Social commerce, giant puffy shoes, beige flags on TikTok, and more social, cultural and tech trends.

Shopping On TikTok

TikTok is making impulse buying easier than ever with features like Live Commerce and TikTok Shop, which has been testing visual search. These allow users to purchase items they discover on TikTok without even opening a new browser.

While liveshopping has been a huge success in Southeast Asia, it has struggled to take off in the US. For instance, Instagram ended its liveshopping program back in March. Still, TikTok is pushing for more success with a goal of quadrupling total sales in 2023.

Social shopping also taps into the worrying trend of social media users feeling pressure to buy products that they cannot afford. With influencers touting "must have" products, it's easy to feel left out. Live commerce makes impulse buying (and ignoring the consequences) that much easier.

Be Nice to Snapchat

While parents and politicians alike worry about the impact of social media on children, kids are emotionally attacking and manipulating Snapchat's AI chatbot. The introduction of this feature did not go over well with all Snapchat users, many of whom disliked the bot's permanent location at the top of the app.

This may be yet another driving force that is finally pushing Gen-Z from Snapchat to traditional texting apps. As this generation ages, new communication needs could move them from Snapchat to apps like iMessage.

Big Shoes To Fill

Sandals are getting Jet-Puffed for summer 2023. With the new Barbie movie hitting theaters, sandals reminiscent of the beloved toy's shoes are in. From chunky shoes to the Big Red Boots, oversized footwear is having a moment thanks in part to its outsized imprint on social media. And it's not just for niche brands — Crocs have joined the party, too.

Beige Flags, Red Flags, and TikTok

In the modern dating world, young singles have taken to using color coordinated flags to rate their partners. As you can imagine, red means bad and green means good. However, TikTok has brought in another color: beige. A beige flag indicates something that's strange — but not necessarily a deal breaker.

Last month, Montana banned TikTok. Then, TikTok sued Montana. Experts are skeptical of the ban, but some can't help but wonder what would happen if the ban actually stuck.

Looking for a side job? An influencer marketing agency will pay three lucky (?) winners $1,000 to scroll TikTok for a consecutive 10 hours. The agency is hoping to discover emerging trends on the app.

More Social, Cultural and Tech Trends

Gen Z feels right at home promoting products on social, even without a large following. The trend contrasts with the introduction earlier this year of de-influencing. Either way, brands are spending more than ever on influencer marketing, even if some consumers prefer UGC.

Branded takes on NFTs are evolving. Nike recently sold a series of what they call "virtual creations" on .swoosh, its online marketplace. Currently, .swoosh is only open to members with an access code, but it's slowly being opened to the general public.

If you missed out on your ideal Twitter handle, you might get another chance. Twitter is purging inactive accounts meaning previously held handles could be freed up.

Ikea and raves. Two things that totally go together, right? During Milan Design Week, Ikea held raves in a bid to drive more foot traffic to their stores.

Reddit's blackout in protest of the platform's new monetization scheme is still going — and getting stranger.