17th March-21st March 2025 Social Media & Marketing Update | 2-minute read

From fake tea alarms to LinkedIn ghosting video feeds, the world of social media and marketing has been brewing up (pun intended) some wild trends this week. Lipton played with our emotions, TikTok users proved they actually have an attention span, and LinkedIn decided video wasn’t that deep after all.

So, grab a cuppa (alarm or no alarm☕), and let’s take a look at the biggest updates from this week!

LinkedIn scraps the video feed

LinkedIn has officially ditched its video feed, signalling a shift in how the platform prioritises content. But don’t panic. This doesn’t mean video is dead.

Instead of hitting pause on video content altogether, use this as an opportunity to rethink your strategy:

Repurpose videos into carousels or text posts with key takeaways.
Experiment with thought leadership posts, polls, or infographics to spark engagement.
Lean into storytelling. LinkedIn loves authentic, value-driven content.

This change is a reminder that no content type is forever. The key? Stay adaptable, test new formats, and keep creating.

The ideal length of TikTok video? Longer than you think!

A new study by Buffer reveals that longer TikTok videos are winning. In fact, 3-minute videos get 63.8% more watch time than clips in the 30-60 second range.

But why? 🤔

More storytelling. Longer videos allow for deeper, more engaging narratives.
Better retention. If content is valuable, viewers stick around.
Algorithm love. More watch time = more reach.

This doesn’t mean every video should be 3 minutes long, but it’s clear that TikTok users are craving more substance. Time to test longer-form content? We think so.

Lipton Iced Tea PR stunt of the week 🍑

Taking a page straight out of the Duolingo school of marketing, Lipton Iced Tea shook the internet this week with a fake discontinuation announcement for their peach flavour. Only to reveal 24 hours later that it was all an early April Fools’ joke.

But did it work? Well, if engagement is the goal, then absolutely. Their previous Instagram post racked up just over 3,000 likes, while the fake announcement? A staggering 188,000 likes. That’s a 6,000% increase in engagement.

Should your small business try this? Probably not.

Here’s why:

Trust is everything for small brands. Big names like Lipton can pull a stunt like this because they’ve already built years of brand loyalty. It’s the same reason you’ll still go back to McDonald’s, even after a disappointing meal. But if a local restaurant lets you down once? Chances are, you won’t return.

What to do instead? Be reactive but stay authentic.

Rather than faking drama, find real opportunities to highlight your product:

Own a farm shop? Showcase your best-selling drinks as the perfect alternative.
Run a yoga studio? Remind your audience they can get their relaxation fix with a class.
Sell skincare? Position your products as a refreshing treat after a long day.

This way, you stay in the conversation without misleading your audience.

The great British tea alarm ⏰

British TikTokers have been pulling the ultimate prank on American users, convincing them that a national tea alarm goes off daily and the entire UK to stop what they’re doing and make a brew. (Which we would fully support btw!)

The trend has blown up so much that even the UK Government’s official account has joined in on the fun.

But why does this matter for your brand?

It’s fun.
It’s relevant.
It’s sparking huge conversations.

This trend is a masterclass in playful, engaging content something every brand can learn from. Finding creative ways to tap into viral moments (without misleading your audience) is a great way to boost engagement and showcase personality.

So, next time you see a viral trend, ask yourself: How can my brand join the conversation in a way that feels natural? Maybe it’s creating a spin-off, offering a witty take, or tying it back to what you sell. Either way, the best marketing doesn’t always have to be serious, it just has to be smart.

That’s a wrap on this week’s social media and marketing madness!  Same time, same place next week for more trends, updates, and mayhem👋