Don't get caught looking out of place. Here's everything you need to know about what’s happening on the internet to sound smart in front of your boss, compiled by unhinged marketing professionals:
What the internet is talking about right now:
RIP, Abraham Lincoln (again)
A 3,000-lb wax statue of Abraham Lincoln outside a school in Washington, D.C. began to melt in the extreme summer heat, with the head, leg, and foot all starting to droop. The non-profit organization that commissioned the statue said it was always meant to change over time, but they didn't expect it to melt so dramatically.
Gingerbread nails
A disturbing new filter is making its rounds on TikTok. The “gingerbread nails” filter slowly morphs users hands in to a manly hand holding an appendage. Users are seeking this filter to see it for themselves and inadvertently causing everything gingerbread to trend including Gingerbread Man from Shrek and recipes from the holiday season.
Blythe dolls
The popular Blythe Dolls, with their big-eyed charm, have reemerged as a trend in various contexts. Some TikTokkers are leveraging AI technology to discover Blythe dolls that resemble themselves, while others are expressing concerns about the lack of diversity in the dolls. Another notable trend involves users using AI to transform the dolls into human-like figures, saying, "Not doing a face reveal, but this is kinda what I look like."
This is the second time Blythe dolls have trended in the past year, with the first instance occurring at the tail end of the girlification trend of 2023.
Soccer field sinkhole
A massive 100-foot sinkhole opened up in an Illinois park, swallowing a light pole and leaving a gaping, 30-foot deep hole. Luckily, no one was hurt, and the sinkhole appears to be the result of an underground mine, with the area being secured and off-limits for the foreseeable future while inspectors and experts examine the mine and conduct repairs."
Hawk Tuah Girl cashes in
Tennessee-based embroidery and apparel brand, Fathead Threads, has become the official vendor for Hawk Tuah-themed merchandise, thanks to a viral video featuring Hailey Welch. The brand manager, Jason Poteete, has reached out to Welch to ensure she profits from the viral fame, and the shop has sold over 2,000 hats, with interest from large-scale media networks and the WWE.
Despite Welch's discomfort with the attention, Poteete is hopeful she will settle into her new level of viral fame and describes her as having a bubbly personality and providing the world with a much-needed laugh.
The plane cheater husband
A TikTok video captured a married man allegedly being unfaithful on a flight, which led to a widespread internet investigation. The video, posted by Caroline Rened, showed a man wearing a wedding ring flirting with another woman on the plane and sharing personal details about his life. Within two days, TikTok users identified the man as Lynn Stacy, also known as Bryan, reportedly from Texas. Online investigators also found information about his wife, Tanya Stacy, and their two children.
‘World’s Ugliest Dog’ title secured
Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese, won the annual World’s Ugliest Dog contest and collected the $5,000 prize after five previous attempts. The contest is not about making fun of the dogs, but having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are really beautiful.
One Million Checkboxes
Nolen Royalty, a New York-based game creator, has developed a website with one million checkboxes that anyone can check or uncheck, with the total number of checked boxes displayed in the corner. Despite the pointlessness of the game, it has captivated players who have been engaged in a relentless battle of checking and unchecking boxes, with over 500,000 boxes already checked. The game's developer has been working tirelessly to keep the site running, even at 3am, due to the unexpected obsession with the game.
Formats
My Ghost Roommate / New Pirated Content Format
A new trend has emerged that involves using pirated short-form video content with a green-screened host layered on top. The host begins with a short introduction and then remains silent, sitting in the corner of the screen for the rest of the clip. This format has become popular with the show "Ghosts," causing the incorrectly labeled title "My Ghost Roommate" to trend as users seek out the show.
Tiktok failed to load.
Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Return to Innocence
TikTok users are using a filter that simulates flying paired with Enigma's song "Return to Innocence" to depict freeing or heavenly situations.
Love Me Too
TikTok users are performing intricate hand dances to the infectious chorus of the song "Tell Me" by the K-pop band Wonder Girls.
Heavy metal sandwich-making
TikTok users are sharing step-by-step photos of making a sandwich or similar meal.
Tiktok failed to load.
Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Sounds
I’ve Been a Nauseous Girl
This parody of “Nasty Girl” by Tinashe can be used for scenarios when ladies get the ick (or a tummy ache (or nervous)).
Anti-clean girl
This TikTok audio describing clean girl aesthetic is being is being used to show scenarios of women being messy.
Plankton sings Pink Pony Club
This Chappell Roan parody cover is sung by an AI generated voice that sounds like Plankton from Spongebob.
Tiktok failed to load.
Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Now for a more granular look at moments across the web:
Amazon Prime Day x Megan Thee Stallion
Amazon is teaming up with Megan Thee Stallion for its 10th annual Prime Day event, with the rapper releasing a new song called ""It's Prime Day"" and an accompanying music video featuring her purchasing items from Amazon. The two-day discount event is set to take place on July 16-17, with Prime members gaining access to exclusive deals and perks."
Spirit Halloween animatronics reveal
Spirit Halloween is gearing up for the Halloween season with a lineup of new animatronics, including characters from horror film franchises like Terrifier and Corpse Bride. These motion-activated animatronics feature realistic movement and audio from the beloved movies, and are sure to bring chills to anyone who encounters them.
Hallmark Media x NFL x Skydance Sports x Kansas City Chiefs
Get ready for a holiday movie touchdown as the Kansas City Chiefs and Hallmark Channel team up for a heartwarming film set in the iconic Arrowhead Stadium. The movie, ""Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story,"" will bring together the warmth of Hallmark storytelling with the excitement of professional football, creating the ultimate celebration of the collaboration between these two beloved Kansas City institutions.
Mothman x Build-A-Bear
A stuffed Mothman plush figure sold out within hours of its release on the Build-A-Bear website, with the Mothman Plush Legend Gift Set also quickly selling out. The Mothman plush is described as a ""mysterious winged friend"" and is inspired by the legend of the humanoid creature with glowing eyes.
Kate Spade New York x Heinz
Kate Spade New York has teamed up with Heinz for a limited-edition collection inspired by ketchup, featuring a range of accessories and ready-to-wear items in Heinz's iconic red color. The collection, which includes totes, pouches, small leather goods, T-shirts, footwear, keychains, phone cases, and more, is available for purchase at select Kate Spade New York stores, department stores, and online.
Yungeen Ace v. Julio Foolio
Yungeen Ace released a new song called ""Do It,"" with explicit lyrics about gun violence just hours after his rival, Julio Foolio, was shot and killed in a Tampa hotel parking lot. The two rappers have been involved in a violent feud for years, with both releasing diss tracks targeting each other and their associates.
Reneé Rappe teases new album
Reneé Rapp, who gained attention with her debut album Snow Angel, is back in the studio working on new material for her upcoming album. In a new episode of Instagram's Close Friends Only podcast, Rapp discusses her inspiration for the new album and her experiences as a 23-year-old with actress Rachel Sennott, covering topics such as astrology, dating apps, and their ""Finstas."
Dodgers bat boy casually saved Shohei Ohtani’s life
Shohei Ohtani narrowly avoided a dangerous foul ball in the dugout during the Dodgers' game against the White Sox, thanks to a quick-thinking bat boy who made an incredible barehanded catch. The bat boy's heroic play saved Ohtani from a potentially serious injury, and fans are calling for him to get a raise for his quick reflexes and cool demeanor.
New NHL uniforms
NHL players like Matthews, McDavid, Barkov, and Kucherov got to try on the new Fanatics branded NHL uniforms, which feature design and performance adjustments based on player feedback. The jerseys include new shoulder fabrics, enhanced durability in the lower sleeve, and special hologram finishes, and will be available for fans to purchase for the first time in a decade.
NBA 2K to remove Dr Disrespect content
2K has confirmed that Dr Disrespect's presence will be removed from NBA 2K24 in the coming weeks, following allegations of inappropriate messaging with a minor. The streamer has admitted to sending the messages, prompting several organizations to distance themselves from him, and 2K has decided to cut ties by removing his name and animations from the game.
bbno$ claims Fortnite canceled his skin collab due to viral TikTok leak
Music artist bbno$’s potential collaboration with Fortnite for in-game cosmetics surrounding his song “it boy” has reportedly been called off after he leaked the information early. Despite the initial excitement and viral TikTok video, a follow-up email allegedly showed that Epic Games was terminating the partnership due to a breach of confidentiality, leaving fans disappointed and questioning the decision.
New Sims 4 Lovestruck Expansion Pack
EA's latest expansion pack for The Sims 4, Lovestruck, brings romance back into the game with a new world called Ciudad Enamorada, a new dating app called Cupid's Corner, and a "Create A Date" function to customize romantic outings for Sims. The expansion also introduces Relationship Dynamics, allowing Sims' romances to be labeled as Wholesome, Steamy, Strained, or Unpredictable, with in-game consequences.
Pokemon TCG AI allegations
The Pokemon Company has addressed concerns about controversial submissions to the Pokemon TCG’s Illustration Contest, rescinding various entries amid allegations of AI usage. The decision comes after fans noticed suspicious entries with similar art styles and names, leading to accusations of rule violations and AI usage.
Logan Paul sues over CryptoZoo “scam” accusations
Logan Paul has filed a defamation suit against Coffeezilla, also known as Stephen Findeisen, over videos labelling Paul’s CryptoZoo game a “scam”. The lawsuit claims that Findeisen intentionally and recklessly disseminated defamatory falsehoods about Paul and seeks $75,000 in compensatory damages.
RIP, Living Computers Museum
The Living Computers Museum + Labs in Seattle, founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, has permanently closed after being shuttered for over four years due to the pandemic. The museum, which showcased rare computing technology and interactive displays, was a 12-year-old institution dedicated to preserving and exhibiting vintage computers and technology.
Baggu AI-designed horse purse
Baggu, the popular brand of reusable shopping bags, announced a collaboration with Collina Strada, featuring bags shaped like a pony and colorful, dreamlike prints. However, fans were upset to learn that some of the prints were created using AI image generator Midjourney, leading to complaints about a lack of transparency and concerns about the environmental impact of generative AI.
“Bushwick Basic”
TikTok trend forecaster Boys Club World has coined a new term for Charli XCX's edgy modern fashion style as "Bushwick Basic." They describe the look as a mix of modern Y2K fashion and grungy club kid style, featuring leather moto jackets, Bayonetta glasses, neon colors, and a hint of irony. This Brat aesthetic was quite prominent at Charli's recent Boiler Room performance and was also embraced by the artist and her fans.
"Just like a pack of cigs, aBic lighter, and astrappy white topwith no bra," she said in aninterview when asked to describe the "Brat" trend.
@boysclubworld｡･:*:,｡･:*☆ 𝔅𝔲𝔰𝔥𝔴𝔦𝔠𝔨 𝔅𝔞𝔰𝔦𝔠 ｡･:*:｡･:* Or (𝔟)𝔯𝔞𝔱 𝔊𝔦𝔯𝔩 𝔖𝔲𝔪𝔪𝔢𝔯… From Charli XCX to everyone at her Boiler Room set, this feels like a subterranean aesthetic that more and more people are paying attention to — and trying to emulate. And with a rise in popularity comes more dupes and watered down versions of said thing. Bushwick Basic is an interesting case study in how the online trend cycle turned a really organic aesthetic into a parody of itself. What are your thoughts on the trend? Love or loathe? We want to know… @caitpoli @haloscope
Tiktok failed to load.
Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Ice cream recall
A Maryland-based food manufacturer is recalling multiple brands of ice cream products sold nationwide due to potential listeria contamination, affecting more than 60 products including Hershey’s, Friendly’s, Chipwich, and Jeni’s. The FDA has not reported any illnesses so far, and consumers are urged to return the items for a full refund.
Halloumi Cheese Market to Reach $737 Million by 2027
The global halloumi cheese market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.0% from 2021 to 2027, driven by increasing cross-cultural interactions and demand for premium products. Europe has been the dominant player in the market, with the unflavored segment leading in revenue generation and the food service segment expected to continue dominating the market.
Hulk Hogan's Real American Beer
Hulk Hogan's Real American Beer is set to launched in Missouri on June 25, marking the third market in the beer's rollout. Named after the song Hulk walked out to in the ring, the beer is making its way to Missouri as a nod to the state's role in Hulkamania in the 80s, with Hulk himself planning to meet fans in July.
Panera’s ‘Little Big Treat'
Panera has jumped on the Little Treat Culture trend with the launch of their new CinnaTops, offering customers a small, decadent treat to brighten their day for under $5. The Little Big Treat breakfast menu also includes savory options like the Bacon Double Take and Steak and Wake sandwiches, giving customers a variety of options to indulge in. Plus, Panera is offering a special Sips Club membership deal for new subscribers, giving them three free months of endless drinks to pair with their little treats.
Celine Dion memes; “The shoe don’t walk me”
Celine Dion confessed her obsession with shoes in her new Prime Video documentary, revealing that she makes her feet fit into any type of shoe, no matter the size. She also has difficulty answering what her favorite color is. The singer also shared her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare autoimmune neurological disorder, in the emotional and revealing film.
RIP, Bill Cobbs
Veteran character actor Bill Cobbs has died at the age of 90 at his home in California, surrounded by family and friends. With over 200 film and TV credits, Cobbs was known for his sage and soulful screen presence, leaving a lasting impression on audiences."
Pinterest board shares
Pinterest users, especially Gen Z, see their boards as personal sanctuaries for self-discovery and expression, leading to the rise of ""mecore"" - a trend focused on introspection and identity shaping. To celebrate the launch of board sharing, Avril Lavigne and Tierra Whack are unveiling their never-seen-before personal boards, offering fans a glimpse into their unique styles and visions.
Meta’s rolling out broadcast channels to pages with over 10K followers
Meta is expanding access to its Broadcast Channels feature, allowing Facebook Pages with more than 10k followers to create their own channel on Facebook and Messenger. This move follows the success of the initial launch on Instagram and includes new features such as the ability to share channel messages from Instagram to Facebook and early access to channel content for members.
With more conversations happening in messaging, creating a Broadcast Channel could provide another way to connect with your audience, while also offering the opportunity to promote your channel and share content via Facebook stories. If you have regular updates for your most dedicated fans, it might be worth considering creating a Broadcast Channel.
Instagram adds Live Streams for Close Friends Only
Instagram is adding a new feature called Close Friends on Instagram Live, which will allow users to live stream with up to three other people in a private video session, viewable only by those on your Close Friends list. This new feature aims to facilitate more intimate group chats and connections within the app, tapping into the trend of increased private sharing and engagement among younger users.
More YouTube Premium plans are coming
YouTube is working on new plans for its YouTube Premium subscriptions, with the company committed to bringing members more plan options and exploring ways to share benefits with friends in the future. Currently, there are only a handful of YouTube Premium plans, but new features and experiments are being added for Premium subscribers, including an AI-powered ""jump ahead"" feature and the ability to watch YouTube Shorts in picture-in-picture mode on Android.
YouTube is reportedly talking to major labels for AI music deals
YouTube is in talks with major record labels to secure licensing for more songs to be used in AI-generated clones, offering lump sums of cash to persuade artists to hand over their music for AI training. This comes as Google's broader strategy to compete with rivals in the AI music space, but has sparked concerns from musicians and record labels about the impact on human creativity and compensation.
Instagram Feed Update
Instagram is rolling out an update that allows users to see the number of likes, comments, and shares a post has.
Crabs can’t read … But you can!
Here are some good reads we picked from around the web:
The Atlantic: Hot AI Jesus Is Huge on Facebook
Dazed Digital: Everyone is wearing clown make-up because everything is absurd
Not all brands deserve a W, but these ones do:
During last night’s Biden-Trump Presidential Debate, Calm dropped this banger Tweet after sending users a push notification that read, “Exhale. Sip some water. Maybe play some rain sounds.” at the halfway mark of the heavily memed debate.
Barnes and Nobel Empanadas
New York teacher and lifestyle influencer Dutch posted a TikTok listing top travel tips for visiting NYC. One tip iterated on the point of "learning to mind your business" and then described how to ignore someone selling empanadas in the basem*nt of Barnes and Noble if it doesn't concern them.
The Barnes and Noble Union Square TikTok account stitched the original video pretending to sell empanadas in the basem*nt of their store, proving the benefit of quickly reacting with a lo-fi concept to capitalize on a trending moment.
Tiktok failed to load.
Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Silence, Brand! is an internet culture and marketing newsletter compiled by unhinged brand marketing professionals. Thank you to this installment’s contributors: Ryan Benson, Dayna Castillo & Lenny Leithauser
To receive bi-weekly internet roundups from Silence, Brand! please subscribe [IT’S FREE] 🦀
🦀 Already subscribed? *happy crab click* FWD to a friend or drop a link in the work chat!
Share
🦀 Silence, Brand! is presented by LOUDMOUTH 📣
Are you a social media manager working with brands?
📲 We want to hear from you — [No, but like… we really do. We gotta stick together.]
Are you a business or agency that would love a customized, white-labeled digital culture roundup tailored to company and shareholder interests?
🚀 Hit us up and let’s make that happen :)
