Pop Culture Insights: April 2025

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. However, serious questions remain. How will platforms enforce this law? What will it 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 launching 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. It will showcase their Autumn - Winter 2025 collections, including the new eco-focused line, Aralina.

Expect free coffee, on-site stylists, and Instagram-worthy installations. 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 merely existing — they're shaping pop culture conversations.

Authenticity is leading the way. Brands and media must keep up.

Britpop Isn’t Dead: Pulp’s Big Comeback

Britpop royalty Pulp is 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. The album offers nostalgia without feeling stuck in the past.

The band will tour alongside LCD Soundsystem, 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. Classic motels across Australia are undergoing major renovations. Think pastel palettes, vintage interiors, and boutique-style dining, all while maintaining old-school coastal charm.

Places like Motel Molly in Mollymook and Sea Sea Hotel in Crescent Head lead 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 influences street style everywhere. Football jerseys are now styled with skirts, trousers, and vintage sneakers. This creates a nostalgic yet fashion-forward look that feels effortless.

Sydney creator Mariame Choucair is at the forefront of this trend. She shows 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. This app is about to revolutionize the content game.

Built specifically for creators, Edits offers a complete suite of tools. It makes high-quality video creation easier, faster, and more creative — all from your phone.

Think of it as Instagram’s answer to CapCut — but with 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

• A huge licensed music library

• Real-time insights to track your post performance

  
  

The goal? Make content creation smoother, smarter, and elevated — without ever leaving your mobile.

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

Currently, Edits is available on both iOS and Android. It’s already generating significant buzz across the creator economy.

Conclusion: A Cultural Transformation

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 observe trends; we help brands engage with them.

April, you were iconic. May, we’re coming for you. Stay tuned for next month’s culture pulse!