RESEARCH- TRENDS

I think one of the most recent trends in the media world is the use of social media, for example like Facebook and Twitter. These platforms have become more and more important and influential, it can be illustrated by the 'Call Me Maybe' case below. It shows that word of mouth and the two-step flow model can help raise the audience's attention and interest, which is key when promoting and marketing a product.

Call Me Maybe is a song recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen for her EP Curiosity (2012)
Musically, "Call Me Maybe" is an upbeat teen pop track that draws influences from dance-pop and disco. Lyrically, the track alludes to the inconvenience that a love at first sight brings to a girl who hopes for a call back from a crush.
In the United States, the track reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Pop Songs chart. The song is the first number one by a Canadian female artist on the Billboard Hot 100 chart since 2007's "Girlfriend" by Avril Lavigne. With worldwide sales of over 8.3 million copies it is the second best selling single of 2012.
How did it become so popular?
After Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber and his girlfriend actress/singer Selena Gomez tweeted about the song, it gained international attention. Jepsen was signed to Schoolboy Records, releasing her single in the United States through the label.

Gangnam Style

Rapper Psy has become the first South Korean pop star to make it to the top of the UK singles chart with his song Gangnam Style.

The track has become a global phenomenon and the video featuring his famous horse-riding dance is YouTube's most "liked" of all time.

One of the most successful achievements is that it inspired people from all around the world to make their own versions and share with other people.