Marketing Trends Now by Katie Brinkley

You’ve heard it a dozen times—“thumbnails don’t matter for Shorts, they autoplay anyway!” But if you want real growth on YouTube, that mindset is costing you views, clicks, and subscribers. In today’s episode, I break down the truth behind YouTube Shorts thumbnails—where they still show up, how they drive engagement, and exactly how to design them for mobile-first success. Key Takeaways: Why thumb...

I’ll say it — this might be the biggest shift in how we use the internet since Google launched. In this episode, I’m breaking down what ChatGPT Atlas really is, how it’s different from traditional browsers, and why it could completely change the way you work, research, and create online. Atlas isn’t just a browser — it’s a workspace powered by AI. It learns your patterns, helps you multitask smart...

52% of social media professionals say they only use free AI tools. And 62% don’t plan to upgrade anytime soon. So… is that smart strategy—or missed opportunity? In this episode, I’m breaking down the real difference between free and paid AI tools, what’s worth the investment, and how to make sure your tech stack is actually helping you grow. Whether you’re bootstrapping or scaling, this one’s for...

We just got another glimpse of the future of content—and it’s not coming from a camera crew. It’s coming from a prompt . In this episode, I’m diving into the launch of Sora 2 , the AI video generator that’s creating full-blown studio-quality video from a simple script. I’ll break down what it means for business owners, where it fits in your content strategy, and what you should (and shouldn’t) be...

AI promises speed. But does faster content equal better content? In this episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest content strategy debates of 2025— quantity vs. quality in the age of AI. Using data from Metricool’s 2025 Social Media report, I’m sharing the reality behind AI content creation: what works, what’s risky, and how to actually strike a balance between speed and substance. Whether yo...

Are you part of the 96% already using AI to market smarter? If you're still on the fence about using AI in your marketing workflow, this episode is your wake-up call. A brand-new industry report shows that 96% of social media professionals are already using AI—every single day. In this episode of Marketing Trends Now , I’m diving into what that means for small business owners like us. You’ll hear...

You're showing up on social, cranking out Reels, trying to beat the LinkedIn algorithm—but your content still feels like it’s not getting traction. The problem? You're ignoring the highest-leverage content channel in 2025: podcasting. In this solo episode, I break down: Why podcasting is still a blue ocean (and how Neil Patel proved it) How to multiply your reach with video podcasting Why podcasti...

Hashtags: dead or just misunderstood? If you’ve been stuffing 25 of them into every post hoping for a viral moment… this episode is your wake-up call. In 2025, hashtags aren’t what they used to be—and I’m here to break down what’s changed, what still works, and what you should be focusing on instead. From the rise of AI-driven discovery to caption-based SEO , we’re diving into the truth behind the...

Think YouTube is oversaturated? Think again. In today’s episode, I break down what’s actually working on YouTube right now—and what’s holding most creators and entrepreneurs back. If you’ve been stuck in perfectionism, chasing trends, or trying to “delegate your way” to growth, this is your wake-up call. We’re talking: What YouTube’s algorithm really wants in 2025 The mindset shift from viral to v...

Reels ruled 2023, but in 2025? Not so much. In this episode, I break down why more reels aren't the answer—and how Instagram's algorithm has changed in ways most marketers aren’t ready for. We’ll dive into what’s actually working now, how to shift without burning it all down, and why carousel posts might be your new best friend. This one might step on a few toes, but if you're still stuck in last...

New Instagram features just dropped—are they worth your time? Instagram recently rolled out two new features: the Repost button and the Friends Map . While they’re being marketed as tools to help you “connect with friends,” they can also be strategic tools to expand your brand’s reach—if you know how to use them. In this episode of Marketing Trends Now , I’ll break down exactly what these features...

Going live on Facebook is easy. Turning that live into weeks of content? That’s where the magic happens. In this episode of Marketing Trends Now , I’m walking you through the exact repurposing workflow I use with my clients to transform one Facebook Live into multiple pieces of high-impact content. No fancy tools. No burnout. Just smart, strategic reuse of the content you’re already creating. So i...

Is your Instagram content built to work beyond the feed? In this episode, I break down a big update that's been quietly rolling out since 2020—but creators and business owners are just now getting notified. Google is indexing Instagram content. Yes, even your Reels. Here’s what that means for your business, how to optimize your posts for discoverability, and why it’s time to stop treating Instagra...

Instagram’s new AI video filters look cool—but are they actually worth your time? In this episode of Marketing Trends Now , we’re throwing the hype into neutral and taking a real look at Meta’s new Restyle tool . It promises comic book-style edits, dreamy overlays, and surreal transformations for your Reels. But here’s the thing: just because you can use it, doesn’t mean you should . You’ll learn:...

What if the biggest content opportunity of 2025 was already inside your YouTube Studio—just waiting for a single checkbox to be ticked? In this episode of Marketing Trends Now , I break down YouTube’s brand-new auto-dubbing feature and how it’s about to change global content strategy forever. If you're already making videos (or about to start), this tool could multiply your reach in 12+ languages...

TikTok is back in the headlines—but this time, it's not just clickbait. In this episode, I break down what the new federal law actually means, how it impacts creators and small business owners, and what you need to be doing today to future-proof your content strategy. Spoiler: This isn’t a call to panic. It’s a call to prepare. We’ll talk about: The real story behind the September 17th deadline Ho...

Still posting like it’s 2022 on LinkedIn? It’s time to evolve. In this episode of Marketing Trends Now , I’m breaking down what’s really going on with LinkedIn’s algorithm and why your engagement may be tanking—even if you’re showing up consistently. Spoiler: posting at random times and sharing links in every post isn’t cutting it anymore. Whether you’ve been avoiding LinkedIn because it felt too...

CapCut owns your face now?! Let’s talk about what’s really going on. In this episode of Marketing Trends Now , I’m digging into the viral headlines about CapCut’s Terms of Service—the ones that had creators deleting the app overnight. But before we all spiral into panic, let’s break down the facts. I’m walking you through what CapCut actually said, how these terms compare to the platforms you alre...

Tired of rambling through video scripts or freezing on camera? Let’s fix that. In this episode of Marketing Trends Now , I’m breaking down the new in-app teleprompter feature Instagram is testing through its brand-new Edits app—and why it’s a total game changer for business owners who aren’t natural-born performers. Whether you’re a coach, a content creator, or just trying to stay visible without...

In this episode of Marketing Trends Now, I’m diving into one of the biggest mistakes I see entrepreneurs making with short-form video: posting just to keep up. If you’ve been spinning your wheels trying to follow trends and post every day—and still not seeing results—this episode is your permission slip to pause and rethink the strategy. I’ll walk you through the approach I use with clients to tra...

Welcome to the very first episode of Marketing Trends Now —the podcast that cuts through the clutter and tells you what’s actually working in digital marketing. I’m Katie Brinkley, and after 20+ years in this space, I’ve seen it all—from the rise and fall of platforms (remember Clubhouse?) to the latest algorithm shifts that throw our strategies sideways. This episode sets the stage. You’ll hear w...