The social trend transforms into a drink: Unicorn Frappuccino

Over the past few years, unicorns have become a social phenomenon, with their colorful and magical charm capturing the hearts of people all around the world. From unicorn-themed merchandise to unicorn-inspired food, the trend has quickly made its way into popular culture. And now, it has even transformed into a drink. Starbucks’ Unicorn Frappuccino took the world by storm when it was introduced in April 2017, captivating Instagrammers and unicorn lovers everywhere.

The drink was a limited-edition concoction made up of brightly colored layers of mango-flavored, sweet and sour cream frappuccino, split with a blue drizzle. It then was topped off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of purple, pink, and blue sugar crystals. The Unicorn Frappuccino was unlike anything Starbucks had ever had on its menu before, as it was inspired by a social trend that had blown up on the internet.

But why did the Unicorn Frappuccino become such a sensation? The answer lies in the psychology of social trends. The desire to participate in something that is perceived as “in the moment” or “on-trend” is a powerful motivator for humans. There is something about feeling like you are a part of a movement or experience that makes people happy. In the case of the Unicorn Frappuccino, it was both the visual appeal of the drink and the fact that it tapped into a broader cultural trend.

The popularity of the Unicorn Frappuccino proved that social trends can be monetized and adapted into physical products. While it may seem like a shallow marketing ploy, there is something significant about the longevity of social trends. They often consist of something that people connect with on an emotional level, whether it be nostalgia, humor, or a desire to feel unique. Brands can tap into these emotions by creating products that people can physically own or experience.

However, the Unicorn Frappuccino was not only significant from a marketing perspective, but it also served as a cultural artifact of our times. The drink embodied the encroachment of social media into our lives, as it became the subject of countless Instagram posts, YouTube videos, and Snapchat stories. It was more than just a drink; it was a symbol of our modern times and the importance that social media holds in our lives.

Moreover, the Unicorn Frappuccino encapsulated the trend of “Instagrammable” food and drinks. In today’s world, eating and drinking have become about more than just sustenance. It is now an experience that people want to share on social media. Brands have been quick to capitalize on this trend by creating visually stunning products that look good enough to eat (or drink).

However, as quickly as the trend started, it also died out. Starbucks only offered the Unicorn Frappuccino for a limited time, and it was soon replaced by other seasonal drinks. The lifespan of the trend demonstrates the fleeting nature of social trends in modern-day culture.

In conclusion, the Unicorn Frappuccino was more than just a drink; it was a cultural moment that embodied our modern times. It showcased the power of social trends to transform into physical products and was a testament to the social media age. While the trend may have been fleeting, its impact on popular culture will not be forgotten.