# Social Media Noodle Machines The Foodbeast Dream Machine Accepts Instagram Posts as Currency By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2019-03-04 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foodbeast-dream-machine References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/free-noodles-new-nissin-cup-noodles-vending-machines-use-instagram-as-currency-300805576.html) & [foodbeast](https://www.foodbeast.com/news/dream-machine-free-noodles/) In Los Angeles County, hungry people can now share a selfie for a chance to enjoy a free [Nissin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cup-noodle-bedding-set) Cup Noodles meal via the Foodbeast Dream Machine. The social media-powered vending machine accepts [Instagram](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-instagram-gadget) posts as currency and is programmed to give out free prizes in real-time in response to users who share posts with a specific hashtag on their feed. For participating, Instagram users have the ability to collect video games, gift vouchers, merchandise and Cup Noodles on the spot. Although the idea for the Foodbeast Dream Machine began as a joke, it has turned into the "democratization of the Instagram influencer experience." The Foodbeast Dream Machines themselves take the form of a retrofitted 1970s vending machines that have been updated with Internet-connected [Raspberry Pi](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-handheld-camera) computers. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.5/10 - Popularity: 91% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Social Media as Currency:** Using social media posts as a form of currency opens up opportunities for brands to engage with consumers in new and creative ways. - **Real-time Rewards:** Implementing real-time rewards based on social media interactions allows businesses to drive immediate engagement and generate buzz around their products or services. - **Retrofitted Vending Machines:** Retrofitting old vending machines with modern technology presents opportunities for businesses to combine nostalgia with innovative functionalities. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Social Media Marketing:** The integration of social media as a form of currency in marketing campaigns can revolutionize the way brands connect with their audience. - **Vending Machine Industry:** Incorporating Internet-connected technologies into vending machines can bring about disruptive innovations in convenience retail and automated self-service. - **Raspberry Pi Development:** Utilizing Raspberry Pi computers in retrofitting vending machines provides a unique opportunity for developers to create innovative, internet-connected solutions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [On-Demand Ramen Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yke-desktop.md) - [Quirky Pasta-Defying Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-noodle-day-initiative.md) - [Sound-Dectecting AR Mirrors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/venting-machine.md) - [Gourmet Meal Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-chef-chulchul-box.md) - [Retro Social App Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-instagram-gadget.md) - [AI-Generated Art Challenges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-x-fiiiiiingers.md) - [Instant Noodle-Inspired PCs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aftershock.md) - [Food Bowl-Making Kitchen Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nommi.md) - [Pop-Up Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-up-vending-machine.md)