How a Junior Marketer Became a Brand Icon (and an Industry Hero)

Plus: Pinterest's antidote to toxic algorithms, Google gets off easy, and AI sound effects are blowing up.

Sep 04, 2025

👋 Happy Thursday AI Marketers. What happens when an entry level social media manager becomes the face of a major brand? Pinterest is making feeds great again. Google’s search monopoly gets out of jail free. And sound effects will never be the same. Lots to cover. Let’s get you caught up…

Meet the 26 Year Old Social Media Manager Everyone is Talking About

Zaria Parvez didn’t just manage Duolingo’s TikTok. She became Duolingo. Her sharp, unhinged voice turned a language app mascot into one of the most recognizable characters on social media, with growth exploding to 16 million followers in a few short years. And over 8 billion impressions. Not bad for her first marketing gig.

Along the way she blurred the line between personal and corporate brand, proving that human creativity still drives the biggest wins in an AI-saturated era. When she announced plans to take a new role at DoorDash, it made the kind of headlines typically reserved for CEOs. This eye-opening interview is a must-read for anyone who thinks social is just “junior” work.

The Drum →

What Is ‘Additive AI’ And Why Is Pinterest Betting On It?

While rivals continue to optimize for stickiness with addictive social feeds and toxic algorithms, Pinterest is working on the antidote: “Additive AI.” Think of it as personalization reimagined to spark inspiration, not doomscrolling. AI that favors taste, transparency, and user control. From inclusive search filters and advanced preferences to labeling AI generated content, the company is betting that positivity can be a competitive edge. The big question is whether Wall Street has the patience for a model that prizes good vibes over compulsion.

Fast Company →

The Less Consumers Know About AI, the More They Use It

New research reveals a counterintuitive trend, with heavy AI users often being the least knowledgeable about how it works and its limitations. To them, AI feels magical. Capable of anything. Kinda like how we all felt when ChatGPT first hit. Those with higher literacy tend to see AI for what it is: pattern matching. And rely on it accordingly. Brands are encouraged to take a “calibrated literacy” approach to marketing AI products. Setting realistic expectations without killing the sense of awe.

WSJ →

The Federal Ruling On Google’s Search Monopoly: Carry On

A year after Google was found guilty of maintaining a monopoly on internet search, a federal judge’s remedy amounts to a slap on the wrist. The company is ordered to share some of its search data with competitors, but that’s pretty much it. Google keeps its Chrome browser and Android operating system, as well as the right to pay Apple and Samsung to be the default search engine on their smartphones. The bottom line: Google still owns search, consumer choice is still limited, competitive products (including AI search engines) won’t benefit, and any action on Google’s part is probably years away.

NYT →

New Research: How Content Marketers Are Actually Using AI

Orbit Media’s annual survey shows near-universal AI adoption among content marketers. Like 95 percent. But how are they using it? Most rely on AI as an editor, suggesting ideas or refining drafts. Fewer are outsourcing full articles to AI, and those who do report weaker results. But how else are they using AI? How fast are marketers adopting it? How much time is it saving? And how is it impacting results? Andy Crestodina lays it all out here.

Orbit Media →

ElevenLabs just launched SFX V2, and it’s a big leap for AI-generated sound. With higher-quality effects, film-grade 48kHz audio, longer 30-second clips, and seamless looping for continuous sound, you’re just a prompt away from any effect you need. Rain on a tent. Canned nightclub laughter. Retro arcade games. The sky’s the limit. And the library is 6x bigger too, with favorites and remixing built in. Plus, you can experiment for free. What’s not to love?

Check it out →

🎙️ My top 3 podcast episodes this week:

A16Z PODCAST

Chris Best of Substack on the Future of Media

Chris Best joins Erik Torenberg, Katherine Boyle, and Andrew Chen to explore how Substack reshaped independent media. They trace its origin story, the rebundling of content, and why attention is now the rarest resource. A candid look at media’s past, present, and possible future.

Listen →

THE EXIT FIVE CMO PODCAST

How B2B Marketers Are Actually Using AI for Content

Dave Gerhardt spotlights five marketers who share real AI workflows transforming B2B teams. From 3D mascots to ROI calculators to automated buyer briefs, these examples are sure to inspire. A fast-moving mix of competition and workshop packed with tactical takeaways.

Listen →

THE HUSTLE DAILY SHOW

How to Get Found on a Dead SEO Internet

Zak Ali of Finder.com explains how AI search is forcing a new SEO playbook. We all know success now depends on being cited by AI engines, not just ranking for keywords and winning blue links… but what’s the plan? And who should you be listening to? The Hustle is a great place to start.

Listen →

Have a favorite podcast to recommend? Shoot me the details.

🚨 AI-forward companies are looking for AI-forward marketers:

Senior Product Marketing Manager (AI)
Anaplan
Drive go-to-market strategy for Anaplan Intelligence by shaping messaging around predictive, generative and agentic AI, collaborating with product teams, and producing materials that evangelize AI-powered planning solutions.

Details →

Senior Content Marketing Associate – AI Architecture & Governance
Dataiku
Create content on AI architecture and governance; partner with product marketing; craft posts, case studies and thought leadership to help companies operationalize GenAI responsibly and position Dataiku.

Details →

VP, Marketing & Growth
AdRoll
Lead marketing strategy for AdRoll, scale demand generation and product-led growth, and champion an AI-first approach that automates workflows, accelerates engagement, and guides product marketing and team development.

Details →

Content Marketing Strategist
Qstream
Tell Qstream’s AI-driven microlearning story through engaging multi-format content, support demand generation, use AI tools to accelerate creation and adapt messaging, and collaborate with product and sales teams.

Details →

Senior Campaign Specialist
SailPoint
Manage global campaign translations, prioritizing needs, optimizing workflows with AI-assisted tools, and developing scalable processes to deliver localized content quickly while driving innovation in translation strategy and content operations.

Details →