# Branded Webisode Brands create original online content to create immersive storytelling. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jun 7, 2019 | Category: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/social-media-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/branded-webisode ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.4/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Branded Webisode trend? **Branded Webisode:** Getting into the content space, brands are turning to YouTube videos and webisodes to better prompt consumer engagement. Going beyond product placement or tutorials, brands are opting for storytelling techniques to create narratives around lifestyle habits, social issues and cultural sentiments not only tied to the brand itself but to the consumers they support. ## The consumer insight behind the Branded Webisode trend Millennial and Gen Z consumers aren’t accustomed to the same type of advertising that preceding generations grew up with, and are still engaging with. These generations are less likely to trust traditional modes of advertisement because they often view it as inauthentic. More often, consumers within these demographics are drawn to branded content that they can engage with, and that has an element of personalization to their interests and engagement preferences. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 22, 2017 to May 31, 2019 - Published: Jun 7, 2019 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Branded Webisode trend ### Branded Webisodes Brands are creating original online content through webisodes to better prompt consumer engagement and lifestyle habits. ### User-Generated Content Millennial and Gen-Z consumers are more likely to trust the wisdom of real people, making user-generated content a hit among younger audiences. ### Short-Form Storytelling Series Brands are targeting millennials and Gen-Z audiences through short-form storytelling series like 'Turning the Tables' that tell coming-of-age stories. ## What the Branded Webisode trend means for industry ### For Food Industry Panera Bread's 'Food Interrupted' series seeks to change and empower the food industry. ### For Personal Care Industry göt2b's 'Turning the Tables' series targets Millennial and Gen-Z viewers in the personal care industry through storytelling. ### For Fashion & Retail Industry Urban Outfitters' 'UO On Campus' web series offers dorm decor inspiration with real student creators in the fashion and retail industry. ## Workshop question How can you utilize storytelling techniques, particularly online, to better connect and engage with your consumers? ## Trend signals for Branded Webisode Trend score 2.4 out of 10, from popularity 51%, activity 14%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 51% - Activity: 14% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Branded Webisode trend 5 featured examples from Aug 22, 2017 to May 31, 2019. - [Hair-Centric Webseries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-roots-family): L'Oréal Paris' 'The Roots Family' Series Shares Remedies for Gray Roots (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The beauty and personal care industry can innovate by leveraging influencer and celebrity collaborations to create more engaging and personalized marketing campaigns. - [Healthy Food Webseries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-interrupted): Panera Bread's 'Food Interrupted' Showcases Dedicated Food Makers (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Developing eco-friendly and ethically conscious food production processes and showcasing it online can present innovation opportunities for those wanting to provide more transpare… - [Inspirational Cooking Web Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cooking-web-series): 'La Vida Comida' Employs Latin-American Chef Jose Garces (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food industry can leverage the rising interest in Latin-American cuisine to introduce new products and flavors or refresh their menus and attract more customers. - [Short-Form Coming-of-Age Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/turning-the-tables): göt2b's 'Turning the Tables' Targets Millennial & Gen Z Viewers (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Haircare brands can explore creating engaging content that resonates with their target market. - [Dorm Decor Webisodes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dorm-decor): Urban Outfitters' 'UO On Campus' Web Series Spotlights Real Students (Category: Art & Design) Implication: These dorm decor webisodes can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for the home decor industry to appeal to younger audiences. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Social Media - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [Nostalgic Dating App Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hily-dating) - [Weekly People's Choice Cookie Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/choice-menu) All articles: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialmedia)