Marketing Magic: Viral Jingles, Creator Power, and the Cost of Getting Culture Wrong
Thu Feb 05 2026
In this episode of Coffee with Yvonne, we explore Romeo Bingham’s TikTok jingle that led to a national TV ad, showing how creators can shape brand campaigns in real time. Then, we break down Duolingo’s halftime-inspired strategy, proving that culture, timing, and a little humor can turn language learning into a Super Bowl phenomenon.
Next, we unpack Khaby Lame’s journey from viral star to global business powerhouse, and what it means when influence becomes equity. Finally, we take a closer look at Nike and LeBron’s MLK-inspired sneaker, examining how intent and impact can collide when brands miss the mark in navigating culturally sensitive moments.
So grab your coffee and let’s chat.
Takeaways
Brands don't need to create culture, they need to curate it.
Familiarity beats novelty in high reach media.
Paying creators signals value, not just compliance.
Creators as enterprise, not just media channels
Authentic storytelling doesn't look the same as selling.
Social justice branding requires multi-dimensional investment.
Articles
Social Media Celebrates Dr. Pepper Ad With TikTok Creator's Viral Sound
Duolingo launches 'Bad Bunny 101' ahead of Super Bowl LX halftime show
World’s biggest TikToker from Senegal sells company in $900m deal
LeBron James, Nike MLK shoes draw criticism: What to know
Episode Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:29 Romeo Bingham: From TikTok to TV
11:52 From Halftime to Fluent, Duolingo’s Big Game Strategy
18:57 Khaby Lame: Influence as Equity
26:44 Nike and LeBron: Intent vs. Impact in Cultural Marketing
35:28 Closing
Catch up on the latest episode and every episode here.
Don’t forget to follow Coffee with Yvonne on IG and Threads at Coffee with Yvonne.
To learn more about Yvonne and her business, PinkDollhouse Marketing, visit here. Follow Yvonne on Instagram at PinkDollhouse Marketing and at Yvonne_Creativemarketer on Instagram, and TikTok.
Chat with you soon. Okay byeeeeeee
More
In this episode of Coffee with Yvonne, we explore Romeo Bingham’s TikTok jingle that led to a national TV ad, showing how creators can shape brand campaigns in real time. Then, we break down Duolingo’s halftime-inspired strategy, proving that culture, timing, and a little humor can turn language learning into a Super Bowl phenomenon. Next, we unpack Khaby Lame’s journey from viral star to global business powerhouse, and what it means when influence becomes equity. Finally, we take a closer look at Nike and LeBron’s MLK-inspired sneaker, examining how intent and impact can collide when brands miss the mark in navigating culturally sensitive moments. So grab your coffee and let’s chat. Takeaways Brands don't need to create culture, they need to curate it. Familiarity beats novelty in high reach media. Paying creators signals value, not just compliance. Creators as enterprise, not just media channels Authentic storytelling doesn't look the same as selling. Social justice branding requires multi-dimensional investment. Articles Social Media Celebrates Dr. Pepper Ad With TikTok Creator's Viral Sound Duolingo launches 'Bad Bunny 101' ahead of Super Bowl LX halftime show World’s biggest TikToker from Senegal sells company in $900m deal LeBron James, Nike MLK shoes draw criticism: What to know Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:29 Romeo Bingham: From TikTok to TV 11:52 From Halftime to Fluent, Duolingo’s Big Game Strategy 18:57 Khaby Lame: Influence as Equity 26:44 Nike and LeBron: Intent vs. Impact in Cultural Marketing 35:28 Closing Catch up on the latest episode and every episode here. Don’t forget to follow Coffee with Yvonne on IG and Threads at Coffee with Yvonne. To learn more about Yvonne and her business, PinkDollhouse Marketing, visit here. Follow Yvonne on Instagram at PinkDollhouse Marketing and at Yvonne_Creativemarketer on Instagram, and TikTok. Chat with you soon. Okay byeeeeeee