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97State of Show HN 2025
The "State of Show HN 2025" post from Sturdy Statistics provides a satirical look at trends and developments in various fields. It offers humorous predictions and observations spanning technology, culture, and business, using a fictional future lens.
With a new partnership, Vegamour is betting on LinkedIn as the next big social platform
Vegamour has partnered with Innocos-founder Iryna Kremin as its "chief LinkedIn advisor," signaling a strategic shift towards LinkedIn. The hair-care brand is part of a growing trend of beauty and fashion brands expanding their social media strategies beyond TikTok and Instagram.
Who is the "Staples Baddie"? Viral TikTok employee makes print services go viral
A TikTok creator is being called the "Staples Baddie" for her videos showcasing the office supply chain's print services, custom mugs, and planners. Her content is driving attention to Staples' overlooked offerings.
‘His favourite book was by Jordan Peterson, which was a massive ick’: how books perform on dating apps
A Guardian article discusses the trend of mentioning books in dating app bios, which is up 29% YoY, and whether shared literary tastes are a valid indicator of compatibility. The article cites Jordan Peterson as a common "ick" factor.
Parents Are Feeding Their Babies So Much Butter
Parents on TikTok are promoting butter as a superfood for babies, despite limited scientific evidence. The Cut spoke with a pediatrician who advises that while fat is important for infant development, breast milk or formula typically provide sufficient amounts and that excessive butter consumption could displace other necessary nutrients.
Seedance: ByteDance to curb AI app after Disney legal threat
ByteDance is scaling back its Seedance AI app after Disney threatened legal action. The app, after an update, allowed users to generate viral videos featuring Spider-Man and other Disney intellectual property.
Much ado about nothing? TikTok's U.S. usership steadies after turbulent start
Despite initial concerns about a user exodus, TikTok's U.S. joint venture has stabilized after a turbulent start. The data suggests that the platform's user base in the United States has remained steady, indicating the joint venture has weathered the initial challenges.
The Creator Advantage: How Creators Drive Real Brand Impact On TikTok
The TikTok for Business blog post, "The Creator Advantage," details how creator-led content can improve brand marketing outcomes on the TikTok platform. It highlights the impact and effectiveness of using creators in advertising campaigns.
Tiltify's 2025 Giving Season Report Reveals How the Creator Economy Is Rebuilding Generosity with Young Donors in the Digital Age
Tiltify has released its 2025 Giving Season Report, focusing on how the creator economy is influencing generosity among young donors in the digital age. The report highlights the fundraising infrastructure platform's role in connecting creators with causes at scale.
The Rise of the Neighborhood Influencer
The article discusses the emerging trend of "neighborhood influencers" in hyperlocal marketing, highlighting their ability to foster trust, drive community engagement, and deliver strong ROI for small businesses. It explores the shift towards authenticity and relatability in influencer marketing, away from celebrity endorsements.
The Future of Social Media: 2026 Predictions
The Sprout Social article provides expert predictions about the future of social media in 2026. It covers emerging platforms and evolving community expectations, offering insights into the shifts and trends expected to shape the social media landscape.
23 Best Newsletters for Marketers and Creators in 2026
Buffer's curated list highlights 23 newsletters deemed essential for social media managers, marketers, and creators to follow in 2026. The list aims to keep industry professionals informed about the latest trends and strategies.
Most creators will not make it... - The Creator Spotlight Podcast
The Creator Spotlight Podcast features Lia Haberman, a social media strategist and creator economy expert. Haberman discusses the challenges creators face in sustaining their careers long-term, drawing from her industry insights and newsletter, ICYMI (In Case You Missed It).
Viral brands 2025: Jet2, Labubu, American Eagle, Gap
Ad Age highlights six brands that achieved viral success in 2025. These brands include: Labubu, Jet2, American Eagle, and Gap.
Social Media Study 2026: Trends, Real Data and Formats That Work
Metricool's "Social Media Study 2026" analyzes data from 39 million social media posts to identify trends and effective formats on various platforms. The study also incorporates insights and predictions from creators and industry professionals.
Australia's grand social media experiment is finally live. Teens say nothing has changed
Australia's new laws designed to block social media access for those under 16 have gone into effect, but early reports suggest the regulations are having minimal impact. Teenagers are reportedly finding ways to circumvent the restrictions, indicating potential loopholes or enforcement challenges.
How the creator economy destroyed the internet
The Verge presents a series examining the impact of the creator economy on the internet, highlighting the dynamic between content creators, the platforms they use, and the way content is consumed. It explores the devil's bargain struck between these entities.
Lia Haberman (@liahaberman) on Threads
Lia Haberman shares a link to TikTok's new Holiday Emporium Gift Guide, a curated list of community favorite gifts. The guide can be found at tiktokholidayemporium.com/giftguide.
TikTok reveals the Top Artists and Songs of 2025
TikTok has revealed its top artists and songs of 2025. The platform is a leading destination for short-form mobile videos, empowering creators to share their passion and creative expression through videos.
Rewriting the social playbook: Brand strategy in the age of authenticity
Marketing Brew explores how brands like Lush, American Girl, and CAVA are updating their social media strategies. These companies are focusing on authenticity, current internet trends, and experimental content to stay relevant in the digital age.
Downloads
The URL links to Underscore Talent's downloads page, which features its Creator Economy Trends & Predictions Report for 2026. The report, developed with Shorthand Studios, aims to deliver a data-backed analysis of the creator economy's future.
The Tech Trio Redefining How (and What) We Watch
The article discusses the influence of executives from YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok on the entertainment industry. Once considered disrupters, they are now shaping how and what we watch, reflecting the shift in power dynamics within the media landscape.
New Era, New Icons: The Creators Redefining High-Quality Storytelling On TikTok
The Forbes.com article "New Era, New Icons: The Creators Redefining High-Quality Storytelling On TikTok" previews five TikTok creators' creative processes and provides advice for aspiring creators looking to create high-quality content on the platform.
Watch TikTok Awards 2025 (2025)
Tubi is streaming the TikTok Awards 2025, which honors content from the platform. The awards show is presented by e.l.f. Cosmetics.
Introducing the Winners of the TikTok Awards US 2025: New Era. New Icons
TikTok has announced the winners of the TikTok Awards US 2025. The awards aim to celebrate a new era of talent and icons on the platform.
Long-form video is the next big thing for young audiences
The article argues that young audiences are interested in long-form video content, despite the common belief that they primarily consume short-form videos like those on TikTok. It posits that there is a demand for deeper engagement and storytelling formats among this demographic.
Disney+ is launching short-form videos this year
Disney+ plans to launch short-form videos this year. This move mirrors the personalized vertical video feed introduced in the ESPN app last year, indicating a broader strategy to engage users with shorter content formats.
Rabbit Hole: Pocket.watch & Hulu Team Up For Creator-Led Variety Show
Pocket.watch is producing a variety series called 'Rabbit Hole' for Hulu, featuring popular social media creators. The show is described as a new kind of variety series.
Creator Economy Live
Creator Economy Live West is an influencer marketing event targeted towards brands. It focuses on the business aspects of the creator economy.
TikTok vs. X: Why ad performance keeps marketers from fleeing
Marketers are hesitant to abandon TikTok despite ownership concerns mirroring past issues with X (formerly Twitter). TikTok's current strong ad performance is a key factor in retaining ad spend, at least in the short term, but the potential for regulatory changes in 2026 remains a concern.
Hollywood Pays 17-Year-Old up to $20,000 to Boost Trailers on TikTok
Hollywood studios are paying 17-year-old Amid Mohamed up to $20,000 per project to create TikTok edits that promote their movie trailers. Mohamed's company, TinyZaps, helps generate hype among younger audiences by creating engaging content that resonates with Gen Z's preferences.
TikTok and FIFA reach first-of-its-kind Preferred Platform agreement to enhance coverage of FIFA World Cup 2026™
TikTok and FIFA have reached a "first-of-its-kind" Preferred Platform agreement to enhance coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026. TikTok aims to capture and present the world's creativity, knowledge, and moments through short-form mobile videos.
TikTok Shop launches digital gift cards to challenge Amazon and eBay
TikTok Shop introduced digital gift cards, allowing users to purchase and send them to others for use within the app. This move is designed to increase sales and engagement, positioning TikTok Shop to compete more directly with established e-commerce platforms like Amazon and eBay.
TikTok Is Splitting US Staff Into New Entities As It Preps to Divest
TikTok is restructuring its US operations in preparation for a potential divestment. Some US employees will transition to a new global entity separate from the joint venture involving Oracle and other partners.
YouTuber Anthony Po on Organizing Timothée Chalamet Look-alike Contest
YouTuber Anthony Po organized a Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest in New York City, which Chalamet himself attended. The event generated significant buzz on social media.
In Congress, Ro Khanna proposes a "Creator Bill of Rights"
Ro Khanna has proposed a "Creator Bill of Rights" in Congress. The initiative aims to address mental health concerns among creators and ensure fair treatment within the digital content landscape, though specific details are not mentioned in this summary.
Creator Income Inequality Grows As Top Earners' Paydays Rise
CreatorIQ data shows income inequality is increasing in the creator economy. The top influencers are receiving an ever-growing share of brand spending as of 2025.
The State of Creator Compensation
CreatorIQ's white paper, "The State of Creator Compensation," provides research-backed insights into how much creators are earning and the distribution of those earnings. The findings are relevant for brands seeking to understand creator compensation trends.
The Sauce Pod
The Sauce Pod is a marketing podcast on Spotify geared toward content creators and solo-entrepreneurs. It provides real-time social media news, internet culture trends, platform updates, and audience-building advice.
iHeartMedia, TikTok Strike Partnership For Creator Podcasts
iHeartMedia and TikTok are partnering to create a podcast network featuring TikTok creators. The collaboration will also include a new radio station dedicated to content from TikTok.
How brands can win with TikTok’s multi-platform audience
The article discusses how brands can effectively leverage TikTok's diverse audience by understanding their presence and engagement across various platforms, including Instagram and YouTube. It emphasizes the importance of aligning marketing strategies with TikTok's trends and user behavior to achieve success.
Millennial TikTok users are the platform's most active shoppers
A survey from Edison Research in October 2025 found that 54% of millennial TikTok users (ages 25-44) seek more information about products they see advertised on the platform. 47% of this age group make purchases after seeing TikTok ads, making them the platform's most active shoppers.
TikTok's Global Head of Creators Is Leaving the Company Amid a Reorg
Kim Farrell, TikTok's Global Head of Creators, is leaving the company. This departure coincides with a reorganization of TikTok's content division, signaling a shift in the platform's creator strategy.
TikTok Next 2026 Trend Report
The TikTok Next 2026 Trend Report analyzes emerging trends on the platform and their potential impact on marketing and advertising strategies. The report provides insights for businesses to engage with younger audiences and leverage the platform's evolving culture.
2026 ICYMI Marketing Events Calendar
The provided Google Sheet is an "ICYMI Marketing Events Calendar" for 2026, useful for those in advertising and marketing. It presumably contains key dates and events relevant to marketing campaigns.
Trend Watch: Brands Spend More with Niche Creators 📈
Brands are increasingly allocating their advertising budgets to niche creators, recognizing their ability to deeply engage with specific audiences. Molly Godfrey of Molly Godfrey Consulting (MGC) highlights this trend, noting the potential for genuine and authentic connections that resonate with niche communities.
What's New On TikTok For Brands: Q1 2026 Product Preview
TikTok's Q1 2026 product preview highlights new features designed to help brands and agencies achieve business objectives on the platform. The announcement focuses on advertising and marketing tools.
TikTok Shop Expands With Shoppable Photos for Creators & Brands
TikTok Shop has introduced Shoppable Photos, a new feature allowing creators and brands to transform photo posts into shoppable content. This low-effort format aims to increase views, attract new customers, and boost sales while providing brands with greater flexibility in scheduling and planning their e-commerce content on the platform.
TikTok Is Jumping Into Micro Dramas, the Buzzy Bite-Sized Soaps
TikTok has introduced a "Minis" section within its app to host short-form dramas, aiming to increase user engagement and drive e-commerce revenue. These "micro dramas" are bite-sized soaps designed for quick consumption within the TikTok platform.
TikTok Launches a New Micro Drama App Called PineDrama
TikTok has launched a new app called PineDrama dedicated to short-form drama content, aiming to tap into the growing market for this type of entertainment. This strategic move reflects TikTok's ambition to expand its reach and explore new content categories within the competitive social media landscape.
Francesca • One Girl One World®️ (@onegirloneworld) on Threads
A Threads post by Francesca (@onegirloneworld) expresses concern about the terms and conditions of TikTok after a change in ownership in the U.S. The post suggests the terms are alarming, but doesn't provide specific details.
Announcement from the new TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC
TikTok has announced the formation of a new joint venture, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC. The platform aims to capture and present global creativity and knowledge through short-form mobile videos, empowering users to create and share their passions.
Americans’ Social Media Use 2025
A Pew Research Center study projects the landscape of social media use in the U.S. in 2025. YouTube is expected to remain the most popular platform, while Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and Reddit are gaining traction, particularly among specific age, gender, and racial/ethnic demographics.
Newsroom
The provided URL leads to TikTok's Newsroom, which serves as a destination for the company to share its mission, vision, and news-related announcements. TikTok aims to empower creators by providing an outlet to share their creative expressions through short-form mobile videos.
TikTok For Business
TikTok For Business provides brands and marketers with tools for creative storytelling and meaningful engagement on the TikTok platform. It is designed to help businesses connect with the TikTok community.
TikTok says its search engine usage rivals Google among Gen Z
TikTok is claiming that its search engine usage among Gen Z rivals Google's, hinting at a potential shift in online search behavior. This suggests that younger users are increasingly turning to TikTok for discovery and information, impacting the competitive landscape for search engine advertising.
EXCLUSIVE: TikTok Shop to End Independent Shipping for U.S. Brands As New Owners Take Over
TikTok Shop will end independent shipping for U.S. brands, transitioning to a model where TikTok controls more of the logistics. Brands are reportedly anticipating potential logistical problems as a result of the new policy.
TikTok Presents: Mel Robbins' LIVE Show
TikTok is presenting a live show featuring Mel Robbins. The show aims to capture the world's creativity, knowledge, and everyday moments, empowering creators to share their passions and creative expressions.
TikTok announces "TikTok In The Mix", a major new LIVE podcast series, sponsored by T-Mobile
TikTok is launching a live podcast series called "TikTok In The Mix," sponsored by T-Mobile. The platform emphasizes its mission to capture and present the world's creativity and empower creators.
Sundance 2026: How TikTok Is Fueling Film Fandom
This TikTok Newsroom article discusses how the platform is contributing to film fandom. It posits that TikTok has changed how people find and discuss films, leading to a more interactive and community-driven experience.
TikTok and Fandango team up to launch movie ticketing integration, powered by TikTok Spotlight
TikTok and Fandango are partnering to integrate movie ticketing directly into the TikTok app. This integration, powered by TikTok Spotlight, will allow users to discover showtimes and purchase tickets without leaving the TikTok platform.
Celebrating Avatar Fandom on TikTok
TikTok is highlighting the Avatar fandom on its platform. The article emphasizes TikTok's mission to capture and present creativity, knowledge, and important moments through short-form mobile videos.
TikTok GamePlan: Harness the power of TikTok's sports community
TikTok released its "GamePlan" to help brands and advertisers tap into the platform's sports community. The initiative aims to connect brands with sports fans through short-form video content.
TikTok down: Users complain of app not working
TikTok experienced a widespread outage, with users reporting the app was not working. The issue caused a significant spike in reports of the video-sharing platform being offline, particularly in the U.S.
New ways for friends and families to discover, share, and connect on TikTok
TikTok introduces new tools to enhance connection between friends and family. These features include group challenges, improved photo sharing, and enhanced discovery through shared recommendations, all aimed at strengthening community engagement on the platform.
Introducing TikTok Nearby: Discover what’s happening around you
TikTok announced the launch of its "Nearby" feature, which allows users to discover content and experiences happening around their current location. This aims to connect users with local communities and trending topics in their immediate area.
TikTok Shop had our Biggest BFCM Weekend Ever
TikTok Shop experienced its largest BFCM (Black Friday/Cyber Monday) weekend ever. The platform aims to empower creators by enabling users to share their passions and creative expressions through short-form videos.
TikTok Announces Host La La Anthony and Star-Studded Presenter Lineup for Awards in US
TikTok announced that La La Anthony will host the inaugural TikTok Awards in the US. The presenter lineup includes celebrity names such as Sabrina Carpenter, Khaby Lame, and Keke Palmer.
Introducing bulletin board: a new way for TikTok creators to communicate with their fans and build community
TikTok introduced "bulletin board," a new feature that allows creators to communicate with their fans and build community. It enables creators to share updates, engage in conversations, and foster deeper connections within the platform.
More ways to spot, shape and understand AI-generated content
TikTok is expanding its efforts to identify and label AI-generated content on its platform, including content created using its own AI effects. The company is working with the Creators Coalition on AI and the Tracking Transparency Project to develop industry standards for AI content transparency.
iHeartMedia and TikTok Partner to Launch First-of-Its-Kind, Multiplatform Partnership
iHeartMedia and TikTok are entering a multiplatform partnership. This collaboration aims to bring unique and innovative content experiences to audiences across iHeartMedia's broadcast radio, digital, and podcast platforms, as well as TikTok's expansive user base.
TikTok Expands Out of Phone Program, Partners with Curb, Westfield Malls, Rockbot and Hope Hydration
TikTok is expanding its "Out of Phone" program by partnering with Curb, Westfield Malls, Rockbot, and Hope Hydration. The program aims to extend TikTok's reach beyond smartphones and into physical spaces and services.
New tools to protect and support TikTok creators
TikTok announced new tools to support creators, focusing on safety, control, and monetization. New features include improved content reporting, expanded comment filtering, and enhanced creator revenue opportunities.
New Features Bring TikTok's Handheld Magic to Desktop
TikTok is releasing new features to enhance the desktop experience. These include improved creative tools and easier ways to discover content, bringing TikTok's mobile experience to a wider range of devices.
TikTok is back online in the U.S., following Trump's promise to pause the ban
TikTok is back online in the U.S. after the president-elect promised an executive order on Monday to delay the ban while brokering a sale. The app is available on web and mobile, but not in the Apple and Google stores.
Jess Maddox (@jessmaddox21) on Threads
Jess Maddox (@jessmaddox21) on Threads discusses the misinformation surrounding the new TikTok deal. She spent the morning reading the new Terms of Service and Privacy Policy to understand the changes.
TikTok users freak out over app's 'immigration status' collection -- here's what it means
TikTok users are concerned about a disclosure regarding the collection of "immigration status" data. Lawyers clarify that the disclosure stems from state privacy laws and is not necessarily indicative of actual immigration status collection by TikTok.
KC Steinbeck (@kcsteinbeck) on Threads
KC Steinbeck (@kcsteinbeck) laments the loss of 250,000 TikTok followers, stating the app is "officially at its end."
Nathan Jun (@nathancjun) on Threads
Nathan Jun posted on Threads that a TikTok video he posted 28 minutes prior had zero views. He suggests it may be due to a glitch under TikTok's new ownership or server exchanges.
V Spehar (@underthedesknews) on Threads
V Spehar (@underthedesknews) posted on Threads about TikTok being down due to a system update. Service disruptions typically occur during such updates.
TikTok is breaking down.
TikTok experienced an outage, affecting its For You page, comments, and other features. The company attributed ongoing issues in the US to a data center power outage as of January 26th.
TikTok Creator Khaby Lame Makes $975 Million Deal For His Brand
TikTok's biggest creator, Khaby Lame, has entered a $975 million deal that allows a company to monetize his brand. The deal highlights the growing value of individual creator brands in the digital space.
Instagram Reels and the New Era of Desocialized Media
John Herrman analyzes the shift from social connection to individual content consumption on platforms like Instagram Reels. The article argues that these platforms, initially designed for social interaction, are now primarily used for entertainment and passive engagement, fostering a form of "desocialized media."
Is 2026 the year of analogue?
A TikTok trend promoting 'going analogue' is examined by Dazed. The article questions whether the movement towards abandoning digital devices and embracing offline experiences represents a genuine generational shift or just another fleeting fad.
TikTok to settle as social media addiction trial involving Meta, YouTube moves forward
TikTok has reached a settlement in a lawsuit concerning social media addiction and will no longer participate in the upcoming trial. The trial, which involves Meta and YouTube, is set to proceed on Tuesday.
TikTok uninstalls surge 150% after app’s US takeover
TikTok uninstalls increased 150% following the app's US takeover, according to eMarketer. Despite the surge in uninstalls, engagement levels remained steady, indicating that user sentiment is more critical than the uninstall numbers alone.
Teen Social Media Bans Have Little Effect on Bottom Line
A Bloomberg newsletter reports that attempts to restrict teen access to social media are more likely to harm a company's reputation than its revenue. The newsletter argues that, while limiting teen access might appear ethical, it can backfire and damage the brand's image without significantly impacting sales.
Rocket Riley
Rocket Riley is a content creator specializing in film and TV breakdowns and reviews. Business inquiries can be directed to rocketriley@digitalfoxtalent.com.
Know Your News Project Stories
The Granite State News Collaborative's 'Know Your News Project' provides stories and resources focused on media literacy and critical thinking. The project aims to help people better understand and navigate the news landscape.
Plucky Wire
Plucky Wire is a curated news aggregator covering a wide range of topics, from tech and AI to sports and culture. The site synthesizes links and excerpts from articles across the web, providing readers with a consolidated view of current events and trends.
@drewharwell.com on Bluesky
The URL directs to the Bluesky profile of Drew Harwell, a tech and society reporter for The Washington Post. The profile includes links to his stories and video content on TikTok and Instagram.
Nieman Journalism Lab » Pushing to the Future of Journalism
This Nieman Lab article explores the evolving landscape of journalism, including the rise of AI tools, and the evolving strategies that organizations employ to meet the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. It touches on emerging trends impacting how news is produced and consumed.
Luxury goods were once built to last. Now, some fall apart as easily as fast fashion
CNN reports that consumers are increasingly criticizing the declining quality of luxury fashion items, evidenced by viral videos showcasing defects. Shoppers question the value of high-end goods that quickly fall apart, prompting discussions about luxury brands prioritizing profit over durability.
Are We Entering a New Romantic Era?
This YouTube video explores the idea of a "New Romantic Era" in culture. It examines shifts in attitudes and values, particularly among Gen Z, suggesting a renewed emphasis on authenticity, emotional connection, and aesthetics in response to social media and technology.
The Rise of the New Romanticism
Ross Barkan analyzes the cultural trends of increased aesthetic awareness and romanticism, fueled by social media's influence on identity formation and consumerism, and questions the potential societal impacts. The piece contrasts these trends with modern anxieties and existential discontents.
Rachelle Hampton
This is an author page for Rachelle Hampton, a staff writer at Defector. She has written about topics including sports, social media, and culture.
A.I. Pop Culture Is Already Here
Kyle Chayka's article in *The New Yorker* explores the increasing use of AI-assisted tools like Midjourney, ElevenLabs, and D-ID in creating pop culture content. These technologies empower individuals to generate unique and engaging cultural artifacts, impacting creative expression and consumption.