Online content & social apps focus on engaging with animals
Trend - Catering to animal lovers and the bond between owners and their pets, social outlets are putting more emphasis on engaging and interacting with them. While animal videos have long been a go-to online destination, a shift toward more live, on-demand experiences are emerging where platforms like Snapchat are creating a more inclusive experience for pets and their owners.
Insight - Today’s urban-based consumer often has some restrictions on when and how they engage with their pets. Things like busy professional schedules and limited space tend to create guilt in pet owners that can’t interact with their animals as much as (or how) they’d like. These consumers are drawn to brands that are able to foster those interactions in a way that’s enriching to the lives of both them and their pets.
Insight - Today’s urban-based consumer often has some restrictions on when and how they engage with their pets. Things like busy professional schedules and limited space tend to create guilt in pet owners that can’t interact with their animals as much as (or how) they’d like. These consumers are drawn to brands that are able to foster those interactions in a way that’s enriching to the lives of both them and their pets.
Workshop Question - What are the most important things that your consumers prioritize in their day-to-day life? How could you better incorporate that into your products or service?
Trend Themes
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Interactive Pet Social Media Platforms — The trend of online content & social apps focusing on engaging with pets has created opportunities for businesses to create interactive social media platforms for pets and their owners to connect and play together.
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Augmented Reality and Facial Recognition for Pets — The use of augmented reality and facial recognition technology in pet apps and social media platforms has opened up the possibility for pet owners to share memorable photos and videos of their pets in a fun and unique way.
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Enrichment for Busy Pet Owners — With the rise of urban-based consumers having limited time and space, there is a growing demand for brands that are able to foster interaction between pets and owners in a way that enriches the lives of both.
Industry Implications
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Pet Tech Industry — Businesses within the Pet Tech industry should consider creating innovative products that use tools such as augmented reality and facial recognition technology to engage with consumers and improve the well-being of their pets.
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Social Media and App Development Industry — The growing trend of interactive pet social media platforms presents an opportunity for businesses within the Social Media and App Development industry to create new platforms that cater to this niche market.
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Pet Food and Treat Industry — Companies such as Pedigree have already begun leveraging social media to create fun and engaging content for pet owners, but there is potential for other businesses within the Pet Food and Treat Industry to tap into this trend and create more interactive tools and apps for their consumers.
