God forbid we say the ‘A’ word 🙄 But let’s face it summer-lovers, August is coming to an end and September’s calling. Cooler days, Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Spooky SZN are on the horizon - so let’s wrap up this summer’s latest👇
What’s Gone Viral? 🔥
Just want the headlines? Here’s a peek at some of the bigger viral convos before we dive into trends and the more… unhinged.
Gen Z’s TikTok Slang is Dictionary-Official
What the skibidi is going on?
The latest Cambridge Dictionary additions have landed and, let’s be honest, we’d all be a bit delulu if we thought recent Gen Z slang wouldn’t make the cut. (Shhh, it’s over now. We’ve stopped 🫶)
Serena’s Controversial GLP-1 Endorsement
Tennis star Serena Williams has come under fire for revealing that she’s been using a weight loss drug, with Jameela Jamil being particularly open with her take on the matter. Is there a lesson here for brands on risky celeb endorsements?
Millie Bobby Brown Welcomes Baby Girl
The Stranger Things star and her husband, Jake Bongiovi, recently announced the adoption - one of the more heartwarming stories of late! Cue the internet’s “We got Eleven married with kids before Stranger Things S5” memes.
More?
Trending Format Alert 🚨
Born from this extremely satisfying viral Creed fan edit, we’re seeing more and more high quality TikToks across our FYPs 😮💨
From snowboarding action shots to fit checks, the audio accompanying the OG Creed TikTok is being using across the board along with the slick, cinematic editing style. We’re slowly seeing TikTok evolve in the direction of higher quality content, albeit creator-led to maintain the human aspect.
As we move away from lo-fi, we’re seeing a great opportunity for brands to reintroduce polished TikTok content - perhaps even landscape! Edits such as the Creed example would work particularly well within the sport and automotive industry (or even just some good-looking F&B)🎥
TikTok Brand Champion 🏆
It’s the section you’ve all been waiting for… and for this edition’s Brand Champion, we’re feeling juicy. Joe & The Juice to be exact 🍊
Joe & The Juice bring the perfect blend (pun intended) of audience-based humour, cultural references and product contextualisation within their TikTok content - a great example being their take on the viral Calvin Klein ad.
They also go beyond the realm of simple trend-jacking with surprise hooks like this ‘How to kidnap me’ video, fourth-wall breaking moments such as this one and celeb partnerships imagined specifically for TikTok.
More Industry News 🗞️
Looking for a specific industry or topic? Say no more. Here’s a selection of a few bonus newsworthy moments and trends, organised into categories, ‘Type A’ style.
Travel & Hospitality ✈️
Google is introducing an AI-powered assistant to find the best flight deals
Meet the "Eat what you want, pay what you can” Michelin-star eatery
You could soon get rewarded for visiting these European cities
Food & Beverage 🍹
Starbucks PSL season is back, with the drink out from today (!) in the US
Radioactive shrimp anyone? Walmart recall batches in the US 🍤
Gen Z ditched alcohol for the gym, but now they’re drinking more again
TV, Film & Design 💅
Celebrity Traitors returns in October! Get prepped to be reactive on social
Adding to the theme - here’s how to decorate every room for Autumn
Fall fits incoming. Check out Luxury London’s AW25 Trend Report
Sport & Automotive ⚽️
Gen Z have adopted a surprising hobby, and it’ll have you hooked 🥁
Aston Martin and Glenfiddich unite in a landmark global partnership
Chelsea FC’s Cole Palmer attended Notting Hill Carnival… in disguise
Trending Meme Alert 🚨
We had Pedro Racoon. We had OIIAI cat. Now, we have ‘First of the month’ cows. And with 1st Sept fast approaching, perhaps now is the time to test some udder brainrot? Even Michael Barrymore got involved last year, so watch this space 🐄
And on that pretty weird note, it’s time to say goodbye (until the next edition). But if you really miss us in the meantime, email us at culturelab@eightandfour.com and we can chat all things trends and reactive content!
Live, laugh, love,
The Culture Lab team 👋
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