9 Best Canva Apps You Didn't Know You Needed

Canva has become a beloved tool for whipping up everything from social media posts to polished presentations in a simple, user-friendly way. But did you know it offers a treasure trove of apps that add amazing additional features to the design tool? Well, buckle up—here are the 9 best Canva apps you didn’t know you needed (and you’ll wonder how you lived without them).

What Are Canva Apps?

Before we dive into the list, let’s clear up what Canva apps actually are. Canva apps are integrations that enhance Canva's functionality by bringing in external content, tools and features directly into your Canva workspace. Think of them as nifty little sidekicks that help you access additional resources like stock photos, manipulation tools, and unique design elements without needing to leave Canva. 


Something to note: Like much of the assets found on Canva, apps are made by third-party developers, so while they offer incredible functionality, it's always a good idea to double-check their terms of use and quality.

Mockups

Bring your designs to reality (or to life) with high-quality mockup designs, including smartphones, computers, posters, apparel, packaging, and more. The Mockups app is your secret weapon for showcasing your creations in a professional, polished way. Whether you're designing a new app, a sleek T-shirt, or eye-catching packaging, Mockups gives you the tools to present your work as if it's already out there in the world. Think of it as the virtual runway for your designs, where they can strut their stuff in the best possible light.

Before and after image using the Canva Mockups App to create a mockup of a paper bag design.

Easy Reflections

Add eye-catching reflections to your designs in seconds with the Easy Reflections app. Perfect for enhancing product photography and portraits, this app allows you to create stunning reflective effects with minimal effort. Whether you want to make a product shot pop or give a portrait that extra touch of elegance, Easy Reflections makes it happen.

Before and after image using the reflections app to add a ground reflection to a design featuring a jar of hand cream.

Meta Design Check

Get Meta-certified feedback on your designs with the Meta Design Check app. This handy tool provides expert tips and insights to help you optimize your designs for better performance in Meta campaigns. Whether you're working on stories, reels, or regular feed posts, Meta Design Check ensures your designs meet Meta's best practices.

Side-by-side image showing the Meta Design Check pop-up window checking the design for improvements.

Brandfetch

This app is pretty straightforward. Search any brand or website and immediately receive brand logos, colors, and images to place in your designs. The Brandfetch tool cuts out the work of scouring the internet for brand assets and is perfect for case studies, client pitches, etc.

Showing a search of Google brand assets using the Brandfetch app window.

Lorem Ipsum Generator

This essential tool allows you to quickly insert placeholder text, giving you control over the word count and font size of the generated content. Whether you're mocking up a website, brochure, or any text-heavy design, Lorem Ipsum Generator ensures you have the perfect amount of text to visualize your layout.

Side-by-side image of how the Lorem Ipsum generator app can be used to add filler text in a mockup design.

Image to Frame

Another rather simple tool that opens up tons of creative opportunities. This app allows you to transform any image into a custom Canva image frame. This tool gives you the power to mold your images into pretty much any form you desire, adding a personalized touch to your projects.

Before and after of a watermelon image being turned into an image frame with a dog eating a watermelon inside the frame.

LottieFiles

As if Canva didn't already have a great animation library, LottieFiles adds 400,000+ more. These customizable animated graphics are perfect for adding that extra bit of flair to your projects. Our favorite thing about this app is the custom palette feature, which allows you to apply custom brand colors to all searchable animations.


Disclaimer: Full access to all animations on this app requires an account on the LottieFiles website.

A look at the search results in the LottieFiles app when searching the term "tech".

Gradient Generator

Gradients have proven to be a staple in modern design, adding depth and texture to any project. The Gradient Generator app lets you add customized gradients instantly to your design, offering customization for color blending and noise amount. Whether you're looking to create a subtle background or a bold, eye-catching element, this app makes it easy to craft the perfect gradient.

Showing the gradient generator app creating a black to red smooth gradient graphic.

Transform Image

The Transform Image app allows you to transform the perspective of any image with ease. All you need to do is upload an image, drag it to your preferred position, and then seamlessly add it to your design. In our opinion, this app is particularly effective for skewing typography in your projects, letting you manipulate text images to fit various angles and perspectives.

Showing how the transform image app can skew the perspective of text in Canva.

Our Canva App Wishlist

While these 9 apps we’ve listed offer great features, there are still some app ideas that we’d love to see be made for digital marketers. Here’s a list of what we think should be included in Canva’s app library:

Conclusion

So there you have it—9 must-have Canva apps that are bound to transform your creative process. Whether you’re a design novice or a seasoned pro, these tools are sure to add some magic (and perhaps some minutes saved) to your projects. Happy designing!


Need expert guidance on your social media content? Say no more. Get in touch with us today!

7 AI Tools For Social Media Managers in 2024

Relatable meme of a floating figure chasing a boy running down a hallway.

If the above meme feels too real, this blog post is for you. Being a social media manager means you wear many hats. From content creation to content analysis, your job is a whirlwind of multitasking and managing multiple priorities.


Thankfully, it’s 2024, and helpful tools powered by artificial intelligence are becoming the norm. Is AI transforming marketing as we know it? Coca-Cola seems to think so. If anything, it should be transforming the way to create content, complete tasks, and analyze insights. To help you know which tools you should be focused on, we’ve compiled a straight-to-the-point list.

Copy.ai

Copy.ai is an AI-powered tool designed to assist social media managers in creating engaging and compelling content. The tool has a noticeable marketing-based focus, allowing users to generate various types of content, including ad copy, social media posts, blog content, and more, by simply providing a prompt.

Screenshot of the general overlook of the Copy.ai tool.

An alternative to using ChatGPT, Copy.ai has some pretty unique features we’ve not seen elsewhere, including automated workflows, project templates categorized by industry, and much more.

Screenshot of the Copy.ai's Workflow Library.

Pros

Cons

Price

ChatGPT

Much like Google, “ChatGPT” is becoming its own verb, synonymous with seeking instant, intelligent answers and sparking engaging conversations effortlessly. Made by OpenAI, ChatGPT is an advanced AI platform that excels in natural language processing, designed to assist users across various tasks including conversation, content creation, and more.

Unlike Copy.ai, which focuses primarily on marketing content generation, ChatGPT offers a broader range of capabilities suited for interactive dialogue, answering questions, providing recommendations, and even creative writing.

Screenshot of a ChatGPT conversation.

Pros

Cons

Price

Midjourney

MidJourney is an AI-powered image creation tool that makes generating stunning visuals a breeze. Using cutting-edge machine learning, it turns simple text prompts into detailed, captivating images. Whether you need realistic photos, abstract art, or anything in between, MidJourney can handle it all. It's like having a professional graphic designer at your fingertips. Plus, it doesn't just stop at making images—it can also enhance existing ones, transforming ordinary pictures into eye-catching masterpieces.

MidJourney is a game-changer for social media managers.  With easy customizations that lets you experiment with different styles and themes, MidJourney ensures that your content always stands out and grabs attention.

AI generated image of a dark, futuristic individual with high-tech headphones and mask.
Image taken from the public Midjourney feed

Pros

Cons

Price

Murf

Ever wish you had a silky-smooth voice to narrate your social media videos but lack the vocal chops or a recording studio? Enter Murf, the AI-powered voiceover tool that’s got your back. Murf transforms your text into natural-sounding speech with a wide variety of voices and languages. It's like having a professional voice actor on call, ready to bring your content to life. Just type your script, choose a voice, and let Murf work its magic.

Colorful layout of wide variety of voice options from Murf.

Adding a polished voiceover can make your videos pop and grab attention. Whether you’re crafting promotional clips, how-tos, or snappy stories, Murf helps you create engaging, professional-quality content without the hassle.

Screenshot of Murf's rendering model workspace.

Pros

Cons

Murf’s AI voice cloning technology raises concerns on privacy and security

Pricing

Publer

Need a social media sidekick with serious AI chops? Publer is all about leveraging AI to streamline your social media creation/scheduling efforts, with text generation that crafts perfect captions, complete with emojis, in no time. Thanks to GPT-4 integration, Publer promises faster and more refined content generation, whipping up engaging captions and visuals in seconds. 

Taking it a step further, Publer can even optimize one piece of content for multiple different social channels, languages, and audiences – helping you make the most of a single piece of content.

Screenshot of textbox using Publer's AI Assist tool.

Pros

Cons

Price

Brandwatch

Brandwatch has been a leader in AI integration for several years now. Its advanced AI capabilities go beyond traditional analytics. It uses cutting-edge AI algorithms to analyze vast amounts of social media data in real-time, providing actionable insights into consumer sentiments, trends, and competitor activities. With Brandwatch, you can uncover hidden insights and trends that shape your brand strategy, all powered by sophisticated machine learning models.

Text box showing Brandwatch's brand mentions content summary.

Pros

Cons

Price

Canva

The popular graphic design platform has been making strides in the AI space for the past year. While its text-to-image tool may not be as robust as other image-generation platforms, Canva’s accessibility makes its AI tools easy to use on the fly.

AI generated image of office supplies on desk.

Some of our favorite AI tools for Canva include Magic Expand (used to expand images) and Magic Grab (used to separate an element in your design from the background). 

Pros

Cons

Price

ToolBest ForPricing
Copy.aiSocial media content creation, marketing-focusedFree, Pro: $36/month for five seats, Team: $186/month for 20 seats, Growth: $1,000/month for 75 seats, Scale: $3,000/month for 200 seats
ChatGPTInteractive dialogue, answering questions, creative writingFree, Plus Plan: $20/month, Team Plan: $25 per person/month
MidjourneyAI-powered image creation, visual content for social mediaBasic Plan: $10/month, Standard Plan: $30/month, Pro Plan: $60/month, Mega Plan: $120/month
MurfAI-powered voiceovers for videosFree version available, Creator Plan: $23/month, Business Plan: $79/month, Enterprise Plan: Must contact sales team for pricing
PublerSocial media scheduling and text generationFree version available, Professional Plan: $9.60/month, Business Plan: $16.80/month
BrandwatchAnalyzing social media data for insightsMust request a demo and quote on Brandwatch’s website
CanvaGraphic design with AI toolsFree version available, Canva Pro: $15/month, Canva Teams: $10 per person/month ($30/month minimum), Canva Enterprise: Must contact sales team for pricing

To Conclude

Being a social media manager is both rewarding and challenging. Leveraging the right AI-powered tools can make a world of difference as you create content and optimize campaigns for your audiences. 
Looking for insight-driven marketing help for your brand? Shoot us a message today!

Is This the Easiest 3D Design Tool? A Review of Womp

Blog header image with title "Is This the Easiest 3D Design Tool?" with subheader "#RandomReviews" underneath.

Design trends may come and go, but one style that has stuck around for the last few years is the use of 3D elements in designs. Whether through abstract shapes or inflated typography, countless content creators and brands have jumped on the 3D trend train.

While a worthy trend, 3D modeling has its challenges. The technical expertise, learning curve, and beefy computers required for 3D modeling can be rather intimidating. But what if there was a tool that could simplify the process and make 3D design accessible to everyone?

What is Womp?

Womp is a free, browser-based 3D modeling software that allows users of all skill levels to create 3D elements in an intuitive, user-friendly interface. Users can blend, mix, and deform shapes/text together to create stunningly rendered assets that can be used in graphic designs, 3D printing, animation, etc.

Screenshot of the Womp homepage, which features the headline "The Future of 3D is Easy-to-Use".

For content creators, Womp can be a game-changer. There are so many amazing features with this program that can add more dynamics to your content. After spending some time with the program and testing its features, we’re here to share our insights and help you decide if this tool is worth trying out (spoiler alert: it is). Let’s dive in!

User-Friendly Interface

For those who regularly use Canva or Adobe Express to create content, Womp’s main page will be a relieving breath of familiarity. The site is neatly set up so you can easily access your projects, discover projects submitted to the public community by other users, or access Womp’s helpful library of tutorials, tips, and guides.

A screenshot showing the layout of the Womp explore page.

The interface for the actual design workplace follows a structure similar to other programs, with different windows that let you manipulate layers, shapes, lighting, and other aspects of your design. Being a user-friendly program, the workplace is extremely simple to understand, save a few features that can be understood within minutes of experimenting.

The Womp workstation with two abstract shapes laying on a 3d plane.

Womp’s Creative Features

Making Shapes and Text

Starting out in a project is fairly simple in Womp. One of the first buttons you will see is the ‘objects’ button, which will give you a selection of shapes you can add to your workspace.

An overview of the different available shapes to choose from in the Womp workstation.

The first few minutes of moving objects around in your scene can feel a bit wonky. But after a few minutes of practice, the movement becomes more natural.

A short video showing how users can form shapes with Womp.

Text is also extremely easy to implement into your scene. Simply type out what you want, and then customize the font size, weight, or height like you would in any design program.

Unfortunately, font styles are rather limited, and a Womp Pro account is required to upload your own fonts.

A short video showing how users can create 3d text in Womp.

Adding Effects to Shapes

There are dozens of ways to manipulate your design within Womp. As expected, there are sliders to change the position, rotation, and size of elements, but those just scratch the surface of what’s possible.

The real fun comes with experimenting with the material, lighting, and camera options. These features let you explore amazing presets and customizations that bring life and realism to your models. And thanks to Womp’s real-time rendering, users can see these designs come to life as they work on them.

A short video showing how users can add material effects to shapes in Womp.

Implementing Womp into Your Content

Now for the important question: How can social media marketers and creators implement Womp designs into their content? 

One feature that we found super useful in Womp was the ability to upload a reference image. This allows you to upload any image from your computer to act as an overlay or guide while you are designing your 3D models.

A short video showing how users can upload an image to overlay over Womp 3d projects.

Once you are pleased with how your model looks, implementing the final product into your content is as simple as exporting the 3D model and uploading it to your design!

An overview of the Womp project export settings.
A short video demonstrating how Womp projects can be uploaded to Canva designs.

A Quick List of Cons

While Womp can be an amazing tool for creators, the platform is not without its flaws. Here are some things to consider:

Conclusion

Womp is definitely not here to replace existing 3D modeling software. Instead, its purpose is to offer those interested in 3D modeling a fun and easy platform to experiment with. If you are a content creator, we definitely recommend checking out Womp and seeing how it can spice up your content!

Looking for more social media inspiration? Check out our blog, where we regularly share the latest and greatest in the field of social.

Top 5 Must-Read Newsletters for Social Media Marketers in 2024

In the vast, barren wasteland of your email inbox — where monotony reigns supreme with endless updates, promos, and snooze-worthy messages — emerges a beacon of hope: newsletters.

But not just any newsletters — engaging, insightful, and actually interesting newsletters. We’ve compiled a list of social-focused newsletters that will be sure to inspire you or at least give you a much-needed break while you doom-scrolling your inbox. Let’s dive in!

Graphic of smartphones with popular newsletters.

1. Social Media Today

Why It’s Awesome:
When social media news breaks out you can bet that Social Media Today is always the first to report. The great thing about Social Media Today is you can pick and choose which of their many newsletters you’d like to subscribe to, tailoring the delivery to your personal preferences.

Best For:
Social media managers who are obsessed with hearing about the latest news and updates the minute they break.

A smartphone showing an image of Social Media Today newsletter options.

2. Hart & Highland

Why It’s Awesome:
Are you tired of super boring newsletters? Us too. That's why Hart & Highland should be your go-to weekly roundup. From relevant articles and studies to must-know stats and TikTok trends, this newsletter delivers the weekly goods in a lively and engaging way.

Best For:
Modern-day marketers who are looking for a break from the drab and dreary newsletters that plague their inboxes.

A smartphone showing an image of the Hart & Highland newsletter.

3. Buffer’s Social Media Recap

Why It’s Awesome:
If you’re looking for executable and actionable social media advice, Buffer is your best friend (yes, newsletters can be friends). The Buffer newsletter is similar to others in sharing trends and news, but its tips and experiments truly set it apart from every other piece of content that enters your inbox. On top of all that, Buffer’s conversational and friendly way of writing makes the newsletter easy to follow and much more approachable.

Best For:
Social media managers who are looking for some secret recipes to sprinkle into their work.

A smartphone showing an image of the Buffer newsletter.

4. TLDR

Why It’s Awesome:
While not strictly a social media newsletter, TLDR (short for "too long, didn't read") offers valuable tech insights. With a mix of news from startups, big tech, AI, coding, and software tools, it’s a great newsletter to pair with your social media research.

Best For:
Brave marketers looking to broaden their horizons beyond social media and understand the vast digital ecosystem and industry.

A smartphone showing an image of the TLDR (too long, long didn't read) newsletter.

Why It’s Awesome:
The Link in Bio newsletter from expert social media consultant Rachel Karten feels very insider. It's almost like we, as readers, are being let in on a secret. While dozens of newsletters will tell you what posts and campaigns are trending, Rachel goes one step further by interviewing the marketers, strategists, and creatives behind the work.

Best For:
Social media managers looking for their VIP backstage pass to notable brands and campaigns through in-depth interviews and insights.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, our top newsletter picks to keep social media marketers like you in the know. Whether you’re looking for daily updates, in-depth analyses, or actionable tips, there’s a newsletter out there that’s perfect for you.

Ready to take your social media marketing game to the next level? Need help creating a newsletter or launching email marketing for your brand? Our team at That Random Agency is always here to help you navigate everything social, email, and beyond. Reach out to us!

Random Reviews: Should You Be Using Adobe Express?

Adobe has been a household name for decades now (seriously, 'Photoshop' is now a verb, people!). The creative giant is known for its suite of innovative tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. But with the rise of user-friendly platforms like Canva, Adobe has put a contender in the ring: Adobe Express. This online content creation tool aims to streamline the design process for content creators, social media managers, and marketers. 

After diving into Adobe Express and testing its wide array of features, we’re here to share our insights and help you decide if this tool deserves a spot in your creative toolkit. Let's dive in!

The Good Stuff

Don’t let the word Adobe scare you away. While Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro might seem like robust programs requiring years of experience, Adobe Express is designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind. It offers a user-friendly interface that caters to both beginners and seasoned professionals, making it easy to create stunning visuals without the steep learning curve.

Screenshot of Adobe Express homepage showcasing its user interface and features.

Like Canva, the Adobe Express homepage allows users to select from a myriad of options to start creating, including size, format, templates, and more. Let’s dive into a design and explore the specific qualities the platform has to offer:

1. Extensive Animation Customization

Adobe Express makes animating text, images, and shapes easy peasy, making your content more dynamic. A specific aspect of this feature worth noting is the ability to change the animation's personality. This customization provides subtle changes to your animations so you can narrowly tweak to what you want.

But you can go even further than that. The ‘Looping’ and ‘Out’ buttons allow you to tack on different animation styles to the middle and end of your sequence.

Screenshot highlighting animation styles available on the Adobe Express platform.

2. Intuitive AI Generation

Adobe has been on the AI train for a while now, so it’s no surprise that Adobe Express flaunts its text-to-image features. However, the text effect generator is one of the platform’s unique approaches to AI. While some results turned out a little strange, it was extremely fun to use and has the potential for exciting graphics in your design.

GIF demonstration showcasing AI text generation features of Adobe Express.

3. Easy Access Layers Panel

The easy-to-access layers panel in Adobe Express makes designing headache-free. The fact that the layers panel is always present on the screen is SO HELPFUL, making it extremely easy to switch graphics around.

GIF demonstrating the Adobe Express layers panel.

4. Adobe Cloud Sync

Those who do most of their creative work in the Adobe ecosystem will be happy to know they can access all their Creative Cloud files in Adobe Express. That means you can bring in designs from Photoshop and Illustrator into Adobe Express!

GIF demonstrating the Adobe Cloud Sync feature in Adobe Express.

The Not-So-Great Stuff

Not every platform is made equal. While Adobe has had years to revise and refine its more popular programs, the novelty of Adobe Express means that the platform has some downsides. Here’s a few cons that we think are important to note:

1. Sometimes Slow and Glitchy

When creating content, lag and buggy performance can make or break your process. While testing out Adobe Express, we experienced several laggy/glitchy occurrences. At one point, a glitch erased the whole project we had been working on. Where did it go? We have no idea. These minor bugs can lead to major frustrations for those hoping to use this platform for its accessibility and simplicity.

GIF demonstrating the slow loading times of the Adobe Express platform.

2. Limited Graphics

Variety is the spice of life, and the same goes for content creation. Adobe Express has a decent library of graphics, images, and icons, but compared to a tool like Canva, it’s a bit lacking. The limited graphics library can make finding the right graphic for your social post, flier, or video hard. For example, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the results you get when searching for ‘mango’ on both Adobe Express and Canva.

Side-by-side comparison image showing search results for a mango graphic on Adobe Express and Canva platforms.

3. Can't Import SVG Files

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) files are a type of vector image format that allows for high-quality graphics to be displayed at any size without loss of quality. This scalability and crispness make SVG files crucial for maintaining the integrity of designs across various platforms and screen sizes (especially when it comes to web design). The inability to import SVG files in Adobe Express seems like a mistake coming from a design powerhouse like Adobe. This defect may be their way of restricting features so users migrate to Illustrator, but SVG importing seems like a pretty standard necessity. An update for the future, perhaps?

Screenshot displaying an error message while attempting to upload an SVG file to Adobe Express.

The Verdict?

So, should you hop on the Adobe Express train? If you're a fan of Adobe's ecosystem and looking for a tool to create content quickly and easily, it's worth giving Adobe Express a spin. While the platform has a few downsides, the straightforward and uncomplicated features assuredly outweigh the cons.

Ready to elevate your content creation game? Our team at That Random Agency is always here to help you navigate the ever-changing digital marketing landscape. Reach out to us!

Random Presents: 2023 Social Media Wrapped

As we bid farewell to 2023 and head into 2024, it's time to reflect on the whirlwind of events that shaped the social media landscape this past year. From the rise of artificial intelligence to new social platforms, the year was plenty noteworthy (and a bit hectic if you ask us).

In this blog post, we'll delve into the defining moments of 2023 and offer a glimpse into what we can expect in the upcoming year.

Against a black background, red text says "Random Presents:" and white text as a subheading says "2023 Social Media Wrapped." Around the sides and bottom of the graphic, a collage of images includes photos of Elon Musk, the McDonald's Grimace Shake, the Threads logo, a brain, the X logo, and Margot Robbie as Barbie.

These Events Were the *Moments* 

AI Takeover

Are robots taking our jobs?? Not yet, but AI’s development has been nothing short of something out of a sci-fi movie. Generative AI, like ChatGPT, displayed amazing capabilities in writing natural-sounding language.

Sure, some of the writing sounds like a high schooler who is overusing a thesaurus, but the potential is there and growing.

We also witnessed the visual capabilities of AI based on simple text prompts from users, prompting a now common question: "Is this real, or is it AI?"

Here’s a post we made that sums up AI’s impact in 2023:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by That Random Agency (@thatrandomagency)

New Apps! (more screen time…😮‍💨)

In 2023, we witnessed the rise and fall of several new social platforms. This year's most noteworthy new app was Threads – Meta's X (formerly Twitter) contender.

In the midst of X’s ongoing drama, Threads came at a pertinent time, reaching more than 100 million users in the first five days.

But despite the initial excitement, Threads’ hype slowly died down, losing 80% of its active users and dropping to just 8 million by the end of July.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mark Zuckerberg (@zuck)

There were also several other social media platforms that received some hype this year, but they quickly faded away into the land of forgotten apps. Notable mentions include Lapse and Lemon8.

Goodbye Twitter. Hello X?

In 2023, Elon Musk continued his reign over Twitter, hoping to bring significant changes. However, his gradual alterations to the platform resulted in the downfall of the iconic social media site in ways no one could anticipate.

First of all, we said goodbye to Larry the Bird, Twitter’s late mascot. Sad, we know.

Musk's additional changes made Twitter less valuable as he restricted features to paying users, placed a ban on third-party client apps, flooded timelines with “verified” users, and rebranded the company as "X" in a controversial move.

Musk's bold actions with the platform and other controversies surrounding the app led to a mass exodus of users and advertisers. This left Twitter merely a shadow of its former self, raising questions about the future of the once-thriving social media giant.

Currently, it seems to be struggling despite Musk's vision of creating an "everything app" under the name X.

UGC Was King 👑

In 2023, we saw just how far user-generated content (UGC) can take a campaign. The Grimace Shake trend was a golden example of this.

The trend was unexpected (we’re still trying to wipe our memories of the horrors we saw), but the UGC that came from it was more than McDonald’s could have ever hoped for.

@thefrazmaz

R.I.P Grimace (and me) #mcdonalds #grimace #milkshake #grimaceshake #birthday #fakedeath #yummy

♬ original sound - ‍r7ptor

Surprisingly, some random cultural happenings got people talking online about a brand in ways we never saw coming.

One of these events was thanks to none other than Taylor Swift, whose romantic relationship with Travis Kelce led to tons of online conversation surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs.

Almost overnight, people who had never watched football in their lives were tuning in and creating content about the NFL team. We’re not sure this will help them win a Super Bowl in 2024, but they’ll at least have the popular vote.

And lastly, another notable mention was the Barbie movie. The nostalgic, quirky film saw momentous numbers at the box office as well as a copious amount of Barbie-related UGC during the release. We even made our own Random + Barbie post during the hype!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by That Random Agency (@thatrandomagency)

Buckle Up: What We Expect to See in 2024

Want 2024 to be your breakout year on social media? Shoot us a message, and let’s talk social!

Contact Us

5 Food Brands That Just Get Social Media in 2023

As social media nerds, our team at Random loves browsing social media for brands that post unique and engaging content. Lucky for us, many of these brands just happen to be food-related. We're either really hungry at Random, or food brands have unlocked the secrets to social media success. Probably a little bit of both.

Join us on this scrumptious journey as we dive into the profiles of five food brands that are showing success on social media.  From mouthwatering visuals to ingenious pop culture tie-ins, these brands know how to capture your attention and keep you craving for more.

Pop-Tarts

Pop-Tarts has something absolutely crucial on social media: Relevancy. 

Creatively and seamlessly tying a brand's product to pop culture is no easy task. But hey, if Pop-Tarts can do it with their product, anyone can. Through clever and timely content, they manage to capture the attention of their target audience and beyond.

Here's an example of how they tied their brand to New York Fashion Week:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pop-Tarts (@poptartsus)

A few days after Apple announced its revolutionary VR headset, Pop-Tart announced its version of VR on social:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pop-Tarts (@poptartsus)

And finally, here's Pop-Tart's extraterrestrial targeted post in the wake of Congress' UFO hearings:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pop-Tarts (@poptartsus)

By aligning with pop culture and current events, Pop-Tarts not only keeps its product at the forefront of consumers' minds but also fosters a sense of relatability and authenticity. This connection with trends and cultural references enhances the brand's relevance and resonance with its audience, ultimately driving brand loyalty and sales.

Alter Eco

Alter Eco, an organic, fair-trade chocolate brand, has mastered standing out by embracing what sets it apart. This attitude is apparent in their brand identity as well as content strategy. This alignment resonates with conscious consumers who seek products that align with their values. It's a shining example of how a brand can thrive by embracing what makes it different and making it the centerpiece of its messaging.

The method that Alter Eco uses to set themselves apart takes many different forms. Here is a more direct way the brand distinguishes itself from others in the market:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alter Eco Organic Chocolate (@altereco_foods)

And here is a less direct way Alter Eco differentiates itself. By choosing to post raw or underproduced imagery, the brand shows its audience a more authentic side of its product:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alter Eco Organic Chocolate (@altereco_foods)

Kraft Mac & Cheese

Of course, what you ate every lunch as a kid is popping off on social media. Kraft Mac & Cheese does a great job at keeping up with the trends going around social media. Not only does Kraft Mac & Cheese find ways to relate trends to their products, but they also actively search out trends that fit their brand and product. This makes the execution of their posts seamless and less desperate for relevancy.

Here's Kraft Mac & Cheese's spin on a popular TikTok sound from last month. I think we can all agree that a trend like this would be a no-brainer for a brand like theirs:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kraft Mac & Cheese (@kraft_macandcheese)

Chobani

Chobani's approach to social media marketing is a textbook example of how to engage with an audience without the hard sell. Rather than bombarding their followers with constant product promotion, Chobani focuses on providing valuable content in the form of how-to guides, hacks, and tips. By sharing content that caters to its audience's interests and needs, Chobani establishes itself as a trusted source of information and inspiration.

This post, in particular, showcases Chobani's skill in going the extra mile to provide valuable content:

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A post shared by Chobani (@chobani)

And check out Chobani's artistic direction in this post! By using vibrant shapes, duo-toned imagery, and organic textures, Chobani ‹‹follows design trends that other proactive brands are starting to incorporate. Embracing current design trends helps Chobani stay in touch with the tastes and preferences of its target audience.

OLIPOP

OLIPOP, a "healthier" soda brand making waves, has crafted a social media strategy that's not just about the soda but the people sipping it. Far too often, brand content execution falls flat by not showing real people using, tasting, or enjoying their product. By featuring the beaming smiles of happy soda lovers, OLIPOP has brewed up an emotional connection that's as effervescent as their beverages.

The following post not only features a real person with the OLIPOP product but also references Taylor Swift in the caption?! What more could social media ask for?

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A post shared by OLIPOP (@drinkolipop)

Referencing a significant player in pop-culture conversation, such as Taylor Swift, is a brilliant choice from OLIPOP. It shows your audience that you understand something beyond your brand and empathize with your audience's interests.

These five brands aren't just satisfying our cravings but are also giving us a glimpse at what effective social media content should aim for. From Kraft Mac & Cheese's trend-chasing expertise to Chobani's value-packed approach, you can pull a lot of social inspiration from just these brands. So, we hope this deep dive has left you inspired (and hungry) for success in your social media endeavors.


Is your food brand lacking social media direction? We can help! Shoot us a message and share all your wildest dreams with us.

Should Your Brand be Using Reddit?

In 2023, you might feel like your brand is adding a new social media channel to your social strategy every month. Apps like Instagram's Threads is one of those new channels that brands have had to adopt pretty quickly.

However, there are several social platforms that have been around for years but are rather underutilized by brands. One of these platforms is Reddit. 

Reddit isn't usually considered as influential as other popular social media platforms, although it deserves to be. The network has over 500 million monthly active users and is one of the most engaged communities on the internet.

What Is Reddit?

To those who have never used Reddit, the platform might look like a confusing mess. But inside that mess lies a world of community and conversation.

Reddit has a forum-style structure, where users can create topic-based posts that other users can interact with. These posts are published in topic-based communities called subreddits. And let us tell you, there is a subreddit for pretty much everything. We even found a subreddit called r/TVTooHigh, where users share pictures of TVs they come across that are too close to the ceiling. The subreddit has over 130k members. It's important work they're doing. 

Each subreddit provides a rich ecosystem for brands to connect with individuals who share similar interests and lifestyles.

How Does Reddit Work?

Here's the bare basics of how Reddit works: every post is published by an OP (original poster) who started it. Users can upvote or downvote posts or comments on Reddit.

Reddit's user-driven nature allows the community to decide what content rises to prominence or falls to unimportance. This system encourages the most engaging and relevant content to reach the top of each subreddit, fostering organic discussions and interactions. Brands can participate in these discussions by posting content, replying to comments, and engaging with the community. However, it's important to approach Reddit with authenticity, transparency, and a genuine desire to contribute to the conversation.

3 Ways Brands Can Use Reddit

Now that we have a grasp of Reddit's essence, let's explore three effective ways in which brands can utilize this platform:

Understanding Your Audience

Like we've mentioned before, Reddit is full of user-driven opinions and conversations. A lot of these conversations could be relevant to your brand. But you have to know where to look.

Many subreddits on the platform are geared towards users asking questions. This is a great opportunity for brands to learn what pain points their audience or potential audience has. For example, let's say your brand is a financial institution. You could visit subreddits adjacent to your brand, such as r/FinancialPlanning, to see what questions users are most commonly asking.

Running Ask Me Anything (AMA) Sessions

AMAs are very popular on Reddit. These posts are designed as a live Q&A format with the purpose of connecting an expert on a particular subject with a community of individuals who share a common interest. As users post their questions in the thread comments, the AMA host can reply. It's a simple yet amazing way to increase brand visibility and humanize your brand.

Here's an example of an AMA the CEO of Nissan and Renault did. The AMA resulted in over 4,000 comments!

Discovering User-Generated Content

If you're mining for user-generated content (UGC), Reddit just might be your gold mine. Because of Reddit's structure, it's the perfect home for product photos, testimonials, and reviews.

For example, check this post from a happy customer on the r/Fender (Fender Guitars) subreddit:

Is Reddit Worth It?

While this blog post lists several advantages for brands, it's smart to consider the potential challenges when it comes to Reddit. Because the site is very user-driven, brand interaction on the platform can often come across as inauthentic. While brands reign supreme on platforms like Instagram and Twitter (and now Threads), many Reddit users see their platform as one of the last unblemished spots on the internet. No pressure.

Our suggestion is to use Reddit as an opportunity to listen to your audience, rather than promote. Who knows? Perhaps Reddit is the key you need to truly understand what and how your audience thinks.

Need more help connecting with your brand's audience? Shoot us a message to crush the social media game!