41% of US consumers want brands to participate in meme culture and social media trends, according to M Booth. But just 25% want to see brands using popular phrases, expressions, and slang in their content, meaning brands need to be careful their voice doesn’t seem forced or corporate when posting online.

TikTok’s influence on Gen Z engagement grows: Presidential candidates use the platform to shape the race and drive voter participation.

If it feels impossible to keep up with Gen Z slang, that’s because it is. TikTok has turbocharged an already fast-moving content cycle, so you’ve probably heard about trends that sound like gibberish. It’s tempting to give up on the spiraling influx of new language, but marketers need to understand at least some of the lexicon to avoid creating “cringe” content. Here are some terms marketers should know.

Fast-casual restaurant chain Chipotle Mexican Grill is a pioneer in meme marketing, having incorporated memes into its social media strategies since mid-2018.

Memes can be an inexpensive and powerful tool for brands to connect and engage with their audiences on social media. They can help build brand equity and awareness through in-the-moment, lighthearted content.

Internet memes are not a new phenomenon, but the events of 2020 have spurred their consumption. Despite their popularity among social media users, marketing with memes can still be a risky business for brands.