By the time you’re reading my article, this campaign will be over and the trends mentioned here will be yesterday’s news. But, understanding them is key to predicting what comes next for brands talking in our online spaces.
Dunkin’s most recent campaign, promoting a cute, spider donut leaned past zany into edgy. We’re talking double entendres for a food that already lends itself to a lot of holes and glazing puns.
The Deep Fried Posts
One peculiar phenomenon has captured the attention of netizens worldwide: deep-fried memes. These heavily edited, vibrantly colored, and often nonsensical images have become a staple in the digital humor diet. But what exactly are deep-fried memes, and why are they becoming so popular?
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What Are Deep-Fried Memes?
Deep-fried memes are a unique form of internet humor characterized by their excessively edited appearance. They often feature:
- Over-saturated colors that make the image pop.
- Pixelation and distortion that add a layer of absurdity.
- Random text overlays that are frequently humorous or ironic.
The term “deep-fried” refers to the metaphorical “frying” process these memes undergo, which involves repeated editing to the point where the image quality is intentionally degraded. This style of meme has roots in the early days of internet culture, where low-resolution images and rudimentary editing tools were commonplace.
Why Are Deep-Fried Memes So Popular?
Several factors contribute to the popularity of deep-fried memes:
1. Nostalgia for Early Internet Culture
Many social media users grew up during the early days of the internet, where low-quality images and basic editing were the norm. Deep-fried memes evoke a sense of nostalgia for this era, playing on the charm of the internet’s early quirks.
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2. Irony and Absurdity
In a world inundated with information, the absurdity of deep-fried memes provides a refreshing escape. The exaggerated editing and nonsensical text are a form of ironic humor that resonates with audiences looking for a humorous take on the chaos of the digital age.
3. Creativity and Expression
Deep-fried memes offer a unique canvas for creativity. The lack of rules and the encouragement of chaos allow meme creators to express themselves in unconventional ways. This freedom appeals to those who enjoy experimenting with visual art and humor.
4. Viral Nature
In the fast-paced environment of social media, content that stands out visually is more likely to go viral. The striking appearance of deep-fried memes makes them highly shareable, ensuring their spread across platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit.
The Future of Deep-Fried Memes
As with many internet phenomena, the longevity of deep-fried memes is uncertain. However, their current popularity underscores a broader trend toward nostalgia and irony in digital humor. Whether they remain a staple or fade into obscurity, deep-fried memes have undeniably left their mark on the cultural landscape of social media.
They are a testament to the creativity and adaptability of internet culture.
The Playful Persona
Another social media manager trend is the adoption of first-person narration and the development of playful, entertaining brand personas. But why are corporations opting for these approaches? Let’s explore the reasons behind it.
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Building a Personal Connection
Using a first-person voice allows brands to speak directly to their audience in a way that feels personal and relatable. This approach can humanize a brand, making it appear less like a faceless entity and more like a friend or trusted advisor. When a brand speaks in the first person, it can create a sense of intimacy and directness, which in turn fosters trust and loyalty among consumers. It’s often done with a wink and a nod from the imaginary personality of the person running the account such as the “unhinged social media manager” or “Gen Z intern”.
Enhancing Brand Identity
A fun and distinctive brand persona helps companies stand out in the crowded marketplace. By developing a unique voice and character, brands can distinguish themselves from competitors and create a memorable impression. A well-crafted persona can embody the values and mission of the company, making the brand’s messaging more cohesive and impactful.
Over a decade ago, Taco Bell and then Wendy’s broke from the mold of running corporate accounts like television ad channels and instead took on a personable tone. They would comment on people’s posts and roast people. It made news because people weren’t used to brands speaking without a customer service voice.
Engaging and Entertaining Content
Consumers are bombarded with content from all directions. To capture and maintain their attention, brands need to offer something more than just information—they need to entertain. A playful brand persona can infuse humor and creativity into communication, making it more engaging and enjoyable for the audience. This not only helps in capturing their attention but also encourages sharing and interaction, amplifying the brand’s reach.
Facilitating Authentic Storytelling
When brands write in the first person, they have the opportunity to tell authentic stories that resonate with their audience. This storytelling approach allows brands to share their journey, challenges, and triumphs in a way that feels genuine. Authentic narratives can inspire and motivate consumers, creating a deeper emotional connection with the brand.
Encouraging Customer Interaction
A fun brand persona invites interaction, encouraging consumers to engage in conversations. By using a friendly and approachable tone, companies can foster a community around their brand. This interaction can lead to valuable feedback, insights, and user-generated content, further strengthening the relationship between the brand and its audience.
Got Dunkin’s SMM engaging with my poll on a Sunday morning.
Adopting a first-person narrative and a fun brand persona is more than just a marketing trend—it’s a strategic move that enables companies to connect with their audience on a personal level. By building a relatable and engaging presence, brands can foster loyalty, stand out in a competitive market, and ultimately drive business growth. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, expect more brands to embrace these techniques in their quest to capture hearts and minds.
What’s Next for Brands on Social Media
While it can be hard to predict the next trend on social media, we’re always rooting for content that feels genuine, a little weird, (and human.) As AI churns out glossy, predictable, safe content — the bizarre posts catch our eyes. Don’t be surprised if we continue down the deep-fried, anti-design path for some time. It’s raw (or at least half baked), even if it isn’t real.
About The Shop Shop
If content churn pulls you away from actually running your business, we can help. We come around your social media efforts to make every piece of content go farther. We recommend that our clients have an organic presence on their account which we supplement with strategic organic content and paid advertising placements. We offer one-time projects, flat-rate projects and reports. Check out our services to get more out of your next campaign.
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