This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.comBecome a member of the best-selling Substack to unlock the extended version of every episode: cocomocoe.substack.comI was driving through Los Angeles the other day and noticed an uptick in WayMos. Those are the driverless cars that originated in San Francisco. As I realized this meant that Uber and Lyft drivers could eventually get replaced by robocars, it made me wonder:What other jobs are at risk of being replaced by robots or CGI?Then the fear donned on me: influencers. We could potentially see a world in the next 10-15 years where our comfort creators are not actual humans but rather made up of Sim-like avatars. These “generated influencers”, as I am calling it, have no racist Tweets to be unearthed, they won’t call out for sick days or face creative burn out. But most importantly, they won’t ask for any money.We already saw the rise of CGI-creators the last 10-years with influencers like Lil Miquela growing to 2.5 million followers on IG. Spotify Wrapped launched an AI podcast episode that recaps listeners music habits through out the past year. Boston Dynamic robo-dogs walked the runway alongside models at a 2023 Coperni fashion show.Does the rise of A.I. and robotics for art foreshadow the end of human influencers, models and podcasters?TOPICS DISCUSSED:0:00 - The rise of robots as social status (Alexander McQueen 1999 show)2:00 - The first CGI Influencer: Lil Miquela6:30 - TikTok Ban + Housekeeping7:39 - Why I have never run an ad on this podcast9:50 - What I mean by “generated influencers”11:10 - Future technology influences in media (Zenon, Back to the Future, The Jetsons)13:00 - Robots don’t understand consequences16:13 - The Kardashians and the Tesla Robots (Kim Kardashian x Elon Musk)18:50 - Cyborg Fashion Trends22:04 - The rise of “fake” influencers23:58 - Why audiences don’t actually want “authenticity”26:06 - The risk of working with influencers28:15 - Why you shouldn’t feel bad for charging for a brand deal29:15 - The reason brands will lean into generated creators33:15 - Spotify using AI hosts for the wrapped podcast *38:50 - Why flaws will become much more lucrative40:18 - The commodification of “authenticity”43:28 - Why live streaming will be hard for generated influencers44:11 - The two things audiences will never stop cravingBecome a paying member of the best-selling Substack to unlock the extended episodes of the podcast: cocomocoe.substack.comREFERENCE LINKS:* Join my best-selling Susbtack to unlock the extended episodes: cocomocoe.substack.com* My Amazon Storefront for Creators: https://amzn.to/3ltAuqs“Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey.Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube!* IG: @cocomocoe* TT: @cocomocoe* YT: coco mocoeEmail: cocomocoe@gmail.com

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.comBecome a member of the best-selling Substack to unlock the extended version of every episode: cocomocoe.substack.comI went to the TikTok Creativity Summit last week and left disappointed. As someone who championed the platform since you could only upload 15-second videos in 2019, I have seen it’s meteoric rise. I loved that TikTok was a disruptor and completely changed the way platforms source content and made it easy for anyone to become a creator.But the magic of TikTok’s discoverability became it’s achilles heel, as well. The FYP does not prioritize showing users content from their favorite creators. But rather places emphasis on showing hundreds of new creators to users, every day. While this is great for initial exposure, it means that over time the platform’s creators are abandoning the platform because they know it is not meant for longevity.In today’s episode of “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe” podcast, I am going to be diving into my thoughts on the grim future of TikTok. Is it even worth it to try and be a TikToker anymore? With a looming TikTok ban and an algorithm that prioritizes off-putting TikTok Lives & concerning TikTok Shop items, has TikTok lost the plot? I wrote more about this in Friday’s trend report on Substack, which you can read here.TOPICS DISCUSSED:0:00 - Introduction8:43 - Substack Chat Responses to “Is TikTok Dying?”12:00 - Where did TikTok’s algorithm go wrong? 15:15 - Creators are frustrated with TikTok 16:53 - Brittany Brooks’s Rise and Separation from TikTok 18:30 - How the potential bans are affecting TikTok 20:12 - “TikTok became boring to me” 23:36 - TikTok’s fatal flaw: Short form videos24:27 - Why big creators are no longer reliant on TikTok 29:15 - How TikTok can course correct 33:33 - What other platforms should you prioritize as a creator or brand in 202534:30 - The 5-Year Cycle in Marketing 40:00 - What new platform might “replace” TikTok 42:49 -  The three features you should use to grow on TikTok in 2025 50:31 - How to make content that is bigger than any platform or trend Become a paying member of the best-selling Substack to unlock the extended episodes of the podcast: cocomocoe.substack.comREFERENCE LINKS:* Join my best-selling Susbtack to unlock the extended episodes: cocomocoe.substack.com * My Amazon Storefront for Creators: https://amzn.to/3ltAuqs * “The death of the follower” SXSW Talk: * “This is your sign to start a podcast” episode: https://cocomocoe.substack.com/p/this-is-your-sign-to-start-that-podcast --“Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey.Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube!* IG: @cocomocoe* TT: @cocomocoe* YT: coco mocoeEmail: cocomocoe@gmail.com

Explore the rising importance of video in podcasting as Spotify steps up to compete with YouTube. Learn why long-form content is essential in today's creativity crisis. Discover the right equipment for high-quality recording and get tips on editing and recording virtual interviews. Delve into the benefits of migrating from YouTube to podcasting for enhanced privacy. This engaging discussion also highlights the comeback of lifestyle creators and encourages aspiring podcasters to embrace new features and innovations.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.comAs someone who has dedicated their whole professional career to marketing and understanding the power of the internet, I had a huge reckoning last week when I watched one of the best run marketing campaigns, Kamala HQ, not end up moving the needle at all when it came to voting for a President.Not only did Kamala Harris lose the electoral college, but for the first time in Donald Trump’s three elections, he won the popular vote, as well. Kamala Harris put tons of effort into her marketing and her “Kamala HQ” TikTok account gained over 5 million followers in less than 3 months. She broke the internet with phrases like “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” and Charli XCX tweeting that “kamala is brat”.It seems maybe the lesson here is that Kamala Harris focused on short-form marketing while Donald Trump focused on long-form marketing. He appeared on dozens of podcasts, some that lasted over 3 hours, while Harris went viral using trending sounds on TikTok and posting YouTube Shorts with Jennifer Lopez.In today’s episode of “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe”, we will be talking about the brilliant marketing campaign ran by Kamala Harris that did not end up helping her win the election, at all.Topics + Time Stamps:* The Power of Speech & Marketing - 0:00 * Why Americans love an “underdog” - 5:10 * Why celebrity endorsements from Taylor Swift, Beyonce, etc didn’t move the needle - 13:00 * Why Trump embraced podcasts - 16:57* Why the right side is better at gaining popular podcasts and influencers as talking heads - 24:58* Why the top podcasts in the US are right wing - 27:30 * Why the left side pushes out influencers - 31:30* The political paradox that influencers like Drew Afualo and Brittany Broski have faced - 33:22* Why America was put off by Kamala HQ being run like a fan account - 44:00 The extended episode begins at 24:58 and is only for paying members of the Substack. You can become a member for $9-a-month at cocomocoe.substack.comReference Links:* Colin & Samir: “How YouTube Podcasts Predicted the 2024 Election”* Kamala HQ on TikTok* Donald Trump on Joe RoganAbout the Podcast:“Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey.Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube!* IG: @cocomocoe* TT: @cocomocoe* YT: coco mocoeEmail: cocomocoe@gmail.com

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.comIn today’s episode of “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe”, we will be talking about the “Halloween Costume Theory” in branding. Artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX and Chappell Roan have been putting out music for 10+ years. So what changed in 2024 that sky rocketed them to household name fame? There are of course many factors like talent, skill and determination. But because this is a marketing podcast, we will be discussing the “halloween costume theory” and how it is used to sky rocket someone to massive fame.At the end of this podcast, I will be analyzing the new “Anora” film by Sean Baker, starring Mikey Madison. It currently has a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and is one of the best films I have seen all year.Thank you for making the Substack a best-seller! Join the community to unlock extended episodes of the podcast at cocomocoe.substack.comTime Stamps:0:00 - What is the halloween costume theory? Examples of the Costume Theory: 8:26 - Jojo Siwa 12:03 - Addison Rae 13:36 - Marilyn Monroe 14:00 - Judy Garland from “Wizard of Oz”14:42 - Millie Bobby Brown in “Stranger Things”17:34 - Sabrina Carpenter19:49 - Tate McRae 20:45 - Miley Cyrus 22:10 - Chappell RoanExtended Episode:26:18 - Analyzing “Anora”“Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey.Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube!* IG: @cocomocoe* TT: @cocomocoe* YT: coco mocoeEmail: cocomocoe@gmail.com

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cocomocoe.substack.comToday’s episode of “Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe” is all about the three stages of fame online: trial & error, repetition then social proof. Most creators never make it to the last stage of “social proof”. But what is it and how did Addison Rae, specifically, use the concept of “social proof” to break out of the social media algorithms and become the next music industry darling and collaborate with artists like Charli XCX?Addison Rae's new song “Aquamarine” even got a shout out from Ariana Grande on her Instagram stories this past weekend! Watch the music video below:https://youtu.be/Qt6YiVZLhG0We will also be discussing other creators that have used social proof to their advantage; such as, Emma Chamberlain, Victoria Paris and more.To unlock the extended version of the podcast, you can join the Substack at cocomocoe.substack.com 🧡“Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe” is a marketing podcast that covers internet and pop culture but from a branding angle. Coco Mocoe is a trend forecaster and marketing expert who loves diving deep into why things go viral on the internet and how you can apply that to your own brand or creator journey.Thank you for reviewing the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Follow Coco Mocoe on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube!* IG: @cocomocoe* TT: @cocomocoe* YT: coco mocoeFollow the "Middle Row" playlist on Spotify to hear new music before it goes mainstream: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19x3n1ZRyN4eeikwSy8sL9Email: cocomocoe@gmail.com

Explore the intriguing challenges facing Victoria's Secret as it grapples with its identity amidst changing consumer expectations. Discover how media branding and influencer culture complicate authenticity and the objectification of women. Delve into the brand's past fantasy narrative versus the current demand for inclusivity. The podcast also highlights the fashion show's evolution, balancing nostalgia with modernity, while providing a thought-provoking look at navigating brand identity in today’s market.

Discover how the Beatles transformed from a cover band into icons, illustrating the fine line between inspiration and plagiarism. Learn the importance of practice and experimentation in shaping your unique creative process. Hear about the speaker's journey from passive listener to podcast creator, fueled by a desire to fill gaps in the landscape. Explore the art of drawing inspiration from existing media while engaging audiences as co-creators. Get tips on what elements to adopt or discard in your own creative pursuits.

Discover the power of hard work in content creation, even when no one is watching. Learn how building an archive of your work can help secure a loyal fanbase when opportunity strikes. Delve into the challenges faced by pioneering TikTok creators and the unique obstacles female creators encounter in pop culture. Touch on unfair gender biases in media critiques and the importance of authenticity over follower numbers. Finally, be inspired to embrace your unique creative path, prioritizing persistence and passion over fleeting trends.

Explore the transformative impact of Substack, highlighting its rise as a platform for creators. Discover how the shift from addictive short-form algorithms to authentic connections is changing content creation. Dive into the power of long-form media and the importance of innovation to combat audience fatigue. Learn strategies for engaging followers through valuable content, emphasizing community building and meaningful interactions over algorithm-driven recommendations.