Pop Culture Pulse Dec 2024: #TikTokMas, Hangout’s Listening Parties, & Minecraft Theme Parks
Our Pop Culture Pulse is a monthly download of the buzziest cultural developments, emerging fandoms and audience trends. This month, we’re keying into the #TikTokmas content trends with year-round lessons for brands, US-based app Hangout’s bid on the social vibes of virtual listening parties and the real-life theme parks based on Minecraft, Gen Alpha’s favourite sandbox game.
Social Media & Internet Culture: #TikTokMas – Livestream Commerce, #GiftGuides & Spotify Wrapped AI Misgivings
Music & Sound: Hangout Amps Up Social Music Streaming
Entertainment: IRL Transmedia Fan-Tainment at Minecraft Theme Parks
December’s influx of #TikTokmas (TikTok x Christmas) content delivers some choice lessons in what’s resonating in internet culture, with mileage far beyond the festive season (and beyond the US, noting a looming TikTok ban). We spotlight rising livestream commerce appetites, #GiftGuide culture combining product recommendations and lifestyle trends, and Spotify Wrapped AI misgivings as key lessons for year-round social strategies.
December’s influx of #TikTokmas (TikTok x Christmas) content delivers some choice lessons in what’s resonating in internet culture, with mileage far beyond the festive season (and beyond the US, noting a looming TikTok ban). We spotlight rising livestream commerce appetites, #GiftGuide culture combining product recommendations and lifestyle trends, and Spotify Wrapped AI misgivings as key lessons for year-round social strategies.
Summary
Social Media & Internet Culture: #TikTokMas – Livestream Commerce, #GiftGuides & Spotify Wrapped AI Misgivings | December’s influx of #TikTokmas (TikTok x Christmas) content delivers some choice lessons in what’s resonating in internet culture, with mileage far beyond the festive season (and beyond the US, noting a looming TikTok ban). We spotlight rising livestream commerce appetites, #GiftGuide culture combining product recommendations and lifestyle trends, and Spotify Wrapped AI misgivings as key lessons for year-round social strategies. |
Music & Sound: Hangout Amps Up Social Music Streaming | As music streaming platforms compete to add new layers of interactivity for fans, Hangout is looking to re-energise the listening party concept (remote listeners gathering in virtual spaces to enjoy music together). With a whopping 100 million songs – thanks to licensing deals with major record labels – the app is betting on a renewed appetite for alternatives to solo entertainment experiences. |
Entertainment: IRL Transmedia Fan-Tainment at Minecraft Theme Parks | As outlined in Future-Forward Entertainment 25/26 and Look Ahead 2025, giving audiences new (and tangible) touchpoints to expand their engagement with their favourite entertainment is a key component of a successful fan outreach strategy. One such strategy is the arrival of real-life theme parks based on megapopular sandbox game Minecraft, opening in the UK and the US in 2026 and 2027, respectively. |
Pop Culture Pulse Dec 2024: #TikTokMas, Hangout’s Listening Parties, & Minecraft Theme Parks
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