Podcast Summary: Ep. 295 - What's Up THIS WEEK: LinkedIn Video LEAVING?😧Ruby Franke!🫣Good American Family! Google 'Short Videos' Tab?

Published on March 25, 2025, by GURU Media Hub

In Episode 295 of "Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson," hosted by GURU Media Hub and presented by Marigold, Jay Schwedelson delves into a variety of pressing topics in the realms of business, marketing, and pop culture. This episode offers marketers actionable insights, critical updates, and thought-provoking discussions to enhance their strategic approaches. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key segments covered in this episode.

1. The Rise of Short-Form Videos: Google’s New “Short Videos” Tab

One of the episode's primary focuses is the burgeoning significance of short-form video content in the marketing landscape. Jay highlights a groundbreaking update from Google:

Jay Schwedelson [00:39]: “When you click on the short videos tab on google.com, you will see all these TikTok videos and other all these other short form videos. This is a very, very big deal for Google to give real estate like that to short videos.”

Google has officially launched the "Short Videos" tab, transitioning from its beta phase to a full-scale rollout. This strategic move underscores Google’s acknowledgment of the exponential growth and effectiveness of short-form video content. Jay emphasizes the importance for brands and personal marketers alike to integrate short videos into their content strategies promptly.

He further connects this development to TikTok's impending deal with Oracle, projecting TikTok’s continued and enhanced presence in the U.S. market:

Jay Schwedelson [02:10]: “And if you're not doing short form videos for your brand accounts, you need to get on that train like yesterday.”

This segment serves as a robust call to action for marketers to prioritize short-form video content to stay competitive and relevant.

2. LinkedIn’s Evolving Video Strategy and the Removal of the Video Tab

Switching focus to professional networking, Jay discusses LinkedIn’s recent changes concerning video content accessibility on mobile devices. LinkedIn has removed the dedicated video tab from its mobile interface, sparking concerns about the platform’s commitment to video content.

To address these concerns, Jay references a statement from Gyanda Saikdeva, LinkedIn’s Vice President of Product Management:

Jay Schwedelson [03:30]: “Gyanda Saikdeva... said, 'We've seen a 36% year over year increase in watch time and video creation and it's going twice as fast as any other format.'”

Despite the removal of the video tab, LinkedIn remains committed to enhancing video content features. The platform is experimenting with integrating videos more seamlessly into users’ feeds to improve discoverability and user engagement. Jay reassures listeners that this move does not signify a retreat from video content but rather an adjustment in how it's presented and accessed.

3. 23andMe Files for Bankruptcy: A Cautionary Tale

In a surprising turn of events, Jay reports that 23andMe, the renowned DNA testing company, has filed for bankruptcy. He reflects on the company's pioneering efforts in the direct-to-consumer genetic testing space and speculates on the reasons behind its downfall:

Jay Schwedelson [04:30]: “23andMe was a little bit ahead of their time... it felt really weird. I didn't want to find out I had siblings I never knew about.”

Jay likens 23andMe's trajectory to Blockbuster’s initial dominance followed by Netflix-induced disruption, suggesting that while 23andMe was innovative, it perhaps overextended or mismanaged its growth in the face of emerging market dynamics. This segment serves as a sobering reminder of the volatility and unpredictability inherent in tech-driven industries.

4. Misrepresentation of Women in Advertising: A Critical Analysis

Addressing social issues within marketing, Jay voices his frustration over a recent study by Creative X, a prominent measurement platform, which revealed troubling trends in the portrayal of women in advertisements:

Jay Schwedelson [05:45]: “71% of women in advertisements are shown domestically or in family roles, and only with only 20% shown in professional or leadership settings.”

He highlights the regression in the representation of women over the past year, where professional portrayals decreased from 27% to 20%, while domestic depictions slightly increased. Jay underscores the importance of this issue by citing future economic impacts:

Jay Schwedelson [06:30]: “By 2028, women are expected to control over 75% of all discretionary spending.”

This statistic emphasizes the critical need for advertisers to authentically and accurately represent women in diverse and empowered roles to resonate with a significant and influential consumer base. Jay calls for the advertising community to reevaluate and improve their portrayal of women, moving beyond stereotypes to reflect their true societal roles and contributions.

5. Disturbing Content on Hulu: “American Family” and “Devil in the Family”

In a departure from marketing topics, Jay shares his recent experience with Hulu's new content offerings, specifically highlighting two unsettling series:

1. "American Family" with Ellen Pompeo

   Jay recounts watching this adoption story, which left him deeply disturbed:

   Jay Schwedelson [07:00]: “I had to shut it off after the second episode. It was so disturbing.”

   The series explores the complex and emotional journey of Natalia Grace, an adoption story that unfolds with intense and often unsettling narrative developments.

2. "Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke"

   This miniseries delves into the dramatic decline of Ruby Franke, a YouTuber known for her wholesome family vlogs:

   Jay Schwedelson [07:45]: “In three episodes, it takes you down this wild roller coaster ride of the complete demise of the situation.”

   The portrayal of the family's unraveling captivated Jay, though he found the content deeply upsetting.

These discussions illustrate Jay’s willingness to engage with diverse content, even those outside the strict confines of marketing, offering listeners a glimpse into the broader cultural landscape that marketers navigate.

6. Announcement: Guru Conference – A Free Virtual Email Marketing Event

Concluding the episode on an exciting note, Jay announces the upcoming Guru Conference, a free virtual event focusing on email marketing:

Jay Schwedelson [08:00]: “This Thursday we are opening up registration for Guru Conference... It's going to be bonkers.”

He highlights the event's appeal by mentioning the previous year's impressive attendance of 24,000 people and notable figures such as Sarah Jessica Parker. This year promises to be even more dynamic, offering attendees the chance to connect with top marketers and receive exclusive swag for early registrants.

Listeners are encouraged to keep an eye out for the registration announcement and participate in this valuable opportunity to enhance their marketing skills and network with industry leaders.

Conclusion

Episode 295 of "Do This, NOT That" provides a comprehensive overview of significant developments affecting marketers today. From the strategic shift towards short-form video content and the evolving dynamics of LinkedIn’s video features to critical reflections on corporate failures and representation in advertising, Jay Schwedelson delivers insightful commentary that is both informative and actionable. Additionally, his candid discussion of unsettling media content and the enthusiastic announcement of the Guru Conference add layers of depth and engagement to the episode.

For marketers seeking to stay ahead of trends, address social responsibilities, and enhance their strategic toolkit, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Tune in to "Do This, NOT That" to harness these insights and elevate your marketing endeavors.