# Blackout Social Campaigns This Drastic Taco Bell Social Media Stunt Promotes a New App By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-11-03 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-bell-social-media References: [wearesocialmedia.gr](http://wearesocialmedia.gr/taco-bell-wipes-out-social-media-presence-to-launch-new-app/) & [twitter](https://twitter.com/tacobell) In order to bring attention to its new mobile ordering app, this [Taco Bell](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-swap) social media stunt did the unthinkable. Over the last week, Taco Bell got rid of its presence across [Facebook](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tumblr-campaign), Twitter and Tumblr by erasing all of its posts and getting rid of millions of followers. To alert that something big was happening, Taco Bell kept [Instagram](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boorito-1), Vine and Snapchat up to alert fans that "The new way to Taco Bell isn’t on Instagram. It’s #onlyintheapp." The blackout involved changing profile header images and avatars to black images so there wasn't a logo in sight. Although the social media stunt was definitely drastic, since the new Taco Bell Mobile Ordering app has been introduced, it's already being used at over 75% of Taco Bell stores. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 86% | 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's Driving This Trend - **Social Media Blackouts:** Opportunity for brands to create buzz and generate attention by temporarily removing their presence on social media platforms. - **Mobile Ordering Apps:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for restaurants to offer convenient, app-based ordering experiences for customers. - **In-app Exclusivity:** Opportunity for brands to attract and engage customers by offering exclusive content or features within their mobile apps. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast Food:** Fast food chains can leverage social media blackouts and mobile ordering apps to enhance customer engagement and streamline the ordering process. - **Technology:** Technology companies can develop innovative mobile ordering apps and help brands optimize their app-based customer experiences. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Marketing agencies can assist brands in creating effective social media blackout campaigns and leveraging in-app exclusivity to drive customer acquisition and retention. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Branded Taco Swaps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-swap.md) - [Celebratory QSR App Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-crunchwrap-supreme.md) - [Late-Night QSR Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/student-tour-campaign.md) - [Authenticity-Encouraging QSR Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beautiful-mess-1.md) - [Flame-Grilled Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flame-grilled-billboard.md) - [Mixed-Reality Burrito Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-1.md) - [Hot Sauce Branding Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-sauce-sayings.md) - [Food Truck Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-truck-billboard.md) - [Halloween Burrito Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boorito-1.md)