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In this issue, we’ve got the latest on Bluesky, TikTok’s legal battles, and Pinterest’s 2025 trend predictions. Plus, details on the OSSUM Awards celebrating marketers, startup leaders, and agency partners who make big things happen with limited resources, lean teams, and short runways.

IN THIS ISSUE

• ☁️ Bluesky Bandwagon

• 🌐 Around the Web: TikTok, Pinterest, Linkedin, Perplexity

•  📣 SUM Stuff

• 😂 In the Meme Time

Jumping on the Bluesky bandwagon

The social media platform, originally initiated by Jack Dorsey, saw a significant surge in users post-election. However, engagement numbers (likes, posts, follows) have taken a bit of a dip in recent weeks. View the latest stats in Jaz’s Bluesky index.

While Bluesky currently does not have ads, CEO Jay Graber hasn't ruled out the possibility of incorporating them in the future, suggesting that if they were introduced, they would be designed to align with user interests rather than commodifying attention. 

What you need to know about Bluesky:

1. It’s currently structured as a Public Benefit Corporation, emphasizing a commitment to user autonomy and community-driven development.

2. Decentralized architecture: Bluesky runs on the AT Protocol, allowing users to maintain ownership of their identity, posts, and followers across different platforms.

3. Post limitations: Posts can be up to 300 characters long.

4. Image Specifications: You can include up to 4 images (png, jpg, webp, gif) in a post. Recommended sizes: 2048x2048 pixels for header and profile photos, 600x335 pixels (expanding to 1200x675 pixels) for in-stream images.

5. Starter Packs are curated collections of accounts and custom feeds that allow users to quickly discover and connect with content creators and communities that match their interests. This is a great way for brands to establish themselves as industry experts while helping new and existing users find relevant content, foster engagement, and grow their communities.

6. Reply control: You can decide who can reply to your posts (everybody, nobody, mentioned users, or followed users)

7. Likes Tab: View all the posts you’ve liked in a dedicated tab, making it easier to revisit favorite content 

8. Scheduling Posts: You cannot schedule posts in Bluesky, but you can schedule posts using third-party tools such as Bugger, SocialBee, CoSchedule, Postpone, and OnlySocial.

SUM POLL

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AROUND THE WEB

• Perplexity has expanded its revenue-sharing publisher program to include the LA Times, Adweek, and over a dozen other publishers. While some publishers view these partnerships as potential new revenue streams, others are taking legal action. The New York Times recently sent Perplexity a cease and desist letter, while Dow Jones and the NY Post are pursuing lawsuits over what they term a "content kleptocracy."

• LinkedIn is rolling out a new feature for Premium Business subscribers: a revolving slideshow option for profile banner images. 

• TikTok has requested the emergency pause of a law set to ban the popular social media app next month, pending a Supreme Court review. It’s not clear if the Supreme Court will take up the case. 

• Heavily shaped by Gen Z, Pinterest’s 2025 Trends Report explores the not-yet-trending trends of 2025, from medieval-inspired Castlecore to the bold self-expression of Aura Beauty. As individuality and authenticity take center stage, marketers can use these insights to stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences.

SUM DISRUPTORS PODCAST

Enter the OSSUM Awards

Unlike most marketing awards that spotlight BIG BRANDS with MASSIVE BUDGETS, the OSSUM Awards celebrate the INNOVATION and CREATIVITY of startup marketers who make big things happen with limited resources and lean teams. 🌟

Whether you're a marketer, a startup leader, or an agency partner, this is your chance to gain recognition, attract top talent, and showcase your impact in a space where every dollar counts.

Why apply? Because your work deserves to be recognized, and the OSSUM Awards provide a platform to highlight the bold ideas and exceptional execution that drive growth and inspire others. With 25 categories from PR Pro to SEO Superstar, there’s something for everyone.

Give the Gift of SUM

As the year wraps up, now’s the perfect time to put those final budget dollars to work! Treat the marketer in your life—or yourself—to a one-year StartUp Marketer (SUM) membership and unlock all the marketing resources you need in the startup environment:

• Direct access to top marketing leaders and industry experts

• 60+ templates and playbooks to streamline your strategy

• Exclusive job opportunities and career coaching for marketers

• A vibrant, supportive community of startup marketers

Gift a gift that keeps on giving, all year long.

IN THE MEME TIME …