Content That Connects: BAM’s Current Take

This month, BAM's serving up trends with a wink, updates with impact, and brands that are rewriting the social playbook. From the hilariously relatable "Unfortunately, I do love" and "Our graphic designer is on leave" formats to Instagram's new "Link a Reel" feature, which connects content like never before, creativity is having a moment, and we're here for it. We're also spotlighting the rise of episodic storytelling, as brands move beyond one-off posts to build community, consistency, and cultural connection—one series at a time.

The Trends Are In

❤️“Unfortunately, I do love”                       
This playful trend has creators admitting their guilty pleasures—the things they know aren’t the best for them, but they can’t help loving anyway. From quirky habits to self-deprecating humour, it’s all about embracing imperfection in a fun, relatable way that audiences can’t resist.

Why it works:                       
😂 Honest, self-aware, and deeply relatable                 
💬 Invites audiences to laugh with the brand, not at it            
🎯 An excellent way for brands to show personality and authenticity without feeling overly polished            

Check out our favourite examples from @odess.schillemans, @panerabread, and @chelseaandalaia.

🎨“Our graphic designer is on leave”                    
Brands are leaning into humour with the “Our graphic designer is on leave” trend—sharing deliberately rough, DIY-style designs paired with cheeky captions like “please buy from us.” It’s scrappy, self-aware, and impossible to scroll past.

Why it works:                       
😆 Funny, relatable, and low-effort           
📱Feels authentic and highly shareable              
💡Let's brands show personality while promoting products with humour           

Check out examples from @thebelgianwaffleco, @aperolspritzuk, and @wander.on.

Social Spotlight 

What’s the update?        
Instagram’s new “Link a Reel” feature allows brands to connect one Reel to another, smoothly guiding viewers from one piece of content to the next. Ideal for grouping content around a theme, product, or story.

Why we’re sharing it:

It’s a game-changer for episodic content or ongoing series—boosting storytelling, keeping audiences engaged longer, and making it easier for viewers to follow along.

Content Creation 101

Ready for quick tips that can lead to big results? This month, we’re demonstrating how a simple copy swap can transform your visuals into scroll-stoppers.

Spotlight On: Choosing the best copy for an image of a breakfast bowl:

• Don't: "Easy Breakfast Recipe" → too broad, won't make viewers stop
• Do: "The breakfast recipe that turned me into a morning person—and only takes 10 minutes!" → solves a problem, sparks curiosity, and stops scrolling

Catch more bite-sized content creation insights next month.

Case Study Roundup: Clipping & Episodic Content

Gen Z is discovering content through Clipping—creators turning long-form TV and movies into bite-sized social clips. With 71% of Gen Z finding recommendations via TikTok, Reels, or Shorts, creator influence is key to sparking excitement and engagement.        

Brands are also leaning into episodic content, building worlds around products and delivering entertaining, story-driven series that keep audiences coming back. This approach strengthens long-term creator partnerships and works well for brands of all sizes.        

BAM POV: Success is all about storytelling, consistency, and entertainment—give audiences a reason to watch, share, and return.

Key Takeaways

Personality + storytelling + strategy = standout content.        
 

• Trends: Quirky, funny, and joyful moments drive authentic connection.
• Channel Updates: New tools and DMs = smarter engagement and discoverability.
• Case Studies: Episodic storytelling and creator-driven clips build community and loyalty.
• BAM’s Thoughts: Be entertaining, consistent, and human—this is how brands spark conversation and stay top of mind.