April, you were iconic. May, we’re coming for you.

At IMAGENCY, we believe that if you want to market well, you have to move with culture — not just follow it.

Here’s your insider’s guide to the pop culture moments that defined the last week of April 2025 — keeping you (and your brand) always ahead of the curve.

Australia’s Under 16 Social Media Ban Is Coming

In one of the biggest regulatory moves we’ve seen this year, Australia’s Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 is officially locked in — and it’s set to shake up the digital world.

Starting December 2025, kids under 16 will be banned from accessing major platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

The move has drawn international praise for prioritising online safety, but serious questions remain around how platforms will actually enforce it — and what it will mean for the next generation of digital users.

This isn’t just a legal shift — it’s a cultural one.

Shein’s Australian Pop Up: Fashion Meets Experience

Global fashion giant Shein is set to launch its largest Australian pop up yet, Café Shein, at Parramatta Town Hall from May 8–11, 2025. This immersive experience blends retail, sustainability, and street culture — showcasing their Autumn - Winter 2025 collections, including their new eco focused line, Aralina.

Expect free coffee, on site stylists, and installations made for Instagram. It’s retail, but bigger, better, and built for the way we shop now.

The "Lesbian Stan" Era: Representation That Actually Hits

April saw a huge moment for queer representation in mainstream culture. From Kelly Clarkson’s viral wink on live TV to shows like Yellowjackets and Agatha All Along, lesbian and sapphic storylines aren't just existing — they're shaping pop culture conversations.

Authenticity is leading the way. Brands and media? It’s time to keep up.

Britpop Isn’t Dead: Pulp’s Big Comeback

Britpop royalty Pulp are officially back with their first new album in 24 years, titled More. Produced by James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Wet Leg), it’s a stylish, self aware return — offering nostalgia without feeling stuck in the past.

The band will be touring alongside LCD Soundsystem before headlining their own U.S. dates later this year. Nostalgia isn’t going anywhere — it’s evolving.

Australia’s Retro Motel Renaissance

Retro is the new luxury. All across Australia, classic motels are getting major glow ups — think pastel palettes, vintage interiors, and boutique style dining — while keeping their old school coastal charm.

Places like Motel Molly in Mollymook and Sea Sea Hotel in Crescent Head are leading the charge, proving that character will always beat cookie cutter.

Football Jerseys Are 2025’s Biggest Fashion Flex

The blokecore movement is no longer just a TikTok trend — it’s influencing street style everywhere. Football jerseys are now being styled with skirts, trousers, vintage sneakers — creating a nostalgic yet fashion forward look that feels effortless.

Sydney creator Mariame Choucair is at the forefront, showing that sportswear and streetwear can collide in all the right ways.

Instagram Launches “Edits” — A Game Changer for Creators

Instagram just dropped its new standalone app, Edits, and it’s about to change the content game.

Built specifically for creators, Edits offers a full suite of tools designed to make high quality video creation easier, faster, and more creative — all from your phone.

Think of it as Instagram’s answer to CapCut — but with even deeper integration into Reels.

Inside the app, you’ll find:

• High quality video capture (up to 10 minutes)

• AI powered animation effects

• Advanced green screen features

• Huge licensed music library

• Real time insights to track your post performance

The goal?

Make content creation smoother, smarter, and way more elevated — without ever leaving your mobile.

As short form video keeps dominating, apps like Edits aren’t just “nice to have” anymore. They’re becoming essential to staying visible (and relevant) on the feed.

Right now, Edits is available on both iOS and Android — and it’s already sparking major buzz across the creator economy

April 2025 proved that nostalgia, representation, and immersive experiences aren't just influencing pop culture — they’re rewriting the rules.

At IMAGENCY, we don’t just watch trends happen — we help brands become part of them.

April, you were iconic. May, we’re coming for you.

Stay tuned for next month’s culture pulse.