The 4 Traits of Popular Culture You Need to Know
Popular culture has become an integral part of our lives. It shapes our values, attitudes, and beliefs to a great extent. Therefore, understanding the elements that make a cultural phenomenon popular can help businesses and individuals in creating content that resonates with a wider audience.
In this article, we will explore the four primary traits that make something popular in modern culture.
1) Relatability
One of the most crucial aspects that make popular culture, well, popular is relatability. People tend to like what they can connect to on a personal level. When content creators produce stories, characters, and themes that reflect the experiences of their audience, they’re more likely to receive a positive response.
For instance, take the popularity of ‘The Office’ series; the show’s humor and relatable characters resonated with viewers and has persisted through the years.
Also, the relatability factor is vital when it comes to social media. When the content that you create delivers something that people can engage with, it becomes more visible. Social media platforms tend to rank and show in the feeds the content that people actively engage with.
2) Novelty
Another essential trait of popular culture is novelty. The public craves something new and fresh, something that they were not exposed to previously. As Wes Anderson said, “I think everything should be new and strange to me every time. That’s what keeps me interested—taking big risks.” If you can create something unlike anything else, you’re more likely to impress people and attract their attention.
For example, when AI-generated art broke out in 2018, it instantly became the talk of the town.
3) Authenticity
Authenticity is another critical aspect of popular culture. People can spot a manufactured or forced piece of content, and today’s generation rejects anything that appears insincere. To be authentic with your content, create a genuine brand voice, and show transparency about who the creators and the message behind the message. People need to know that the content they see comes from a credible and authentic source.
For example, brands like Nike which collaborate with athletes, who genuinely use the product, show authenticity as it communicates that the brand is authentic and genuine.
4) Societal Relevance
In today’s world, societies are constantly evolving, and people are becoming more vocal about relevant injustices. Creating content that addresses contemporary issues can make the content more popular. Specifically, if a topic towers over society and your content presents a unique perspective, it’s more likely to gain traction. For example, the Taylor Swift album ‘Folklore,’ which touched on social anxiety broadly, gained acclaim.
Conclusion
To sum up, relatability, novelty, authenticity, and social relevance are the four primary traits that make cultural phenomena popular. If any piece of content can meet these elements, then it is more likely to capture the audience’s attention and achieve widespread success. By creating content that speaks for your audience’s existing experiences and taps into their desire for authenticity and societal relevance, you can produce engaging and effective content strategies that resonate with your audience.
