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I ran a survey in early May 2024 where I asked consumers if they thought brands should practice social responsibility — 90% said yes.

Consumers want brands to make a difference, meaning they care about corporate social responsibility. In this post, I’ll discuss:

• Types of Corporate Social Responsibility
• How can brands be socially responsible?
• Corporate Social Responsibility Examples
• 14 Socially Responsible Brands
• Corporate Social Responsibility Trends

Types of Corporate Social Responsiblity

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is companies showing care for society and the planet in addition to how much care is shown for their profits and bottom line. It’s corporations making decisions that leave a positive footprint through thoughtful practices and initiatives.

There are four main types of CSR: environmental, philanthropic, human rights and ethics, and economic.

1. Environmental Responsibility

Environmental CSR is when businesses champion environmentally friendly practices, like ensuring physical products are produced sustainably or with sustainable materials, offsetting harmful emissions, and using renewable energy.

2. Philanthropic Responsibility

Philanthropic CSR is charity-based, whether through charitable giving, partnering with charitable organizations, or even creating separate charitable wings of a business. The overall goal of this type of CSR is to better the surrounding world and specific communities.

3. Human Rights and Ethical Responsibility

Human rights and ethical CSR involve practices supporting human rights, such as fair treatment of anyone involved with the business (suppliers, customers, etc.) and following fair trade principles like production methods that don’t rely on slavery and child labor.

4. Economic Responsibility

Economic CSR combines the three types I mentioned above. If a brand says it’s committed to human rights, environmentalism, and philanthropy, its financial investments reflect that. For example, if a brand says it’s working to offset its carbon footprint, its spending would show that it’s committed to environmentalism.

Corporate Social Responsibility Examples

Now, I’ll review some examples of corporate social responsibility in action to give you a sense of what it looks like.

• Texas Instruments teamed up with Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas to give girls graphing calculators and introduce them to coding basics, introducing them to a traditionally male-dominated field.
• Outfitter Toms donates a third of its profits to charitable causes, like nonprofits that provide mental health resources, and partners with organizations that offer sustainable materials for product production.
• HubSpot has committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, taking actions like making office buildings sustainable with renewable energy and educating us employees about how we can reduce our carbon footprint.

How can brands be socially responsible?

Early 2020 brought many businesses to a reckoning regarding social responsibility as social justice issues were at the forefront of conversation.

Consumer interest hasn’t died out, as 50% of U.S. adults who responded to our 2024 Consumer Trends Report said brands should do more when it comes to social advocacy.

There are so many ways to practice CSR, so a brand’s actions will depend on what’s possible for their business. For example, a smaller company might not have the funds to donate revenue to charity, so it partners with local organizations and encourages employees to volunteer.

That said, there are some standard ways to be socially responsible depending on the causes brands are interested in. For example, brands committed to ethical practices and human rights might:

• Ensure employees have a safe work environment and are paid a living wage
• Have product production and supply chain practices that don’t use child labor or forced labor
• Provide healthcare, wellness programs, and childcare support for employees

Philanthropic brands might do charitable giving with donation matching campaigns, give back to their local communities, or create opportunities to volunteer.

I also don’t think you have to choose one type of CSR over the other, especially considering they’re all related. For example, if you’re committed to racial justice, you could partner with local organizations committed to the cause (philanthropy), contract with vendors who share the same commitments (economic CSR), and make sure all of your employees can feel seen, heard, and uplifted at work (human rights and ethics).

Let’s look at some examples of brands that exemplify social responsibility to give you some inspiration.

14 Socially Responsible Brands

1. Back Market

Back Market combats the tons of waste produced by electronic devices by refurbishing used electronics and selling them to consumers. The business encourages consumers to trade in their used electronics for cash instead of throwing them away and also provides an eco-friendly alternative to those looking to buy.

2. Warby Parker

Warby Parker is famous for its at-home try-on program, where customers can try glasses frames at home before committing to a purchase.

I think its Warby Parker Impact Foundation is a great example of philanthropic CSR, as it works with nonprofits and local community groups to increase access to vision care for adults and children typically underserved for this type of care.

Its Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program also donates one pair of glasses per pair bought and, to date, has distributed over 15 million glasses.

3. Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s is famous for taking a stand on global issues like refugee rights, LGBTQ+ rights, climate justice, voting rights — the list goes on.

To raise awareness for these issues, it partners with nonprofits to build support with its customers, and the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation regularly funds businesses in Vermont (its home state) and around the country that work to facilitate social change.

4. Patagonia

Patagonia is known for its environmentalist practices, like supporting grassroots activists through funding. Its Worn Wear program encourages customers to give their used Patagonia clothing back to the business to be refurbished and resold instead of throwing it away, and Patagonia Provisions makes and sells organic foods that ensure healthy soil, are cultivated under ethical employee conditions, and fair and humane treatment of animals.

5. Alaffia

Olowo-n’djo Tchala, Togolese native, founded Alaffia in 2003 with the goal of lifting the country out of poverty. Its cosmetic products are all made by Togolese women, which brings jobs to the local community. It also partners with the Global Alliance for Community Empowerment (GACE) to support Ghanaian and Togolese people by offering maternal care and health education, building schoolhouses for children, and investing in fair trade.

6. IKEA

IKEA is dedicated to environmentalism with its plans to use only sustainable materials and recycled or renewable plastic by 2030. The IKEA Foundation also works with NGOs to create employment and entrepreneurship programs and funds environmental ventures around the world, like renewable energy projects.

7. Merit and FATE

This is a unique social enterprise, as Merit and FATE are separate businesses that support each other. Merit is a for-profit clothing company that uses 20% of its sales to fund FATE, its sister nonprofit. FATE supports students in the Detroit metro area and assists them with educational needs and college prep.

8. Allbirds

Allbirds, a footwear and apparel company, creates its products using natural, renewable, and sustainable materials, demonstrating a commitment to environmentalism and sustainability.

Allbirds Flight Plan lays out its sustainability commitments that culminate in cutting its carbon footprint in half by 2025 through investments in regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, and responsible energy use. As of 2024, it’s 60% of the way toward its 2025 goal.

9. Cora

Cora sells organic personal care products and, with every purchase, donates products and body literacy resources to communities often overlooked in related discussions. 75% of the donations it makes are to organizations that serve BIPOC communities and, to date, has donated 24,000,000 products and diverted 14,000 from landfills.

10. Loop

Black people in Black communities pay 70% more for car insurance than those in predominantly White upper-middle-class neighborhoods. Loop, an AI-powered car insurance company, recognizes the disparity and commits to making car insurance more equitable, available, and affordable for people of color, most significantly by only considering factors related to driving history.

11. Glass Half Full

Glass Half Full is a Louisiana-based business that collects glassware that it recycles and repurposes into sand and glass cullet. Its outputs help the environment, as the sand can be used for disaster relief, coastal restoration, and eco-construction, and glass cullet can be repurposed into new glassware.

Since its creation, it has diverted 2 million pounds of glass from NOLA landfills.

12. Culture Brands

Culture Brands is an agency with media platforms and consumer brands that engage directly with the African American community, helping people feel seen and engage with content related to their experiences. Because Of Them We Can, one of its platforms, shares content to amplify Black voices and entrepreneurial successes.

13. Tony’s Chocolonely

Tony’s Chocolonely is a chocolate company committed to environmentalism and equitable and fair working conditions.

Tony’s Open Chain sourcing principles outline the business commitments, including paying a premium for cocoa beans to ensure farmers receive a living wage, and CLMRS, which identifies illegal child labor and improves the living conditions for farmers and their families.

It also helps its customers learn more about chocolate farming practices, as they can trace the entire lifecycle of the bean that made the chocolate bar they hold in their hands.

14. Accion International

Accion International’s mission is to build a financially inclusive world by providing economic opportunities to communities often overlooked and left out of financial conversations.

It provides financial support to low-income entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs of color, and women, in addition to educational resources, coaching, and business networks that can be helpful when it comes to building and growing a business. Since founding, it has reached more than 350 million people across the globe.

Corporate Social Responsibility Trends

Corporate social responsibility trends are impacted by factors like generational preferences and changing consumer expectations. The things that matter most to Gen Z might not be as important to Gen X, so as Gen Z increases their buying power, CSR expectations change.

Below, I’ll go over a few CSR trends I’ve seen recently.

Transparency

Consumers want brands to practice CSR, and they want transparency into what measures are taken, and they want to know that brands are following through with their promises. It’s an important trend to be aware of because it can easily backfire since consumers nowadays aren’t afraid to call brands out.

Data Security

Consumers think data privacy is a human right and are more concerned than ever about how companies use their data. As a result, a human rights and ethics trend I’ve seen recently is that consumers want brands to have high-quality data security practices to protect the information they have about their customers.

Employee Wellbeing

Employee wellbeing has always been a key aspect of CSR, but it’s become increasingly important to consumers that the brands they support treat their employees well. Take Glossier, for example. Former employees created Outta The Gloss to discuss racism and toxic workplace culture, and they received significant support from consumers who participated in their calls for boycotts.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Consumers want to support brands that further DEI in their workforce and the greater community. Consumers look for concrete actions, like closing gender pay gaps for internal employees and supporting underrepresented groups.

A well-known adage says there’s no such thing as bad press — but let’s be real: that’s a big ol’ lie.

Whether you’re a new or tenured brand, media coverage can have a massive impact on how you are perceived by your target audience.

That’s where a media kit (a close cousin of the press kit) comes in.

With a well-strategized media kit, you help guide media/press conversation and position your product and business the way you want. And hey, you also make promoting and praising your brand easier.

As a branding and planning nerd, I’ve always been interested in media kits. So, let’s unpack how to make a great one. 

Table of Contents

• What is a media kit?
• Media Kit vs Press Kit
• What to Include in a Media Kit
• How to Make a Media Kit
• Media Kit Design
• Media Kit Examples
  

Now, I’d be remiss if we didn’t clarify one thing before diving any deeper into the media kit waters: What’s the difference between a media kit and a press kit?

Media Kit vs Press Kit

I can’t lie to you — when I sat down to write this piece, I thought a media kit and press kit were the same thing.

Many people use the terms interchangeably, and it’s easy to see why. Both a media kit and a press kit serve the same purpose — enabling accurate promotion for your company. But there are some key differences.

“Press kit” is a more traditional term for materials compiled for journalists or news media to write about you. It typically includes press releases, images, background information (like a company overview), and contact details.

A “media kit” is all of that and more. It is a more modern term for promotional assets curated primarily for those in digital media — think bloggers, influencers, content creators, and affiliates.

Besides press releases and images, a media kit includes branding guidelines, social media information and statistics, videos, awards and accolades, partnerships, and maybe even case studies.

(Note: Many brands will take the term “media kit” literally, only including multimedia like images and videos. X, formerly Twitter, does this, for example.

But for the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on an all-encompassing kit, as we described above.)

Traditional journalists can undoubtedly use a media kit like their digital counterparts, but press kits lack the details digital creators need.

That said, I’d argue that a media kit is simply a modern, more relevant evolution of the press kit.

What are media kits and press kits used for?

In a nutshell, both media and press kits are used to gather information about your product or company to share with outside parties.

They don’t get you more media coverage, but they do make creating that content easier. They also help ensure that the content produced is aligned with your brand and positioning.

For example, if a magazine writes an article about you, your media/press kit will share the background information they need to do it in the right terms and tone of voice.

Or, if someone is creating a social media video about you, they’ll know how they should use your logo or what colors are on the brand. I dabble in user-generated content creation for brands myself, so I can vouch this is a common use.

Overall, a media kit or press kit fosters convenience and consistency when working with an external partner.

What to Include in a Media Kit

So, here’s some good news: most of the content and creative assets you need to create your media kit likely already exist. Let’s unpack the essentials.

1. Company Story (Mission, Values, etc.)

Start with the star of your media kit: you. This is where you introduce your name, logo, and mission. Share your origin story and overall, the “why” behind what you do.

Golf equipment company Titleist does a beautiful job summarizing its story on the “About Us” page of its Media Center.

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Reminiscent of an executive summary, visitors finish the page knowing who Titleist is, how long it has been in business, and what they can expect from the brand. An “about us” like this is also commonly found in a press kit.

2. Products/Offering

This may be obvious, but include an overview of your product, service, or offering in your media kit.

Sometimes, people outside your organization don’t know how to describe what you do, your catalog, or your trademarks. Use this space to lay down the facts.

Design tool Canva does many things right with its media kit website, but I especially love how it highlights its products. The design software company employs a colorful slide deck to detail the products. But here’s the kicker: It’s designed on the platform itself. Talk about inception.

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The website also offers a brief overview of the company’s product offerings on the “company information” tab making it easy to find the information when needed.

3. Founder/Management Information

Media outlets are often interested in speaking to company founders or executive team members. Use your media kit to highlight them with their names, brief bios, and headshots. This is another feature you’d find in a traditional press kit.

While GE Appliances’ media kit doesn’t include a dedicated, separate page for learning about its leaders, it does include a link to their bios.

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This streamlines the company’s media kit creation time but still makes it easy for visitors to find the information they need.

Pro Tip: You may also want to include short quotes from them reflecting their area of expertise or unique points of view. Even better, share your company story from their point of view.

4. Brand Overview

This section of your media kit is especially important when working with content creators and influencers.

Does your brand try to align with a certain lifestyle? Do you have branded words, phrases, or even taglines? What are your values? Does your name have an unexpected pronunciation or spelling?

Including a brand overview in your media kit allows you to document these elements precisely to your liking and communicate them to potential collaborators.

These guidelines also help identify who is or is not a good match to represent your brand. In its media kit, Give Lively details its company brand, including its brand values. 

 

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Here’s what I would include in a brand overview:

• Taglines
• Branded Terms and Trademarks
• Brand Values
• Brand Voice
• Tone
• Unique Spellings
• Pronunciations

5. Visual Assets & Guidelines

Your media kit isn’t a full style guide. However, it should pull in the most essential elements of your visual brand and explain how to use them.

Use your media kit to include logos and product/service images.

Do you want your product shown in particular scenarios? Include high-quality images creators, or journalists can choose from. Are there specific ways you want your logo to be displayed or used?

Provide examples of correct and incorrect uses. Apple does a great job of showing exactly how it wants its branded badges to be used and how not to use them.

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This is your opportunity to clarify how you want to be portrayed and make it easy for media folks to do so.

Pro Tip: Make sure your media kit design reinforces your overall brand identity. Use the colors, fonts, and other visual hallmarks from your branding guidelines. Be the example of what you want to see from others.

6. Social Proof (Social Media Stats, Case Studies, etc.)

According to Matter Now, 69% of consumers trust influencers, friends, and family over brands themselves. So, use social proof to your advantage.

In your media kit, share third-party information that vouches for your quality or success like:

• Social Media Statistics
• Case Studies
• Testimonials
• Awards

Social Media Statistics

If your goal is partnerships and collaborations, your media kit should prioritize engagement rates and similar social media metrics alongside the bread-and-butter statistics like follower counts.

Savvy creators and media companies want to partner with brands with big reach and engagement.

For social stats, you’ll need to conduct a social media audit or collect this data from the person who manages your social channels.

Pro Tip: If you are a HubSpot Social user, you can use Reports to analyze the performance of your social posts and determine how well your social media efforts are performing.

Case Studies

This section is your chance to let your work speak for itself. Let the adage “show, don’t tell” guide you here, featuring the right partnerships — either via logos or short case studies.

International football influencers The F2 highlight past campaigns on their website, putting reputable brand names and logos front and center. They also note key engagement statistics for these campaigns.

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Testimonials

Testimonials are another great way to show the impact and effectiveness of your brand or product in your media kit.

Keep this section succinct: just one or two strong quotes should suffice.

A few lines of text (even just a single short quote) and a single related image can get the point across and leave a lasting impression.  

Awards

Share any awards or accolades your business has received from reputable associations or trade groups. These awards once again vouch for the quality and legitimacy of your work.

7. Existing Press

Do you have samples of past press you loved? How about press releases? If so, include them in your media kit here. Shoe brand Nike has an extensive collection of press releases on its press website.

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If your business has been featured on a podcast or TV show, include a link to the clip or file. Mentioned in an article on a prominent publication or other media outlet? Quote it.

You can also consider simply showing the logos of the other media outlets that have covered you and linking to the asset if available.  

Including existing press helps new partners see what a great finished product can look like and adds a little extra social proof of your prestige.

8. Contact Information

Consider this the call-to-action of your media kit. Include any relevant contact information that people can use to connect like:

• Press email address
• Social media handles and links
• Relevant hashtags

Cannabis company Verano makes it easy to find contact information, including social media profiles in its media kit.

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Extras

Depending on your company’s goals, there are many other things you can consider including in your media kit.

For example, if you are vocal about particular social causes, you may want to include information about those efforts. Highlight any charity or non-profit work. Or, maybe you’ll want to share financial data, like market share and sales numbers.

Take LVMH for example. The parent company of Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, highlights the brand’s scale by sharing how many countries it is present in and the number of foundation shades it offers.

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Think about what you want your organization to be known for and let that guide what you include in your media kit.

1. Write your company story.

Start your media kit by writing a brief overview of your business. I recommend writing the basic facts (like founding date, location, and founder names) and then elaborating on your mission, company size and growth, product and service evolution, and accolades.

While you want to keep this concise, you also want to ensure your reader gets a well-rounded image of your company. You want them to be excited to promote and learn more about you.

2. Add founder/team information.

Elaborate on your founders and any other prominent members of your executive team. Talk about their credentials, what brought them to their current role, and any awards or recognition they have received.

People in the media will often like to feature or mention your leaders especially if they are already prominent public figures.                                                           

3. List critical highlights and accomplishments.

Have you won awards, broken any records, had impressive sales or usage numbers, or pioneered a type of technology? Jot those down for your media/press kit.

Accomplishments like these add intrigue. They give the press and media even more reason to feature you. They also provide that little bit of extra sparkle to appeal to audiences.

It’s like having “Oscar-nominated” or “Pulitzer Prize-winning” before someone’s name. It vouches for your work and makes people want to pay more attention.

4. Gather your supporting assets.

This is where most of the pieces we discussed earlier come into play: your logos, images, product descriptions, brand guidelines, case studies, facts, and data.

Think of it as assembling all the extra pizzazz a creator or journalist needs to make their finished product stand out.

5. Compile in the format of your choice.

With all your assets selected, it’s time to compile them in the format of your choice.

The format of your media kit should be based not just on what you include but also on who’s using it. What format is most convenient for the audience you’re working with?

For example, if it’s primarily social media creators who need to grab images or logos easily, something dynamic like a folder, press page, or website is better than a PDF. Uber is one brand that takes this approach.

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Media kits can come in many different formats, but some of the most common are:

• Downloadable PDF
• A shareable folder (on Google Drive or Dropbox)
• A press page with links
• A separate press website

Pro Tip: Even if you prioritize a web version, having a downloadable media kit or deck is worth the effort. Some people might prefer the offline accessibility, and the static nature avoids technical issues.

Our Free Media Kit Template can be used to create that handy PDF or downloadable slide deck.

6. Add to your website.

Regardless if you choose to create a static PDF or even a shareable folder, add your media kit to your website. It can live under a menu or footer item that reads “press,” “media, or even “newsroom.”

This is typically what media outlets and creators will look for and creates a specific place to direct people in conversations.

A media kit is only useful if it’s easily accessible, and a link on your website is as intuitive as it gets.

Pro Tip: To keep your media kit easy to navigate, add a table of contents.

Presented as a downloadable PDF, Snapchat’s media kit focuses heavily on brand assets which can easily blur together without the right guidance.

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To avoid this, Snapchat starts with a table of contents. Then, it details exactly how you should and should not use its logos, typography, and brand colors in your coverage.

Media Kit Design

Need help designing your media kit? Our Free Media Kit Template can be used to create a PDF or downloadable slide deck for your brand. It covers all the essentials and is easy to edit and expand.

Canva also offers a wide range of PDF templates.  

Media Kit Examples

1. Hinge

The dating app Hinge has one of the most complete and easy-to-navigate media kits I found in researching this article. They also offer a downloadable version of everything shared to cover all user preferences.

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What I Like: The website covers all the critical information — an origin story told by the founder and CEO, quotes from the press, a timeline of the app’s milestones, logos, and images.

It also packages it all in an airy design with lots of visuals and engaging micro-animations.

2. Delta Airlines

While less dynamic than Hinge, Delta Airlines’ media kit website is another great example to follow — especially if your design and development resources are limited.

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What I Like: This no-frills approach organizes a lot of information into seven simple categories, which isn’t always easy to do. It uses a classic grid layout and dropdowns to keep things clean, but easy to navigate and dig deeper if you’d like.

3. Optimonster

Lead generation tool Optimonster opts for a hybrid website-PDF approach for its media kit.

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What I Like: The dedicated website provides guidelines for using the logo and mascot, brand colors, sample press releases, and select media coverage. The PDF contains the actual visual files for use.  

4. Canva

I know we mentioned Canva earlier, but it deserves a full feature.  

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What I like: The company’s “Press Hub” begins with a simple hero section and company overview. Then, it goes into a table of contents of everything it covers with links to the respective pages.

This includes media releases, leadership bios and headshots, case studies, photographer, market insights, and much more.

As you click through these pages, you’ll find that most of the content is presented in assets made with the Canva tool itself.

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This is genius. Canva delivers all the information the media would need in a colorful, fun package and simultaneously shows off its product’s capabilities. I can’t rave about it enough.

5. Airbnb

Airbnb’s media kit is staged as a “newsroom” subdomain on the brand’s greater website.

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What I like: Airbnb’s “about us” page does an admirable job of highlighting crucial background information like the founders and their origin story. But where it really shines is how it calls out the scale and success of the business with a “fast facts” section.

If you click through the rest of the website, you’ll find contact information, product releases, and a wide selection of visual assets you can filter through and download.

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6. Headspace

Headspace’s media kit comes to us as another dedicated website page. However, it utilizes a drive folder instead of a PDF or zip file to deliver its assets.

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What I like: The page leads with a button to visit a Google Drive folder housing its photography and bios, logo pack, fact sheet, and app screenshots. Then, as you scroll, it shares press releases and older media coverage. It’s the best of both worlds.

7. Kickstarter

Kickstarter puts a unique stamp on its media kit page, using color blocks and large images to draw attention to key facts — success stats, its origin story, and testimonials.

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What I like: Kickstarter’s design is a smart strategy to guide the eye on a page that otherwise lacks navigation. It also uses toggles to minimize clutter and encourage interaction. This keeps the page interesting and engaging.

However, a table of contents would have made it much easier to find what you need.

8. Slack

Slack’s media kit is another I can’t help but love.

When you first arrive on the page, you’re met with three simple buckets: logos, app screenshots, and Slack brand center.

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What I Like: “Logos” and “app screenshots” take you to separate folders to download the assets. “Brand center” takes you to a more comprehensive website diving into all the essentials of a media kit.

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It’s easy to navigate, thorough, and on-brand with everything we expect from Slack.

Make your media kit a hit.

So, there you have it. When you create a media kit, you give the press, creators, and the media in general all of the tools they need to promote and praise your brand. And even more importantly, you enable them to do it in the way you want.

Build your media kit, and start shaping your brand’s press image today.

I can’t lie — I’ve been feeling a little AI-fatigued lately. But the reason everyone’s still talking about AI is because it’s not going away anytime soon.

The reality is it’s changing the way we work as marketers. Our State of AI report shows that more than half of marketers (60%) are using AI tools in their role.

If you’re looking to grow your career, chances are you’ll have to lean into the AI hype. That’s a good thing, though, because there are smart ways you can use AI to become a better marketer.

What’s trending in AI for marketers?

Whenever I’m thinking about career growth, it’s helpful for me to know what’s hot (and what’s not) in the marketing world.

I mentioned earlier that more and more marketers are incorporating AI into their workflows. Here are a few additional insights from our report:

• The most common AI tools for marketers include chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT), AI-enhanced CRM and marketing tools (e.g., HubSpot, of course), and AI-enhanced productivity tools (e.g., G-Suite AI suggestions).
• The top three use cases for AI are content creation, learning how to do things (e.g., Excel functions), and data analysis/reporting. The majority of marketers who use AI for these tasks find it very effective.
• 55% of marketers are using educational resources to improve their AI knowledge and skills. The top learning method is educational videos.

Let’s unpack how you can use these AI tools and strategies to your benefit.

5 Ways to Use AI for Career Development

1. Uplevel your AI skills.

I chatted with Martina Bretous, editor of our Next in AI blog, and she shared her thoughts on AI and career growth.

“People often think growing your career with AI means becoming an AI expert but that’s not the case,” says Bretous.

She continues, “If you‘re in a technical or data-driven role, like data science or software engineering, there’s so much demand for machine learning and deep learning skills. AI isn’t going away any time soon, so finding ways to incorporate it into your toolbox will be incredibly valuable in the long term.”

I 100% agree with this take. While you don’t have to become an expert in all things AI, there are benefits to building your AI toolbox. An increasing number of companies are looking for marketers with AI knowledge and experience.

Educational videos (e.g., on YouTube/TikTok) and online courses are great places to start. My recommendation? Check out HubSpot Academy’s AI for Marketing course for the basics.

2. Let AI help you polish your resume.

Your resume is arguably the most important part of your job search process.

While it’s possible to create an entire resume with AI, I wouldn’t suggest doing so. Instead, I’d recommend using it more strategically to:

• Clean up specific sections of your resume.
• Run grammatical checks before you submit.
• Fine-tune the tone based on your industry or the role.

Take this example. Here, I asked ChatGPT for help with my executive summary.

I used this prompt: “Write an executive summary for a resume that describes a marketer with 8 years of experience in content strategy, writing, and editing.”

This is the output I received:

This is pretty solid. I like how it includes specific areas of expertise, highlights related accomplishments, and notes relevant skills. However, I’m looking for something shorter and a little more personable.

So, I followed up with this prompt: “Please shorten the summary and make the tone more conversational.”

This is the output I received:

In terms of tone, this is definitely more in line with what I’m going for. But it did cut out many of the elements I liked about the first one — like accomplishments and skills.

Realistically, I’d probably use a combination of these outputs as inspiration and tailor the language to my own background. But this is a helpful guiding point.

3. Use AI to become better (and faster).

“One of the best ways to use AI for career development is by using it as an assistant to streamline your processes,” says Bretous.

“Have you identified tedious tasks that you could automate with AI? Whether it’s data analysis, writing, research, or creating reports, doing so could save you hours that you can now use to work on exciting, high-impact projects.”

She’s right — our data says that the majority of marketers who use AI for tasks like content creation and data analysis find it very effective. And improved efficiencies are a big selling point to potential employers.

When you’re ready to optimize your marketing workflow with AI, HubSpot Academy has another great course for you.

4. Make AI prompts do the heavy lifting.

In the spirit of efficiency, my colleague Erica Santiago compiled over 200 ChatGPT prompts that you should be using as a marketer.

There are endless ways to use prompts like these in your role.

Need to come up with some blog post ideas quickly? Ask ChatGPT this: List [number] ideas for blog posts about [topic].

Or maybe you’d like to get to know your audience a little better. In that case, try this one: What are the biggest pain points of [audience] in [industry]?

Using AI for support can help free you up to focus on other areas of career growth. And you get the most out of AI when you use the right inputs.

5. Brainstorm new ideas with AI.

As a writer, there’s nothing worse than hitting a creative slump. And during our busiest seasons, it can be hard to carve out time strictly for brainstorming.

Bretous says, “One of the biggest roadblocks to growth is feeling like you don’t have enough hours in the week to brainstorm, develop, and execute on ideas that will get leadership’s attention. AI comes in by giving you back valuable time so you can focus on them.”

I used a “blog post ideas” prompt as an example in tip #4. But you can use AI as inspiration for your email campaigns, social media strategies, and more.

Who knows, maybe your next big idea will be powered by AI. (And you’ll have a little more time to execute on it.)

Career Growth, Brought to You by AI

AI offers a lot of potential for your professional development. Remember, you don’t have to be an AI expert to grow your marketing career. You just have to be an expert in using it to your advantage.

Amazon pillows.

Korean moisturizer.

An acupuncture mat.

These are just a few of the objects I’ve purchased on Instagram over the past couple months – mainly because an influencer told me to.

I’m not alone. Today’s shopper doesn’t head to the mall when she’s bored; she opens her phone.

In fact, according to HubSpot’s 2024 Consumer Trends survey, 25% of social media users have bought a product from directly within a social media app in the past three months.

As Adam Ortman, Founder and President of Kinetic319, puts it, “Each scroll and swipe is a potential opportunity, offering a dopamine-driven delight that our brains are hardwired to chase.”

Here, let’s jump into the psychology behind why social shopping is rising steadily in popularity in 2024.

1. It taps into our inherent desire for instant gratification.

As humans, we live for the short-term dopamine fix. When we’re bored, stressed, or tired, it’s all-too easy to give in to the urge for a little “boost” in our day – be it new sunglasses, a new top, or that fancy face wash influencers’ have been boasting about for weeks.

As Ortman told me, “It’s all about the thrill of the find and the joy of the ‘buy now’ buzz. This clever algorithmic design keeps consumers coming back for more, eager for that next like, comment, or, in this case, purchase opportunity.”

Consumer Psychologist Shilpa Madan agrees with Ortman that the short-term gratification we receive from purchasing on social media is partially what keeps us coming back.

As she puts it, “The ease with which transactions can be completed on these platforms caters to the consumer’s desire for instant gratification—a key factor in impulse buying. This seamless experience, coupled with the rich media and entertainment value of social shopping, increases the willingness to ‘click-to-buy’.”

2. It elicits a sense of connection.

While I still occasionally enjoy scrolling through a brand’s website to shop, these days, I primarily find my next purchases on social platforms.

Consumer Psychologist Kate Odegard believes this is because I’m able to find a stronger sense of connection on social media compared to a brand’s website.

She told me, “Consumers are drawn to social commerce because it’s more like the digital version of a shopping mall than scrolling through products on a brand website. One is about connection and curation, and the other is transactional and over-optimized.”

She adds, “In the research I’ve seen, consumers who are most receptive to social commerce turn to creators and influencers for guidance. They don’t scroll through posts, but instead, purposefully look to be inspired, to interact, and to participate in creator content.”

Consider this fun, light-hearted Instagram from one of my favorite influencers, Jen Reed:

The purpose of the video is to showcase affordable outfits for springtime. But I wasn’t in the market for affordable spring-time outfits – and yet, I still watched the video, because I feel a sense of connection to Jen and want to hear what she has to say.

Additionally, Jen has cultivated a sense of community on her platform. I like the people who follow Jen; I enjoy reading their comments and responding. And that’s the connection you just can’t find on a branded website.

3. It leverages social proof – and “FOMO”.

Ah, FOMO – the feeling most of us get everytime we log onto social media and see that, while we’re re-watching Lord of the Rings, our friends are out at lavish restaurants or enjoying tropical vacations.

That same sense of FOMO can come in the form of product endorsements, as it turns out.

As Ortman puts it, “Social proof isn’t just influential; it’s amazingly motivational. It leverages trust and the ‘fear of missing out’ psychology (yes, FOMO is real) to nudge us from mere interest to ‘must have now’. It’s a potent reminder that we might be missing out on something wonderful, which fuels our desire to act immediately.”

While I didn’t realize there was real science behind this phenomenon, I’ve certainly felt its affect. Recently, I found myself purchasing an Anthropology dress because I saw three of my friends wearing it on Instagram.

And it’s not always a poor investment, either. I love the dress I bought. And I’m not alone: ​​43% of users who’ve purchased a product directly within social media in the past three months are very satisfied with their purchase.

Madan agrees. She told me, “A product-endorsing TikTok video or Instagram post, especially from one’s social circle, serves as a potent endorsement. This visibility of peer interactions and approvals taps into social influences and peer pressure, making social media an arena where shopping decisions are publicly informed and endorsed.”

4. It demonstrates the power of relatability.

Finally, social shopping hits at our desire to see our own traits mirrored back at us in the people who sell us products.

In other words: I want to buy something from someone who looks, acts, or thinks like me.

Madan says, “When shoppers see someone who mirrors their own physical attributes (or what they aspire to) — be it height, weight, or skin tone — endorsing a product, it not only validates the product’s appeal but significantly boosts their confidence in the decision to purchase.”

She adds, “Research shows that this increased confidence increases willingness to buy, reduces procrastination, and even increases the amount consumers are willing to pay. Not surprising, then, that social platforms witness such enthusiastic purchasing behaviors.”

As a Marketer, Understanding Consumer Psychology Is Key

There are aspects of marketing, like social shopping, that can be confounding to some marketers. What types of social content will convince the most number of users to click ‘buy’? And from whom?

As Ortman says, “Social media shopping thrives in its ability to weave consumer psychology with strategic marketing stages. It’s a tactical coordination of desire and decision-making, where each step is designed to lead us to purchase, proving just how intertwined consumer psychology and marketing strategy really are in the social shopping medium.”

Ultimately, understanding your target audience is the first step to cultivating strong sales on social platforms. But knowing the psychology behind it doesn’t hurt, either.

Welcome to HubSpot’s Expert Edge Series, where we interview top execs at major brands to explore their perspectives on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the industry.

Ahh – TikTok. It’s like the cool younger cousin you desperately want approval from.

In 2024, almost a quarter of marketers (24%) say TikTok yields the highest ROI, placing it right behind YouTube. Which makes sense: With over one billion users, TikTok is a viable platform for increasing brand awareness and reaching new audiences.

Plus, HubSpot Blog Research found 14% of businesses rank TikTok as the platform with the highest ROI — and we’ll likely see this number grow in the year ahead.

But the million-dollar question remains: Sure, TikTok is fantastic at showcasing entertaining videos, but can you really generate strong leads from the platform?

The short answer? Yes. If you want the longer answer — including how to generate leads — keep reading for expert tips from Lorry Destainville, TikTok’s Global Head of Product Partnerships.

TikTok Can Do More Than Drive Brand Awareness 

For starters, I wanted to know whether Destainville truly believes TikTok is a viable platform for generating leads. Because plenty of platforms are fantastic for brand awareness, but less powerful for lead-generation.

Fortunately, Destainville told me plenty of TikTok’s audience currently uses the platform to connect with new businesses and discover new products. In fact, Millennial TikTok users are 1.7X more likely to discover/shop products from creators they follow (vs. non-TikTok users).

As he puts it, “Generating leads on Tiktok is an opportunity for businesses to drive that interaction with their new customers in a way that’s really getting to the point where they can create that conversation, synchronize contacts and information from the user, and then engage in that conversation and drive to the sale.”

I‘ll admit — I’ve seen the power of B2C advertising on TikTok: Just last week I purchased a much-raved about face sunscreen after seeing videos about it popping up all over TikTok.

Ultimately, TikTok is a full-funnel advertising platform with built-in analytics tools to enable marketers to observe metrics like views, likes, comments, unique visitors, engagement, and reach.

Plus, TikTok integrates with HubSpot, so if you’re a HubSpot customer, you’re in luck: You can now sync the leads you’ve gained via TikTok with your HubSpot CRM in real-time.

Destainville also believes TikTok is viable for both B2B and B2C brands: “There’s space for everyone. We have consumers, but we also have business owners on the platform, too. 69% of TikTok Monthly Active Users actually followed through with what they signed-up for on a lead generation ad — and within one billion active users, that’s a very large portion of our user base. So there are absolutely B2B decision-makers within that audience.”

6 Tips for Generating Leads on TikTok, According to TikTok’s Global Head of Product Partnerships

1. Combine Your Organic and Paid Strategies

At HubSpot, we‘ve found that polished, high-quality content oftentimes doesn’t perform as well as more authentic, natural iPhone content on social platforms.

Destainville says the same is true of TikTok, and he encourages businesses to lean into their organic content when they’re looking to generate leads.

As he puts it, “What’s interesting is that for lead generation, organic and paid work smarter together. Having some great organic content that can be useful in generating ads can be very empowering for brands.”

He adds, “The ability to combine or optimize creative along with a lead gen call-to-action will drive to a much higher brand purchase. Put another way: It really is about the amplification of organic content through paid, which will then drive to earned media.”

This is fantastic news for SMBs with minimal advertising budgets: It means an organic-first strategy will actually yield stronger returns than creating a brand-new, flashy advertising campaign for TikTok.

2. When In Doubt – Go Natural, Not Polished

As Destainville told me, “There’s a desire or an ambition from businesses who are advertising with TikTok for the first time to have the most polished content, but that’s not necessarily the priority, nor is it the ultimate best practice.”

He continues, “We have some tips and tricks when it comes to creative, but we don’t have the perfect formula to succeed on the platform. What I can tell you is that the number one priority is to be authentic. That’s the true nature of the connection between any creator and TikTok’s user base. Authenticity is the name of the game, particularly because it leads to a great deal of trust.”

Destainville believes a 20-second video created in the back of a car will likely work better than an ad that was shot in a studio. And that’s great news for all of us: Less time spent producing and editing means more time to experiment on the platform.

3. Be a User First, and a Marketer Second

Destainville acknowledges that it can be daunting when you begin creating content on TikTok, particularly when you acknowledge some of the more viral, engaging, creative content you can find on the platform. TikTok creators’ are formidable: How can businesses compete?

To get started on the platform, Destainville encourages business owners to watch TikTok content before they begin creating their own.

He says, “If I’m a business owner and I’m going on TikTok for the first time, I’m going to want to pay attention to what the conversation in my industry is about. What do my competitors’ post about? What are the ways they engage with the community?”

I see his point: Last week, I tried creating my own TikTok account. And I watched exactly zero TikTok videos before creating my own. How did it pay off?

11 views to-date.

In other words: You want to see what resonates most with TikTok’s audience, as well as the type of content that goes viral, before creating your own.

As Destainville puts it, “As a marketer, it’s hard to fail – you want to go for metrics and demonstrate the impact of your decisions when it comes to creative direction … But I think keeping some room for innovation pays off, and it’s okay to fail because it’s a learning opportunity. And you want to learn these platforms as a user first – and a marketer second.”

You want to see what resonates most with TikTok’s audience, as well as the type of content that goes viral, before creating your own. At the same time, your content comes down to authenticity: If it’s not authentic for your brand to be a part of a certain conversation or trend, don’t force it. Rather than posting one-off videos with the hopes of going viral, consistently post content on a weekly basis to cultivate a sense of community.

Destainville says, “The one thing I think businesses tend to get wrong is to try to create a viral moment or expect that it is going to happen as a primary KPI. I would much rather consider a steady volume of engagement with content on the platform to be a success, rather than a one-off moment.”

4. Don’t Just Copy-Paste from Another Platform – Lean Into TikTok’s Uniqueness

Finally, Destainville encourages marketers to ensure they’re making content for TikTok’s audience, first.

As he told me, “When approaching a new platform — whether it’s TikTok or something else — I think having an open mind to learning what’s going to be unique on that platform and really leaning into that is going to be key. So don’t just copy-paste an ad campaign that’s been created for different platforms and carry it over to TikTok. Focus on TikTok’s audience first.”

This makes sense: A TikTok user’s expectations vary significantly compared to what they might expect to see on LinkedIn or even Instagram. Before considering how you can turn your audience into customers, you want to engage with them and entertain them — and that can only happen if you take the time to truly learn the platform.

When asked what sets TikTok apart, Destainville had one word: Creativity.

He says, “TikTok is the best platform to demonstrate creativity, and it only takes opening up the app to see what I mean. One example that comes to mind is how a subset of creators review certain songs produced in the past and add their own two cents – the creativity that comes out of that is absolutely mind-blowing.”

To succeed on the platform, you‘ll want to lean into creativity, novelty, and playfulness. And, like any platform, the more you test, the better you’ll get at understanding what works best for your audience.

5. Focus on Your Form

Beyond high-level strategy, Destainville has a few tactical tips for generating leads through TikTok. 

His suggestions include: 

• Visuals help. In your profile, make sure you create customized logos, as well as header and footer images.
• In your lead forms, be conscious of the number of questions – set a maximum of six questions.
• Use logic settings and custom questions with the advanced form to switch up questions based on how someone responded to your first question.
• Leverage strong lead qualifying questions to quickly discern between qualified and unqualified leads.  
• Link to your privacy policy to guarantee any personal information is secure in accordance to local regulations.
• Include a review screen to ensure all information is correct.
• Don’t forget to say thank you!

6. Set Up Your Campaign for Success

As you’re getting started with your Lead Gen campaigns, set your daily budget at 10x your expected CPA. Use the dayparting feature if you want to launch on a specific schedule (i.e. Not weekends).

When getting started, you’ll want to use broad targeting to understand who your audience is on TikTok; broad targeting also helps you gain the volume needed to build retargeting lists based on interactions with your form during peak seasonal moments, which contributes to higher conversion rates.

Additionally, consider leveraging spark ads to turn high-performing organic content into ads in an instant. And finally, integrate your CRM with TikTok to seamlessly and efficiently prospect and manage leads.

As a Marketer, Get Good at Embracing Change

“Over the past few years I’ve spoken to business leaders and marketers about the opportunity to be successful on TikTok, and you’d be surprised by the amount of people who respond, ‘Oh, I’ll ask my daughter to show me’”, Destainville told me.

He adds, “I always think … Well, would you ask your daughter to show you how to spend multi-million dollar budgets on social media?”

Ultimately, he encourages marketers and business owners to get comfortable with stepping outside the comfort zone and giving yourself the grace and patience to truly learn the platform and test different types of content.

“Embrace the change,” Destainville says. “The brands who are the most successful on TikTok are the ones who take a leap of faith.”

Ready to get started? Click here to start running lead-gen ads on TikTok and boost your content to new, high-intent audiences immediately. 

Like most millennials, I consider myself an Instagram native. I’ve used the platform for both my work and personal life for what feels like a lifetime, and in doing so, I’ve had to come up with thousands of Instagram post captions.

And, after putting different approaches and trends to the test throughout the years, I have a solid idea of what works and what doesn’t. But more importantly, I understand how difficult it is to write a caption from scratch — one that conveys exactly what you want in a way that compels your audience.

That‘s why I compiled some of the best Instagram captions for every type of brand and post I’ve seen. Whether you want to sound cool, make a funny quip, or come across as cute, you’ll find something to use or reference to get your creative juices flowing. But first, let’s go over recent data and how that might factor into the way you create captions.

Table of Contents

• Data-Backed Instagram Caption Strategies
• Instagram Captions for Business
• Personal Captions for Instagram
• Song Lyrics for Instagram Captions
• Holiday Instagram Captions
• Seasonal Instagram Captions
• Selfie Instagram Captions
• Baddie Instagram Captions
• Travel & Vacation Instagram Captions
• Birthday Instagram Captions
• Prom Instagram Captions
• Graduation Instagram Captions
• Food Instagram Captions
• Pet & Dog Instagram Captions
• Features of Good Instagram Captions

Data-Backed Instagram Caption Strategies

I’ve seen plenty of marketers struggle with their captions. In fact, out of the 697 marketers recently surveyed by HubSpot for our Instagram Engagement Report, 23% stated creating relevant and engaging captions was one of the biggest challenges for their brand.

With that in mind, I turned some of my takeaways from HubSpot’s survey into quick, actionable strategies you should keep in mind while creating captions in 2024. Here’s the breakdown:

Use captions that evoke an emotional response.

Up to 58% of marketers agreed that emotional resonance enhances user engagement, and they even put it above technical aspects like visual editing and effective hashtag use.

A good way to put this to practice is creating unique posts with bright, appealing visuals and short, snappy captions that are unique, relatable, or funny to resonate emotionally with your audience.

Play around with caption length.

HubSpot found captions between 1 and 20 characters were the most engaging. And although the engagement dropped the longer they got after that, the trend reversed the closer posts got to the character limit (2,200).

The takeaway? Either keep it brief and fun, or share what’s been sitting in the depths of your mind, and don’t hold back.

Capitalize on the content Instagram users want to see.

Marketers also agree that content showcasing brand products and services (37%), funny content (34%), and relatable content (28%) are the three top-performing content types in their Instagram marketing strategy.

The key to ensuring that’s the case is taking advantage of elements like captions to infuse your brand’s unique personality into the content. After all, there’s a reason why these are also the most memorable content types for consumers.

Use at least an average of 7 hashtags for your posts.

Hashtags are still important. Marketers surveyed by HubSpot believe that hashtags have a tangible impact on comments (51%), impressions (47%), likes (46%), and shares (32%).

But what’s the right number? Well, 11 or more hashtags perform best, followed closely by posts with four or fewer hashtags. Posts with 6–10 hashtags only performed slightly worse than the previous two, so anything in between is a good compromise if you’re having a hard time finding relevant hashtags for your posts.

Use emojis sparingly.

HubSpot found the sweet spot is 6–10 emojis. That said, posts with zero to five emojis performed similarly in terms of engagement. However, unless the goal of your post is coming across as spammy or chaotic, you want to be careful about your emoji usage.

I recommend erring on the side of caution. I might add an emoji to the occasional post when I believe it’ll make the caption more expressive, but I try not to let them overwhelm my captions.

Leverage image posts to engage users with your captions.

Image posts continue to be the best way to grab your audience’s attention. Marketers agree that when image posts connect, they get the most comments (29%) and a significant amount of likes (28%), which is why they devote up to 67% of their context mix to them.

And that makes sense — it’s one of the easier content types to produce, so I suggest using them frequently as part of your strategy. Just note that doesn’t mean you should ignore video or reels. Although, in most cases, the content in these formats does the talking, you can also enhance their impact with unique captions.

That said, the more posts you craft, the more captions you’ll need. So, without further ado, here are a ton of captions to help inspire your Instagram posting efforts!

Instagram Captions for Business

Your Instagram business account is one of the best places to showcase your brand personality while still delivering business updates in an engaging way. You can use the captions below for most social media content ideas, but feel free to customize them depending on your specific post.

Business Instagram Captions

In my experience, captions humanize your business way more than your average paid ad. Your business Instagram captions are an opportunity to give your brand some personality while getting the word out about your product or service offering.

Here are some of our go-to captions that prospects and customers will love.

Image Source

1. Good evening, [city]! We’re in town for [event] at Booth [#]. Stop by and say hi!
2. “If you‘re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat. Just get on.” — Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook
3. Our [#]-person squad completed the [road race name]! And we did it all for the post-run sneaker selfie. 👟
4. We got product in the pipeline … check back for an exciting announcement on [date]!
5. Diversity isn‘t a recruitment metric — it’s an ingredient for success. At [company], we thrive on the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our people.
6. Spot the CEO. 😉
7. Keep going.
8. At [company name], our best asset is our people.
9. We had a great time with our customers at [meeting/event]! @[client/partner], you guys rock.
10. Thrilled to have [customer] at our office today! Come back any time. 😊
11. [Company name] is off for [holiday]! We hope you all have a safe long weekend.
12. Big things have small beginnings. [Company]’s HQ began right here.
13. “It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.” — Herman Melville
14. How many [company name] employees does it take to spell “TEAM”?
15. Want to work with these awesome people, working on a lot of awesome things? We’re hiring! Click the link in our bio to see our current openings.
16. Check, check, one, two … is this thing on? [Company name] is now on Instagram! Follow us to learn about our culture, product, and (awesome) people.
17. Tired of [customer pain point]? We’ve got good news. Click the link in our bio to learn about [product]’s latest feature.
18. [Company] presents our latest product — made with love just for you. ❤️ Link in bio to learn more.
19. Stop wasting time with [customer pain point]. Our [product] will help you achieve [X] more efficiently — just ask our current customers. Check out our latest case study here: [Link]
20. Handmade in [location] and delivered to your door. That’s the [Company] promise.
21. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When [company name] gives you [type of product], you make money.

Small Business Captions

Running a small business? You can use a friendlier tone in your Instagram posts, emphasizing your products’ better quality and advertising the benefits of purchasing from local or small businesses. I’ve found the best way to advertise for small businesses is by focusing on handmade or locally sourced products in particular.

1. Made with love and care in [city]. Order yours online.
2. Every order and customer means the world to us — thank you for your support!
3. The best things start small and simple. Learn about our process at the link in bio.
4. We put our heart and soul into every product we create, and we hope you can taste the difference.
5. Join our revolution — we promise it’s worth the buzz.
6. Shop small, save big.
7. Passion fuels our business, creativity drives our journey.
8. Small business, big heart.
9. From our small business to your doorstep, delivered with ♥.
10. Handcrafted perfection.
11. Shop small, support your local economy.
12. Shop local, feel good.
13. Quality > quantity.
14. Treat yourself with a [product/service] made just for you.
15. Create connections and spread joy. Come in today to experience the [business name] difference.

Coming Soon Captions for Instagram

If you have something new coming down the line, why not generate some buzz with a series of Instagram posts? Here are some captions to get the conversation going and increase anticipation for new products, releases, or business expansions.

Image Source

1. Mark your calendars. Something amazing is coming your way on [date].
2. The countdown is on.
3. Stay tuned for something special.
4. Join us on our mission to make a difference starting from [date].
5. You won’t want to miss this. We partnered with [company] to bring you the latest in [industry].
6. Get ready to meet our latest creation.
7. The wait is almost over. Launching on [date].
8. We’ve got something incredible in the works, and we can’t wait to share more with you.
9. No need for binoculars. Something big is on the horizon.
10. We‘re brewing up something exciting, and we can’t wait for you to be a part of it.
11. Something special is in the works — can you guess what it is?
12. We’ve been keeping a little secret from you … Stay tuned.
13. A new adventure is about to begin. New [city] location opening on [date].
14. Keep your eyes peeled for our big announcement on [date].
15. Can’t wait to share our latest project with you. Sign up on our website for updates.

Catchy Instagram Captions for Business

Showcase your brand personality a little more with a catchy caption or saying. A catchy caption can convey your brand ethos, your entrepreneurial spirit, or your company values. The below options can effectively be used for business updates or news.

1. We’re here to make a difference, not just a profit.
2. No matter how small, every success counts.
3. Good things come to those who hustle.
4. Expect the unexpected.
5. Small business, big heart.
6. Keeping it simple with our latest launch.
7. Service is not just a transaction, it’s an experience.
8. It’s never too late to start — just do it.
9. Believe in your dreams, and the rest will fall into place.
10. Make waves in your business, or get lost in the sea of competition.
11. Whatever you do, do it with all your heart.
12. Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it’s the courage to continue that counts.
13. Creating experiences, one [product] at a time.
14. Small things can make a big difference in a business.
15. Find your happy place here.

Business Meeting Captions for Instagram

Feel like a business meeting isn’t Instagram-worthy? Think again. I find posting about my meetings a great opportunity to showcase HubSpot’s company culture. It can also show my followers just how hard I’m working to make better content for them. Here are a few of my favorite business meeting captions that you can customize.

1. Generating our next big idea with the brightest minds we know. P.S. We’re hiring!
2. When we come together, we achieve great things.
3. Collaboration is the key to success.
4. The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
5. Meetings that matter, for a purpose that counts.
6. In the right company, your ideas will flourish.
7. Everything is possible when you have the right people in the room.
8. There’s no substitute for hard work and determination.
9. When passion meets purpose, great things happen.
10. We believe there are no bad ideas. We love facing challenges head-on.
11. The best ideas come to life in a room full of great minds.
12. Surround yourself with positive people who lift you higher.
13. We may have different perspectives, but we’re working towards a common goal.
14. Even a ten-minute business meeting can be the key to unlocking limitless possibilities.
15. We work hard, we play hard, and we achieve great things together.

Quote Instagram Captions

When I can’t quite find the right words, there’s always a quote out there to help me convey that idea instead. Using quotes for your Instagram caption is a great way to evoke and share your emotions. Quotes can propel people to think more open-mindedly, and optimistically — or even motivate them to do something great. Below is a list of some of our favorites.

1. “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Nelson Mandela
2. “Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.” — Margaret Mead
3. “You change the world by being yourself.” — Yoko Ono
4. “In the end, it‘s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” — Abraham Lincoln
5. “What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have.” — Oprah Winfrey
6. “The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” — Dalai Lama
7. “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” — Mae West
8. “Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
9. “I would rather die of passion than of boredom.” — Vincent van Gogh
10. “Success isn’t about the end result, it’s about what you learn along the way.” — Vera Wang
11. “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” — Confucius
12. “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” — George Addair
13. “You become what you believe.” — Oprah Winfrey
14. “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” — Theodore Roosevelt
15. “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” — Walt Disney
16. “Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” — Bob Marley
17. “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” — Maya Angelou
18. “Embrace what makes you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable.” — Janelle Monae
19. “Success is a collection of problems solved.” — I.M. Pei
20. “To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
21. “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” — Gandhi
22. “I dream. Sometimes I think that’s the only right thing to do.” — Haruki Murakami
23. “We become what we think about.” — Earl Nightingale
24. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
25. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis
26. “If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” — Lao Tzu
27. “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” — Albert Einstein
28. “If you are working on something that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.” — Steve Jobs
29. “Security is mostly a superstition. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” — Helen Keller
30. “Stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals.” — Michelle Obama

Personal Captions for Instagram

If you’re looking for Instagram captions for your personal Instagram profile, we’ve got you covered. The good news? The captions below are also a great option for businesses with a more casual or personable brand voice.

Short Instagram Captions

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A picture is already worth a thousand words — there’s no need to go on and on in your captions. I always make sure I’m choosing the best photo or video from a set so it can speak for itself. Take the captions below and change them to suit your exact post. It may be enough to tag someone who’s in the photo, give credit if you’re reposting, or prompt people to check out your bio.

1. @[account]
2. Credit: @[account]
3. This week’s photo dump.
4. Photo dump sacrifice for the algorithm god.
5. Scroll →More info in bio.
6. Link in bio.
7. Sneak peek →
8. [Product] in production at our factories.
9. @[account] x @[account]. Coming soon.
10. Loading …
11. [The most dominant color in your post, i.e., “Red,” “Blue,” etc.]
12. [Hashtag relevant to your post]
13. [Emoji relevant to your post]
14. [Relevant word 1] + [Relevant word 2]
15. Happy [weekday]! [hashtag]
16. Happy [holiday of the day]!
17. [hashtag]Image Source
18. You can find me at [place you most often frequent].
19. In [place where the photo was taken].
20. An ode to [item in the image or video].
21. Thinking about [relevant word].
22. Weekend.
23. [Month].
24. 2:38 pm. [Or time when the photo was taken]
25. Time passing.
26. From the archives.
27. Mentally here.
28. Couldn’t pick one.
29. That’s all for now.
30. I can’t. I simply cannot. [Emoji]
31. Sunset.
32. Spring.
33. Summer.
34. Winter.
35. Fall.
36. Midnight.
37. Immediately yes.
38. Immediately no.
39. Say more.
40. Say less.
41. Mood.
42. My go-to.
43. My favorite hour.
44. Taking it slow.
45. Grateful.
46. Once upon a time …
47. We/I/You/@[account] know(s) what’s up.
48. The only thing stopping you is you.
49. Good food, good mood.
50. And the boredom award goes to …
51. My life, my rules. At least 62% of the time.
52. We’re all still healing.
53. Be the type of person you want to meet.
54. It starts with you.
55. Call it what you want.
56. I’ve never been a fan of change, but I’d follow you anywhere.

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Funny Instagram Captions

We don’t always have to take social media so seriously, so explore some funny Instagram captions for your upcoming posts.

Instagram can be a tool to convey aesthetic picture-taking or stoic model shoots, and it can also be a fun place to share laughs or lighthearted content. Sharing a funny caption can boost your page’s personality and potentially brighten someone else’s day. I hope the following captions make you crack a smile.

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1. Glitch in the matrix.
2. My favorite exercise is a cross between a lunge and a crunch … I call it lunch.
3. I need a six-month holiday twice a year.
4. We tried to be normal once. Worst two minutes of our lives!
5. There are 16-year-olds competing at the Olympics, and some of us (me) still push on “pull” doors.
6. That awkward moment when you‘re wearing Nike’s and you can’t do it.
7. I’m just a girl, standing in front of a salad, asking it to be a cupcake.
8. What if we told you … you can eat without posting it on Instagram?
9. I know the voices in my head aren’t real, but sometimes their ideas are just too good to ignore.
10. We don‘t know what’s tighter: Our jeans or our company culture.
11. Friday … Our second-favorite F word.
12. We don‘t care what people think of us. Unless they’re our customers. We definitely care what customers think of us.
13. All you need is love … and investors. All you need is love and investors.
14. Hi, we’re [company name]. We build amazing apps and eat amazing apps.
15. They say, “Do what you love and money will come to you.” Let’s see what happens. I just ordered tamales.
16. My favorite subject in school was recess.
17. No thoughts, brain empty, just tacos and cats.
18. [Food item] so good it’s got me weak in the knees.
19. The best part about waking up is going to sleep eighteen hours later.
20. For legal reasons, this is not a joke.
21. The older you get, the better you get, unless you’re a banana.
22. Bring the alcohol! Because no great story started with someone eating a salad.
23. Don’t worry, if plan A fails. There are 25 more letters in the alphabet.
24. If you’re not supposed to eat at night, why is there a light bulb in the refrigerator?
25. First rule of Sundays: If you can’t reach it from your couch, you don’t need it.
26. If you fall, I will be there. Signed, Floor.
27. The first thing I do after coming to work is log off.
28. I used to think I was indecisive, but now I am not so sure.
29. Friends buy you lunch. Best friends eat your lunch.
30. Darn it, just accidentally had another thought again.
31. My goal this weekend is to move … just enough so people don’t think I’m dead.
32. You think nothing is impossible? Try getting me out of bed before 12 PM.
33. Looking at these pictures won‘t fix all your problems, but it’s a good start.
34. My sauce is too hot. That‘s why you’ll never ketchup.
35. Google Maps said it’s MY TURN.
36. I got my haters seasick, they see me and get sick.
37. If there would be an award for being lazy, I would send someone to pick it up for me.

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Clever Instagram Captions

Trying to come up with some clever IG captions on your own can be a lot of work, so I’ve done it for you. Below, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite clever Instagram captions for all your witty caption needs.

1. Patience — what you have when there are too many witnesses.
2. Maybe she‘s born with it, maybe it’s the Clarendon filter.
3. “Life is short.” False — it’s the longest thing you do.
4. Happy Sunday! There may be no excuse for laziness, but I’m still looking.
5. Rejection is just redirection.
6. Better an “oops” than a “what if.”
7. Anyone looking for a heart? Selling mine for $2. (Used, good condition)
8. The world is changed by your example, not your opinion.
9. Seven billion smiles, and these are my favorite.
10. Stop working hard and start working smart.
11. I found your nose. It was in my business.
12. Imposter syndrome is just a byproduct of success.
13. Life is simple. It’s just not easy.
14. There’s a big difference between being alive and living.
15. The best times begin at the end of your comfort zone. So you can catch me on the opposite end of the end of my comfort zone.
16. When nothing goes right, go left.
17. “Success is making those who believed in you look brilliant.” — Dharmesh Shah
18. “If you can’t convince them, confuse them.” — Harry Truman
19. The world changes by your example, not your opinion. So get acting right.
20. It’s always a good idea to be on the right side of history.
21. When you learn, teach. When you get, give.
22. Don’t quit your daydream.
23. Legend has it that if you look hard enough you’ll see the weekend approaching!
24. It’s time to make new memories. But first, five tequila shots.
25. I’m on a seafood diet. I see food, I eat it.
26. Sorry I didn’t get back to your text. I was too busy converting oxygen into CO2.
27. Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun.
28. “Arguing with a fool proves there are two.” — Doris M. Smith
29. Well, enough about me. Let’s talk about you. What do you think about me?
30. We’re all one more minute closer to dying. What’s one more shot going to do?
31. There’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If you find it, let me know so I can get some.

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Cute Instagram Captions

If there’s one thing people on the internet love to see — it’s anything and everything that falls into the category of cute. Whether you’re posting your adorable pet, your significant other, or a picnic by the park, I’ve got all the cute Instagram captions that you need to complement them.

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1. Through all seasons and through all time.
2. Don’t give up on your dreams. Keep sleeping.
3. My fav sound is you snoring next to me.
4. Here’s to a hundred more years with you.
5. Happiness is watching you do what you love 💗 Hopefully that’s me.
6. I like you more than [food]. And I looove [food].
7. Wearing a onesie to bed just in case my SO steals the covers again.
8. Cuddle time with the pup 💞
9. Just showing off my [item] a little. Be jealous.
10. Always wear cute pajamas to bed; you never know who you’ll meet in your dreams.
11. You got me like 🥴️
12. I’d move to [state] for you. And I hate [state].
13. 🥺️👉👈
14. I have no idea what I was doing before you came around. Sleeping, probably.
15. No one can touch my books or my tacos 😤
16. Not me standing there like🧍‍
17. Don’t mind me while I drink my tea 🍵
18. Did someone say [something you like]? 🏃💨
19. They say elephants have a perfect memory. So do I when it comes to you.
20. My pup is the salsa to my whole enchilada.
21. I hate it when I’m singing a song, and the artist gets the words wrong.
22. MY HEART
23. Being an adult is like folding a fitted sheet. No one really knows how.
24. Here’s a🥇for being the cutest human to walk this Earth.
25. Me before you:🌱 Me after you: 🌻
26. 🤟
27. Just got that Friday feeling.
28. Are you a timekeeper? ‘Cause time slows down when I’m with you.
29. I can’t see heaven being much better than this.
30. I‘m not lazy. I’m on energy-saving mode.
31. My pillow is my best friend (sorry, [best friend’s name])
32. A day doing [activity] is a day well-spent.
33. I don‘t know who’s cuter, me or my reflection?
34. Being a full-time angel is so exhausting.
35. With you, everything is twice the fun and half the trouble.
36. Sweeter than a cupcake.
37. Put me on your wishlist.

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Wedding Instagram Captions

If you’re getting married, congratulations! Now, it’s time to post your gorgeous wedding photos, but what do you put in the caption? Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

1. The start of forever.
2. Worth the wait.
3. Finally found my happily ever after.
4. You’re my best friend — here’s to many, many more years.
5. I never want to stop making memories with you.
6. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you forever.
7. I never knew true happiness until I met you.
8. Forever and always, I choose you.
9. Our beginning.
10. Life is an adventure, and I can’t wait to embark on this one with you.
11. And so the adventure begins …
12. Together is a wonderful place to be.
13. Today, I marry my soulmate, my partner in life, and my best friend.
14. From this moment on, everything changes.
15. All I need is you (and some cake). Here’s to forever.

Couple Instagram Captions

If you’ve yet to tie the knot with your partner, you should still share all the love. Here are some of our favorite couple Instagram captions to pair with the perfect picture.

1. Forever and always.
2. 💞💞💞
3. Together we make the perfect team.
4. Two hearts. One tray of tacos.
5. I never want to stop making memories with you.
6. You stole my heart, but I’ll let you keep it.
7. You’re my favorite notification.
8. The good things in life are even better with you.
9. Billions of humans, and you’re my favorite.
10. Some things just get better with age. Like us.
11. It‘s not about finding the person you can live with, it’s about finding the person you can’t live without.
12. The exception to every rule.
13. After all these years, it’s still you.
14. I don‘t need a filter when I’m with you.
15. Tried and true.

Friends Instagram Captions

Posting a photo or reel with friends? Pair it with the perfect caption to express your love for your closest confidantes.

1. Good friends, great memories.
2. Besties.
3. Friends who laugh together, stay together.
4. Friendship isn‘t a big thing. It’s a million little things.
5. In the cookie of life, friends are the chocolate chips.
6. My sunshine on a rainy day.
7. Friends are the family we choose for ourselves.
8. Laughter is the sound of friendship.
9. Together, we can conquer anything.
10. The three musketeers.
11. Sun? What sun? You guys make every day a little brighter.
12. You bring out the best in me. 💞
13. Making life a little sweeter with my girls.
14. Like we were never apart.
15. Inseparable.

Sassy Instagram Captions

Your Instagram posts are your way to express yourself, so if you’re bold, sassy, and not afraid to show it — let your caption do the talking.

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1. For those that want to give their Instagram posts some more pizzazz, try throwing in one of these sassy captions.
2. Alexa, let them know I don’t give a —
3. What’s a queen without her king? Historically speaking, more powerful.
4. Be a little more you, and a lot less them.
5. We‘re an acquired taste. If you don’t like us, acquire some taste.
6. Well-behaved people don’t make it into history books.
7. Be sunshine mixed with a little hurricane.
8. We got 99 problems, but an awesome marketing team ain’t one.
9. Sometimes, you just need to do a thing called “what you want.”
10. You can’t do epic stuff with bad people. And we got the best in the biz.
11. It‘s not called being bossy. It’s called having leadership skills.
12. You did not wake up today to be mediocre.
13. You‘re italic. I’m in bold.
14. A bad attitude is like a flat tire. You can’t go anywhere until you change it.
15. We’re entrepreneurs. They call us dreamers, but we’re the ones who never sleep.
16. All of us have the capacity to light up a room. Some when they enter, others when they leave it.
17. Brains are awesome. I wish everybody would have one.
18. Common sense is like deodorant. The people who need it most never use it.
19. You see that? That’s my patience leaving.
20. I’ll have you know, I’ve completed plenty of marathons. [Show 1], [Show 2], and [Show 3], to name a few.
21. Everyone has that one annoying friend. If you don’t have one, then it’s probably you.
22. Above: A photo of me pretending to be listening.
23. Oh, you sent me an email? Expect a response in approximately never.
24. Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.
25. If you like me, raise your hand. If not, then raise your standard.
26. If you don’t succeed the first time, then burn all the evidence you tried.
27. Underestimate me. That’ll be fun.
28. I like my coffee how I like myself: Dark, bitter, and too hot for you.
29. We move regardless.
30. People say I act like I don‘t care. It’s not an act.
31. They say good things take time … that‘s why I’m always late.
32. Focused. Intelligent. Motivated. Oh, and cute.
33. “The question isn’t who is going to let me: it’s who is going to stop me.” -Ayn Rand
34. It‘s okay if you don’t like me. Not everyone has good taste.
35. I’m a work of art, showing you the art or working.
36. I only show up wearing my best, and you shouldn’t expect less.
37. You couldn’t even outshine my shadow.
38. Please don‘t call me. I’m out of your range.
39. If you‘re sleeping on me, I hope you’re tossing and turning.

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Song Lyrics for Instagram Captions

People of all different backgrounds can relate to music. Beyond the different chords and melodies are lyrics that tell a story, echo a feeling, or inspire others.

To convey the message or emotion you want in your Instagram caption, use one of these iconic song lyrics.

1. “I‘m gonna live like tomorrow doesn’t exist.” — Sia, “Chandelier”
2. “I live for the nights that I can‘t remember, with the people that I won’t forget.” — Drake, “Show Me a Good Time”
3. “I hope you never lose your sense of wonder.” — Lee Ann Womack, “I Hope You Dance”
4. “You may say I‘m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.” — John Lennon, “Imagine”
5. “If you give, you begin to live.” — Dave Matthews Band, “You Might Die Trying”
6. “Outlining my findings, using life as a stencil.” — Kero One, “In All the Wrong Places”
7. “Feeling good living better.” — Drake, “Over My Dead Body”
8. “Say oh, got this feeling that you can’t fight, like this city is on fire tonight.” — OneRepublic, “Good Life”
9. “Time makes you bolder.” — Fleetwood Mac, “Landslide”
10. “If I fail, if I succeed, at least I’ll live as I believe.” — Whitney Houston, “The Greatest Love of All”
11. “The rest of the world was in black and white, but we were in screaming color.” — Taylor Swift, “Out of the Woods”
12. “Lightning strikes every time she moves.” — Calvin Harris, “This Is What You Came For”
13. “We aren’t ever getting older.” — Chainsmokers, “Closer”
14. “Sing with me, sing for the years, sing for the laughter, sing for the tears.” — Aerosmith, “Dream On”
15. “Life is good.” — Future & Drake, “Life is Good”
16. “Life without dreaming is a life without meaning.” – Wale, “Aston Martin Music”
17. “But like the sun, know you know I find my way back ‘round.” — J. Cole, “Crooked Smile”
18. “I will overcome any hurdle or obstacle that’s in my path.” — OutKast, “Knowing”
19. “I’m way up, I feel blessed.” — Drake, “Blessings”
20. “Eat, sleep, and breathe it. Rehearse and repeat it.” — Dua Lipa, “New Rules”
21. “I‘d rather be dry but at least I’m alive. Rain on me.” — Lady Gaga, “Rain On Me”
22. “And I know that I gotta be above it now. And I know that I can’t let them bring me down.” — Tame Impala, “Be Above It”
23. “I‘m on the pursuit of happiness and I know everything that shine ain’t always gonna be gold, hey, I‘ll be fine once I get it, yeah, I’ll be good.” — Kid Cudi, “Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare)”
24. “There’s much more to life than dyin’ over your past mistakes and people who threw dirt on your name.” — Lil Nas X, “Sun Goes Down”
25. “They say the loudest in the room is weak, that’s what they assume, but I disagree.” — Tyler the Creator, “911/Mr. Lonely”
26. “You don‘t have to be like everybody else, you don’t have to fit into the norm, you are not here to conform.” — Marina, “Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land”
27. “Throw me in the fire, baby, I’ll survive.” — BROCKHAMPTON, “RENTAL”
28. “When you being real, you ain‘t worried ’bout who fake.” — Megan Thee Stallion, “Money Good”
29. “We‘re so young, boy, we ain’t got nothin’ to lose.” — Doja Cat, “Kiss Me More”
30. “If someone talked to you the way you do to you, I’d put their teeth through. Love Yourself!” — IDLES, “Television”

Holiday Instagram Captions

Around the holidays, I want to post and share the memories I’ve made throughout the years. No matter which one you’re celebrating, take some inspiration from our favorite Instagram captions and spread some holiday cheer.

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New Year’s Instagram Captions

1. “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” — Abraham Lincoln
2. Didn’t make it to midnight.
3. Resolutions are made to be broken.
4. Ringing in the new year — like a bell.
5. “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.” — Brad Paisley
6. New year, same me.
7. Time to show off my bubbly personality.
8. Any excuse to wear glitter.
9. Starting off the year on the right foot.
10. There are 12 months ahead of us to make a difference.
11. Day 1 of 365
12. Sip, sip, hooray!
13. All you need is a fresh start.
14. Save water, drink champagne.
15. The best has yet to come.

Valentine’s Day Instagram Captions

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1. Roses are red. Violets are blue. Consider this post my Valentine to you.
2. Don‘t tell me you love me. Tell me you’re outside with pizza.
3. All I need is you. (And maybe wine + chocolate too.)
4. Cupid called, he wants his arrow back.
5. 99% of my socks are single, and you don’t see them crying about it.
6. I will do anything for love. Except that. And that. Or that.
7. I followed my heart, and it led me to the fridge.
8. Look at us. Hey. Look at us. Who woulda thought? Not me!
9. In love with my best friend.
10. I’m better when I’m with you.

Halloween Instagram Captions

1. Creepin’ it real.
2. I brake for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
3. Oh my gourd, Becky, look at her bat.
4. You’re just my (blood) type.
5. How to eat candy corn: don’t.
6. #squadghouls
7. Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
8. Driving me batty.
9. “Scary hours.” — Drake
10. Resting Witch Face

Thanksgiving Instagram Captions

1. I’m wearing my elastic pants.
2. “For those of you who cannot be with family this Thanksgiving, please resist the urge to brag.” — Andy Borowitz
3. On a veggie diet this Thanksgiving: Carrot cake and pumpkin pie.
4. “Be thankful for what you have; you‘ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” — Oprah Winfrey
5. I think, therefore I cran.
6. Bad day to be a turkey.
7. Need fuel for Black Friday.
8. “Okay, guys. I have exactly 28 minutes before I have to baste again.” — Monica
9. Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.
10. Who made the potato salad?
11. There’s always something to be thankful for.
12. To-do list: eat, drink, nap.
13. I only have pies for you.
14. Gobble ’til you wobble.
15. Love at first bite.

Christmas & Hanukkah Instagram Captions

1. You sleigh me.
2. Fa la la la llama.
3. “O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, your ornaments are history.” — The Cat
4. “It‘s not what’s under the Christmas tree that matters. It‘s who’s around it.” — Charles M. Schulz
5. Dear Santa, let’s not talk about this.
6. Rebel Without a Claus
7. Doesn‘t Santa have anything better to do than watch us while we’re sleeping?
8. All I want for Christmas is you (and wine would be nice).
9. Say it ain’t snow.
10. Drop it like a top.
11. Wishing you a latke love this Hanukkah.
12. I want to eat eight latkes for the calories of one.
13. One little candle can light up an entire room.
14. Keep calm and spin that dreidel.
15. Deck the halls with matzo balls!
16. It’s Christmas time, and I’m the gift.
17. The best gift is to be present with the ones you love.
18. Baby, it’s cold outside.
19. Merry everything, and happy always.
20. Treat yo’ elf.

Seasonal Instagram Captions

As the seasons come and go, why not share your joy for the next one on your Instagram? Whether you love the sunshine in the summer or snowfall in the winter, you can share that excitement with others.

Ring in the new season with some of these witty, seasonal captions.

Spring Instagram Captions

1. Hello, spring!
2. “And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.” — Louis Armstrong
3. April showers bring May flowers.
4. I think I just experienced all the seasons in a single day.
5. I love allergy season, said no one ever.
6. Currently soaking up the sun and smelling the roses. Please leave a message after the beep.
7. I owe a lot to the inventor of flip-flops.
8. “Here comes the sun, and I say … It’s all right.” — The Beatles
9. “Warm winds in the springtime.” — SZA, “Warm Winds”
10. Springing into the new season.

Summer Instagram Captions

1. “Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
2. Life’s a beach.
3. School‘s out, sun’s out, guns out.
4. “A little bit of summer is what the whole year is all about.” — John Mayer
5. 90% happy, 10% burnt.
6. Girls just want to have sun.
7. “Summer lovin‘ had me a blast, summer lovin’ happened so fast.” — Grease
8. Happiness is a cold popsicle.
9. Life is better by the pool.
10. “Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” — Ella Fitzgerald, “Summertime”
11. “Here comes the sun, and I say … It’s all right.” — The Beatles, “Here Comes the Sun”
12. Tans, tans, tans across the board.

Fall Instagram Captions

1. My favorite color is October.
2. “Wild is the music of autumnal winds amongst the faded woods.” — William Wordsworth
3. My favorite kind of weather.
4. It’s never too early for pumpkin spice.
5. Meet me in the corn maze.
6. Crisp air. Apple cider. Flaming foliage.
7. Pumpkin spice and everything nice.
8. “Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day.” — Shira Tamir
9. Leaves are falling, and autumn is calling.
10. “Days in the sun and nights in the rain. Summer is over, simple and plain.” — Drake & Majid Jordan, “Summer’s Over”
11. Falling never felt so good.
12. Painted in the colors of fall.
13. Sweater weather.
14. Even the leaves fall for you.
15. Channel the flannel.

Winter Instagram Captions

1. “In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” — Albert Camus
2. If it‘s snowing, I’m not going.
3. Cozy nights. Good books. Hot chocolate.
4. Do you want to build a snowman?
5. Running on caffeine and holiday cheer.
6. “Winter is not a season; it’s a celebration.” — Anamika Mishra
7. Merry and brrrrrrright.
8. Having snow much fun.
9. ‘Tis the season to be freezin’.
10. “Timb’ laces get tighter and parka hoods flip up.” — Drake, “Come Winter”

Selfie Instagram Captions

Selfies are a celebration of something unique, beautiful, and full of life — you! So, when you share your next selfie, complement it with one of our favorite selfie Instagram captions.

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1. Golden hour.
2. Me, myself, and I.
3. Be yourself, there’s no one better.
4. It’s the happiness for me.
5. Smile! The happiness is right under your nose.
6. My favorite filter is reality.
7. Self-care selfie!
8. Conquer the world one smile at a time.
9. It’s a great day to have a great day.
10. The greatest gift you can give someone is a smile.
11. Self-love is the best love.
12. The only rose that blooms in winter.
13. “But she looked powerful. She wore the sun like a shiny pin on the side of her hair.” — Lilian Li
14. I don’t need a hairstylist. My pillow gives me a new hairstyle every morning.
15. All-natural.
16. No filter.
17. Morning hair, don’t care.
18. Quick #OOTD
19. Anything but basic.
20. Welcome [age]!
21. Hard to be down to earth when you look out of this world.
22. Looking like I don’t know how to lose.
23. Beautiful from halo to toe.
24. I’m ready for my close-up.

 

Baddie Instagram Captions

That OOTD or travel photo with beautiful lighting, impeccable attire, and je ne sais quoi makes a great addition to your Instagram feed. Here are some captions to convey “baddie” energy.

1. She who dares, wins.
2. Don’t let anyone dim your shine.
3. Stay focused, stay fierce.
4. I‘m not bossy. I’m the boss.
5. I‘m not always right, but I’m never wrong.
6. Chasing my dreams in Chanel.
7. Not afraid to break the rules.
8. Be the girl that decided to go for it.
9. I refuse to be anything less.
10. Confidence isn’t walking into a room thinking you’re better than anyone. It’s just walking in and not having to compare yourself to anyone at all.
11. A perfect work-in-progress.
12. Improvement is a journey.
13. My standards are high because I know my worth.
14. Some girls are just born with glitter in their veins.
15. I am not a one in a million kind of girl. I am a once in a lifetime kind of woman.

Travel & Vacation Instagram Captions

When you want to treat yourself, a vacation is always a great reward. It’s a chance to experience different cultures, food, music, and scenery.

When I’m out exploring the world, I try to share some of my favorite travel moments with these awesome Instagram captions.

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1. Majestic moments in [place].
2. A chance to get away from the everyday.
3. Work. Save. Travel. Repeat.
4. Staycation loading …
5. Collect the moments, not the materials.
6. Another destination off the bucket list.
7. An adventure to fill the soul.
8. The scenic route is always better.
9. I need a six-month vacation, twice a year.
10. Be back never.
11. Catch flights, not feelings.
12. Always take the scenic route.
13. I‘ve never met a vacation I didn’t like.
14. An adventure a day keeps the doctor away.
15. Travel is an investment in yourself.
16. Some call it vacation, I call it heaven.
17. “I hate traveling.” said no traveler ever.
18. If you need me, call me on my shell phone.
19. I can sea clearly now.
20. Happiness comes in waves.
21. A change in latitude helps my attitude.

Beach Instagram Captions

1. Enjoying the waves.
2. Sandy toes, sun-kissed nose.
3. Pure, sunburned happiness.
4. Life’s a 🏖️.
5. No worries. No thoughts.
6. There’s nothing more healing than the sound of the ocean.
7. My happy place.
8. Time at the beach is never wasted.
9. Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink in the wild air.
10. See ya when I’m back on Earth. ✌️
11. The beach is always a good idea.
12. Paradise found.
13. Agenda today: Do nothing. Get sunburnt.
14. The beach: Where doing absolutely nothing, is doing everything.
15. Life is too short. Go on that beach vacation.

Birthday Instagram Captions

1. Another year wiser.
2. A whole year older and still young at heart.
3. [Age].
4. Celebrating another spin around the sun.
5. A new year of life, a new chapter to write.
6. Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.
7. Here’s to one more year of blessings and adventures.
8. Happy day of emergence to me.
9. Here’s to another year of making memories together.
10. Age is just a number. It’s the memories that count.
11. Another year to shine bright.
12. Celebrating a day filled with love, laughter, and of course, cake!
13. [Previous age], you were good to me. Now it’s time for another year of shenanigans.
14. Cheers to one more year on this planet called Earth.
15. Another year more grateful.

Prom Instagram Captions

1. A night to remember.
2. Dancing the night away with my favorite people.
3. Memories to last a lifetime.
4. Tonight, we’re young.
5. Ready to have the time of our lives.
6. Prom photo dump.
7. Prom [current year].
8. Let prom night begin!
9. The night is young, and so are we.
10. Feeling like a prince/princess tonight.
11. Started from the bottom, now we’re all fancy and stuff.
12. Prom ✨
13. Here’s to a night of memories we’ll cherish forever.
14. Who needs a limo?
15. Let the party begin!

Graduation Instagram Captions

1. The tassel was worth the hassle.
2. The beginning of a new adventure.
3. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives.
4. I feel like I was in ninth grade JUST yesterday?
5. Keeping it on 💯
6. Onward and upward.
7. Class of [year], can’t believe we did it!
8. It‘s not the end, it’s just the beginning.
9. [Class year] is the best class, no 🧢
10. Cheers to new beginnings, and to ending what we started.
11. The future belongs to those who believe.
12. The best is yet to come.
13. Ready to seize the world.
14. Look back on your accomplishments with pride, and look forward to the future with excitement.
15. We did it — it’s time to celebrate!

Food Instagram Captions

1. Good food, good life.
2. Eating may be a necessity, but cooking is an art.
3. Life is short. Eat dessert first.
4. Food is not just fuel. It’s information. It talks to your DNA and tells it what to do. So … you’d better bet I’m gonna eat.
5. Food is love made visible.
6. Good food with even better people.
7. Eating my favorite with my favorites.
8. The only thing better than talking about food is eating it.
9. @[restaurant]
10. A night of [food item]: the ultimate stress reliever.
11. Nothing more romantic than eating [food item] and [food item] in sweatpants with crumbs on our chests.
12. My favorite hole-in-the wall place.
13. Good food equals good mood.
14. A party without cake is just a meeting.
15. Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. Anyway, who wants fries?

Pet & Dog Instagram Captions

1. My heart is full of paw prints.
2. Who needs a therapist when you have a dog?
3. Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
4. Life is too short to not have a dog.
5. #1 family member (sorry, mom).
6. I woof you more than words can express.
7. Every day is an adventure with my four-legged buddy.
8. The best kind of love.
9. Adopt, don’t shop.
10. Everything’s better with your little paws by my side.
11. My [pet] is the king/queen of my heart.
12. The only thing better than coming home after a long day is being greeted by you.
13. My dog is smarter than most politicians.
14. The best things in life are furry and have four legs.
15. I didn’t choose the dog life. The dog life chose me.

Features of Good Instagram Captions

Want to write a caption from scratch? I totally get it. If you’re anything like me, you take about four minutes to choose a filter for your Instagram photo and about four hours to decide on a caption.

Worst of all, after much creative effort and advice from friends, I’m usually barely able to write a caption that goes beyond, “Had a fun day with friends!” And I’m a writer — go figure.

The point is that writing a good caption is hard. Whether you create one from scratch or choose a pre-written one, it should fulfill a few requirements.

Your caption must be on brand.

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Whether your Insta page is personal or for your business, your captions should be on brand, or reflect your personality and brand identity.

I think Lisa Vetrone, account director at Scenario Communications, a public relations and communications company, best describes the struggle when she says, “If someone was scrolling through their feed and saw this post without seeing the handle, would they know the caption was coming from YOUR brand?”

Your captions should encapsulate the nature of your Instagram’s branding and tone of voice. For example, if your page is based on self-love, you should use captions that are friendly in tone. Use inclusive language to make people feel good when they scroll through your Instagram profile.

Your caption should be simple.

Instagram captions can fit up to 2,200 characters, but you don‘t have to use all of them for your caption to be considered a good one. I also want to keep your audience’s attention enough to read it to finish.

Most of the time, I try to keep my captions clear, short, and simple for easy readability. I often have a few go-to emojis and phrases that will fit on any phone screen.

The exception to this is if you’re making posts that champion storytelling or other lengthy formats. Ultimately, it comes down to what your audience is looking for.

Your caption should be memorable.

While your Instagram caption doesn‘t have to be a profound piece of literature, it shouldn’t put your reader to sleep, either. Depending on the type of post you’re sharing, you can make it hilarious, thought-provoking, inspiring, or anything you want it to be.

Here’s one example from HubSpot with the caption “You can’t spell ‘CRM’ without ‘R’”:

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I can’t stress enough how important a good caption is. They can help you generate more engagement and turn your followers into customers.

Want more inspiration? Check out our Instagram page to see how we incorporate fun, witty, and engaging captions into our social media content.

How to Make Engaging IG Captions

Instagram captions can definitely be used strategically, and in many cases help personal or business pages to increase engagement on the platform — and here’s how.

1. Ask your followers questions.

When I need to increase engagement from my followers, I simply ask them for their opinions, recommendations, or even personal stories to make my page more interactive.

For example, if I were running an Instagram page for fashion, I’d ask my followers to comment under my newest post about their favorite designers, collections, or trends buzzing in the industry.

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Similarly, if I’m promoting a new product or feature, I’ll ask my followers to chime in on what they’d like to see, a problem they need solved or even ask for a product review or Lindsey Chastain, founder and CEO at the Writing Detective, recommends only “having a call to action for a purchase in 20% of captions or no more than once a week” to avoid making your followers feel like you’re only there to sell.

3. Incorporate relevant hashtags.

I can use up to a maximum of hashtags on a typical Instagram post, which gives me a lot of possibilities to attract viewers based on my topic, location, industry, product, or service.

However, while you can likely find that many relevant hashtags for a post, I usually don’t use that many. I just choose the ones I find essential or even come up with my own personally branded one.

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Take this example of a collab we did with farbsy. We’ve got six hashtags going, all of which help our audience understand the post better. That gives us a better chance at reaching an audience interested in #workfromhome content who might not be our typical followers.

4. Use AI to your advantage.

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I’ve been using AI to help me with my caption writing for a while now. It’s so easy to just type in a prompt, link your account, and watch the magic happen. Whether writing comes naturally to you or not, you can use these tools to help you overcome writer’s block.

I really like how HubSpot’s AI caption generator lets you see a preview of your post first. Plus, it lets me make captions for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter) simultaneously, meaning I can use one prompt for multiple platforms.

5. Make it authentic.

People are tired of polished, perfect posts. Instead, I’ve found users responding to more natural captions that don’t try to gloss over the reality of the situation.

Take it from Cyrus Mohseni, vice president of strategy and growth at First Team Real Estate, who says, “Ultimately, Instagram is a platform for storytelling — personal journeys will not only grow your following but also build a community around your brand. Always shoot for captions that invite interaction, be it through questions, direct calls to action, or simply creating relatable content.”

For example, we started a series of behind-the-scenes “Life of a social media manager” posts in April. The credits roll, showing all the different roles a social media manager has to fill, from content writer to data analyst to customer service rep. But the joke’s on them — our manager has to fill all of those roles.

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I love this post because we aren’t trying to pretend social media managers have an easy job — quite the opposite. You’ll need to try out a mixture of techniques, but ultimately, they should all align with your brand.

6. Let your pictures do the talking.

At the end of the day, my pictures are the real stars in my Instagram posts. I don’t want my captions to overshadow my images. Take Netflix, for example.

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Netflix often posts about upcoming releases and popular shows on Instagram, but they let their images and videos cover most of the info. The above post manages to highlight six different movies, but their caption is simply “frfr 💔.”

Their caption quickly expresses that these shows are great for anyone looking for a sad romantic movie to watch.

Capture the Feeling with an Instagram Caption

I completely agree with the old saying that an image is worth 1,000 words, but a well-written caption doesn’t hurt. These days, your Instagram caption can make just as much of a statement as the image.

For all of the occasions that are worthy of a post to your feed, use one of the quotes from this list and customize it to make it your own. And if you need more help while brainstorming captions for your post, don’t forget you can use HubSpot’s AI Social Media Caption Generator to work on your ideas!

Facebook is a dominant force in social media advertising. Most marketers say it consistently delivers a better ROI than any other social media platform.

As a chief content curator, I’ve created many Facebook ads, and I can attest to this. The platform’s sophisticated targeting options make it an incredibly effective tool for reaching my audience.

However, I‘ve personally discovered that you need an effective Facebook ad strategy to see results. So, I’ll share an overview of some of my Facebook marketing strategies to help you drive engagement and conversions, along with insights from other marketing experts.

Table of Contents

• Are Facebook ads worth pursuing in 2024?
• What to Know Before Setting Up Your Facebook Ads
• Facebook Ads Strategy Tips

Are Facebook ads worth pursuing in 2024?

When I started out with Facebook ads, it was daunting. The landscape looked like a frightening new frontier where no business had gone before. I bet you may feel the same way if you’re new to Facebook marketing. However, over 10 million businesses are actively advertising on the platform to billions of active users.

“Wait … isn’t it oversaturated then? Shouldn’t I look for alternatives?”

Many companies advertise on Facebook because it works. In my case, Facebook ads help me reach and inspire my target audience to take my desired action.

Now, not all 10 million advertisers succeed on the platform. I‘ve realized that many marketers don’t understand their Facebook audience or how to target them with the right Facebook ad strategies.

So, your question shouldn’t be whether or not to advertise on Facebook. The question should be, “How do I advertise properly so the ROI is worth my time and money?”

What to Know Before Setting Up Your Facebook Ads

Based on my experience with Facebook advertising, I’ll cover four important things you need to know before you even create your Facebook ad account.

Understand who your customer is.

Before I run my Facebook ads, I must determine who my message is going to. This ensures it reaches the right people and increases the chances of my campaigns becoming successful.

So, what typically goes into my pre-planning process? I always start by asking myself these questions about the customer:

• Who are they?
• How much do they make?
• What does their family situation look like?
• Where do they live? (Both geographically and whether or not they rent or own).
• Where do they work?
• How do they spend their free time?

Once I understand who they are, I take it a step further and mull over how they think. What keeps them up at night? How is their emotional state? What needs are they looking to fulfill?

I also determine how they identify themselves. I’ve personally discovered that how my customers see themselves is often more important than how I see them (even if my view is more realistic). Once I’m confident I understand the people I’m targeting with my Facebook ad campaigns, I move to the next step.

Determine your average customer journey.

This step involves knowing my customers’ next move. What steps do they take as they:

• Recognize they have a problem.
• Identify what that problem is.
• Discover potential solutions.
• Become aware of me as an option.
• Choose to purchase my product.

One thing I often find is that this journey may be slightly different for each customer. However, most buyers generally fall into three categories:

• Awareness Phase (top of the funnel).
• Consideration Phase (middle of the funnel).
• Decision Phase (bottom of the funnel).

Why does this matter to me as an advertiser? Because I will tweak my content, offers, vocabulary, and call to action (CTA) based on the stage my potential customer is in.

For example, let’s say I want to run ads for a fitness tracker. In the awareness phase, I’ll create a short, engaging video of the everyday challenges of maintaining fitness, like busy work schedules and lack of motivation.

For the consideration phase, I can create carousel ads showcasing the tracker’s features and benefits. These may include heart rate monitoring, step tracking, and sleep analysis. I can also include customer testimonials and quick illustrations of how the product integrates seamlessly into daily life.

In the decision phase, I’ll run a series of ads offering a limited-time discount on the fitness tracker and highlight the ease of purchase. I will also include a clear CTA to drive urgency and encourage immediate action.

After I nail down the customer journey, I begin segmenting my audience.

Break your audience into segments.

Grouping my customers based on where they are in the customer journey helps me target people with the right offers at the appropriate time.

Here are a few examples of my potential audience segments:

• New customers. They enter my funnel as warm leads because they’re interested in my product.
• Lukewarm leads. Those who visited my website but didn’t engage. I can use retargeting ads to remind them that I have the solution to their problems.
• Engaged blog readers. Those who like my content and keep coming back for more. They’re more likely to share my posts on Facebook or make a purchase.
• Landing page visitors. They typically come to a specific landing page and are probably interested in a particular product.
• Shopping cart abandoners. They were close to buying an item, but something stopped them. So, I may need to gently push them to finish their purchase.
• Return customers. They love my brand. They’ve already purchased from me in the past and come back for more. They’re brand advocates who praise and recommend my product to their friends.

Jeremy Bogdanowicz, founder and CEO of JTB Studios, segments his audience based on their interests, which he says is always effective on Facebook because “The algorithm allows Facebook users to find content according to their interests. If they like a post or page, they will see similar posts or pages on their Facebook timelines. Thus, I find people whose interests align with our brand’s services. Afterward, I leave the rest to Facebook.”

I agree with Jeremy. Audience targeting based on their interests is a smart strategy. It ensures my ads reach people who are more likely to engage with my content, increasing their chances of opening the ads.

Install Meta pixel

Meta Pixel (formerly Facebook Pixel) is a piece of code you embed into your website to track visitors’ actions, and it helps me in a couple of ways.

First, I can track what happens after someone clicks on my ad. This helps me measure the effectiveness of my campaigns and understand which ads drive sales, leads, or other desired actions.

Moreover, the data Meta Pixel collects allows me to optimize my ads and target audiences that are more likely to take action. For example, if I notice that a particular group of people frequently adds items to their cart but don’t complete the purchase, I can create specific ads that encourage them to finalize their transaction.

I recommend checking out Meta’s step-by-step instructions to help you install Meta Pixel on your website. Meta Pixel will help you make more informed decisions and improve your ad performance.

Pro tip: Download our free Facebook Advertising Checklist. It will guide you through every step of setting up and optimizing your Facebook ads.

Facebook Ads Strategy Tips

Now that we’ve gone over the basics, I’ll share some of my top tips for creating effective Facebook ad campaigns that can help you maximize your return on investment (ROI).

1. Combine Facebook ads with content marketing.

One mistake I go out of my way to avoid is targeting my warm leads with ads designed to turn them into paying customers. Since warm leads aren’t ready to buy from me yet, instead of turning them off with straight sales offers, I offer them helpful content that answers their questions and solves their pain points.

Kurt Uhlir, chief marketing officer at EZ Home Search, follows the same pattern with a two-fold strategy: “First, we provide information that addresses both the emotional and logical queries pertinent to their [audience] customer journey. Secondly, we share success stories where our clients are the superheroes, not just beneficiaries, of their success.”

This approach not only positions his company as a valuable resource but also showcases the tangible impact of their solutions through relatable narratives.

Here’s how I combine my Facebook ads with content marketing:

• I create content based on where my audience is in the customer journey.
• I share that content on Facebook.
• I ask my team members (and maybe a handful of friends) to like and share the post.
• I boost my Facebook posts so I can reach a wider audience.

2. Collaborate with influencers who align with your brand values.

One thing I’ve realized in my experience with Facebook ads is that influencers can add a layer of authenticity you can’t get from traditional adverts. And with today’s consumers, authenticity is everything.

However, that doesn’t mean just any influencer can have this effect on your business. I choose influencers who align with my brand values to ensure our partnership feels natural. That way, I can create a more genuine connection with my target audience.

I don’t want influencers to change or adapt their content style to fit mine. Otherwise, it may come across as inauthentic and won’t encourage potential customers to trust my brand.

3. Use lead ads to build up your marketing list.

Having a huge Facebook following is awesome. However, you and I know that Meta “owns” our contacts. If they decide to change their algorithm or shut down, we’d lose access to those people.

To protect myself from such risks (if they ever happen), I’ve built my own marketing list. I create a lead magnet, such as a free e-book or course, and run a lead ad. This way, my followers can give me their email addresses directly on Facebook.

That said, I’m generally cautious with this approach. I never add any steps that may cause friction for users trying to access my gift. Otherwise, I may end up losing them.

Once I have their email, I add it to my marketing list and include them in my email marketing campaigns.

4. Incorporate video ads.

Videos are a powerful tool for boosting conversions and sales. Our 2024 Marketing Statistics show that 96% of people watch explainer videos to learn more about a product. Even better, 89% say these videos have convinced them to purchase.

These stats clearly prove my point.

Why not give your audience what they want? Incorporate video ads in your Facebook campaigns to boost your metrics.

5. Create Facebook and Google ads.

While many marketers see Facebook and Google as picking one or the other, I see them as platforms that can complement each other quite nicely.

As I said earlier, my strategy always depends on my campaign objectives and the audience segment I‘d like to target. So, I often choose different ad types that align with my customers’ current stage in the buyer’s journey.

For example, if I’m promoting my new fitness tracker to warm leads, Facebook ads might be the better option. I can target them with helpful content to create brand awareness, as they may not yet be ready to buy my product.

Conversely, Google ads would be more effective if I‘m marketing a new computer to a return customer. Such a person is often ready to purchase and research their options. By using the right keywords and creating targeted Google ads, I can reach them at the exact moment they’re considering buying, making it more likely they’ll choose my product.

6. Use giveaways and contests.

Something I’ve noticed when creating my social media campaigns is that Facebook contests don’t always need to focus on sales. Instead, I offer high-value prizes to increase brand awareness, which will pay off in the long run by bringing new leads into my conversion funnel.

Kelly Sullivan, the owner of Kokomo Botanical Resort, shares the impressive results he got when he offered customers a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Hawaii for sharing a Facebook ad about their travel company.

According to Sullivan, “The contest spread like wildfire, increasing our Facebook page likes by over 50% and reducing our CPC (cost-per-click) by 40% within a month.”

Besides high-value prizes, I also find that partnering with brands that have similar audience personas to mine can be effective.

Amelia Munday, social media marketing specialist at Custom Neon, agrees and notes that “By partnering with other brands and posting in a ‘collaboration style’ post with other accounts, the giveaway is mutually beneficial to both brands because it allows you to garner exposure to each other’s audience and therefore increase your following and impressions!”

Note: Before creating any contests or giveaways on Facebook, review Meta’s policies to make sure you aren’t violating any of their rules.

7. Use Facebook mobile ads.

When I think about Facebook ads, one of the first things that comes to mind is the immense potential of mobile ads. Most people on social media prefer using their smartphones to desktops.

Our statistics show that 62% of millennials and 80% of Gen Z primarily use their phones to search for what they want.

So, I always ensure my website is optimized for mobile viewing because I want to tap into this massive audience that’s constantly engaged with their phones. Otherwise, I’d be sending prospects to a website that frustrates them, which is pretty much akin to flushing money down the toilet.

8. Use AI strategically to create your Facebook ads.

Our Social Media Trends report shows that 48% of social media marketers use AI tools to generate text for their copy, while another 41% use AI assistants like Microsoft Copilot to automate repetitive tasks and improve productivity.

Chris Stones, strategic and operations director at Mitchell & Stones, says AI helps him serve ads in multiple languages and gives him a more accurate translation than Google Translate.

As a content curator, AI helps me save at least three hours on every piece of ad copy I create. Personally, I use HubSpot’s AI-powered content tools to:

• Turn a single blog post into multiple content formats.
• Write engaging copy for my social media posts.
• Create consistent on-brand content.

That said, AI is still far from perfect. Use it to complement your creative efforts rather than relying on it entirely.

Create Effective Facebook Ads Today

My experience creating Facebook ad strategies has taught me that nothing will work if I don’t know who my message is meant for.

I must understand what my ideal customer wants and where they are in the buying journey. This way, I can better use my Facebook ads to create brand awareness and guide shoppers toward purchasing my product.

Incorporate the strategies I’ve shared today to drive higher engagement and boost your conversion rates.

You know those instantly recognizable logos like Nike’s swoosh? Even though we’ve all seen them hundreds of times, most people don’t truly grasp the full meaning of these designs.

There’s often more to them than meets the eye, and those little details make them even more special.

In this post, I’ll share 30 hidden messages in the logos of well-known brands. Each example will introduce you to a fresh perspective on the artistry and ingenuity behind these iconic symbols. But more importantly, you’ll learn different approaches to thinking about and designing meaningful logos.

Hidden Messages in Popular Logos

Here are some of the most thoughtfully crafted logo designs that convey hidden messages about the brand’s history, values, and vision.

1. FedEx

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FedEx started in 1973 as a package delivery company called Federal Express. Fast forward to 1991, and the company underwent its first significant rebranding, where it introduced a new logo and shortened its name to FedEx. Then, just three short years later, there was another rebrand where the company introduced the iconic FedEx logo we all know and love today.

But what makes FedEx’s current logo so special?

If you look closely between the “E” and the “X,” you‘ll spot a hidden arrow in the negative space. And that little arrow isn’t just a cool design trick.

It symbolizes FedEx’s relentless drive to move forward, commitment to speed, and the promise of efficiency in every delivery.

What I like: The ingenious use of whitespace proves that sometimes, less really is more. Instead of relying on flashy design elements, the designers capitalized on the negative space between the letters to embed a hidden message — a testament to their creativity and attention to detail.

2. Amazon

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Since its founding in 1994, Amazon has transformed from a humble online bookstore into a retail powerhouse. Similarly, the logo has undergone multiple transformations over the years and come a long way from the original combination mark design.

Today, Amazon’s logo features the company name boldly written in a sleek, black font with an arrow/swoosh underneath the text. While this logo may appear simple at first glance, cleverly hidden meanings are embedded within the design.

The connection between the letters “A” and “Z” in the logo is a nod to Amazon’s vast product catalog, suggesting they‘ve got everything “from A to Z”. It implies that whatever you’re looking for, Amazon is the place to find it.

The swoosh also doubles as a subtle representation of a satisfied customer’s smile and a reminder of Amazon’s commitment to delivering those positive shopping experiences.

What I like: Amazon’s logo is centered around the customer. Whether showcasing the breadth of Amazon’s product catalog or the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction, the logo is a visual embodiment of a commitment to meeting customers’ needs.

3. Baskin Robbins

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Baskin-Robbins was created in 1953 through a merger between Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins. At the time, the company offered 31 ice cream flavors cleverly marketed as “one for each day of the month.” This concept became integral to their brand and featured in the brand logo.

The first three logo iterations saw the number “31” featured as a standalone element. However, in a 2006 brand refresh, this number was integrated into the letters B and R. Subsequent iterations have maintained this design, including a recent 2022 redesign.

While the number 31 may be less prominent in more recent logos, it remains a subtle tribute to the company’s roots.

What I like: Despite changes across various iterations, the logo pays homage to its heritage. But what’s most impressive is how it does it.

Maintaining the number “31” is a simple yet powerful tribute to where and how they started. However, integrating the number into the letters B and R reflects the company’s evolution.

4. Toyota

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Toyota began as Toyota Motor Sales in 1957. However, the current logo wasn’t introduced until 1989 as part of its 50th anniversary celebration. This logo, which took five years to develop, features three ovals, each with its own meaning.

The two interlocking ovals represent the trust and mutual benefit shared between Toyota and its customers, while the outer oval represents the brand’s global reach and impact. Additionally, the the ovals also form a letter “T,” which symbolizes trust or Toyota — depending on who you ask.

The background of the logo holds significance too. The space signifies Toyota’s values, which include a commitment to excellence, value beyond expectation, and the joy of driving.

What I like: Toyota’s logo manages to convey so much meaning with such simplicity. At first glance, it’s just three circles, but each one tells a story. The logo speaks to Toyota’s values and identity without overcomplicating itself.

5. Toblerone

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Toblerone’s logo is a tribute to its Swiss origins.

The company was founded in 1908 however in 1970, the Matterhorn mountain was added to the packaging as a nod to Switzerland. But what makes this logo unique is the hidden silhouette of a bear on the side of the mountain.

The bear, a symbol synonymous with Bern, also known as the “City of Bears,” is a subtle tribute to the company’s birthplace. Its inclusion is a testament to Toblerone’s dedication to honoring its roots and preserving the traditions that have shaped its identity.

What I like: This is another interesting example of how a logo can be used to preserve and honor a brand’s history. In this case, it’s interesting how Toblerone uses visual elements to depict its Swiss origins.

6. Hyundai

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Hyundai Motor Company was established in 1967 as part of the Hyundai Group. Since then, it has become a leading automobile manufacturer with one of the most recognizable logos worldwide.

But the Hyundai logo is much more than a sleek design.

At first glance, it looks like a simple slanted “H” inside an oval, but if you take a closer look, you might see two silhouettes shaking hands. These silhouettes represent Hyundai and its customers, symbolizing trust, reliability, and partnership.

The oval shape around the “H” also has a meaning. It is representative of the globe and symbolizes the company’s status as an automotive manufacturer with a strong global presence.

What I like: Recognizing the hidden message in the Hyundai logo requires a bit of imagination. This ambiguity sparks curiosity and invites viewers to engage with the logo on a deeper level.

As a marketer, I like how this provides a unique storytelling opportunity where the logo can become more than just a visual symbol.

7. Cisco

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This logo currently features a wordmark of the company name alongside a stylized graphical element. But what makes this logo unique is the significance behind its graphics.

The blue stripes in the logo are not just design elements; they represent magnetic waves reflecting Cisco’s business in networking and routing technologies.

But what’s even more interesting is that they also pay homage to the pillars of the Golden Gate Bridge. This landmark inspired Cisco’s first logo and has been consistently used as a central visual motif.

What I like: It‘s interesting to see how a structure has played such a significant role in shaping the design of a global technology company’s logo. The fact that the bridge has remained a central element in the logo‘s design across different iterations over the years speaks volumes about its influence on Cisco’s brand identity.

8. Vaio

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VAIO is a personal computer manufacturer that was introduced in the late 90s. It’s also one of the most well-known computer brands recognized for its distinctive logo. But, while the logo may appear to be a simple wordmark spelling out the business name, it actually holds a deeper meaning.

Consider the logo as two distinct parts rather than a single word.

“VA” is designed to resemble a sine wave, symbolizing analog technology. In contrast, “IO” represents digital technology, with its shape resembling the binary code “10.” Then, put together, this logo symbolizes the transition from analog to digital technology.

What I like: Vaio’s logo is more than just a design — it’s a narrative. It cleverly presents two concepts and seamlessly combines them to tell a story — all within the confines of a single wordmark.

9. Beats by Dre

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Beats by Dre is the brainchild of music legend Dr. Dre and music industry executive Jimmy Iovine. The company has been incredibly successful since its launch in 2006, making it one of the most prominent audio brands on the market.

The company logo, which incorporates a unique graphic element and a bold wordmark, is also one of the most recognizable brands in the world.

But, what many people don’t know is that there’s more to the logo than a “b in a red circle.”

Upon closer inspection, the Beats by Dre logo looks remarkably similar to a person wearing headphones. The red circle in the logo cleverly doubles as the head, while the lowercase b forms the shape of the earphones.

What I like: I find the logo‘s simplicity and directness in representing the brand’s core product refreshing. It‘s also quite obvious, to the point that users who don’t notice it often find it amusing when someone finally points it out to them.

10. Hershey’s Kisses

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Hershey’s was established in 1890 as the “National Chocolate Tablets.” However, the company was renamed after the founder in 1989. This was also when the “Hershey” name began featuring in the brand’s logo.

The Hershey’s Kisses chocolate line was first introduced in 1907 with a logo that featured the full product name and images of chocolate “kisses”. Over the years, the logo has undergone several changes, with the most recent version introduced in 2010.

Now, while there hasn’t been any official confirmation about the hidden message within this logo, several fans strongly believe that there is a hidden chocolate between the “K” and “I” in the word “KISSES” in the Hershey’s Kisses logo.

Whether this was deliberate or a coincidence of typography, no one can say for certain except the company itself. However, it is a fun detail that adds to the charm of the Hershey’s Kisses brand.

What I like: The hidden meaning behind the Hershey’s Kisses logo is mostly a fun and engaging fan theory — like several on this list. While there might not be an official confirmation from the company, I believe they’re still highly effective because they turn potentially mundane details into opportunities for discovery and intrigue.

11. Unilever

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Unilever was founded nearly a century ago in 1929. In 2004, the company refreshed its brand and introduced a new logo designed by Wolff Olins.

But this wasn’t just any logo. Instead, it featured 24 icons intricately woven to form the letter “U,” which represents Unilever. Each icon symbolizes a different aspect of Unilever‘s values and embodies various elements of the company’s ethos.

For instance, the chili pepper icon signifies Unilever‘s dedication to sourcing agricultural materials sustainably. And this is just one of the icons representing Unilever’s efforts to “make sustainable living commonplace.”

What I like: Unilever has an incredibly diverse portfolio that spans a range of industries. Creating a cohesive brand image through a single logo is no easy feat.

That’s why this logo is such a great demonstration of how thoughtful design choices can be used to communicate the essence of multifaceted brands.

12. Carrefour

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Carrefour is a French supermarket chain established in 1958. The first iteration of the company’s logo was introduced in 1960 and featured a graphical representation of Crossroads. This logo’s design was rooted in the brand’s name, which translates to “crossroads” in English.

This concept has continued as a central motif of Carrefour’s logo through every iteration since then, with the current design featuring two arrows pointing in opposing directions.

Besides embodying this idea, these arrows also contain a hidden message within the negative space they create. Upon closer inspection, one can see that the space between the two arrows forms a subtle yet unmistakable “C,” representing the brand’s initial.

What I like: I appreciate brands that can creatively use negative space in their logos.

Carrefour is a great example of how to do this right without overcomplicating things. This element adds a subtle touch that reinforces the brand’s identity without being overt or flashy.

13. Pittsburgh Zoo

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Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium opened to the public in 1898. Since then the zoo has gone from an “animal menagerie” to a conservation-focused institution.

The zoo’s logo currently features the image of a tree above a wordmark of the institution’s name. And while the tree might seem like the focal point of this design, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

On closer look, you can see four animals within the logo — the most obvious being the birds flying above the tree. But, what makes it truly interesting is examining the whitespace in the design.

The spaces to the left and right of the tree form the profiles of a gorilla and a lion. At the base of the tree, you can also see two fishes that appear to be jumping out of water.

These four images symbolize the wildlife found at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.

What I like: You don’t get to see white space used this creatively often. I really enjoy how this logo pulls several complex images into a single design without visually overwhelming the viewer.

14. Roxy

 

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Roxy was launched as a female clothing line under the Quicksilver brand, and the company’s logo was designed to reflect its connection, albeit subtly.

At first glance, the logo depicts two hands cupped together to form a heart shape. However, upon closer inspection, eagle-eyed viewers will notice that the logo is two rotated Quicksilver emblems facing each other, creating the illusion of a heart shape.

It’s also interesting to note that the inspiration for the Quicksilver logo, and subsequently Roxy’s, comes from the famous Japanese artwork “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by Katsushika Hokusai. This iconic image features a towering, cresting wave with Mount Fuji in the background.

Both logos are simply modern interpretations of this artwork.

What I like: Roxy’s logo pays homage to its parent company in an exciting way. That said, how the emblems were incorporated into the logo allows the brand to maintain a unique identity separate from Quicksilver.

15. Tostitos

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Tostitos debuted under the Frito-Lay brand in 1979 and quickly became popular as the snack of choice for many social gatherings and parties. The branding has remained consistent since its inception, with the earliest version featuring a wordmark of the company name “Tostitos.”

Now, while the Tostitos logo has maintained its wordmark style, a redesign in 2003 added an intriguing element to enhance its visual storytelling.

At first glance, the logo appears as a simple wordmark featuring the brand name in a bold, modern font. However, a closer look reveals a clever visual trick embedded within the typography.

The “tit” in the typography forms an image of two people sharing chips and salsa. The two “t’s” represent the people, the “i” likely symbolizes a table, the yellow shape signifies the chips, and the red oval represents the salsa.

What I like: This design cleverly captures how Tostitos is typically enjoyed – within social settings. As the brand describes, “Tostitos are more than just tortilla chips and dips — they’re an invitation to catch up with friends.”

16. Tour De France

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The Tour de France has come a long way since its inaugural race in a Parisian suburb in 1903. Likewise, the logo has undergone significant changes, transitioning into a more vibrant design that reflects the race’s energy and excitement.

The current Tour de France logo was designed by Joel Guenoun in 2002. While seemingly simple at first glance, the logo features hidden imagery that adds depth to its design. The letter “R” in the logo, combined with the yellow circle, cleverly resembles a cyclist leaning over a bike.

This subtle yet effective design element not only captures the essence of the Tour de France but also celebrates the spirit of its participants.

What I like: The Tour de France logo incorporates elements of the event and the sport. Adding this creative detail not only represents the race but also captures the excitement and spirit of cycling.

17. NBC

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NBC was founded in 1926 as America’s first permanent radio network. By the 1930s, the company had started a regularly programmed television service and introduced the country’s first experimental compatible color broadcasts in 1953.

In 1956, NBC debuted the colored peacock design, which has inspired the most recent iterations of the company’s logo.

The current logo features “feathers” arranged in a semi-circle. However, unlike earlier versions, the peacock outline is cleverly hidden within the white space between the two central colors.

While the logo might look like a simple rainbow of colors to unknowing viewers, this stylized peacock represents NBC’s history and legacy.

Fun fact: The peacock was originally chosen as NBC’s logo in 1956 because the network was one of the first to broadcast in color. The peacock symbolizes this transition.

What I like: NBC has experimented with various logo designs. The original peacock logo and its recent iterations stand out to me as some of the most authentic representations of the brand and its legacy.

The modern redesign has allowed the brand to add more visual interest without losing the essence of this iconic design.

18. Audi

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Auto Union AG was formed in 1932 and renamed Audi in 1985. Upon its inception, the company introduced a logo featuring four rings, which have since become a fundamental part of the brand identity.

But what exactly do these rings represent?

Most people, except for automobile history buffs, might assume that the rings were simply an elegant design choice. However, they have a much deeper, historic meaning.

Audi was just one of four companies merged to form Auto Union AG. The four rings represent the four automobile manufacturers and the partnership between the four founder companies.

What I like: Audi’s logo is a tribute to the legacy of all the founder companies. It reflects their contributions to the automotive industry and, more importantly, their lasting impact on Audi’s identity.

19. Spartan Golf

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The Spartan golf logo was created by a designer called Richard Fonteneau.

At first glance, the logo appears to be a depiction of a golfer mid-swing. However, closer inspection also reveals a hidden image.

If you look closely at the logo, you‘ll notice that the image creates the appearance of a Spartan warrior’s side profile. The golfer‘s body forms the warrior’s face, and the trajectory of the swing mimics the shape of a Spartan helmet.

This logo cleverly integrates the hidden image in a manner that may not be immediately apparent to viewers. However, it becomes a brilliant addition that enhances the overall design once noticed.

What I like: What stands out to me about the hidden image in the Spartan Golf logo is how it beautifully represents the brand’s identity and team spirit. The image is a nod to the brand name “Spartan” and a visual representation that evokes strength, resilience, and the warrior ethos.

20. Goodwill

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Goodwill was established in 1902 by Rev. Edgar J. Helms. In 1968 the company began hunting for a new logo — an updated visual to reflect the institution’s evolution after over 50 years of operation.

The current logo, created by graphic designer Joseph Selam, was designed to “symbolize the many faces of self-sustaining people within Goodwill.” This redesign marked the introduction of the iconic “Smiling G.”

At first glance, Goodwill’s logo is the company name below a stylized ‘g’ graphic representing the brand.

While that is correct, there’s also a hidden image — both lowercase ‘g’s’ double as smiley faces. Joseph deliberately designed the logo to depict “the smile of self-respect and independence” of people who have successfully participated in Goodwill initiatives.

What I like: The logo reflects the organization’s core mission and the transformative effect of Goodwill’s work. It‘s a powerful visual cue that shows that it’s not just about providing jobs or skills but also restoring hope and self-confidence.

21. London Symphony Orchestra

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The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) has a long and rich history, dating back to its formation more than a century ago in 1904.

A design agency called The Partners created the current version of the orchestra’s logo in 2004. This design features a stylized depiction of the company’s Acronyms, LSO, and a hidden image.

If you look hard enough, you’ll see that the graphic also doubles as an image of an orchestra conductor’s silhouette. The letters “L” and “O” form the conductor’s left and right hands, while the intersection of the “S” and “O” creates the head and shoulders.

What I like: The hidden image and overall design beautifully reflect the elegance and sophistication synonymous with the brand. The flowing lines of the logo also create a sense of movement and harmony which is a great visual representation of the orchestra’s music.

22. Pinterest

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Pinterest’s logo has significantly changed since the platform’s creation in 2010. Initially, the company used a black cursive wordmark. However, a few months later, it introduced the now-iconic “P” as part of a refreshed, colored wordmark.

This design element goes beyond simply representing the company name but also references the platform’s core functionality.

If you’ve ever noticed how the tail of the p looks sharpened well, it’s because the “p” in the logo doubles as a map pin. Essentially, by incorporating a visual element reminiscent of a pin, Pinterest directly references the concept of pinning on the platform.

What I like: As a visual platform, it‘s only fitting that Pinterest’s logo is a cleverly designed visual representation of its core functionality. I think this makes the logo memorable and reflects the company’s essence.

23. Adidas

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Adidas is a unique example of a company that uses several logos for its various sub-brands. However, the “performance logo” is currently its main brand mark.

The signature three stripes on this logo have been a prominent feature since the first Adidas logo design in 1949. Interestingly, there wasn’t any specific reason behind choosing three stripes, other than the fact that three showed up most prominently (amongst contenders) in photography.

The current version of this logo is an element of the “equipment logo,” which reimagined the three stripes as a three-bar arrangement. This design was inspired by sketching how the stripes appeared inside the shoe.

Today, the performance logo is fondly called the “Mountain Logo” due to its resemblance to a mountain peak, which represents the challenges athletes face and the goals they strive to achieve.

What I like: The history behind the logo, with its origins in the three stripes that have been a part of Adidas since its inception, adds depth and heritage to its design.

24. Coca-Cola

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Throughout its existence, Coca-Cola‘s logo has consistently featured a wordmark of the company’s name. The current iteration of this design doesn’t deviate from this principle, albeit with adjustments to the script and styling.

But what secret message is hidden in this simplistic logo?

Well, if you look closely at the space between the “O” and “L” in Cola, you’ll see the flag of Denmark. Or at least that’s what people have chosen to believe.

This theory is often debunked as a happy accident rather than an intentional design decision. That said, the company has embraced the association with the “happiest country on earth” through marketing stunts like an interactive airport ad in Denmark some years ago.

What I like: It’s fascinating to see how a logo can take on new meanings and associations through the imagination of its audience. The company’s willingness to lean into this “theory” also demonstrates a responsiveness to the sentiments of its audience.

25. LG

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According to LG, the company’s logo visualizes five concepts — World, Future, Youth, Human, and Technology. The design, which features the letters “L” and “G” within a circle, also visually signifies that the people “form the center of corporate management.”

Official interpretations aside, LG’s logo also contains a hidden image that some may not have noticed yet: it doubles as a stylized depiction of a human face.

The “G” forms the frame of a winking face, while the “L” represents the nose. The face also appears to be winking and smiling.

What I like: Incorporating a stylized human face adds an unexpected touch of warmth to the design. Additionally, it serves as a reminder of the humanity behind a large corporate entity like LG.

26. Hartford Whalers

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The Hartford Whalers were a professional ice hockey team based in Hartford, Connecticut, that competed in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1979 to 1997.

The original logo of the Hartford Whalers was created by graphic designer Peter Good when the team changed its name in 1979. The logo featured a blue whale tail positioned above a green, stylized “W” representing the word “Whalers.” Peter also included a hidden element in the space between the whale’s tail and the “W.”

The negative space takes the shape of the letter “H,” symbolizing Hartford, the city where the team was located. Combined with the “W,” this hidden “H” completes the full team name, Hartford Whalers.

What I like: Typically, I see whitespace used to reveal distinct elements in a design — a great example being the FedEx wordmark, where an arrow is hidden within the negative space. But here, the logo uses one letter to reveal the other.

27. Museum of London

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The Museum of London introduced a new logo during a 2008 rebranding project — a colorful and innovative design by a UK agency called Coley Porter Bell.

This logo, still used today, features several layers stacked atop each other. But, while visually engaging, the true brilliance lies in the significance behind these layers.

The logo uses each layer as a representation of London‘s ever-changing geography. This hidden image reflects London’s evolution and dynamic nature making it the perfect emblem for the Museum of London‘s mission to safeguard and celebrate the city’s past.

What I like: The logo mirrors the essence of the museum. Much like the museum, the logo serves as an invitation to explore history. Essentially, the logo is a perfect introduction to the Museum of London.

28. Wendy’s

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Wendy’s was founded by Dave Thomas in 1969 as a quick-service food chain. The company’s first logo featured the likeness of Melinda Lou, Dave’s daughter, and has continued in that tradition ever since.

While this fact alone makes the logo incredibly intriguing, the hidden message within the design adds an extra layer of interest.

For several years, it has been widely believed that the collar on the little girl in the most recent iteration of the logo spells out the word “mom.” However, this has never been officially confirmed.

Like Coca-Cola, Wendy’s is another example of an ‘audience-led’ logo theory.

What I like: Despite the absence of official confirmation, the continued acceptance of this interpretation demonstrates the power of an audience’s perception in shaping the meaning of a logo. It also highlights how viewers can engage with and imbue logos with personal significance.

29. Chick-fil-A

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Chick-fil-A’s origins date back to 1946, when it started as a restaurant named The Dwarf Grill. Over time, the business rebranded, with the first Chick-fil-A restaurant opening in 1967.

Now, while the hidden meaning in this logo may not be as discreet as some others, it’s still worth noting.

The design of the “C” in Chick is a subtle yet clever nod to the brand’s main offering. Simply put, it’s intentionally shaped to resemble the head of a chicken, the company’s core product.

What I like: While the hidden message may be more obvious than most other logos on this list, its simplicity makes it easy for viewers to spot and quickly associate the imagery with the brand. This immediate recognition strengthens brand association and reinforces the brand‘s identity in consumers’ minds.

30. Kolner Zoo

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The Kölner Zoo was founded in 1860. The primary visual element in the organization’s current logo is the image of an elephant walking forward.

What makes this logo interesting is how, similar to Pittsburgh Zoo, the design also hides the silhouettes of other animals within the image.

In this case, you can see a giraffe between the elephant’s trunk and front leg, a rhino between its front and back legs, and finally, what appears to be a rabbit’s ears between its hind legs.

What I like: The logo uses negative space concentrated at the bottom of a single image to create three separate images. The designer’s ability to achieve this without compromising the integrity or form of the original image is quite impressive.

Designing a multilayered visual experience

Subtle elements not only add depth to designs but also invite viewers to engage in a deeper understanding of the brand’s identity. Whether it’s the clever integration of icons or the strategic use of whitespace, each logo in this post is a testament to the thoughtfulness and creativity behind effective visual communication.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2014 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

 

In this online era, it’s hard — if not impossible — to surf the web without coming across clickbait. I remember an era when all I could find were clickbait titles that lured me, such as “10 Tips to Help You Lose Weight in a Week.” What I’d find in these articles was little to no information about the topic; rather, the page would be filled with ads.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to get people to pay attention in the age of social media, especially with the amount of online content. Thus, content writers increasingly turn to clickbait to stand out and achieve those valuable clicks.

Although some titles might surprise you, it’s gotten easier to identify what clickbait is and isn’t. But have you ever wondered why/how the clickbait works? What’s the psychology behind it that makes it nearly impossible to resist the click?

Let’s look at the science behind clickbait and how you can understand the common tricks used.

What’s considered clickbait?

To define the term, clickbait is content that “draws in interest and drives visitors to click a link that leads to a particular web page,” which all content marketers hope to achieve with their work.

The promise of amazing, thought-provoking, or startling information lies in clickbait, enticing us to click on the link. This includes every kind of content on the web, such as blogs, videos, infographics, news stories, interviews, etc., with a dramatic headline.

It’s important to remember that the key difference between clickbait and engaging material is that the former is typically low-quality. Thus, clickbait has a bad reputation in the world of content marketing. That explains why it’s now more important to focus on content that your readers want.

Looking for more guidance on building great content? You can check out our blog post templates to help elevate your content.

Common Clickbait Techniques

One of the more popular clickbait strategies is using controversial headlines. These attention-grabbing headlines frequently use dramatic language or exaggerated claims to encourage readers to click the link. Here are some examples:

• “X Things You Won’t Believe About…”
• “X Beauty Secrets that’ll Change Your Life”
• “Ultimate Guide to Ranking Your Article in a Week”

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Apart from these sensationalized headlines, other clickbait tactics include emotive language and imagery. Also, clickbait headlines frequently include strong emotional terms like “shocking,” “amazing,” and “heartbreaking” to pique the user’s interest. Additionally, you can expect the header images to be visually appealing and emotionally engaging.

Let’s check out a few common samples:

• “Shocking Things You Didn’t Know About X Celebrity”
• “X Heartbreaking Stories About These Disney Stars You Should Know About”
• “You’ll Never Guess These Amazing Techniques for Getting Clearer Skin”

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Another popular clickbait strategy is instilling a sense of urgency in us, making us want to click the link immediately to avoid missing out on something significant. Headlines with a sense of urgency, such as “Breaking news” or “You won’t believe what happened next,” intrigue readers to learn more.

Such headlines frequently take advantage of our anxiety over missing something significant, such as:

• “You Won’t Believe How You Can Double Your Income in X Days”
• “Breaking News: Why Were These Celebrities Shunned from the Oscars”
• “The Secret to Understanding Your Sleeping Habits”

Considering these tactics, it’s easy to understand why clickbait content successfully grabs readers’ attention and encourages interaction. In fact, having a deeper understanding of these clickbait methods allows you to use clickbait responsibly to produce interesting content that genuinely informs and educates the user rather than deceives them.

Why Clickbait Works

A recent BuzzSumo study on the most shared headlines examined over 100 million stories and found that the phrases that generated the most engagement were “for the first time!” “you need to,” and “…of all time.”

Now, let’s come to why clickbait still grabs readers’ attention. How a headline is worded or presented can significantly impact how readers view the story. If it is made more memorable and engaging, the reader is more likely to notice, process, retain, and interact with certain information.

According to that theory, clickbait titles are effective because they appeal to our curiosity and need for immediate satisfaction. This brings us to our next point, which better explains the theory.

The Curiosity Gap

Although the idea behind the curiosity gap has existed for centuries, it wasn’t until recently that it was given a formal introduction/definition and name. The curiosity gap has gained popularity in the marketing and advertising industries to attract more customers and boost engagement.

Here’s where your content strategy can truly benefit from the psychology of curiosity gaps. If you have something that prompts readers to wonder about something they don’t know or seek more information about, they’ll click immediately to find the answers.

People succumb to clickbait for the same reason — curiosity. One could find it alluring to adopt a more sinister and deceitful strategy to capitalize on curiosity.

However, the curiosity gap works differently.

When creating content, it’s necessary to keep things open-ended since this provides you with a wonderful opportunity to employ creativity to satisfy your audience’s curiosity.

If you give them an unknown and then withhold the answer, you will lose their trust completely, eventually leading to lost followers.

Example of the Curiosity Gap

Here’s an example headline: “The ‘March Madness’ Effect on Company Culture — Win or Bust?” Now, let’s consider how this will pique readers’ interest.

Every American has at least heard of March Madness. My knowledge of the term piques my interest. How does basketball apply to business? Have I seen this at my workplace? I want to know more so I can understand the connection.

Numbers & Lists

Organization appeals to people, so numbers and lists are useful icons for quickly classifying information.

One simple and efficient technique to play the numbers game is to use headlines with numerals and list items. Generally, you must always use precise numbers to look confident and present yourself as an authority to users, leads, and clients.

Example of Using Numbers in the Headline

Let’s take this article, “5 Steps to Create an Outstanding Marketing Plan [Free Templates]” as an example. Notice how the headline clearly states the number and shows the readers a step-by-step process, which plays well into the psychology of organizing with numbers.

My Chrome browser is almost always a mess. I have so many tabs open with tasks to do and articles to read. Seeing a number helps me make a guess of how long it’ll take me to read the piece. Beyond that, I’ll be able to see how far along I am in the article as I read.

Finding How to Use ClickBait Best

A catchy and clickbaity headline may intrigue readers to visit a website. Nevertheless, clickbait typically does very little to encourage conversions and only succeeds in increasing visitors.

When a user clicks on a headline and believes that the content doesn’t provide the answer they want, they will quickly leave the website — increasing the website’s bounce rate.

You can guarantee more genuine engagement by understanding how to leverage curiosity better and understand unique concerns. Clickbait serves the same purpose by generating a psychological gap in curiosity or the urge to learn more.

So, without question, clickbait headlines are effective in drawing readers in and encouraging clicks when used correctly. Ultimately, providing true value in your content is more ethical and provides more significant results for your business than merely employing a misleading headline to drive traffic to your website.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in June 2014 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.