7: How GIFs deliver branding magic: Insights from Kevin Hein, CGO at GIPHY

7: How GIFs deliver branding magic: Insights from Kevin Hein, CGO at GIPHY

Author: Alan B. Hart April 16, 2025 Duration: 46:06

Kevin Hein is the chief growth officer (CGO) at GIPHY. He began his print publishing career with Ziff Davis when print and tech were merging. Here, he learned the fundamentals of strategic selling while working on the PC magazine account. Kevin joined GIPHY in August 2024 and has since been instrumental in transforming GIPHY into a unique platform that connects brands with audiences through messaging. Under his leadership, GIPHY has expanded its advertiser base, introduced innovative ad formats, and positioned itself as a key player in the messaging ecosystem, driving significant revenue growth and delivering exceptional client results. 

Kevin joins Alan Hart at South by Southwest (SXSW) to discuss the unique positioning GIPHY offers brandsto become part of cultural conversations in an additive rather than intrusive way. GIPHY's daily reach touches over 1 billion people worldwide, creating a magical moment when users discover the perfect GIF to convey what words alone cannot. GIPHY collaborates with brands to seamlessly integrate their messages into this magic, transforming existing creative, optimizing new ideas, and experimenting in safe, engaging ways that drive organic, long-term results Kevin explains the collaboration process with GIPHY, why he thinks all brands need to experiment with creativity, and what marketers can learn from innovative online content creators.  

Key quote: 

"The beauty and the elegance [of] GIPHY is that it's part of the conversation. It's not intrusive, it's additive. It's a natural extension of what you're talking about." - Kevin Hein, Chief growth officer, GIPHY 

In this episode, you'll learn: 

  • How brands can influence culture without being intrusive
  • What collaboration looks like with GIPHY 
  • The value of creative experimentation 

Key highlights: 

  • [01:20] For the love of car detailing  

  • [02:45] Kevin's path to GIPHY 

  • [05:40] Understanding GIPHY today 

  • [08:48] Where to go when you're already everywhere 

  • [10:45] What makes GIPHY unique 

  • [13:05] Cut downs and brand collaborations  

  • [16:30] Where dexterity meets data  

  • [19:20] Making magic with Mug Root Beer 

  • [24:50] Investing in safe experimentation  

  • [26:10] An experience that defines you: "It's just a chapter" 

  • [28:10] Advice to your younger self: Give people space to prove you wrong 

  • [29:55] A topic marketers need to learn more about: AI experimentation 

  • [32:50] Subcultures to follow: Innovative online creators 

  • [39:55] Why experiment when everything is going great 

  • [44:10] Largest opportunity or threat to marketers today: Test and learn 
     

Resources mentioned:   

  • Justin Flom, magician and YouTuber

Follow the podcast:   

Connect with Kevin Hein and GIPHY:  


Hosted by Alan B. Hart, Marketing Beyond moves past the buzzwords and surface-level tactics to explore the real strategic decisions shaping modern business. Each episode features a candid, in-depth conversation with a chief marketing officer or a founder who has fundamentally changed how a brand connects with its audience. These aren't just success stories; Alan guides his guests into discussing the pivotal failures, the unexpected pivots, and the nuanced challenges that rarely make the keynote stage. You'll hear firsthand how leaders navigate the convergence of creativity, data, and technology in a rapidly shifting landscape. This podcast provides a rare, unfiltered look at the thinking behind major campaigns and business transformations, offering practical wisdom rather than just theory. For anyone curious about the human judgment and long-term vision required to build lasting brands, these discussions cut straight to the core. Listening feels like being a fly on the wall for a masterclass in strategic marketing, where the focus is always on what comes next.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 39

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