Marketing Trends from 2024: The Top Brands That Stood Out and What We Can Learn From Them

Companies like Mid-Day Squares and Liquid Death proved that bold branding and disruptive content can make you unforgettable. Stanley turned a simple tumbler into a cultural must-have, while Crumbl Cookie and Summer Friday turned their products into viral social media trends, showcasing the power of creating shareable moments.

These brands didn’t just show up—they dominated, setting trends and redefining how products connect with people on a deeper level.

So, what exactly did they do right? And how can you replicate their success in 2025?

Let’s dive in.

Pro Tip:

Learn from brands but don’t try to be them. To stand out in the marketplace, dive deep into your branding. Focus on creating unique, authentic content that truly connects with your community and highlights your brands unique offering. That’s how you build lasting impact.

Strategies From Brands That Won in 2024

• Skits That Blur the Line Between Real and Scripted:
  Brands like Belli Welli used relatable, humorous skits that made people ask, “Is this real?” These moments grabbed attention, sparked shares, and went viral fast.

• UGC Creators Became the Face of Brands
  Olipop led the way with relatable creators, moving away from traditional influencer campaigns. Rare Beauty spotlighted diverse UGC creators to share real-life testimonials, building trust and connection.

• Community Activations and In-Person Events

  Brands like Alo Yoga and Poppi hosted exclusive events—wellness retreats, pop-ups, and activations—that turned customers into loyal advocates by creating memorable, shareable experiences.

• Making Your Product a Social Media Trend

  Crumbl Cookie made taste-test videos a viral sensation, loved by creators and celebrities alike. Summer Fridays was everywhere—every creator seemed to be applying their Lip Butter Balm mid-video, making it the ultimate beauty staple.

• Sharing Your Brands Journey

  Waterboy documented relatable startup struggles on TikTok, building trust. Mid-Day Squares shared raw, unfiltered moments of their entrepreneurial journey. GetSuperboba involved their audience in product development, building excitement pre-launch.

  Actionable Insight:

  If your brand went viral, what would you want people to say, feel, or think about it? Define those answers, and then create content that brings them to life. Align every piece of content with the message, emotions, and impact you want to leave behind.