Ever wonder if something just came together perfectly?

Or whether it was all part of a carefully crafted plan?

Like Olivia Rodrigo and Noah Kahan’s collaboration, which went from covering each other’s songs to releasing a vinyl together. Intentional or not, they’ve now got fans frothing at the mouth to get their hands on it.

Today you’ll find out how to create the same kind of demand they did.

In today's newsletter:

• Give the people what they want! (find out how Olivia Rodrigo and Noah Kahan created crazy demand for their new vinyl)

• The trailer for Joker 2 (Joker: Folie à Deux) is out (and apparently the movie’s going to be a musical?)

• Warner Bros. announces a 5th Matrix movie (and content opportunities abound)

• Should you start an email newsletter? (you need to figure out these 3 things first)

- Charlotte, Editor ♡

Give the People What They Want!

Setting up the perfect collab

This story began when, six months ago, Olivia Rodrigo performed Noah Kahan's popular song "Stick Season" on BBC Radio 1. The rendition showcased Rodrigo's deep appreciation for Kahan's music. And, of course, her fans loved it.

Then, in January, Olivia Rodrigo expressed her admiration for Noah Kahan's music in an interview with Variety. Soon after, Noah Kahan returned the favour by covering one of Olivia Rodrigo's tracks, "Lacy."

On both cover videos, fan were in the comments begging for a collaboration between the two.

Cashing in on the hype

After months of their fans calling for a collab, the pair finally took to the stage together on Rodrigo's "Guts World Tour."

The response on social media was overwhelming. Fans were in the comments talking about how much they wish they'd been there. And, of course, the ones who saw this live were gushing about how incredible it was.

Once they'd created sufficient hype, it was time to make their next move. Shortly after singing together on stage, the duo announced they're releasing a vinyl together on 20 April. And because of all the build-up surrounding their collab, fans will be itching to get their hands on it!

So what can we learn from this duo?

Give the people what they want! This may be as simple as just listening to your audience. Or, even better, tease something you're going to do, then wait for them to beg you for it!

Think about it this way. We're pretty sure Rodrigo didn’t just accidentally cover one of her favourite artists and hope her audience would ask for a collaboration. It was an intentional way to create demand. Then she could swoop in and deliver. Pretty smart if you ask us!

-Ollie, Videographer

Seriously, does everything have to be a musical these days?

We had the Wonka prequel, The Little Mermaid, The Colour Purple, and Mean Girls to name a few.

And now the trailer for the new film, Joker 2 (Joker: Folie à Deux), has just dropped. And it seems this movie isn't just giving us Lady Gaga as Harlequin (slay). Although the newly released trailer doesn't make it explicit, the film also looks to have a musical element (slay?).

The trailer does, however, include everything that returning Joker fans love.

Dark gritty, green-heavy cinematography? Check. A narrative that revolves around its unreliable storyteller falling more and more into madness (and love?) Also check.

So what does this trailer release mean for your social accounts?

We all remember the iconic scene of Arthur Fleck dancing down the stairs in New York. Those stairs became a destination, drawing people in to remake their own version of the scene.

This trailer is loaded with inspiration for potential content ideas.

Take the lipstick on the mirror, which creates an expression for the onlooker. How could you recreate this in your short form content?

Or if dressing up is more your speed, show off your own Harlequin/ Joker fits. Create content around what your version of the iconic duo would look like.

The film is likely to generate more buzz, so watch out for opportunities to live your own Joker moments.

Speaking of reboots, Warner Bros. has confirmed a 5th Matrix movie is in the works.

We don't know much yet, but here's what we've managed to find out so far...

Oscar-nominated Drew Goddard is set to both write and direct the new film, while Lana Wachowski will serve as an executive producer.

Specifics about the plot remain undisclosed. But fingers crossed, we get to see our beloved Keanu Reeves as Neo again!

Keen to create some Matrix-inspired content? Here are some ideas:

• Make your predictions. Who do you think will star in this instalment? Make your guess about the plot and get your audience to hedge their bets, too.

• Share your reactions. Create content around this announcement and the trailer (when it's released).

• Get some inspo. Showcase your best Matrix-inspired cosplay outfits or recreate iconic scenes from the franchise.

-Ollie, Videographer & Mel, Head of Community Management

What’s Going Viral?

Got FOMO?

Listen to our YAP Podcast Tuesday - Saturday, where Stan & Jony break down the videos that are blowing up on social media. Not only will you learn why they work, but we’ll tell you how to capitalise on these trends before they disappear.

Watch the podcast here and subscribe to the YouTube Channel so you don’t miss an episode.

Tweets from The Intern

Ask the Editor

Q - I'm thinking about starting a newsletter for my garage door business. Is this a good idea? - Simon

Hi Simon!

Well, there are a few things to think about before you decide to start a newsletter.

First, you shouldn't start a newsletter just for the sake of it. So ask yourself what your reason is for doing it. Do you want to keep in touch with your clients? Share industry news? Sell new products or services? If you aren't sure, you need to spend some time thinking that through.

Next, be honest about whether you have the resources. We put quite a lot of time into creating 7 newsletters every week. Granted, you probably would do weekly or even monthly emails. But still, you need to have people and time to dedicate to it. There's no point starting one if you can't keep it going.

If you still want to go ahead, then you need to create a system. This is going to help you be consistent so you don't just make 1-2 newsletters then let it die out. If you've got a good system, you'll have the hardest bit done already.

Good luck!

- Charlotte, Editor ♡