Pop Culture & Characters: The Creative Superpower Your Brand Needs on Social Media

Valentina Lobo
Jul 10
3 min read

References have a strong impact on our audience when used correctly.

Hello, I’m Vale Lobo! I hope you're having a lovely day.

I’d like to know: have you noticed how a simple “It’s Britney, bitch” or an image of Blair Waldorf can generate thousands of interactions in seconds?

It’s not a coincidence! References to pop culture have become a key tool for creating relevant, emotional, and viral content.

More than ever, brands that successfully connect with their audience do so by understanding their language, their references, and their emotional world. That’s where series, movies, iconic characters, and songs play a starring role.

Why are pop culture references so powerful?

The answer is simple: they trigger something beyond logic nostalgia, belonging, and emotional connection. When you mention Rory Gilmore, Elle Woods, or even Hannah Montana, you're not just evoking a characte you’re tapping into the emotional universe your audience associates with that figure.

These references:

Are scroll-stopping (they halt thumb-scrolling).
Humanize your message.
Reinforce brand identity.
Generate instant recognition.
And above all, amplify virality.

It's not just an aesthetic trend—it’s creative strategy at its finest.

How to adapt them to your business (without forcing it)

You don’t need to sell coffee to talk about Lorelai Gilmore, nor be in the fashion industry to evoke Miranda Priestly. The secret lies in understanding what that character or situation represents and aligning it with your value proposition.

Ask yourself:

Can I use that reference as a metaphor to better explain what I offer?
What habits, emotions, or frustrations of my audience are reflected in this reference?
How does my product or service help them solve that?

This applies to both B2C and B2B businesses—the key is in the approach.

Applied examples across industries:

Technology (like ELIA): “If Rory Gilmore had WhatsApp, she’d be using ELIA.” – refers to productivity, academic life, and a clear intellectual/emotional identity.
Fashion: “If Regina George launched a collection today, it would be limited edition and pink. Obviously.” – perfect for emphasizing exclusivity and brand personality.
Health & Wellness: “Kat Stratford goes to therapy. So should you. It’s cool, not edgy.” – a direct but emotional way to break taboos.
Education: “Elle Woods got into Harvard and you can conquer that exam too. The method + confidence is everything.”
Finance or Legal: “What would Olivia Pope do? The same as you, but with legal backing and a white blazer.”
Beauty: “Clean girl but with deadlines. Book your appointment, get organized, and keep shining ✨.”

Tips for using pop references without making them look forced

Know your audience: Not all generations will recognize the same references—use ones that resonate with your community.
Use them with intention, not just for likes: The reference must add value or context, not just decorate.
Watch the tone: Using a pop reference doesn’t mean losing professionalism—you can be cool and clear.
Avoid meaningless clichés: Not everything has to be “fetch”—select characters with purpose.
Combine with storytelling: A reference works better when embedded in a mini narrative.

It’s not just nostalgia, it’s creative strategy

Incorporating pop culture into your content isn’t about “jumping on the bandwagon”—it's about understanding that, more than ever, decisions are driven by emotion and identification. When you use references your audience loves, you understand their world and speak their language. That doesn’t just generate likes—it builds community, brand recall, and real conversations.

Because if there's one thing Miranda Priestly has taught us, it's that everything communicates and if you're doing it with coffee in hand, a star emoji, and a good WhatsApp reminder, all the better.

Want to improve your daily organization? With ELIA, you can create reminders easily and hassle‑free. To sign up, just send a message on WhatsApp to +57 301 218 4935, click “register now,” and fill in the requested info.