Inside a neon-lit arcade, a woman approaches a vintage fortune-teller machine starring Owly, Hootsuite’s mascot. She asks: “Show me the future of social media.”
The machine sparks to life, transporting us into a retro 80s-inspired digital world. Tarot-like cards flip forward, each labeled “Owly Says,” revealing Hootsuite’s key social media predictions for the year ahead.
The ad closes back in the arcade, where the machine dispenses a physical prophecy card with a simple message: “See the future.”
The Formula (That Works at Any Budget)
Painful truth = Predicting social media feels like a gamble
Marketers struggle with uncertainty. Without reliable insights, planning feels like chance—just like dropping a coin in a fortune-teller machine.
→ Lesson: Frame uncertainty as a relatable, high-stakes quest for answers.
Central metaphor = Trend report as fortune-telling
Instead of a dull PDF or webinar, Hootsuite reimagines its trends report as a magical, all-knowing oracle. Abstract insights become an immersive experience.
→ Lesson: Make your data tangible, visual, and entertaining.
Single punchline = “See the future.”
The tagline is direct and confident, answering the marketer’s biggest fear: What’s next?
→ Lesson: Deliver your promise as a bold, simple statement.
Humor Breakdown
The humor is nostalgic and playful rather than laugh-out-loud. The ad blends a modern business challenge—planning social strategy—with the quirky charm of an arcade fortune-teller machine. Synthwave music, neon lights, and Tron-like visuals parody retro futurism, making the entire experience self-aware and fun. The comedy lies in the contrast: turning a dry trend report into something magical, theatrical, and oddly cool.
Final Verdict
Hootsuite elevates its annual trends report into a cinematic brand moment. By casting Owly as a mystical oracle, the ad transforms what could have been bland content into an engaging, memorable experience. It’s stylish, clever, and perfectly positions Hootsuite as the guide marketers can trust to navigate an uncertain future.
BRAVE-o-meter Score
B-8 | R-9 | A-8 | V-8 | E-9
BRAVE – 8.4/10
Watch the full ad & learn more:
Website: Hootsuite Official Site
LinkedIn: Hootsuite on LinkedIn





