Meme Marketing and the power of AI

A meme, defined as "an idea that is passed from one member of society to another, not in the genes but often by people copying it," according to the Oxford University Press. By definition, our entire market and our entire society are based on memes because, if we break it down to the bare minimum, every conceived idea, fashion trend, joke, movement, and ideology all started with just one person or organization, which then spreads like wildfire across the internet. We tend to underestimate the power of a meme. It is because of memes and the general idea of it that there are numerous pages on social media, such as @9GAG, @LADBIBLE, @Daquan, @epicfunnypage, and many more, which have gained massive followings over the years.

How does this help?

We need to understand that the power of the internet always exceeds our otherwise normal expectations. We are living in a time where a sense of community and relatability can be formed by a teenager sitting in their bedroom posting content that people from all parts of the world can see and relate to. This is a superpower. If you can create an engaging post that draws a person's attention and interest by creating a sense of relatability with the brand, this is the best form of earned media. Content published by a brand is used by the target audience or the public to create humorous, informative, or engaging content to then share with their community. This not only creates awareness for the brand but also creates a sense of relatability. A perfect example of this was The Barbie Movie, where snippets and bits of the movie were released by Warner Bros Studios. These were quickly utilized by 'memers' to create humorous content, which then spread like wildfire, thus creating awareness about the movie.

Convenience of AI

Artificial intelligence has entered a new era, pushing the boundaries of imagination. It achieves this by ceaselessly gathering data from the vast expanse of the internet and evolving through self-learning from the inputs of millions. This technological marvel can now create content from scratch, spanning scripts, images, posts, videos, dialogues, and entire websites.

This AI paradigm is not just a powerful tool but also a secret weapon in the world of meme generation and meme marketing. Its constant evolution and adaptive learning from user inputs make it a true game-changer. It harnesses the information gathered from diverse users seeking creativity and knowledge, leveraging this wealth to craft astonishing and captivating illustrations that mesmerize audiences, leaving an indelible mark in their minds. When we delve into the essence of a meme, it's evident that it aligns with six core principles:

• Social Currency: Can these items make someone look good in a social setting?
• Trigger: Can it trigger a common aspect in a person's life?
• Emotion: Can a person emotionally relate to it?
• Public: Can it be easily accepted and imitated?
• Practical Value: Does this add value to the person?
• Stories: Is there a story to be told?

These principles, as articulated by Triet Minh Ngo in her thesis, "Meme Marketing: Adapting Viral Strategies to Internet Culture," draw inspiration from Jonah Berger's work, "Why Things Catch On."

Mastering the art of creating compelling memes that reach millions is akin to mastering the art of effective communication. The recipe is simple: understand your audience, identify their preferred communication channels, craft engaging content, and evaluate the impact. Add the magic of AI into this mix, and you have a formula for unleashing boundless creativity.

In the world of marketing, AI has become a potent ally, empowering brands to engage audiences in unprecedented ways. The meme, with its innate ability to trigger emotions, tell stories, and add value, is a force to be reckoned with. AI-enhanced meme marketing is the gateway to captivating and influencing the digital landscape like never before.

A Step in the Right Direction

As compared to previous stigmas about AI, it has become more of a marketing tool in recent times, with its specialization focused on creativity and adaptability rather than collection and synthesis. The deciding factor is our ability to capitalize on this and properly utilize the tool rather than just writing cover letters and filling up reports. Memes are the best way to start with by exploring our creative side and understanding what amuses people and what creates a long-lasting impression.

Now here’s a photo of Genghis Kahn riding a camel and drinking a milkshake.

References:

• Soocial Team. (2023). "How Does 9GAG Make Money? Business Model of 9GAG." Soocial.
• Geyser, W. (2023). "10 of the Best Instagram Meme Accounts to Check Out in 2023." Influencer Marketing Hub.
• Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. (2023, October 13). "Definition of meme noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary."
• Ngo, Triet Minh. (2021). "Meme marketing: How viral marketing adapts to the internet culture." Honors Program Theses. 484.
• Rosser, C. (2023, October 13). "Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger Summary & Notes." Calvin Rosser.