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Jonathan Zuluaga
Former Community Manager
February 28, 2025

This Week in Social: Google’s AI, TikTok’s Reign, RIP Duo, and Pinterest’s Big Win

  • February 28, 2025
  • 17 replies
  • 786 views
This Week in Social: Google’s AI, TikTok’s Reign, RIP Duo, and Pinterest’s Big Win

A brand new episode of This Week in Social is here, and we’ve got a lot to talk about. From AI advancements to bold marketing moves, the social media world never slows down—so let’s dive in!

Read More:

  • Google Expands AI Image Generator ‘Whisk’ → Read more
  • TikTok Rises to the Top of the App Download Charts → Read more
  • Duolingo ‘Kills’ Its Owl Mascot Duo → Read more
  • Pinterest Reports Record Usage and Revenue → Read more

 

Bonus Giveaway:

Answer below by March 3, 2025 at 11:59pm for a chance to win Pomodoro Timer Cube, Arboretum Sweater, Owala Tumbler, pen and a fleece blanket! 

 

 

      17 replies

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      R
      rosa.mejia-cruz
      Seedling
      February 28, 2025

      Agree with the above comments - Tiktok has created something truly unique in it’s algorithm and I think too many people love it for it to disappear without a fight.

       

      Additionally, I thought the Duolingo dead owl was a miss - many commenters called that it was a stunt immediately, and since it’s a beloved mascot, I felt like they could have come up with something more celebratory for their announcement that still played into their unhinged brand voice. This one felt a little off to me. 

      I’m with you on this. They could’ve saved it for a fun April Fool’s gag instead. Although, I did enjoy Buffalo Wild Wing’s reply to the news. 😂

        A
        anteia.elswick
        Seedling
        March 1, 2025

        I would LOVE to say that I think it’s Duolingo’s fantastic marketing campaign, especially because they have such a track record of using shock factor to catch people’s attention. It was the perfect way to create a big “buzz” around their product that would take advantage of their already-established voice and the unique humor of their target audience. All while they made their product stand out from the rest of the AI clamor. 

        However, I have to agree with many of the other comments and say that TikTok’s unseemly return to the U.S. and its app stores will have the biggest impact. Particularly for small business, political movements, the music industry, online shopping and more. 

        K
        kara.rhoads
        Seedling
        March 1, 2025

        Agree with the above comments - Tiktok has created something truly unique in it’s algorithm and I think too many people love it for it to disappear without a fight.

         

        Additionally, I thought the Duolingo dead owl was a miss - many commenters called that it was a stunt immediately, and since it’s a beloved mascot, I felt like they could have come up with something more celebratory for their announcement that still played into their unhinged brand voice. This one felt a little off to me. 

        I’m with you on this. They could’ve saved it for a fun April Fool’s gag instead. Although, I did enjoy Buffalo Wild Wing’s reply to the news. 😂

        😆 so did it! 🍗 

          P
          PartTimer
          Tagged Tendril
          March 2, 2025

          I would agree with the thoughts in the other posts around Duolingo trying that kind of marketing, which was a miss, and TikTok’s success, which was big news no matter how you look at it. I think this news was also worth a mention since Flashes is from Bluesky and will be or is a competitor to Instagram > Bluesky Photo App Flashes Launches on the App Store | PetaPixel

            J
            Jonathan ZuluagaAuthor
            Former Community Manager
            March 11, 2025

            ✨ Congratulations ​@angeline.neo! You were randomly selected as the winner! Please fill out the following form to have your prize shipped to you: https://forms.gle/fnqaA79HbxhtHC1W9

            - Jonathan Z, Former Arboretum Moderator
              A
              angeline.neo
              Tagged Tendril
              March 11, 2025

              Thank you so much ​@Jonathan Zuluaga !!! I appreciate it so much! I just filled out the form. Looking forward to receiving it! 

                briana.rabiola
                briana.rabiola
                Tagged Tendril
                March 12, 2025

                I always love to hear Pinterest updates because I’ve argued it’s one of the most under-utilized or perhaps misunderstood platforms that has the potential to offer huge visibility and revenue. Pinterest ads, in particular, are so well integrated into the feed and platform (sometimes to users’ dismay) that it provides the opportunity for awareness and sales!

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