From popular media ads to trending Olympic memes, here’s a summary of the month’s most discussed online events.
Brat Summer (Charlie XCX)
Charli XCX heats up the summer with the release of her latest album, Brat. Brands use it as a marketing tool to resonate with the younger demographic. The song “Apple” and the album’s lime green look are popular, creating excitement and interest through marketing efforts.
This integration of music and marketing is not just about utilizing a popular album; it’s about embodying the song’s attitude and aesthetics into the brand’s messaging. It’s a strategic move to create an authentic connection with Gen Z, who value originality and boldness in the brands they support.
Campaigns to attract Gen Z to take part
In July, the new Presidential Candidate, Kalama Harris, appealed to Gen Z with creative marketing strategies. Her social media team revamped her profile and posted content inspired by the Brat album. This campaign is a stark difference from traditional marketing used by presidential candidates. Harris’s use of social media and internet culture to broaden campaign reach is not something we’ve seen before.
The involvement of figures like Kamala Harris in such trends indicates a crossover between popular culture and political engagement, with the potential to garner support from a demographic that is highly active online but traditionally less engaged in politics.
By tapping into the Gen Z humor, language, and platforms, marketers are crafting campaigns that are not just seen but actively participated in by this younger audience.
Olympic trends
The Olympics have always been an opportunity for companies to pick up major athletes to represent their brands. But this year, the most viral moments have been absolutely free. With Snoop Dogg holding the Olympic Torch for no reason other than the fact that it’s Snoop Dog.
Snoop has also been caught in the front row of the stands at different sporting events sitting there like a proud father of the Olympians. Occasionally getting up to the Cripp walk with gymnastics star Simone Biles.
And of course, being asked to do commentary on the sports.
Memes and viral moments
The Olympics are not just about athletic excellence but also about the cultural moments they inspire. This year, the blend of celebrity involvement, like Snoop Dogg, with athletic performances has created a wealth of shareable, light-hearted content that brands can easily align with to boost their relatability and presence online.
Meta’s AI push
Meta has continued to push its AI tools across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. They’ve introduced more AI-powered ad targeting features and creative tools for businesses to test, edit, and optimize campaigns. Expect to see more AI-generated captions, images, and even customer service integrations rolling out soon.
What this means for marketers
Brands will need to learn how to balance automation with authenticity. While AI can streamline content creation and targeting, the human touch—voice, humor, relatability—still drives engagement. Companies that blend both effectively will stand out.
TikTok Shop expansion
TikTok continues to double down on its e-commerce play with TikTok Shop. More brands are experimenting with in-app shopping experiences, and TikTok is incentivizing creators to sell products directly in their videos.
Takeaway
If your audience is on TikTok, now is the time to test product tagging and affiliate partnerships. The earlier you get in, the more likely you are to benefit from TikTok’s heavy push to make social commerce mainstream.
Final thoughts
This month’s trends—from Brat Summer to Olympic memes—show how quickly internet culture moves and how brands can capitalize by staying flexible, relevant, and bold. Whether it’s music, sports, or AI tools, the key is timing and authenticity.
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