Ever Wondered How a Product Would Fit You Before Buying? AR Is Here to Help!

Imagine trying new clothes or replacing the kitchen furniture without leaving your house! That’s not a joke. The retail industry is being revolutionized by AR shopping. 

Expert Takes

Google’s Personalized Virtual Try-On. At its recent I/O conference, Google unveiled a revamped virtual try-on feature. Users can now upload their own photos to see how clothes fit them personally, moving beyond generic models. This enhancement aims to reduce return rates and boost shopper confidence. Wikipedia+10The Times of India+10Axios+10AxiosReal Simple

Indestry’s AI-Powered Vyu Try-On Mirror. Los Angeles-based Indestry introduced the Vyu Try-On Mirror, an AR mirror that scans users’ skeletal points to superimpose clothing in real-time. Set to appear in public spaces like subways and bus stops, it offers a quick and private way to try on clothes virtually. The US Sun

Our Take

AR shopping isn’t a gimmick; it’s a game-changer. Brands like IKEA and Sephora are already leveraging AR to let customers visualize products in their own spaces or on themselves, reducing uncertainty and returns.

3 Action Items

  1. Integrate AR into Your Online Store. Utilize platforms like Shopify’s AR tools to allow customers to visualize products in their environment. Enhance the engagement of your brand by utilizing AR platforms, which will make the brand more personalized, which consumers love. 
  2. Develop an AR App for In-Store Experience. Utilize AR tools in offline shops too, making consumers’ jobs easier and more convenient.
  3. Collaborate with AR Technology Providers. By partnering with AR companies, make the tool as tailored to your product as possible.

AR shopping is no longer the future—it’s the present. Embracing this technology can elevate customer experience, reduce returns, and set your brand apart in a competitive market.



Written by Natalie Manvelyan

Pinterest as a Power Player in E-Commerce

While TikTok is full of trendy dances and Instagram is focused on influencers, Pinterest quietly built a shopping empire. In 2025, it’s not just a mood board, but it’s a huge marketplace.

Expert Insights

Pinterest’s Strategic E-Commerce Evolution. Pinterest has transformed into a visual discovery platform, integrating AI-powered tools like the “Lens” feature for visual search, and expanding shoppable features through partnerships with retailers like Amazon. These innovations have solidified its position in the $550 billion digital advertising market, driving sustainable revenue growth and reinforcing its influence in e-commerce and advertising innovation. Inspirepreneur

Pinterest’s Financial Growth and User Engagement. In the first quarter of 2025, Pinterest reported a 16% year-over-year revenue increase, reaching $855 million, and a 10% rise in global monthly active users, totaling 570 million. This growth is attributed to enhanced e-commerce features and strategic partnerships, highlighting Pinterest’s expanding role in the digital commerce landscape. Pinterest Investor Relations+1Investor’s Business Daily+1

Our Take

Pinterest isn’t chasing trends—it’s setting them. By focusing on user intent and seamless shopping experiences, it’s become a powerhouse for e-commerce. Brands that understand this shift are reaping the rewards. Pinterest+7Klaviyo+7Pinterest+7

3 Action Items to Leverage Pinterest’s E-Commerce Potential

  1. Visual Reach Optimization. Ensure your product images are high-quality and keyword-rich to enhance discoverability through Pinterest’s visual search tools. Utilize the “Lens” feature to allow users to find your products through real-world images. Inspirepreneur
  2. Integrate Shoppable Features. Set up shoppable Pins and connect your product catalog to Pinterest. This will allow the users to purchase directly from your Pins. Financial Times+15Agital+15Klaviyo+15
  3.  Review the Pinterest Analytics. Regularly review Pinterest Analytics to understand which content works with your audience later to put that into a strategy and implement them. Klaviyo

Pinterest’s quiet ascent in e-commerce is a testament to its strategic innovation. By aligning with user intent and enhancing.

Written by Vanessa Manvelyan



Why are Community-Driven Brands Winning in 2025

Community is no longer a concept. It has become the winning business model for success.

In 2025, brands that build with their audience—not just for them—are dominating. The old playbook of ads and influencers is fading. Now, it’s about shared values, real conversations, and turning customers into collaborators.

Expert Insights

Gen Z’s Loyalty Lies in Community. According to the 2025 Sprout Social Index, 92% of Gen Z consumers agree that the community surrounding a brand impacts how they feel about the company. Moreover, 83% say being part of a brand group makes them more likely to trust the brand—19% higher than other generations. This shift indicates that Gen Z’s purchasing decisions are heavily influenced by authentic community engagement rather than traditional advertising. Popular Pays

Community-Led Growth as a Strategic Imperative. A report from Knowledge Hub Media emphasizes that community-led growth isn’t a trend but a long-term shift in how brands build trust and value. In 2025, the most successful marketers aren’t just shouting louder—they’re listening better and building communities that market for them. This approach transforms customers into active participants and advocates, fostering deeper brand loyalty. Knowledge Hub+1LinkedIn+1

Our Take

Community isn’t a marketing channel—it’s the foundation. Brands that listen, co-create, and empower their audiences are not just surviving; they’re thriving. In an era where consumers crave authenticity and connection, community-driven strategies are the key to sustainable growth.

3 Action Items to Build a Community-Driven Brand

  1. Private Community Platform Launch. Create a space for your audience to connect, share, and collaborate, similar to Discord or Circle.so, which offer customizable environments where members can be involved  in discussions, provide feedback, and feel a sense of belonging. Having this kind of platform will foster a sense of loyalty.
  2. Implement a Community Ambassador Program. Find customers, who would like to become brand ambassadors. Provide them with exclusive content, early access to products, and opportunities to host events or webinars. This action would lead organic rise in the company by  peer-to-peer recommendations.Social++4We Are Social USA+4Zelos+4
  3. Integrate Community Feedback into Product Development. Involvement of the community in the  product development process, will ensure the relevancy of the product and people who need that.

In 2025, brands that prioritize community are not just building audiences—they’re cultivating ecosystems of engaged, loyal advocates. Embrace community-driven strategies to stay relevant and foster lasting connections.

Written by Vanessa Manvelyan

Coca-Cola melts the hearts of Gen Z

Coca-Cola aims to have Gen Z’s attention by collaborating with trending influencers. 

Coca-Cola is revamping its marketing strategy to connect with Gen Z, a demographic that values authenticity, personalization, and digital engagement. By partnering with creators and reimagining its iconic campaigns, Coca-Cola aims to foster deeper connections with younger audiences.

Expert Insights

Islam ElDessouky, Coca-Cola’s Global VP of Creative, emphasizes the brand’s commitment to personalization and connection. The relaunched “Share a Coke” campaign now includes digital experiences like the “Memory Maker,” allowing users to create personalized videos and memes. This initiative seeks to resonate with Gen Z’s desire for authentic and shareable content .(Adweek, New York Post)

Sue Lynne Cha, Vice President of Marketing at Coca-Cola North America, highlights the integration of digital tools in the campaign. Features like on-pack QR codes lead to a digital hub where consumers can customize packaging and access interactive experiences, aligning with Gen Z’s digital-first preferences .(DesignRush, New York Post)

Our Take

Coca-Cola’s strategy reflects a broader shift in marketing—moving from traditional advertising to interactive, consumer-driven experiences. By leveraging digital tools and creator partnerships, the brand is not just selling a product but inviting consumers into a shared narrative. This approach aligns with Gen Z’s expectations for authenticity and engagement.(Krows Digital)

3 Action Items

  1. Integrate Personalization Features: Coca-Cola, incorporating customizable packaging or digital experiences, will let the consumers feel a personal connection with the brand. (The US Sun)
  2. Collaborate with Micro-Influencers: Partnerships with creators who have a strong connection with their audience can enhance brand credibility and reach within specific targets.
  3. Turn Customers into Collaborators: Build an invite-only platform where Gen Z can get early access to try new flavors, and suggest new product ideas.

In conclusion, Coca-Cola’s reimagined marketing efforts demonstrate the importance of personalization, digital engagement, and authentic storytelling in connecting with Gen Z consumers. By embracing these strategies, brands can build meaningful relationships with younger audiences.(DesignRush)

Written by Natalie Manvelyan

It’s time to shop directly from YouTube Shorts!

You can now make a profit via YouTube shorts! Viewers can now tap and buy without leaving the app.(Statusphere Blog)

Expert Insights

Aisha Malik from TechCrunch reports that YouTube is testing shopping features in Shorts, allowing creators to tag products from their own stores. Viewers in select countries can see these tags and shop directly through the Shorts interface. This initiative aims to broaden YouTube’s revenue streams amid a challenging advertising market .(TechCrunch)

The Sharelo Blog highlights the growing trend of shoppable videos, noting that interactive content like YouTube’s shoppable Shorts can significantly boost engagement and conversion rates. By embedding product links directly within videos, creators can offer a seamless shopping experience that keeps viewers engaged .(Sharelo, Firework)

Our Take

YouTube’s integration of shoppable features into Shorts is a strategic move to enhance the platform’s e-commerce capabilities. By allowing creators to tag products directly in their content, YouTube not only provides a new revenue stream for creators but also offers a more interactive experience for viewers. This development positions YouTube as a formidable player in the social commerce space, competing with platforms like TikTok and Instagram.(Statusphere Blog)

3 Action Items

  1. Enable YouTube Shopping: As a creator, connect your store to YouTube and make them shoppable for the viewers .(blog.youtube, Google Help)
  2. Optimize Product Tagging: Include visuals to better demonstrate your products in Shorts to enhance viewer engagement and conversion rates.
  3. Apply Statistics: Regularly review your Shopping analytics in YouTube Studio to understand which products are selling well and modify your content strategy based on the analytics.(Google Help)

In summary, YouTube’s shoppable Shorts feature offers creators a new avenue for monetization and provides viewers with a seamless shopping experience. By embracing this feature, creators can enhance their content’s interactivity and drive sales directly through their videos.(Statusphere Blog)

Written by Natalie Manvelyan

Meta’s new AI-Powered Ad Targeting levels up the opportunities for Small Business

Meta just invented a revolutionary tool for small businesses to thrive. With AI-driven ad targeting, even the tiniest shop can now play in the big leagues.

Expert Insights

Jackie Navarrete, writing for GetVMS, highlights Meta’s new AI tools that simplify influencer marketing for small businesses. These tools include AI-enabled creator discovery, personalized content recommendations, and improved branded content analytics. Such features aim to make Instagram a more effective marketing platform for small-to-midsize businesses .(Velocity Merchant Services)

Mark Zuckerberg, in a conversation with Stratechery’s Ben Thompson, outlined a vision where businesses provide Meta with their advertising objectives and budget, and Meta’s AI handles the rest—creative content, targeting, measurement, and customer transactions. This “infinite creative” approach could streamline advertising for small businesses .(The Verge)

Our Take

Meta’s AI tools are a game-changer for small businesses. By automating ad creation and targeting, they lower the barrier to entry, allowing businesses without extensive marketing teams to compete effectively. However, reliance on AI also means businesses must trust Meta’s algorithms to represent their brand accurately.(Velocity Merchant Services)

3 Action Items

  1. Benefit from Meta’s AI Tools: Use Meta’s Advantage+ and AI-driven features to create ads without needing advanced marketing expertise.(Flyte)
  2. Discover and Connect with Creators: Increase the reach and engagement of the brand by collaborating with influencers found with the help of Meta’s AI tools.(Velocity Merchant Services)
  3. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review ad performance metrics provided by Meta to ensure the AI is meeting your business goals, and make adjustments as necessary.

In conclusion, Meta’s AI-powered ad targeting offers small businesses unprecedented opportunities to reach their audiences effectively. By embracing these tools, businesses can enhance their marketing efforts and compete on a larger scale.

“This 12$ primer changed my entire life – Here’s why it might change yours too”

Literally. I used to think primers were pointless. Until one tiny tube completely changed the way my skin looked – even without makeup.

My makeup never lasted more than a few hours. By lunchtime my face was shiny, my pores were huge, and my foundation started sliding off. 

Sounds familiar?

Recently, I came across the Velvet Blur primer, and honestly, didn’t expect much. But it promised to 

  • Blur pores
  • Extend makeup wear
  • Add a soft-focus glow
  • Hydrate the skin

So I gave it a shot.

Day 1 – My skin felt smoother

Day 2 – Foundation lasted twice as long

Day 3 – I wore it alone and got compliments on my “healthy glow”

And yes. Now I don’t go a day without it. It’s my secret weapon both for full glam and no makeup days.

Quickly add it to your basket and buy it for only 12$! Your future self will thank you for it!

Written by Viktoria Shahinyan

This App Sells More Mascara Than Maybelline — and It’s Not Even a Store

People don’t walk into stores to try beauty products anymore.

They scroll. Watch. Tap. Buy.

And right now, they’re doing it on TikTok — more than anywhere else.

Expert Insights

1. The Times UK

TikTok is now the fourth-largest beauty retailer in the UK, behind only Amazon, Boots, and Superdrug. That’s not hype. That’s numbers. A recent Times report shows beauty products sell once every second on TikTok Shop UK. One second. One product. Over and over. Gen Z doesn’t just trust TikTok creators — they buy from them. Fast.

2. Modern Retail

Modern Retail highlights how major brands are ditching old-school product pages for real-time content. TikTok’s short-form video model pushes instant discovery and trial. Viewers don’t just see a lipstick — they watch it glide on, react to it, and click “Buy” without thinking twice. It’s the new try-before-you-buy. Just digital.

Our Take

TikTok didn’t become the new beauty store. It became the first one.

No checkout lines. No testers. No awkward sales reps.

Just creators showing what works — and viewers buying now.

If you’re in beauty or e-commerce and not selling where your buyers scroll, you’re invisible.

If you’re in e-commerce and not prepping for this shift, you’re already behind.

Three Immediate Actions You Can Execute Now:

  1. Launch a TikTok Shop: Set up a TikTok Shop to sell your beauty products directly on the platform. Utilize TikTok’s native shopping features to streamline the purchasing process.
  2. Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with TikTok beauty influencers to create authentic content showcasing your products. Influencer partnerships can significantly boost brand visibility and credibility.
  3. Host Live Shopping Events: Organize live shopping sessions on TikTok to demonstrate product usage, answer questions in real-time, and offer exclusive deals to viewers.

Written by Karina Martirosyan

35% Pet Product Sales Surge: How Adorable Pet Videos Filled TikTok’s Piggy Bank

A clueless play. A marketing trap. TikTok’s #PetLife campaign has turned casual pet videos into a commerce powerhouse. Pet product sales on TikTok Shop have surged 35%, with user-generated content (UGC) accounting for 40% of the category’s revenue. It’s not just cute—it’s commerce.

What the Experts Are Saying

1. Hai Mag, E-commerce Strategist at Eva Guru

Hai Mag emphasizes the authenticity of UGC on TikTok Shop, highlighting its role in building trust and driving conversions. He notes that consumers are more likely to purchase from brands that feel authentic and relatable, and UGC provides a platform for customers to share their experiences in an organic and unscripted manner. This authenticity makes UGC more trustworthy and relatable, often leading to higher engagement rates compared to traditional ads. 

2. Monetate’s Social Commerce Report

Monetate’s report underscores the effectiveness of short-form video content on TikTok, particularly for product discovery. It states that 43% of TikTok users have tried something new because they saw it on the platform. The report advises brands to create immediate hooks in the first few seconds of their videos and to showcase products in real-world contexts to resonate with the audience.

Our Take

The surge in pet product sales via TikTok’s #PetLife campaign isn’t just a trend—it’s a testament to the power of authentic, user-driven content in modern commerce. Here’s how to harness this momentum:

Action Items

  1. Launch a Branded Hashtag Challenge: Pet owners love showing off their furry companions. Create a fun hashtag challenge to spotlight their pets using your product – encouraging organic engagement and visibility.
  2. Collaborate with Micro-Influencers: Pet micro-influencers have highly engaged, niche audiences. Send them your products and invite authentic video content that builds trust and drives discovery.
  3. Utilize TikTok’s Creator Marketplace: Tap into TikTok’s Creator Marketplace to find partners who align with your brand. Their content can bring your products to life in a way that resonates with real communities.

Conclusion

TikTok’s #PetLife campaign illustrates the immense potential of user-generated content in driving product sales. By fostering authenticity and community engagement, brands can transform casual pet videos into powerful sales tools.

Written by Ani Mkrtchyan

25% Rise in Fitness Gear E-Commerce – A TikTok Trend Or A Marketing Win? 

Watch to buy. Buy to exercise. #FitnessChallenge videos on TikTok are doing more than just racking up views—they’re driving a 25% surge in fitness gear e-commerce. Shoppable yoga mats, resistance bands, and smart weights like Peloton dumbbells are seeing 30% higher conversions. And guess who’s buying? Sixty percent of these sales are coming from Gen Z fitness enthusiasts.

What the Experts Are Saying

Oli Snoddy, Peloton’s VP of Consumer Marketing, highlights the company’s partnership with TikTok to create a co-branded fitness hub. This initiative aims to make fitness more accessible by featuring custom Peloton content, including live classes and collaborations with creators, directly on TikTok. Snoddy emphasizes that this move allows Peloton to connect with new audiences in innovative ways.

Jan Wilk, Head of Operations at TikTok Shop UK, notes the significant growth of TikTok’s e-commerce division, with over 200,000 businesses now selling on the platform. Wilk states that live shopping and video commerce with real creators and brands represent the future of retail, reflecting the rising influence of social media on consumer purchasing decisions.

Our Take

TikTok has transformed into a dynamic marketplace where fitness trends and e-commerce converge. The platform’s ability to blend engaging content with seamless shopping experiences is reshaping how fitness brands connect with consumers, particularly Gen Z. This demographic values authenticity and convenience, making TikTok an ideal channel for fitness gear promotion.

3 Actionable Moves for Fitness Brands

  1. Launch Interactive Challenges: Encourage participation through engaging fitness challenges. Showcase your products in action—let users see how they fit into real workouts and routines.
  2. Collaborate with Influencers: Leverage the reach of TikTok fitness influencers to connect with broader audiences. Offer your gear for them to feature authentically—real use builds real trust.
  3. Optimize for TikTok Shop: Make purchasing seamless. List your products on TikTok Shop and ensure every listing has eye-catching visuals, clear descriptions, and smooth checkout flow. Meet customers where they scroll.

Conclusion

TikTok’s fusion of entertainment and commerce is redefining the fitness industry’s approach to marketing. Brands that adapt to this landscape by creating authentic, engaging content and leveraging TikTok’s shopping features are poised to thrive.

Written by Ani Mkrtchyan