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ShortTake

A digital journal on culture & creativity, curated by and for modern storytellers.

Entries for author "Jeff Barrett"

#ShortTake: Inflation, Roblox, New RTO Rules, and Prime Day

By Jeff Barrett  • Published July 14, 2025

Inflation?

This week, the Consumer Price Index drops—and for marketers and creators alike, it's more than just a macro headline. Price sensitivity affects ad budgets, consumer behavior, and whether your followers buy the product you just UGC’d. With sticky inflation and high service costs, keep an eye on how brands might shift their spend from awareness to conversion.

What to watch via LinkedIn News

Roblox’s Teen Millionaires 

Roblox creators …

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#ShortTake: TikTok’s Rebrand Era, E-Commerce’s Slowdown, and the Rise of Vibe-Targeting

By Jeff Barrett  • Published July 7, 2025

ShortTake is your weekly FYP from The Shorty Awards for quick, new and thought-challenging takes on culture, creativity and TLDR. Things that need a closer look and things that need a completely different perspective.

TikTok's Pre-Sale Glow-Up

TikTok is prepping a major design refresh ahead of a potential sale—including an overhauled app layout and an emphasis on "trust and safety." The goal? Impress regulators, potential buyers, and Gen Z all …

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#ShortTake: TikTok Sale Talks, OpenAI vs Meta, and IRL Makes a Comeback

By Jeff Barrett  • Published June 30, 2025

ShortTake is your weekly FYP from The Shorty Awards for quick, new and thought-challenging takes on culture, creativity and TLDR. Things that need a closer look and things that need a completely different perspective.

TikTok Sale? Again??

We’ve been here before, folks. Trump teased a pending TikTok U.S. sale involving "very wealthy people," supposedly within two weeks. Is it happening? Is this real life? Is this... not a drill? Cue …

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#ShortTake: All Eyes on Creators. Cannes, VidCon, and Beyond

By Jeff Barrett  • Published June 23, 2025

Cannes Recap: Creator Economy Steals the Spotlight

Cannes Lions is known as the ad world’s Oscars—but this year, creators were the headliners. Over 12,000 attendees (including influencers and athletes) showed up, and creator-led campaigns were woven into mainstage panels and award categories. The LIONS Creators Programme expanded, and major brands leaned in on creator-produced content and AI-powered storytelling that still hit with emotional authenticity. As Axios says, “dominant beach parties …

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#ShortTake: VidCon, Cannes Lions, and "No Kings"

By Jeff Barrett  • Published June 16, 2025

ShortTake is your weekly FYP from The Shorty Awards for quick, new and thought-challenging takes on culture, creativity and TLDR. Things that need a closer look and things that need a completely different perspective.

VidCon 2025

VidCon lands in Anaheim June 19 - 21, and it’s growing up, fast. With creator ad revenue expected to surpass traditional media this year, the Industry Track is now bursting with pitch-ready creators, brand …

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