A creator explains why Pepsi is losing its cultural impact with Gen Z and proposes a hypothetical rebrand strategy. She suggests shifting from traditional ads to 'playable' experiences, like turning a bowling alley into a Pepsi-themed social event based on iconic brand gestures.
Is Pepsi Dead to Gen Z? How to Save the Brand
A creator explains why Pepsi is losing its cultural impact with Gen Z and proposes a hypothetical rebrand strategy. She suggests shifting from traditional ads to 'playable' experiences, like turning a bowling alley into a Pepsi-themed social event based on iconic brand gestures.
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If I was the brand manager at Pepsi, I would panic.
If I was the brand manager at Pepsi, I would panic. I think that Gen Z has lowkey forgotten Pepsi. Like where is it even seen? Maybe in movie halls. So here is exactly what I do. I take that iconic yo gesture by Salman Khan and turn it into an experience. Because that yo is exactly how you hold a bowling ball. And that is the entire campaign. I'd partner with a place like Smash Game, Palacio or Glued. And I'd turn the entire bowling alley into Pepsi. I'd modify every bowling pin into a Pepsi bottle. Bowling balls exactly like the Pepsi logo. This way people n naturally use the yo sign. I wouldn't invite random celebrities. I'd invite friend groups. Ananya, Shanaya, Janhvi, the iconic three same. Ranveer and Apoorva. And of course the ye Jawani Adiwani Gang. Because people don't copy random celebrities. They copy feelings. Because that's the shift that Pepsi needs today. From watchable to playable. From drink this to actually experience this. Because honestly, our generation do not want another ad. We want a moment. A moment with friends that we cannot forget. Because someone once said this would make Pepsi a moment again. Comment down below and tell me how you like it.
- 01The Stakes Hook
Establish a position of authority and identify a major problem for a well-known entity.
- 02Identifying the Blind Spot
Point out where the entity is currently failing to reach people.
- 03The Solution Promise
Pivot to your actionable plan.
- 04The Creative Pivot
Take an existing cultural element and turn it into a physical or digital experience.
- 05The Visual Transformation
Detail how you would physically alter an environment to match the brand.
- 06The Natural Result
Explain how this leads to organic behavior.
- 07The Community Strategy
Specify who you would involve to make the idea go viral.
- 08The Strategic 'Why'
Explain the psychological reasoning behind the choices.
- 09The Transformation Goal
Summarize the shift in value proposition.
- 10The Demographic Truth
End with a powerful insight about what the audience actually wants.
- 11Call to Action
Invite the audience to provide feedback.