Forget Politics —The 2024 U.S Presidential Election Redefined Marketing | Trump vs Kamala

The 2024 US presidential election was like a major lesson in how to win attention in today’s chaotic media world. This time it wasn’t a battle of TV ads or newspaper endorsements between the candidates. This time the political race was all about TikTok trends, podcast marathons and memes.

And guess who nailed it? Now that Donald Trump has been elected, clearly his strategies are worth analysing.

Love him or hate him, the man knows how to own the spotlight.

Let’s break down how Trump’s media strategy helped him stand out in a wild, unpredictable election year—and what we can all learn from it.

Table of contents

• How TikTok & Podcasts Became a Thing in this Political Battle?
• And Why Trump Opted For These Platforms?
• Branding Also Did Some Serious Magic!
• Kamala Harris Also Leveraged TikTok & Podcasts
• The Humour, the Memes and the Movement
• What This Means for Branding and Media
• What’s Next

How TikTok & Podcasts Became a Thing in this Political Battle?

The media landscape of 2024 demanded something entirely different — agility, adaptability and the ability to connect directly with audiences through their preferred platforms.

If Obama’s campaigns were the Facebook era and Trump’s 2016 win was the Twitter moment, 2024 was the year of TikTok and podcasts—a space Trump capitalised on remarkably well.

Trump appeared on the Joe Rogan podcast and it gave him an unfiltered, long-form medium to engage his base. His three-hour interview on Rogan’s show became a media event, racking up 40 million views on YouTube within four days and spawning over 135 million user-generated views across social media.

Meanwhile, TikTok became a battleground of humour, memes and political discourse. Trump’s team leaned into the platform’s culture, creating content that resonated with Gen Z and millennials.

On the other hand Kamala’s team was not less. They also leveraged this two platforms to their highest potential.

Here’s a list of podcasts both of them appeared on :

Image Source:The Information

And Why Trump Opted For These Platforms?

4 in 10 young adults use TikTok to get their news. This is a huge number. On the other hand, podcasts let candidates dive deep without the usual soundbites.

Image Source:Pew Research

Trump’s strategy here was smart — don’t try to be everywhere, but be exactly where it matters. That’s why he turned both platforms into his stage. TikTok gave him traction and podcasts like Rogan’s offered a chance to dig into his policies, peppered with plenty of the personality his base loves.

Branding Also Did Some Serious Magic!

Trump’s campaign success also rested on principles he’s honed over decades in business, entertainment and politics. His messaging was consistent, leaning on slogans like “Make America Great Again” while doubling down on bold, attention-grabbing tactics. His mastery of controversy, though divisive, kept him perpetually in the spotlight—a critical advantage in today’s fast-moving media cycles.

His personal brand intertwined seamlessly with all his campaigns. By tapping into concerns and frustrations of people, he positioned himself as an authentic voice for a specific audience. This authenticity—whether perceived or real—built loyalty which says a lot a out his branding success.

Kamala Harris Also Leveraged TikTok & Podcasts

Trump wasn’t the only candidate leaning into new media. Kamala Harris made her mark with an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast, a savvy play to engage young, female voters.

The Humour, the Memes and the Movement

The 2024 election became a meme fest. TikTok was flooded with trends like Kamala’s “Brat Summer” and her infamous mention of the coconut tree also became a meme (again).

Trump’s infamous 38-minute dance marathon also became the talk of the town on social media.

And his Tik-Tok account was also all rage.

Trump’s ability to play into these trends showcased his adaptability. By participating in viral moments, he transcended generational divides, making his campaign not just a political statement but a cultural phenomenon.

What This Means for Branding and Media

Trump’s victory underscores the power of knowing your audience and meeting them where they are. His pivot to podcasts and TikTok wasn’t just a gimmick; it was a calculated response to how younger generations consume content. This shift holds lessons for businesses and brands: in a world of infinite information, precision beats volume.

Much like Trump’s hyper-focused messaging, companies need to engage audiences authentically on platforms where they already spend time.

Here’s what it all sums down to :

• Trust is built through authenticity: Today’s audiences demand more than polished campaigns; they seek genuine connections. Your messaging must align with your values while addressing the emotions and needs of your audience.
• Boldness drives innovation: Experimentation might be risky but it’s always good to try. Whether it’s exploring new platforms or adopting emerging trends, brands that innovate stay ahead of the curve.
• Integrated content ecosystems are key: Much like both candidates repurposed content across multiple platforms, brands must ensure their message is cohesive yet adaptable to each channel’s unique strengths.
• Focus beats fragmentation: Targeting niche audiences with precision often yields better results than casting a wide net. Deep engagement with the right people outshines shallow impressions with everyone.

What’s Next?

The 2024 election showed us something big– the way people consume content is constantly changing. Whether it’s TikTok, podcasts or whatever’s next, staying ahead means understanding where your audience is and how they want to engage.

This shift isn’t just about politics— it applies to businesses and brands too. Afterall, people who voted are your consumers as well.

So, social media trends come and go but the core lesson remains the same —adapt to your audience, embrace new platforms and create authentic, shareable moments. Whether it’s short, punchy TikTok clips or long-form podcast chats, knowing how to communicate in a way that resonates is whats essential.

As we look into the future, it’s clear that the brands that win will be the ones who aren’t afraid to evolve.

Want to make sure your message hits the mark? Our digital marketing agency can help you build a strategy that connects with your audience and keeps you ahead of the curve. Let’s turn your brand into the talk of the town—on whatever platform comes next!

Vasim Samadji

Vasim Samadji is a partner at Flora Fountain, where he leads the Business and Marketing Strategy divisions. In a world where everyone is used to sugarcoating, his directness is often considered rude. But that shouldn't be a problem if you like the no-nonsense approach. Because he is a seasoned professional...