Is Pet Content Taking Over the Internet?

If you are a millennial, the only time you’d have seen animal content as a kid was on the Discovery Channel. After all, who can forget about Steve Irwin catching crocodiles, David Attenborough walking through the jungles, and Bear Grylls going on the most exhilarating adventures in the woods?

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Today, pets can get more likes on social media than celebrities. They are so deeply ingrained in our minds that if someone were to say “cat,” you would instantly think of an internet reference, such as Grumpy Cat, Nyan Cat, or Hello Kitty.  

4 Fun facts About Pet Content 

Before we jump ahead, here are five fun facts about pet content to tickle your curiosity: 

• While cat memes and GIFs are a trend of the last decade, we can trace their origin back to the 1990s. A newsgroup on Usenet called “rec.pets.cats” started discussing wholesome topics on cats. 
• Research by Milton Keynes Citizen found that half of the UK pets have their own social media accounts. It also revealed that 28% of those posted more pictures of their pets than they did of the people they knew. 
• In 2016, Merriam-Webster added “doggo” as a noteworthy word to watch out for. Merely due to its internet popularity. 
• Jiff Pomm is a celebrity dog that has appeared in movies and gathered a whopping 9.8 million followers on Instagram. Its net worth is estimated to be anywhere from $1-$5 million. 

Why Do We Consume Pet Content on the Internet?

When asking our writers why they loved seeing pet content, they were unanimous in their response. They said, “We always have a bias towards humans; we may like some and dislike others. But everyone loves animals doing weird stuff on the internet.” 

A study at Caltech also proved this point. 41 participants observed photos while researchers measured the reaction from the brain’s amygdala, which is the part of the brain that deciphers emotions. The study shows that the human brain lights up more for animals’ photos than those of people and places. 

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Further, consider this from the perspective of content marketing. The end goal is to build empathy and trust in the minds of consumers. What better way to do it than pets? 

The best example closer to home is the Hutch ads in the early 2000s. The jingles, accompanied by the pug, left a strong imprint on the minds of the audience. It also branded the pug as “Hutch doggy.”  

Creating Pet Content: Dos and Don’ts 

You can create pet content to get more eyeballs. However, you need to make sure you don’t make it seem over-the-top. What if there was a way to integrate them in a way that is free from the cringe? We’ve got your back. Below, we share a list of some best practices as well as faux pas (or should we call it “faux paws”?) when it comes to creating pet content online. 

Don’ts

• Tell a story. Storytelling is the best way to make the most of any type of content. A photo without a caption or a Reel without a point is not content creation. 
• If you are creating a pet account, pick one tone. Do not switch between the human voice and the pet voice. 
• Collaborate with other pet content enthusiasts. 
• Be unique. Do not chase trends or copy other creators. People on the internet admire work that is distinct. 

Dos 

• Do not overdo it. Focus on creating quality posts. Too much of a good thing is also spam. 
• Do not make your pets do something they’re uncomfortable with, simply for likes. Be mindful of how they’re feeling at all times, and remember that their relationship with you trumps your social media goals.
• Don’t do it merely because you have a pet. As is with any type of content creation, you need to have a strategy laid out, be aware of your target audience, and know what your marketing goals are. 

Pet content has become one of the hottest points of discussion in the content marketing world today. It is a fresh tactic to connect with your audience and make your brand seem more relatable than ever. However, make sure that whatever content you create, you don’t do it at the expense of your pet’s physical or emotional well-being.