THE BOLT: KATSEYE x Gap, Taylor Swift's Engagement + More Brand Marketing Stories⚡️
- Abby Kopp
- Sep 3
- 3 min read
August has come and gone, and with it, the final stretch of summer energy ☀️ Welcome to August’s edition of The BOLT where we’re covering the campaigns, insights, and creative moments that caught our attention and inspired us most.
Gap, We’ve Got our (KATS)EYE on You👖
It would be criminal not to kick off this month’s top marketing moments with THE jean ad we’ve not been able to get out of our heads. Since the ‘90s, Gap has been mastering the art of a dance ad (check out THIS throwback ad from 1998), but they’ve outdone themselves with their latest edition. Teaming up with the rising global girl group KATSEYE + choreographer Robbie Blue, they’ve mastered the perfect formula for cultural relevancy. In striking contrast to recent jean ads from some of their competitors, this ad is going viral for all the right reasons. “‘Better in Denim,’ builds on its legacy of bridging generations through music, dance, and self-expression.” And people aren’t just watching, they’re joining in. It’s become a viral sensation, and you better believe we had to jump in on the action!
Cracker Barrel Didn’t Quite Crack the Code on this Refresh
Like many brands, Cracker Barrel has hopped on the logo refresh & modernization movement, where “simplification” is the name of the game. To say it didn’t go over as planned is an understatement. The past couple of years, we’ve seen brand after brand jump on the logo refresh movement, in part due to a need for optimization of readability on digital. In doing so, Cracker Barrel stripped away the recognizable illustrations and character that gave their brand its charm, swapping it for a pared-down typeface on a barrel-like shape. In the court of public opinion, this rebrand landed flat. Social media went wild with stark criticism, making it clear that this attempt at modernization missed the mark.
Brands Go Episodic on Social
Binge-watching isn’t just for Netflix anymore. We’re seeing a social shift as big brands turn their feeds into mini-series platforms where followers return day after day, week after week, to keep up with new characters, plotlines, and cliffhangers. Our favorite? InStyle’s unhinged mockumentary series The Intern, follows “interns” causing chaos around the office, and is stacked with cameos from recognizable social media faces.
While a fully scripted series might not be the right move for most small businesses, you can still tap into the episodic content trend. Maybe it’s weekly recipes, behind-the-scenes moments, or insights from your founder, whatever the hook, the key is consistency that keeps your audience coming back.
Taylor Said Yes—and So Did the Engagement Rates 💍
We definitely don’t need to break the news that Miss T. Swift is engaged. Her “yes” sent not just fans, but brands, into a frenzy. Here are the top 5 brand moments we’re giving a big YES to.
From the Coco's Corner Store to the Court 🎾
With the help of Naked Smoothies, Coco Gauff has turned a 2023 viral courtside moment into her very own smoothie collab, inspired by her go-to homemade fruit salad. To kick things off before the drink hits shelves, Coco and Naked opened Coco’s Corner Store, a bodega-style pop-up in NYC that gave fans early access to sample the smoothie, shop custom merch, and more. The activation, timed perfectly with the start of the US Open, blended sport, culture, and brand storytelling into a winning brand play.
Trending Now
TikTok brainrot. Instagram addicts. We scroll a lot, so trust us, we know what works (and what doesn’t). As we head into September, there are plenty of trends worth leaning into. If you're a business owner, this one is for you — jumping on social trends that make sense for your brand can increase visibility and engagement.
Fake Crashout Trend- Share a problem your customers deal with and how your product/service would benefit.
Rating on a scale of 1-10 - Show your expertise by rating trends, products, or industry myths.
Fall Aesthetic // Pumpkin Spice Season - Fall is in the air! Lean into cozy vibes and Halloween-themed audios. Seasonal content always performs because it feels in the moment.
That’s My Baby - It’s all about the audio! Show off your business, product, or service by leaning into this timely JB audio.
Playful peace Sign - A ton of celebs are jumping on this silly trend! Whether it’s two minutes, two items, or two floors, find a way to use this playful gesture for your own.
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MMOEXP Mastering the Lightning Monk Build in Path of Exile 2
If you're diving into Path of Exile 2 and looking to obliterate bosses while expertly managing mobs of enemies, then you'll want to focus on building a powerful Lightning Monk. This guide will introduce you to synergistic skills, essential passive nodes POE2 Currency, and strategies that maximize your DPS while providing self-healing capabilities. Whether you're in mid to end game, this build will keep you at the top of your game.
Getting Started: Key Skills for Your Lightning Monk
1. Primary Skills Overview
To make the most out of your Lightning Monk, focus on the following skills:
Killing Palm: This melee skill is crucial for healing and managing energy charges.…