millennial women certainly stands in stark contrast to the brand’s original target audience.

So, what happened to cause this shift?

There are four things we accredit to this development, so let’s dive into them

@thefifthagency Read our new trendsetters piece ‘How Social Turned the Stanley Cup into an Influncer Icon’ to find out how Stanley got to this point✨✨ #stanleycup #thatgirl #agencytiktok #socialmediaagency #london #workhumour #officetok ♬ That Gworl - ADVNCE

INFLUENCER MARKETING

In 2017, the Stanley Cup had limited recognition among female Gen Z and Millennials. This was also around the time when influencer marketing really started to build momentum, which has since evolved into the thriving multi-billion-pound industry we are (very) familiar with today.

The turning point came when the Stanley 40oz Quencher garnered organic exposure on The Buy Guide, a shopping blog by Linley Hutchinson, Ashley LeSueur, and Taylor Cannon. These influential women, avid fans of the product and genuine believers in its quality, gave it a glowing review and introduced it to their predominantly female audience. Despite being available in limited quantities on Amazon, every mention led to a swift sell-out, revealing the product’s unexpected popularity among millennial women—an untapped consumer group for the brand.

However, this success faced a setback when Stanley decided to discontinue selling the product altogether. Recognising its potential, the three women took matters into their own hands and started gifting mumfluencers on Instagram, and word-of-mouth quickly spread. Women loved the product and couldn’t get enough of it! The ladies behind The Buy Guide said it took a while to convince the brand just how much spending power and influence Millennial women have on social media, but Stanley eventually took a leap of faith, and the rest is history.

CONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Despite Gen Z and Millennials being fairly educated on the future of our planet and the effects of unsustainable consumption, it seems the impact of social trends and the desire to fit in online are still having a huge impact on the way we shop. Stanley claims their products “will last a lifetime when properly cared for” with a #BuiltForLife ethos, yet consumers are purchasing multiple versions of the same cup in different colours and styles. In line with this ethos, consumers should only really need to buy up to two Stanley cups in their lifetime. So why do people feel so compelled to buy the newest version of a cup they already own?

This is due to the way social media markets this cup towards Millennial and Gen Z audiences. The Stanley Cup is now positioned not just as a practical addition to our lives but as a symbol of an aspirational lifestyle. Priced at around £45, it stands higher in cost compared to similar products in the market. Considering the dynamics of social status, consumption trends, and the overarching influence of social media in selling a curated lifestyle, the Stanley Cup has seamlessly carved its niche. The frenzy around it taps into the fear of missing out, creating a sense that not having this product, not stocking up on the newest iteration and exclusive colour-way, means missing out on the lifestyle that it represents.

@kaelimaee HAPPY SATURDAY 🩷🫶🏼✨ spend the morning with me 🙂 #morning #vlog #grwm #morningvlog #morningroutine #aesthetic #asmr #asmrsounds #breakfast ♬ original sound - kaeli mae

Let’s look at @kaelimaee as a prime example of this. Kaeli’s whole presence on social media has been meticulously crafted around living an ‘aesthetic’ lifestyle. Just one glance at her specially curated TikTok feed, and you’re left feeling like you want to get your life together! She’s amassed 14.8M followers on the platform and, of course, the Stanley cup takes centre stage in many of her videos, implying that it’s not just a product, but a lifestyle essential, and that you too should buy one if you want to emulate the ‘perfect’ lifestyle depicted by Kaeli.

Stanley caters for everyone, with nearly all of their products being customisable with either text, monograms or graphics – not to forget the 26 colours the quencher comes in. This level of customisability has garnered attention from the likes of Molly-Mae, who recently posted her nails matching her Stanley cup. An organic post of this nature is something hundreds of brands would pay a large sum of money for – so this really shows just how popular Stanley has become today!

(Screen-shot taken from Molly-Mae’s Instagram Stories)

VIRAL MOMENTS

Stanley walked right into a dream PR scenario last November. @Danimarielettering, posted a now-viral TikTok video of the remnants of her car after a fire, where just her Stanley 40oz Quencher survived the flames. The water inside the cup was still ice cold. While Stanley’s whole ethos is built on being #BuiltForLife – which we wouldn’t say was a largely known tagline. This video led to over 95.2 MILLION people being enlightened about the product’s durability. TikTok’s largely younger audience now knew that Stanley was not only socially ‘cool’, with its varying models and colours to choose from, but actually a quality product that’s worth investing in.

“Your brand is your public identity, what you’re trusted for” – Lisa Gansky (American entrepreneur and author)

The Stanley team really took advantage of this situation, showing just how much their social media strategy has evolved over the years. The president at Stanley, Terrance Riley, publicly sent Dani a whole new collection of Stanley products alongside a brand new car! This naturally gave them some hugely positive PR. We guess this part of Stanley’s rise is part down to luck (while also seeing an organic opportunity and creating reactive content in response to it), and part down to the actual benefits of the product itself. Humanising a brand is so important, something which Sam Mehrbod, contributor to Forbes encapsulates:

“People want to do business with those they know, like, and trust, and building a personal connection with your audience can help to achieve this. Your personality and values humanise your brand, making it relatable and more appealing to potential customers.”

And it is clear here that this is something that the Stanley team have mastered.

@danimarielettering What a journey, thank you all sooo much for being here for it. I cant say it enough, this wouldnt have happened without every single one of you. Love you and @Stanley 1913 ♬ The Champion - Lux-Inspira

DROP CULTURE

YouTuber and historian @philedwardsinc believes people are missing a key component when analysing Stanley’s success, and that is Terrance Riley, the Stanley president himself.

When looking at Riley’s career history and successes, it is understandable why Edwards thinks the success was more down to a well-planned strategy than simply luck. Terrance was previously head of marketing at Crocs, where he built the brand from a simple outdoor shoe into an iconic fashion statement, where collaborations with brands like Levi’s and PALACE were the norm and people like Post Malone were the average fans. All of which was achieved through his ability to make the drop style culture of sneakers work for Crocs where collaborations with top industry names were frequent…and who’s to say he didn’t do the same with Stanley.

With the help of Terrance, Stanley began collaborating with bigger iconic names “albeit influencers of different styles” to create limited edition collections. Take the Lainey Wilson collaboration for example, a country singer from Tennessee with a dedicated fanbase, yet completely unrelated to the traditional target audience of Stanley, allowing them to explore new spaces and reach new people. Through these limited drop-style collaborations Stanley were able to create this perception of scarcity, causing fans and people to feel pressure to buy a tumbler before they miss the boat.

(Photo via HerCampus)

An even greater example of drop culture and FOMO marketing is the recent limited edition Stanley x Starbucks Valentines collection. The cups come in two bright Barbie pink and red shades. Not only have the videos of shoppers been storming our FYP’s as we’ve mentioned, but the cups are even being resold for double the price on sites like eBay. It’s crazy to think a cup can create such high demand – but this is exactly how exclusive drops can make you feel like you’re missing out if you don’t purchase and add to your collection.

So yes, whilst the rise of the Stanley Cup was part down to luck and part down to social media and influencer marketing, it’s also an effective example of how experimenting with drop culture can be a useful tool to implement for the success of a product.

TO WRAP UP…

What was once a humble ‘camping cup’, has now evolved into social media’s ‘IT GIRL’ product of 2023. Stanley’s success story is one that brands should really look to as an example of the transformative influence of social media and influencer marketing on public perception.

But like most social media trends, there is often an expiry date, and Stanley could be nearing theirs. However, in the meantime, we think the brand is going to continue to enjoy riding the wave. But ultimately there’ll be another shiny and exciting rival to push Stanley off the top, stay tuned to keep track of what social trend is next in vogue.

P.S

We even spotted a couple of new Stanleys floating around The Fifth’s office after Christmas… very well confirming that a few of us here have also been easily influenced by Stanley’s social media takeover!

The Rise of the UGC Creator

Who are they and what do they do?

By Carla Watts

Tuesday, 19th of December 2023

The utilisation of user-generated content (UGC) to promote products or to tell a story is not a new concept to brands. However, the way this content is being developed professionally through UGC creators, is a new, cost-effective option that many brands are adopting and reaping the benefits of. This blog post will explain what UGC is, the effectiveness of UGC, the role of UGC creators and the differences between UGC creators and influencers.

What is User-Generated Content?

User-generated content (UGC) has been around for years, long before social media. It has been traditionally defined as brand-specific content that is created by customers and published on social media/other channels. User-generated content is shared organically by customers from their own platforms and can take many forms including images, videos, reels, TikToks, Facebook posts, reviews or blog posts.

What are the benefits of User-Generated Content?

User-generated content can pose many benefits to brands, one being its ability to enhance a brands’ authenticity (this article from Nosto explains why authenticity matters). This is because it allows the brand to highlight their products/services from the perspective of their customers. As a result, prospective customers are more likely to relate to this type of content and thus invest in a brand, and buy their products.

Another benefit of using UGC is the way it can cultivate a strong sense of community among customers by actively involving them in a brand’s content creation process. Customers can openly share their experiences with a brand, product, or service which can establish connections between customers who share similar interests or preferences.

UGC can also help increase conversion rates and drive sales by offering social proof and showcasing real-life experiences of other customers. Prospective buyers are more likely to purchase a product or service if they see UGC that highlights the positive experiences of existing customers.

Furthermore, UGC can have a positive impact on SEO. Google, as well as other search engines, tend to prioritise websites which are regularly producing new and engaging content. This can effectively enhance a website’s search engine rankings and increase organic traffic. Additionally, by users interacting with UGC on social media platforms, social signals are generated which can also improve a website’s search engine rankings.

Finally, UGC is often a more cost-effective option for brands as it reduces content creation costs. UGC eliminates the need for brands to create every piece of content themselves which can be both time consuming and expensive. Brands can instead use the content created by their own customers and now UGC creators to significantly reduce costs.

What is a UGC creator?

The value of UGC has become increasingly apparent which has contributed to the rise of so-called UGC creators. This refers to creators who are paid by brands to create specific content which showcases their products/services in a way that appears authentic and organic. This content is created to live on the brand’s social media pages which means UGC creators do not need a large following, nor do they even need to appear in the content.

What is the difference between UGC creators and influencers?

UGC creators can appear deceptively similar to influencers as they both produce content for brands, however, it’s important to understand the distinction between UGC creators and influencers since they remain fundamentally different from each other.

Firstly, paid UGC creators are paid to create specific content for a brand that emulates typical user-generated content which is distributed across the brand’s marketing channels. They typically don’t share the content on their own platform and so they do not need to have a large following. Brands are paying them for their ability to create quality content, rather than the value of their audience.

On the other hand, influencers are paid to create content and distribute it across their own social media channels. Influencers usually have a substantial following on social media as brands use them to promote their products to their audience, thus using their influence to promote their brand.

Thousands of brands reap the benefits of working with both influencers and UGC creators every day. To find out more about how brands use UGC, check out my other article Eight ways brands work with UGC creators and why

EIGHT WAYS BRANDS WORK WITH UGC CreatorS

Here are eight different ways brands can effectively utilise user-generated content

By Carla Watts

Tuesday, 19th of December 2023

In today’s digital landscape, the rise of UGC creators has transformed the way brands utilise user-generated content. By harnessing the power of UGC creators, brands can effectively connect with their target audience, build trust, and leverage the creativity and authenticity of their customers. This cost-effective approach enables brands to tap into the power of user-generated content to drive meaningful engagement, increase brand credibility, and ultimately boost sales.

Here are eight different ways brands can effectively utilise user-generated content with real-life examples.

1. Social Media Campaigns:

Brands often incorporate user-generated content by encouraging customers to create content featuring their products/services with a specific hashtag. This enables them to collect a wide range of UGC and showcase it across their platforms.

One example of this is Nike who often urges its customers to share their achievements using the hashtag #JustDoIt. This UGC helps to build a sense of community online.

2. Contests and Giveaways:

Running UGC contests where customers submit photos/videos/written content for prizes can help build a buzz around a brand and get more people talking about them on social media.

For example, Trivago ran a UGC contest on Instagram with a $500 prize. Participants were asked to post a picture of their favourite hotel listed on Trivago using the hashtag #trivagofaves.

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A post shared by Glossier (@glossier)

3. Influencer Marketing Campaigns:

Brands can also collaborate with influencers who can create content in the style of UGC that features the brand’s products/services. This helps expand the brand’s reach and credibility among the influencer’s audience.

Glossier, for example, frequently collaborates with influencers to showcase pictures and videos of how they incorporate Glossier products into their daily routine.

4. Product Reviews:

Brands can encourage customers to leave reviews and share their thoughts which can provide new customers with valuable feedback and build trust.

On Quay Australia’s website, visitors can view photos of real customers wearing different sunglasses styles in their ‘styled by you’ section, providing social proof for prospective buyers. They also showcase written reviews from customers on their website. Therefore, UGC product reviews help to enhance customer engagement and boost conversion rates.

5. Testimonials/Success Stories:

Brands can also ask customers to share their stories and experiences about how a brand’s product/services have improved their lives. These testimonials can then be used for marketing purposes.

For instance, HubSpot highlights customer case studies and testimonials on its home page so it’s the first thing that potential customers will see. They often share figures, such as “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Grows Its Audience By 81% With HubSpot. By outlining impressive statistics and notable brands, site visitors are made aware of the capabilities of HubSpot which can help improve conversion rates.

6. User-Generated TV Commercials:

Some brands involve their customers in creating TV adverts by inviting them to submit videos showcasing their brand experience or explaining why they love the brand.

An excellent example of user-generated commercials was the ‘Crash the Super Bowl’ Campaign by Doritos that ran for ten years. This gave fans the opportunity to submit their own commercials with the premise that they may be aired during the Super Bowl. Every year, Doritos would pick a few commercials that would be aired, as well as a winner who would receive $1 million. This campaign generated significant attention and media coverage, and gave aspiring filmmakers and content creators the chance to gain considerable exposure.

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A post shared by Lounge (@loungeunderwear)

7. Social Change:

Brands can also incorporate UGC to help advocate for social change and engage their audiences with meaningful causes.

For example, Lounge Underwear is dedicated to empowering women, as well as advocating for women’s health. They launched their #FeelYourBreast campaign in 2019 and each year they share content created by their customers which encourages people to #FeelYourBreast. In 2022, the company raised over £500,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness. As a result, UGC allowed Lounge Underwear to build an online community which is based on shared values and a common goal of empowering women everywhere.

IKEA Open Source Sofa Design from Royal Academy of Arts workshop

8. Innovation and Product Development:

Brands can ask their customers to contribute ideas or suggestions for new products or improvements to existing ones. This UGC can be used to drive innovation and better meet customer needs.

IKEA is a prime example of a brand that actively encourages its customers to submit ideas and improvements for new and existing products. They do this through their co-creation platform and initiatives like IKEA Bootcamps. This interactive approach enables IKEA to engage with their customers, gather valuable insights and enhance their product development process. The Privacy screen and Baby’s crib in the photo from The Wall Street Journal below were proposed designs from the Royal Academy of Arts during an IKEA sponsored workshop.