

Entertain or die: how to build an entertainment powerhouse
5 snips Apr 17, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dan Salkey, a researcher who co-authored the influential 'Entertain or Die' paper, shares insights on building entertainment brands in today's media landscape. He highlights the importance of storytelling and brand narratives for audience connection. Salkey also discusses the rise of experiential marketing, showcasing how brands like Netflix create memorable real-world experiences. Plus, he explores the shift from traditional media to creative talent, urging brands to embrace innovative strategies to stay relevant and drive engagement.
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Entertainment as Loyalty Scheme
- Entertainment is the ultimate loyalty scheme for brands in the fragmented media landscape.
- Brands must compete against entertainers like MrBeast and Netflix to capture attention and drive loyalty.
What Makes Brands Entertaining
- Entertaining brands excel in humor, attention-grabbing content, and character, not necessarily love or memory.
- Rapid content and constant small experiments beat the big, singular campaigns for audience impact.
Duolingo's Super Bowl Takeover
- Duolingo's green owl mascot instantly dominated 84% of Super Bowl ad conversation.
- A creative social stunt can overshadow multimillion-dollar campaigns overnight.