The document provides a summary of recent digital trends seen across brands and consumers. It outlines trends around the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria and brands that supported or stayed silent on the issue. Top hashtags on Twitter around mental health awareness and an Italian reality TV show are mentioned. New social features from Netflix, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn are summarized. Trending marketing campaigns from Burger King, Mountain Dew and OPPO mobile are highlighted.

1. Digital Trends
11th Oct, 2020

2. Background
Digital Trends
This document records the latest
digital trends that both brands and
consumers are currently engaging.
Below is the layout,
● #EndSARS #SARSMUSTEND
● Topical Trends
● Tech Trends
● Social Media Marketing Trends

3. Sources for this report are:
● Trendhunter
● Twitter
● GetDayTrends

4. #EndSARS #SARSMUSTEND

5. Brands that supported...
The End SARS movement has been a
nationwide protest in Nigeria, against
police brutality.
In the cause of these fight some brands,
used their platform, products and voice to
support the movement.
● Flutterwave
● Stears Business
● Piggy Bank
● The Money Africa
● Buy Coins Africa
● Draftansy
● Scale My Hustle
● Busha Hub
● Voyance HQ
● Republic Journal
● Amnesty Nigeria
● BBC Africa
● Zikoko Mag
● Wine & Whine
● Tizzil co
● Sterling Bank
● Kuda Bank
● Lionezzz
It should be noted that a large percentage of
these brands are in the Fintech category and
their platforms are being used to raise funds
to support the End SARS movement.
Some of the brands are digital media hubs,
that have been giving updates on protests
and how to support them.

6. Brands that supported...

7. Brands that stayed silent…
There are also news of some brands disassociating themselves with
influencers or celebrities that take a stand in the movement.
And as such consumers response to these news was “We will remember
the brands that supported us and those that didn’t” “Na brand wey
support #SARSMUSTEND we go patronize”

8. Brands that stayed silent…

9. Brands that stayed anonymous...
There were also brands that supported the
movement but choose to stay/remain anonymous.
Some urged their staff to take part in the protests
and this triggered a response from the twitter
audience/protesters/youths.

10. Brands that stayed anonymous...

11. As a response to this, it is imperative
that our brands make an effort to
support or lend their voices to this
movement.
Not only because they are key players in
the consumer market, but majorly
because the people will remember...

12. Topical Trends

13. Topical Trends- Longest
Trending
This snapshot shows the longest
trending hashtags that have been
trending in 24 hours, globally.
It shows their duration as well as
when they were last seen.
For this category,
#worldmentalhealthday takes the
lead. The goal of this hashtag and
trend is to raise awareness for global
mental health education, awareness
and advocacy against social stigma.
The theme for this year was Kindness.

14. Topical Trends- Longest
Trending
This snapshot shows the longest
trending hashtags that have been
trending in 7 days, globally.
It shows their duration as well as
when they were last seen.
For this category, #gfvip takes the
lead. This to Grande Fratello VIP is the
celebrity version of Grande Fratello,
the Italian version of the reality
television franchise Big Brother.

15. Topical Trends- Most
Tweeted
This snapshot shows the Most
tweeted hashtags that have been
trending in 24 hours, globally.
It shows their duration as well as
when they were last seen.
For this category, #EndSARS takes the
lead. This hashtag is a social
movement in Nigeria that started on
"Nigerian Twitter" opposing the
Special Anti-Robbery Squad, a unit of
the Nigerian Police Force. It is a call to
end police oppression and brutality in
Nigeria

16. Topical Trends- Most
Tweeted
This snapshot shows the Most
tweeted hashtags that have been
trending in 7 days, globally.
It shows their duration as well as
when they were last seen.
For this category, #EndSars takes the
lead. This hashtag is a social
movement in Nigeria that started on
"Nigerian Twitter" opposing the
Special Anti-Robbery Squad, a unit of
the Nigerian Police Force. It is a call to
end police oppression and brutality in
Nigeria

17. Tech Trends

18. IRL App Expansion
The IRL App, which stands for In Real Life, is a leading social
calendar and event discovery platform designed to unite folks
over common interests.
IRL is the only social platform that helps users find the best
ways to spend their time and actually encourages them to get
off the platform,
“Colleges and universities, in particular, need a way to build
and foster a sense of community, whether their students are
away from campus remote learning or on campus practicing
hybrid learning. There has been a great response from
students using IRL to manage events on campus.
The sole purpose is to expand the platform and help students
create lasting memories and friendships through shared
experiences, and look towards international markets.”

19. Co-viewing Chat
Experiences
The newly launched Facebook Messenger Watch
Together feature gives friends and family members a
new co-viewing opportunity within Messenger. The
features supports all Facebook Watch video content,
which includes everything from original
programming and user uploads to creator content,
livestreams and in the near future, even music
videos.
Up to eight people in a Messenger video chat group
on mobile or up to 50 people in Messenger Rooms
can band together for a co-watching experience that
helps people view the same videos at the same time.
This is almost similar to a Netflix Party, only that this
is done via chat.

20. Netflix Party - Teleparty
Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) is a new
way to watch TV with your friends online.
Teleparty synchronized video playback
and adds group chat to major movie
platforms.
With Netflix party being the largest social
TV app in the world. Considering watch
parties are great ways to stay connected
with loved ones, Netflix party expanded
their software to now support watch
parties on Netflix, Disney, Hulu and HBO.

21. Fyrabend
The 'Fyrabend' app is a new kind of socialization
tool for users that will enable them to make the
most of every free moment they have in their
schedule.
The app works by having users input their
availability in a specific location and be connected
with others who have similar availabilities to see
who they can hang out with.
The goal of the app is to connect travelers with
likeminded people and locals and help them make
friendly connections in any environment.

22. Instagram - Reels
Instagram Reels is a young and growing
social media feature and due to its
success, the time limit on Reels will now
be extended by 15 seconds, allowing
creators to upload 30-second videos.
In addition to this update, the social
media platform has also announced that
the timer at the beginning of the video will
be extended to 10 seconds, giving creators
more time to prepare before the self timer
begins recording.

23. Facebook - “Your Topics”
Facebook created a new customization
feature for Facebook Watch, titled ‘Your
Topics.’ The platform’s new ‘Your Topics’
feature allows users to curate their own
video feed by indicated what types of content
they are interested in seeing. ‘Your Topics’ is
now being released to Facebook users, and a
number of people already have access
through the Facebook app.
Users will have the ability to follow categories
including Animals, Art & Design, Business,
Education, Fashion & Lifestyle, History &
Philosophy, and many more.

24. LinkedIN - Safety features
Linkedin's safety features have been increased
as the social networking platform reminds
users to stay professional. Linkedin hopes to
amend this with heightened protective
features, some of which weed out harmful
content before its sent.
The newly introduced features include warning
messages sent to users if harmful language is
detected, easier access to reporting
inappropriate content, and branded reminders
about keeping the platform professional. In
addition, the platform's has tightened its
internal guidelines.

25. Amazon Music | Twitch
Amazon and Twitch are collaborating in order to bring
live streaming features to the Amazon Music app. The
new streaming features for the Amazon Music app will
allow artists to hold events on the streaming platform.
Live streams can include performances, charity
streams, question and answer sessions, and more.
Users of the Amazon Music app will have the ability to
receive notifications when an artist they follow begins
a Livestream.
The partnership between Amazon and Twitch will help
artists promote themselves at a time when concerts
can not be held due to social distancing measures.

26. When We All Vote | Houseparty
Ahead of the November 2020 election, Houseparty is partnering
with When We All Vote, a non-profit organization that was
launched in 2018 by former first lady Michelle Obama, Tom
Hanks, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Janelle Monae, Chris Paul, Faith
Hill, and Tim McGraw.
To encourage a higher voter turnout, the video chat app now
features a new game that comes from the partnership called
'Pick Me!' To play, users will need at least three participants—as
the game will require them to vote on which of their friends is
"the most likely to" with a series of different prompts.
Once they've finished the game, players will see a link within the
app that directs them to the When We All Vote website, which
allows them to see their registration status and learn more about
how they can cast their ballot.

27. Social Media Marketing
Trends

28. Burger King
The Whopper Reply is the latest social media
marketing stunt from Burger King, in which it
targets one of its biggest rivals, McDonald's.
Burger King responds to comments that McDonald
didn’t respond to.
They did this while offering a link to a coupon in
addition to a quick quip.
Burger King scrolled back years to get to as many
comments as it could, eventually answering 1,000.
According to the brand, Burger King was simply
trying to "lend a helping hand" because its
“closest competitor was not quite on point when
it comes to online customer service.”

29. Burger King
During the MTV Video Music Awards, Burger King
created QR code discounts that fans could access via
their screen and a smartphone camera, which would
trigger an augmented reality experience. With the BK
app, users could scan the codes that appeared
throughout the awards show to claim a free Whopper
sandwich with a $1 purchase in the BK App, as well as
their very own shot at free tickets to next year's VMAs.
This was done with Burger King's mascot and Lil Yachty.
Due to the pandemic, the 2020 VMAs were hosted at
outdoor pop-up locations across New York City and this
interactive augmented reality experience from Burger
King gave fans the opportunity to be engaged
throughout the entirety of the show.

30. Mountain Dew - Hot Sauce
A Mountain Dew hot sauce has been announced
by the pop drink brand on social media, teasing
consumers with an exciting new venture that's
sure to appeal to foodies.
What's unique about this announcement is that
the new offering is not yet available for
consumption, in fact, it hasn't even gone into
production yet. This was done intentionally as
the brand wanted to crowdsource the hot sauce's
conception on Twitter, asking social media users
via polls what flavor they prefer. This interactive
social media campaign is the perfect way to
create a conversation, while engaging a
consumer base.

31. OPPO - Mobile Cinema
There's a new cinema in London but it's only around for a
short time to show a selection of British Independent Film
Awards nominees. The pop-up microcinema from Oppo
Mobile is designed to connect people to give people a place
to comfortably settle into a recliner and view films via its
newest handset.
On-site, there's also a 5G-powered vending machine that
dispenses snacks, and visitors have the opportunity to
connect with brand ambassadors to learn more about the
Oppo Find X2 Pro.
Rather than launching a virtual event during these
unprecedented times, Oppo Mobile chose to go the route of
creating a smaller event and leverage social creators to
support the experience.

32. Amazon Music | Twitch
Uber Eats recently revealed its inaugural in-app
advertising capabilities. The new in-app
advertising system will provide a way for
restaurants to not only sell food through the
platform but to also promote an establishment.
The new advertising tools will run on a
cost-per-click model, which means advertisers
will only pay when Uber eats users click on the ad.
Ads will be displayed on the top of the platform’s
home feed.

33. Panera | Google
Panera recently collaborated with Google to enable mobile
ordering for prospective customers who search using the
phrase, “Panera near me.” Users can search “Panera near
me” across all of Google’s platforms including Search and
Maps. Following the search users will be able to purchase
food from the QSR chain for both pickup, delivery, and
curbside options. A promotion will run until September
14th, where Panera customers who order on Google will get
a 20% reduction in the cost of orders over $20.
Additionally, customers can order through Google Assistant
using an iOS or Android device. Orders can be placed by
stating, “Hey Google find Panera near me,” following that
the user's smartphone will display locations of the QSR
chain in their area.

34. “It’s no longer the big beating the
small, but the fast beating the
slow.”
- ERIC PEARSON, CIO, INTERNATIONAL HOTEL
GROUP (IHG)

35. Thank You