Squid Game captivated audiences with its intense competition and life-or-death stakes. The show revealed not only the dark sides of human nature but also valuable lessons in strategy, adaptability, and decision-making. In marketing, the stakes might not be as dire, but success still depends on making the right moves in a high-pressure environment.
In 2025, marketers face challenges like ever-changing algorithms, fierce competition, and the demand for authentic customer connections. The principles that helped Squid Game players survive can teach marketers how to thrive.
Here are seven actionable lessons that your brand can apply to win in today’s fast-paced world.
What Marketers Can Learn from Squid Game in 2025
1. Understand the Rules: Know Your Audience
In Squid Game, players who didn’t understand the rules didn’t last long. Marketing is no different. If you don’t understand what your audience wants, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Knowing your audience is the foundation of every successful campaign.
What to do:
- Leverage better reporting tools. It's 2025, you can do better than Google Analytics. Use Google Search Console, AgencyAnalytics, TikTok Search insights and social media listening platforms to gather data about your audience.
- Identify their preferences, pain points, and behavior patterns.
- Use this information to create campaigns that speak directly to them.
Why it matters:
Audiences today expect personalization. Brands that know their customers’ needs will create stronger connections and stand out in crowded markets.
Example:
Think about how Netflix uses viewing habits to tailor its recommendations. Squid Game became a global hit because Netflix knew its audience wanted thrilling, culturally rich content. Apply this level of understanding to your own marketing.
2. Adapt to Change Quickly
In Squid Game, every new round introduced different rules and challenges. Players who adapted quickly survived longer. In marketing, change is constant, from new platforms emerging to algorithms updating. Being rigid is not an option.
What to do:
- Stay informed about industry trends, such as the rise of AI-driven content or shifts in consumer behavior.
- Test new platforms, formats, and tools constantly!
- Regularly audit your campaigns to ensure they’re performing as expected.
Why it matters:
The brands that adapt to change can stay ahead of competitors and continue to engage their audience effectively.
Example:
Brands that embraced TikTok early saw massive growth because they recognized the platform’s potential before it became mainstream. Don’t wait until a trend is over to get involved. Jump it, test, and revise quickly for the new improvement!
3. Collaborate to Succeed
Alliances were critical for survival in Squid Game, especially during team-based games like tug-of-war. In marketing, collaboration can help you expand your reach and amplify your message.
What to do:
- Partner with influencers who align with your brand values and audience.
- Explore co-branded campaigns with complementary brands to reach new audiences.
- Engage in community-driven initiatives that foster goodwill.
Why it matters:
Collaboration allows you to leverage shared resources and audiences. It’s a cost-effective way to increase visibility and build trust.
Example:
A well-executed influencer campaign can deliver a significant ROI. For example, a small skincare brand partnering with a beauty influencer can quickly gain credibility and drive sales.
Collaboration Posts on Instagram are an amazing way to share audiences and grow with anyone! Try it!
4. Take Risks Wisely
The glass bridge game in Squid Game was all about taking calculated risks. Some players charged forward recklessly, while others hesitated too much. Successful marketers know how to take risks without gambling everything.
What to do:
- Use small-scale tests to gauge the potential of bold ideas before fully committing.
- Analyze market trends to identify areas where taking a risk could lead to high rewards.
- Always have a backup plan in case a risky move doesn’t pay off.
Why it matters:
Standing out often requires taking risks. However, the key is to ensure those risks are backed by data and strategic thinking.
Example:
Nike’s controversial “Dream Crazy” campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick was a calculated risk that ultimately paid off with increased brand loyalty and sales.
Here's their Case Study Video:
5. Timing Is Everything
The first game in Squid Game, Red Light, Green Light, taught players the importance of timing. Marketing is no different-knowing when to push forward or hold back can be the difference between success and failure.
What to do:
- Monitor metrics closely to identify when a campaign is performing well and deserves scaling.
- Pause campaigns that are underperforming or not resonating with your audience.
- Align campaigns with seasonal trends and events for maximum impact.
Why it matters:
Launching a great campaign at the wrong time can result in missed opportunities. Timing ensures you’re maximizing the potential of your efforts.
Example:
Holiday marketing campaigns thrive on perfect timing. Brands that start too early or too late risk losing their audience’s attention.
6. Learn from Failure
Failure was inevitable in Squid Game, but the players who learned from their mistakes often came back stronger, especially if they didn't panic. In marketing, not every campaign will succeed, and that’s okay. What matters is what you do next and not to panic and do things too quickly without thought.
What to do:
- Conduct postmortems on failed campaigns to identify what went wrong.
- Use A/B testing to refine your strategies before a full rollout.
- Don’t be afraid to pivot if something isn’t working.
Why it matters:
Every failure is an opportunity to improve. By learning from mistakes, you can avoid repeating them and build stronger campaigns.
Example:
Coca-Cola’s failed launch of “New Coke” in the 1980s taught the brand valuable lessons about customer loyalty and product positioning, which they used to improve future campaigns.
7. Focus on the Bigger Picture
Short-sighted players in Squid Game often made decisions that cost them the ultimate prize. The same happens in marketing when brands focus too much on short-term results instead of long-term growth. It's easy to see the giant piggy bank of money and get distracted, but you need to zoom out on what really matter!
What to do:
- Ensure every campaign aligns with your broader business goals and brand vision.
- Invest in customer retention strategies that build loyalty over time.
- Balance quick wins with sustainable, long-term initiatives.
Why it matters:
Focusing on the bigger picture ensures your brand remains relevant and trusted over time.
Example:
Apple’s consistent focus on design, innovation, and customer experience has allowed them to maintain a loyal customer base and drive long-term growth.
Key Takeaways for 2025
Marketing in 2025 is not for the faint-hearted. The landscape is fast-moving and competitive, but the lessons from Squid Game can help you navigate it with confidence. From understanding your audience to learning from failure, these principles are timeless and practical.
Conclusion
Marketing isn’t about luck. It’s about strategy, adaptability, and bold thinking. The lessons from Squid Game show that success comes from knowing the rules, building strong alliances, and taking calculated risks. Are you ready to play smarter and win big in 2025?
Ready to level up your marketing strategy?
Contact Torro Media to build campaigns that help your brand win big.
