Consumer Insights > Pop Culture

Implications - The rise of social media has ushered in a strong Internet culture that resonates with many consumers. Knowledge of this culture has become a marker of belonging to the tribe of "Internet insiders," effectively positioning the ability to "get it" as a status symbol. As a response, museum exhibitions, apps, and even books are being released as a way to bring this Internet insider information to the mainstream. This alleviates the exclusivity factor while legitimizing the relevance of Internet culture. [More]

Implications - No longer just niche elements of pop culture fandom, cult movies and character references are making their way into mainstream categories like household goods and furnishings for consumer appeal. More than merely movie memorabilia, brands in categories like home décor are integrating design references from popular fantasy franchises as a means to not only connect with younger demographics, but also reinvent themselves in a way not typically associated with more high-end goods. [More]

Implications - The use of cannabis in festivals has been common for decades, and legalization and decriminalization in North America has brought on the branded formalization of this substance's use in festival-like environments. This shift indicates brands' willingness to put their names behind cannabis and its related products as perceived consumer acceptance of the substance rises. [More]

Implications - With digital platforms now being one of the preferred methods of meeting potential partners, the incorporation of virtual reality into dating is now rising in popularity. This habit comes as cultural shifts in urban environments lead to social interactions that are simultaneously hyperconnected, and physically isolated. [More]

Implications - Social media platforms kept afloat by ad revenue are now creating direct-purchase functions, whether interactive or still in traditional picture or video forms. These functions create additional sources of revenue for the brands and the social media platforms themselves, while offering consumers simplified, convenience-minded methods of purchase. [More]

Implications - As many consumers continue to pine for elements of simpler times from their formative years, QSRs have responded by releasing cereal-flavored milkshakes. This allows restaurants to leverage the instant brand recognition and clout associated with popular cereal brands while also engaging the added benefit of aligning consumers into tribes based on their preferred flavor, a feature most desirable to connection-seeking Millennials. While this might not enact an overwhelming sense of belonging, its small micro-connections like these that weave the fabric of socialization. [More]

Implications - The ever-broadening platform streaming services have has resulted in these companies' willingness to raise awareness for various social, political and environmental causes in unique ways. Collaborating with charities and celebrities alike, these campaigns are able to engage consumers with these causes in a way that is seamless and suits their preferred daily routines. [More]

Implications - QSR brands are making nods to pop culture references by adapting their menu items to mimic cult tv shows and celebrity figures. From burgers adapted to reference popular cartoons to entire menus inspired by children's movies, these examples not only showcase a desire from brands to connect with consumer interests, but it also showcases a willingness to take risks by integrating very niche, specific references into brands' mass marketing channels. [More]

Implications - As one of the most accessible forms of media, podcasts are rapidly growing category. Feeding consumers' desire to break into the space are products that make high-quality podcasting more attainable to everyday people. Speaking to the way in which entertainment and media is becoming more democratized as a whole, this is a clear way in which companies are tapping into consumers' desire to create. [More]

Implications - Cult fashion and skincare brands are approaching nostalgia by collaborating with retro gaming franchises on product ranges that differ from mainstream convention in order to appeal to luxury-inclined consumers. This progression highlights the flexibility of even seemingly saturated branding experiences by partnering with high-end collaborators for unexpected results. [More]