Anime and manga have made their mark in nearly every corner of pop culture so it’s no surprise that they’ve also made their way into online gaming. From stylish slots to narrative-rich casino games, these titles blend vivid aesthetics with interactive gameplay.
We’ve picked a few standout anime-inspired games that are accessible, fun, and packed with personality. Whether you’re into classic shōnen or magical girl vibes, there’s something here that speaks your visual language.
Popular Anime-themed Online Casino Games with Low Deposit
Manga and anime theme casino slots with low deposits are rare to find. Luckily, this section reveals popular titles you can try with a strict budget:
Koi Princess Slots
Koi Princess is a famous casino game from the NetEnt software provider. The main character is an anime heroine who is fixed beside the reels. Its 20-payline system gives players many ways to win huge in each spin. Some online review platforms, such as plkasynaonline.com, list casino sites that offer access to anime-themed games like Koi Princess with a minimum deposit as low as 5 zł.
Plus, there are four bonus features that include:
Random Wild: A single free spin with 4 to 9 wild overlays.
5-Hit: 1 FS with a sure win with five symbols.
Wild Reels: 1 FS featuring 2 to 5 wild reels.
Bonus Activation: A special free spin with 3 bonus symbols and a random bonus feature.
Fortune Girl
Take a walk to the manga atmosphere with the Microgaming-developed Fortune Girl game. This low deposit casino game features:
Reels & Paylines: 5 reels with 15 paylines for numerous winning combinations.
Theme: A wealthy manga girl eager to share her riches with lucky players.
Bonus Features: Exciting extras like free spins and mystery symbols to boost winnings.
Winning Potential: Win up to 6,000x your stake.
Betting Range: Flexible stakes ranging from 0.01 to 0.5 per spin.
Fortune Girl offers a great atmosphere combined with promising winning opportunities. This online slot will appeal to fans of manga and low deposits.
Saiyan Warriors
The Saiyan Warriors anime slots offer quality animations and graphics. It has a Dragon Ball Z setting with famous characters like Goku and Gohan. In this online slots you’ll find:
Reels & Paylines: 5×3 grid with 20 paylines.
Betting Range: Flexible from $0.01 to $100 per spin.
Bonus Feature: Free spins activated by landing 3 or more scatter symbols.
Dragon Ball Z fans and gamblers looking to play this casino game can find it on platforms powered by provider Dragongaming.
Shinobi Wars
Try your luck in the popular Shinobi Wars casino game with manga and anime themes. This casino game allows you to play with low deposits and also include:
Theme: Japanese martial arts and espionage.
Betting Range: Suitable for all budgets, from $0.01 to $4 per spin.
Bonus Feature: Earn free spins by landing 3 to 5 scatter symbols.
Shinobi Wars provides an immersive experience for manga enthusiasts and slot players alike.
Moon Princess
Another popular anime slot is the Moon Princess by Play’n Go. It presents female characters similar to Sailor Moon.
Reels & RTP: 5 reels with a high RTP of 96.50%.
Betting Range: Affordable stakes from $0.20 to $5 per spin.
Max Win: Potential winnings up to 5,000x your stake.
Bonus Features: Includes free spins, bonus symbols, and medium volatility gameplay.
With vibrant graphics and high winning chances, Moon Princess appeals strongly to fans of magical anime adventures.
Ghost in the Shell Slots
You have probably come across the name Ghost in the Shell in anime TV shows, novels, and video games. Symbols include iconic playing cards (Kings, Queens, Aces, and Jacks) cascading in a vibrant game environment.
Reels & Grid: 5×3 cascading grid layout.
Betting Range: Accessible wagers between $0.45 and $90 per spin
RTP: Solid return-to-player rate of 96%.
Bonus Feature: Free spins triggered by landing 3 scatter symbols.
Ghost in the Shell provides a familiar yet exciting gambling experience, capturing the essence of the famous anime.
Why is the Anime Theme So Popular in Casino Games?
Online casino gamers wonder why anime slots are famous on igaming platforms. Below are some reasons why you won’t fall short of the game themes:
Colorful Designs
The design features bold colors and fun characters. Thus, adding these elements to casino games makes titles exciting. Gamers enjoy lively visuals compared to vintage casino themes. Plus, the bright designs keep them busy for long periods.
Global Fanbase
Most people from various parts of the globe love anime movies, stories, and novels. They also adore such slots and find them exciting. As such, this attracts anime fans who are irregular casino gamers to bring a huge audience.
Fun Stories
The Japanese design also has deep stories and characters. Adding these elements in gaming titles creates a fun adventure. Besides spinning reels, you will follow a fun journey.
More Exciting Theme
Classic gaming options use cards, fruits, or dice. On the other hand, anime slots apply magic, heroes, and fantasy worlds. These themes, thus, create a fresh and exciting moment. Gamers also enjoy the sense of adventure in the titles.
Appealing to Young Players
Most online casino users are aged 16 to 40 years. Most of these individuals grew up watching anime movies and playing video games. They tend to prefer modern and stylish gaming options. Anime designs are more appealing to them compared to their vintage counterparts. As such, casino providers and platforms add these games to meet their demands.
To Sum Up
Anime gambling games are extremely famous for their amazing graphics and gameplay. They have various features to ensure you grab extra wins on every spin. The titles have bonus rounds, unique themes, fair RTPs, and are fun to play. Luckily, we’ve listed some slots accepting low bet amounts with the appealing design. It’s now time to visit online casinos and take your gameplay to the next level!
It’s been five years since the Ophelias’ last album, Crocus, but its follow-up, Spring Grove, is by no means a post-pandemic document. Spencer Peppet’s lyrics burrow much deeper into past wounds, burdened by dreams that recur without end or explanation, blurring the line between the present moment and what’s clearly come to pass. When the titular Spring Grove cemetery comes up, it is in reference to the summer of 2014, yet as if neither person would now be the first to speak. “The feeling of you haunts me and I/ Know that I can recognize that,” she confesses on new single ‘Cicada’, and the whole record gives it shape even when the ghosts cease to follow. After collaborating with the band – Peppet, violinist Andrea Gutmann Fuentes, bassist Jo Shaffer, and drummer Mic Adams – on Crocus, Julien Baker took on the role of producer for the first time, helping to translate a collection of archival material into their most fully-realized and urgent collection yet. Spring Grove is no less turbulent or cathartic for how ornate and evocative it sounds, buzzing through each dug-up memory like only this specific group of people could do it justice. They may be stories now, but, rising to the surface, ring truer than ever.
We caught up with the Ophelias’ Spencer Peppet to talk about moth music, the recording process behind Spring Grove, her OCD diagnosis, and more.
The Ophelias’ website used to say your music is “inspired by nostalgia, nature, the Midwest, horror movies, and the moon.” Now, I’m sure a lot of people looking at it for the first time are asking you what “moth music” means.
Andrea came up with the term “moth music,” which stuck. We thought it was great and have used it since – that was when we were like 18. Now, I feel like I’ve finally come up with what it means – it only took me, like, 10 years. To me, “moth music” means cathartic, orchestral indie rock. That’s my definition now, but my bandmates would probably have other definitions as well. I just love the image of the moth – it’s something we’ve been returning to over and over. It’s so evocative. She plucked that out when we were teenagers, and it still feels applicable, which is crazy.
Spring Grove record began as a collection of demos you revisited in 2020 and recorded the following year. I wouldn’t call it nostalgic, but it’s definitely haunted by past relationships and experiences. Do they feel even more distant now, as you release these songs?
Yeah, sometimes it gets a little meta. It’ll be like, “Oh, now it’s me three years in the future, reflecting on a relationship I was reflecting on when I wrote the songs.” Doing interviews like this is always interesting because part of why I wrote them was to process those things and find some internal resolution around those conflicts or relationships. In the case of something like ‘Open Sky’, ‘Cumulonimbus’, ‘Parade’, – or ‘Forcefed’, even though that’s more about my relationship with myself – they acted as pretty effective processing tools.
I’m a journaler – I’ve journaled since first grade, and I have all of them. It’s a crazy thing to be able to be like, “I wonder what I was thinking in fifth grade,” and then open up the journal and be like, “That’s what I was thinking when I was in fifth grade.” That’s a big part of my life. It’s something I think about a lot: I have too many thoughts going on up here all the time; I get overwhelmed easily because there’s a lot of stuff happening. One way that I combat that is by putting it all on paper. And it’s almost like once it exists there, it no longer has to take up space in my brain anymore.
Writing these songs is kind of another form of that, where it’s like: Once you put it on the page, once you set it to music, once you record it at the recording studio, once you mix it, you master it, and you put artwork onto it… It no longer has to take up all of that space in my brain, and it’s very effective that way. It’s definitely interesting to be now, a couple years later, kind of coming back to those – they feel like stories now – coming back to those stories, those relationships, those conflicts, and being like, “Wow, you know, a lot of things have changed even in the past three years since we made this record.”
How does it feel different now compared to revisiting a journal entry?
I mean, I feel like the lyrics are prettier than what I write in my journals. [laughs] I think having songs like this, when I write them, they feel like they’re still mine, or like “about me” or my experiences, but then, almost immediately, they become something different because I get to invite my bandmates in. Step one of the communal thing is getting to work with my bandmates. They write all of their parts, and it becomes a group effort to even become a full song. And then, when you invite Julien and Cal [Lauber] – obviously, Julien produced, and then Calvin engineered and mixed, and JB also helped mix it – then we’ve got five people who are paying really close attention to these songs, who are writing parts, who are making suggestions. It becomes its own little entity or organism. And then you invite the label team in, your publicist, your booking agent, and they’re all working to make the record feel like a little world. They’re all included in the community, in the group. And then it comes out, and it goes to however many people hear it, and more and more people get included in the communal experience of a record.
Writing a journal stays for me, right? I try really hard not to journal like someone is gonna read it after I die. I try not to do that because I’m like, “I gotta just be in the moment and journal for real.” But music? The point of it is that eventually someone will hear it. It feels like a different experience, which I like and enjoy.
You also have a newsletter, and I’m curious where you draw the line between what you document there or in your journals and what might potentially become a reference point for a song or lyric.
I think that comes with time. Every once in a while, I’ll journal something and note to myself, “Oh, I should return to this.” Or I’ll have been thinking about something and want to include it in something more public. For example, on the Substack, which I’m trying to get better at – I feel like, weirdly, Substack is the scariest form of social media for me. You post a picture on Instagram, or you post a video on TikTok, and it’s a little bit like, “Look at me, I’m feeding the algorithm and playing the game.” But with Substack, it’s like, “Here’s what I really think.” So I’m trying to get better at just being consistent with that because I do really enjoy the format, but I feel like when I write something on Substack, I want it to feel substantive.
My journals are so inwardly focused – it’s the place where I allow myself to be self-centered and a little selfish. It’s a lot of like, “How do I feel in the moment?” versus something like Substack, where I want to think about big ideas or send a little letter about what I experienced. For example, I went to SXSW and tried to write a little day-by-day thing of what I experienced, just because I think that would be fun. But I don’t want to send something that feels unfinished or empty. You know what I mean? It’s a high bar to set for yourself, and I think I’m trying to allow myself to be a little more fluid with it, so we’ll see what happens there.
Tell me about the process of ranking the demos for Spring Grove as a band; I wonder whether this feeling of something being unfinished fed into it.
The ranked-choice voting was really fun, and I think we’ll probably do it again because it allowed everybody to be like, “Okay, these are my non-negotiables – we have to do these.” I think we did it color-coded. I made everybody a color-coded spreadsheet to fill out – Virgo behavior, for sure. [laughs] But it was like, “Your top three, we have to do these.” And I think everybody had, if not the same top three, a lot of crossover in the top three, and everybody’s top three made it into the record. And then you had like your yellows, if I’m remembering correctly, being like, “These are my other favorites.”
It’s fun to see what people pick, where their inclinations lie, and what ideas they have for things. One of my favorite things is when a song, like you were saying, feels unfinished, or I’m not sure about it, but my bandmates are like, “No, Spencer, we have to do this one,” and I kind of have to be like, “Okay, I believe you – we’ll try it out.” And a lot of times, those end up being some of my favorite songs on the record. For example, that happened with our last record, Crocus – ‘Sacrificial Lamb’ was one where I was like, “I don’t know, maybe that’s not my favorite song.” And then Andrea was like, “Hold on,” and sent me a demo later that night with like 50 violins on it. And I was like, “Oh, I get it!” Ends up being a single, ends up being a song people like, which is great.
Same thing happened on this record with ‘Crow’. I was not sure about that one, and Andrea was like, “No, we’re doing it.” And Mick was like, “I hear the vision.” That’s another piece where it goes communal again. That’s a moment where it’s no longer just mine, even though, sure, it’s about my experience seeing the sister of one of my exes at the Kenwood Mall. [laughs] But it’s no longer really about that.
You don’t have to name your top three choices, but would you say your favorites have changed now that the songs are done?
I can remember two of them, for sure, ‘Cumulonimbus’ and ‘Spring Grove’. So I’m like, “Okay, slay!” Lead single, title track – amazing. I can’t remember what my top third one was, but I do think there are some where I didn’t expect to love them as much as I do. ‘Parade’ is one that I feel like as soon as we got in the studio and started really fleshing it out, I was like, “Oh, this is cool.” Or ‘Shapes’, I think, has taken on a really lovely final form. I love Andrea’s harmonies, I love Mick playing the little drum machine, I love Jo doing the slide guitar – it takes on a new life and a new form. I’m generally just really proud of this record, so people will be like, “What’s your favorite song?”And I’m like, “…All of them,” you know? I just feel like this record is, personally, our best yet.
Lead single, title track, and the third song you mentioned, ‘Parade’, I feel like has a line that could be the record’s subtitle: “Empathy for all the hidden deep wounds.”
I appreciate that. It would be like, The Ophelias’Spring Grove: Empathy for All the Hidden Wounds.
You tracked the album over ten days at Young Avenue Sound in Memphis. What do you remember about the days before and after going into the studio?
Days before – I think Mick and Jo and I practiced a bunch of times. Definitely a little nervous, like, “We don’t know what this is going to be.” We drove down – I think there was a storm on our way in, some kind of crazy weather thing, and I remember driving in through the storm, being like, “Here we go.” And then the first day that we got there, before we had even recorded at all, we went into the studio and met Cal, met JB, said hi, checked out the studio, and Julien came over – we had met in 2019, but met her in that context of like, “We’re here to make a record.” We hadn’t seen her in a long time because it had been quarantine, so first time seeing each other in a long time, she came to the house that we were staying at with her dog, Beans. And immediately her dog ran out the door, and we were like, “Beans is gone!” So she’s like running around trying to get her dog, and we were like, “Oh, okay.” Like, “This is going to be normal. This is going to be fun.” She’s a very down-to-earth person, very thoughtful and kind.
So that was right before, and then right after, I do think we listened to the rough mixes the entire drive back. [laughs] I think we were all like, “This record is crazy.” We were kind of just in shock, like “I can’t believe that that happened.”
How much did the mixes change over the next months or years? Were there a lot of tweaks to the record?
Not a ton. JB was super detail-oriented in her mix notes and would sometimes text and be like, “Hey, I think this needs a keys part. Can I add it?” And I’d be like, “Yeah, of course, go for it.” On ‘Crow’, right after the first chorus, there’s a little piano part, and she was like, “That has to be in there. I can hear it. Can I play it just at my house and add it?” And I was like, “Yeah, of course.” So now, whenever I hear that, I’m like, “Oh my god, hi!” Like, there she is, playing on her little keyboard. So I think it got very specific – it didn’t feel like there were big changes, but just very purposeful changes.
In addition to keys, vocals, and overall production, Julien Baker also plays additional guitar on two of the most ferocious songs, ‘Salome’ and ‘Sharpshooter’. What was recording those tracks like?
Yeah, she plays almost everything. She sings, plays guitar, banjo, keys/piano, synth, mix notes. She also studied, I think, music engineering and was definitely in the room adjusting the amps. She brought two suitcases full of pedals to build a pedalboard, which was crazy and sick. Those songs in particular were really fun to record. Something that I keep saying is – it does feel like we’ve been kind of reaching for this sound for years, trying to accomplish the way that these songs sound now, and it kind of feels like, “Holy shit, they sound the way that we had been hoping that things would sound.” It feels like the completion of a years-long aim.” And I think that a lot of that was just finally knowing what we wanted and being able to say that the guitar should sound so crunchy, or it should be more guitar-led, or have really forward bass, or keep the violin kind of on the lower end of the notes until we get to this one part. It feels like we locked in with what we wanted and were able to really do it for real.
You mentioned Jo’s bass playing – even on the quieter songs, it really stands out in how expressive and out there it is.
I love Jo’s bass parts. They’re so weird. They’re very evocative, very melodic. It’s not a lot of root notes. I think that Jo has a really wonderful sense of melody and counter-melody, and it feels like these songs would not be as interesting without her little basslines because they kind of peek forward and then pull back again. Every now and again, you’re like, “Oh, shit! What was that?”
Another detail I noticed is that Mia Berrin of Pom Pom Squad sings harmonies on ‘Vulture Tree’. How did that come about?
My bestie! She’s been my best friend since freshman year of college. I sang on her last record, and we’ve played many shows together. She’s the person that I go to for a lot of things. I sent her ‘Vulture Tree’, and she was like, “Spencer, I’m obsessed with this song. Can I sing harmonies on it?” I was like, “I would be honored.” She just did that at home and sent it to us. She did a beautiful job and I love having her on the record.
Spring Grove revolves around these very vivid and sometimes ambiguous confrontations, encounters, or memories of people you used to know in some way. Were there moments where you were wary of veering into what, on ‘Cicada’, you call “twisted brain theater”? Is that something that was on your mind?
I think at a certain point, it becomes no longer my business if the people – also, people will always try to guess which songs are about them, and they’re always wrong. [laughs] Maybe these ones are clearer. But I’m trying to acknowledge my role in everything. I think I tried to be fair and honest, at least about my side of the experience. Obviously, when you write something, you are going to be biased because it’s coming from one person, right? But I think I do my best to avoid cruelty, and I do my best to avoid anything that would, like, cause someone harm. But other than that, this is my life. These are my experiences, and if I share something that feels vulnerable, I just have to expect or anticipate that people will be cool about it. I think it’s been okay in the past, and I’m hoping, unless something insane happens, that everything will be cool in the future.
I think that’s part of being a songwriter, too. All the best songs I feel like are very specific, and it’s just part of being willing to share that part of your brain with people. A lot of my favorite songwriters are very specific in different ways. Bob Dylan, he’s writing all kinds of very personal, directed shit. Joanna Newsom is one of my favorites, and I feel like she’s writing very pointed things, but under this really beautiful set of ornate lyricism, where it can be hard to pick out what line is about who – but once you figure it out, you’re like, “Oh, I see how that connects.” I mean, Phoebe Bridgers is a great example where all of her stuff is so specific that you’re like, “This has to be from your life, from your brain.” Like, “You gave me fifteen hundred to see your hypnotherapist”? Slay. Love.
Another aspect of the songs that I love is how they often jump through time. On ‘Gardenia,’ you’re reflecting, and then it travels back to this specific memory in a very visceral way.
A lot of these songs are, even at the time, reflections, right? I think about ‘Gardenia’, even the opening line: “I saw your girlfriend move to Sweden.” Like, those two aren’t together anymore. That was years ago, even at the time of writing. A lot changes between writing a song, recording a song, putting a song out at that time. I’m writing about being 18, a freshman in college, new to New York City, and feeling insane. Every now and again there’s a worry: Are people going to get this? Do people understand the reflective nature of a lot of these songs, and that they’re not set in the present day? Or something like ‘Spring Grove’ is both from the perspective of my teenage self, reflecting on my teenage self, talking to my teenage self, her talking back to me, me speaking now. It’s not a very cut-and-dry “this is what it’s about.” I hold our listeners in pretty high esteem, so I think a lot of the time people do understand. But every now and again, I think, “Oh, man, this is vulnerable and kind of complicated.” It’s a weird thing to share so openly with people, but it’s good. I think it’s a good thing to do.
I know that you were diagnosed with OCD when you began working on these songs. Given that you were also journaling, how entangled did the creative process become with the way you perceived the world or yourself? Is there a connection there that you can articulate better now?
It’s so much processing. Oh my God, it’s just endless processing. That’s life, just processing. But getting that diagnosis made a lot of things make sense. I was like, “Oh, that’s what that is.” And it’s almost a relief just to have someone say, “This is an explanation. This is something we can give you tools for. We can talk about it.” It becomes way less of a I don’t know what’s going on. I feel crazy all the time. Maybe I’m evil. Maybe I’m losing my mind. OCD definitely thrives on mysticism and confusion. As soon as you name it, it gets boring – like, “Oh, that’s just a misguided coping thought.” I’m very grateful for that diagnosis, and I think it’s helped a lot of things get calmer in my life.
Writing these songs around that time, when I was still figuring out – What does this mean? How do I deal with this? What tools am I implementing? – a lot of the songs themselves are about pre-knowing what it was. Even in ‘Vulture Tree’, the line “Every car is a mirror now” – do you like Hop Along?
Oh, definitely.
There’s a line in ‘How Simple’: “I think I should stop checking myself out in the windows of cars.” I was listening to that song all the time, and I found myself on those walks – I’d walk around my neighborhood when I was back at my parents’ house in early 2021, maybe even earlier. I’d walk for hours in the middle of the night, stopping to look at myself in car after car. Then later, diagnosis: checking is a classic OCD thing. It’s not this mysterious thing – it’s just misguided coping. I can see where it lives in this record, which I think is cool and interesting. I didn’t want to focus on it too hard within press materials, because these songs have their own life now.
I can hear it sort of demystified in ‘Forcefed’. It’s introspective in a kind of literal, embodied way that feels different from other songs on the record. And then it lands on these horror-movie lines: “I’m eating my organs and I will let them sustain me.”
It’s funny you say “embodied” – it feels very physical, very visceral that way. That’s one where the subject matter often gets talked about in reductive, feminized ways, and my goal was to show how gross it is: lift up the rock, show the worms underneath.
More broadly, how do you see the relationship between horror and the band as a personal outlet?
Jo is a filmmaker – she’s made two horror movies so far – so she’s very immersed in that world, very attuned to that sense of tension and release. That’s something I’m inspired by because of her: building tension in a song or music video, then releasing it. There’s a lot you can take from filmmaking as a lyricist or musician. Jo also has this great platform where she talks about how music videos are the last form of experimental filmmaking available to the mainstream. Filmmaking in general is a big part of The Ophelias – we’re a very visual band, and that ties heavily into our world.
Speaking of release, ‘Shapes’ feels like a very intentional resolution for the album. Was it one of the last songs written for the record?
I can’t remember. I have no idea. I know ‘Cumulonimbus’ was one of the first. Actually, I think ‘Open Sky’ was the last one. It’s funny – I do feel a little parallel thematically between the opening and closing, where it’s like, you can take it how you want to take it, maybe someday this will all be good. And then at the very end, it’s like, “I’ll let things pass.” ‘Open Sky’ is maybe a little less chill about it all, but I do feel like it has that undercurrent of: I genuinely mean good for you. I wish ‘Shapes’ was the last one – that would’ve been great if it tied up perfectly.
Do you feel better equipped now to let things pass?
See, maybe my curse is that’s not my strong suit. I think it makes me a good writer, though. I always joke that we make music for people who can’t let anything go, ever. I’m getting better at it, but I do think maybe my lot in life is to be a reminiscer.
Music for moths and people who can’t…
Let anything go!
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
If you’re searching for the top 6 online real money casino Canada sites, look no further—because today, we’re diving deep into SlotShake Casino (slotshake.com)! 🍁 This online casino has been making waves in the real money online casino Canada scene, offering a thrilling mix of slots, table games, and bonuses that’ll shake up your gaming experience. But is it worth your time (and money)? Let’s roll the dice and find out! 🎲
What is SlotShake Casino?
SlotShake Casino is a modern online casino real money platform that caters to Canadian players looking for a top-tier gaming experience. From an extensive collection of slots for real money to a secure and user-friendly platform, it has everything you need to enjoy casino action from the comfort of your home (or on the go!).
Massive selection of online slots for real money. Generous welcome bonuses & ongoing promotions. Secure payment methods, including Interac & crypto. Mobile-friendly platform. 24/7 customer support.
If you’re a fan of play slots online for real money action, SlotShake Casino is a must-visit destination!
Game Selection: A Slot Lover’s Paradise
A great casino is all about the games, and SlotShake does not disappoint! Whether you’re into classic slot machines or high-stakes live dealer tables, there’s something for everyone.
Popular Slot Games at SlotShake
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular slot games available at SlotShake Casino. These games offer exciting features, massive payouts, and non-stop action!
Slot Game
Provider
Features
Book of Dead
Play’n GO
Free Spins, Expanding Symbols
Big Bass Bonanza
Reel Kingdom
Fishing Bonus, Free Spins
Starburst
NetEnt
Expanding Wilds, Re-spins
Each of these slots brings something unique to the table, whether it’s huge multipliers, thrilling bonus rounds, or stunning graphics. If you love variety, SlotShake has plenty to offer!
Bonuses & Promotions: More Bang for Your Buck
No one says no to free money, right? SlotShake Casino spoils its players with some seriously rewarding promotions that keep the fun going.
Welcome Bonus – Get Started with Extra Cash!
New players can claim a hefty welcome bonus that typically includes:
Matched deposit bonus (e.g., 100% up to $1,000); Free spins on selected slot games; No wagering bonuses (on certain promotions).
That’s just the beginning! SlotShake also runs frequent promotions to keep things exciting.
Ongoing Promotions
Beyond the welcome package, you’ll find these regular offers.
Reload Bonuses – Extra funds on your deposits. Free Spins Wednesdays – Play selected slots for free.! Cashback Offers – Get a percentage of your losses back. VIP Program – Exclusive perks for loyal players.
With these bonuses, you’ll have more opportunities to win and stretch your gaming budget even further. 🎰💰
Payment Methods: Fast & Secure Transactions
Nobody likes waiting for their winnings. At SlotShake Casino, transactions are quick, easy, and secure.
Deposit & Withdrawal Methods
SlotShake supports various banking options, making deposits and withdrawals hassle-free.
Interac – One of the safest & fastest payment methods in Canada. Credit/Debit Cards – Visa & Mastercard accepted. Cryptocurrency – Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more. e-Wallets – Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz.
With multiple options and fast processing times, you can get your funds in and out without delays.
Mobile Gaming: Play Anytime, Anywhere
In today’s world, gaming needs to be on the go. Thankfully, SlotShake Casino is fully optimized for mobile play so you can enjoy your favorite games anytime, anywhere!
Here’s what makes the mobile experience seamless:
Smooth & responsive design; All games available on mobile; Fast deposits & withdrawals; Live casino streaming in HD.
Whether you’re at home or commuting, SlotShake lets you enjoy online slots for real money without missing a beat! 📱🎰
Security & Fair Play
Safety comes first, and SlotShake Casino takes it very seriously. Every player can rest assured that their funds and personal information are protected. Here’s how SlotShake ensures fair play and security.
SSL Encryption: Protects all personal and financial data. RNG-Certified Games: Ensures fair and random outcomes. Licensed & Regulated: Fully compliant with industry standards.
With these protections in place, you can play with confidence knowing you’re in a secure environment.
Customer Support: Help When You Need It
Got a question? Need assistance? SlotShake’s customer support team is available 24/7 to help with any issues. Here are your support options:
24/7 Live Chat – Get instant assistance; Email Support – Quick responses within hours; FAQ Section – Covers common queries.
Having a reliable support team makes all the difference, and SlotShake excels in this area!
Pros & Cons of SlotShake Casino
Every casino has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break down what’s great and what could be better at SlotShake Casino.
Pros
✔️ Huge variety of online slots for real money. ✔️ Generous bonuses & promotions. 🎁 ✔️ Fast & secure withdrawals. 💰 ✔️ Mobile-friendly gaming experience. 📱 ✔️ 24/7 customer support.
Cons
Limited selection of progressive jackpot slots. No dedicated mobile app.
Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons, making SlotShake Casino an excellent choice for Canadian players.
Final Verdict: Is SlotShake Casino Worth It?
If you’re looking for a real money online casino Canada platform that offers tons of slots, fast payouts, and rewarding bonuses, SlotShake Casino is a fantastic choice!
With a top-notch game selection, secure transactions, and 24/7 customer support, it delivers everything a Canadian online casino player could want. Whether you’re into slots for real money, live dealer games, or just love chasing bonuses, SlotShake Casino has something for everyone.
So, ready to play slots online for real money? Sign up at SlotShake Casino today and let the games begin!
FAQs About SlotShake Casino – Your Questions Answered!
Is SlotShake Casino a Legitimate and Safe Online Casino in Canada?
Yes! SlotShake Casino is a licensed and regulated online casino that ensures secure gaming with SSL encryption and RNG-certified games. Canadian players can trust it for fair play, safe transactions, and responsible gambling options.
Can I Play Slots for Real Money at SlotShake Casino?
Absolutely! SlotShake offers hundreds of real money slot games from top providers like NetEnt, and Play’n GO. Whether you prefer classic slots, jackpot games, or high-volatility thrillers, you’ll find plenty of online slots for real money to enjoy.
What Payment Methods Are Available for Canadian Players?
SlotShake Casino supports a variety of secure and convenient banking options, including: Interac, Visa, and Mastercard; Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin & Ethereum; e-Wallets (Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz). Players can deposit and withdraw quickly and safely, with most payouts processed within 24-48 hours.
Does SlotShake Casino Offer a Welcome Bonus?
Yes! New players can claim a generous welcome package, which typically includes: ✔ A matched deposit bonus (e.g., 100% up to $1,000); ✔ Free spins on popular slot games; ✔ Low-wagering or no-wagering promotions. Regular players can also enjoy reload bonuses, cashback, and VIP perks!
Can I Play at SlotShake Casino on My Mobile?
Definitely! SlotShake Casino is fully optimized for mobile gaming. No app download is required—simply visit the site from your iPhone, Android, or tablet browser and start playing seamlessly on the go.
What Types of Games Can I Play Besides Online Slots?
While slots for real money are the main attraction, SlotShake also offers: Live dealer games (Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat); Table games (Poker, Craps, Sic Bo); Instant win & specialty games. If you enjoy variety, there’s plenty to explore beyond slot machines!
How Do I Contact SlotShake Casino Customer Support?
SlotShake Casino provides 24/7 customer support via: Live Chat – Get instant assistance anytime; Email Support – Expect a quick response within hours; FAQ Section – Find answers to common questions. Their support team is friendly, professional, and ready to help with anything from account issues to game-related queries.
When considering living in Austin Texas, the city’s reputation as a dynamic blend of innovation, culture, and natural beauty often takes center stage. But is Austin a good place to live for everyone? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.
From its booming job market to its rising cost of living, Austin offers a mix of opportunities and challenges. In this expanded guide, we’ll dive deeper into what makes this city unique, helping you decide if living in Austin TX aligns with your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.
The Pros of Living in Austin Texas
Thriving Job Market Across Multiple Industries
Austin’s economy is a magnet for professionals, particularly in tech, earning it the nickname “Silicon Hills.” Giants like Tesla, Oracle, and Meta have established headquarters here, while startups flock to co-working spaces and incubators like Capital Factory.
The unemployment rate hovers around 3%, consistently below the national average, making living in Austin Texas ideal for career growth. Beyond tech, healthcare, education, and government sectors also thrive.
The University of Texas at Austin and Dell Medical School are major employers, and the city’s entrepreneurial spirit fuels small businesses. For newcomers, hiring reliable movers in Austin can ease the stress of relocating for a job.
No State Income Tax and Business-Friendly Policies
Texas’s lack of state income tax is a major draw, especially for high earners and remote workers.
While federal taxes are still required, residents can often find ways to file taxes for free, further reducing financial stress during tax season.
Additionally, Austin’s business-friendly regulations and lack of corporate tax attract employers, fueling job creation.
Diverse, Welcoming Communities
Austin prides itself on inclusivity. The city has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, anchored by the Austin Pride Festival and events like QueerBomb.
Neighborhoods like East Austin and Mueller reflect cultural diversity, with murals, international eateries, and community centers celebrating Hispanic, Asian, and African American heritage.
The Cons of Living in Austin Texas
Soaring Housing Costs
Austin’s popularity has led to a housing crunch. Median home prices now exceed
550,000—651,800. Suburbs like Cedar Park and Pflugerville offer slightly lower prices, but competition remains fierce. First-time buyers should budget carefully and consider working with movers in Austin who specialize in navigating tight timelines.
Traffic Congestion and Limited Public Transit
Despite its growth, Austin’s infrastructure lags. The city ranks among the top 10 most congested in the U.S., with I-35 and MoPac Expressway experiencing daily gridlock.
While CapMetro’s recent $7.1 billion Project Connect aims to expand light rail and bus routes by 2030, most residents still rely on cars. Biking is popular downtown, but the summer heat can make it impractical.
Extreme Summer Weather
From June to September, temperatures regularly hit 100°F+, with high humidity amplifying discomfort. While winters are mild (average 60°F), the summer heat can be dangerous for outdoor workers, pets, and those unaccustomed to the South. Energy bills also spike as residents crank up air conditioning.
Strains from Rapid Population Growth
Austin’s population has ballooned by over 34% since 2010, leading to overcrowded schools, overburdened healthcare systems, and environmental concerns.
The city’s aging power grid, highlighted by 2021’s Winter Storm Uri, raises reliability questions, and droughts periodically threaten water supplies in the Colorado River basin.
Competitive Education and Childcare
While Austin boasts top-rated school districts like Eanes ISD, rapid growth has led to overcrowded classrooms. The average student-to-teacher ratio is 15:1, but some schools exceed 20:1. Additionally, childcare costs average $1,200/month—higher than the national average—making it a challenge for young families.
Cost of Living Breakdown: How Far Does Your Dollar Go?
Housing: 40% higher than the national average. A 1,500 sq. ft. home averages $550,000.
Utilities: Monthly bills average $150, thanks to mild winters.
Groceries: Slightly above average
4 for gallon of milk,3.50 for a loaf of bread.
Transportation: Gas prices are lower (3.30/gallon)
Compared to coastal cities, living in Austin TX remains affordable for tech workers, but teachers, artists, and service industry staff often face budget strain.
Job Market Deep Dive: Opportunities Beyond Tech
While tech dominates, healthcare (Ascension Seton, St. David’s), education (UT Austin, Austin ISD), and government (Texas State Capitol) provide stable careers.
Trade jobs are also in demand, with electricians and plumbers earning 25–40/hour. For job seekers, the Austin Tech Council and Workforce Solutions Capital Area offer resources.
Neighborhood Spotlight: Where to Call Home
Downtown: High-rises and luxury condos for urbanites. Average rent: $2,500/month.
East Austin: Artsy, walkable, and diverse. Median home price: $650,000.
Round Rock: Family-friendly with top schools. Median home price: $420,000.
Dripping Springs: Rural charm with Hill Country views. 30-minute commute.
Research crime rates and school ratings on NeighborhoodScout before choosing an area.
Education: Schools, Universities, and Lifelong Learning
K–12: Eanes ISD (98% graduation rate) and Round Rock ISD (95%) are top performers. Magnet schools like LASA High School rank among the nation’s best.
Higher Ed: UT Austin (No. 10 public university nationally) offers renowned engineering and business programs. Austin Community College provides affordable vocational training.
Resources: Check the Texas Education Agency for school report cards and enrollment guides.
Transportation: Getting Around the City
CapMetro: Buses and a limited rail line serve central areas. The new MetroExpress routes connect suburbs.
Biking: Over 50 miles of bike lanes, but summer heat limits usage.
Rideshares: Uber/Lyft are affordable downtown but surge during festivals.
For commuters, tools like CapMetro App and Google Traffic help navigate delays.
Final Tips for Relocating to Austin
Visit First: Spend a week exploring neighborhoods.
Secure Housing Early: Work with a local realtor to avoid bidding wars.
Plan for Heat: Invest in energy-efficient AC and window tinting.
Build a Network: Join groups like Austin Newcomers Club.
Planning on making Austin your new home? Movers in Austin can make it easier for you to move and give you time to explore your city while your belongings are being transported safely.
Ahead of the release of her new album Trash Mountain on Friday (April 4), Burlington-based singer-songwriter Lily Seabird has unveiled one more preview, ‘Arrow’. The track, which is accompanied by a Noah Lenker-directed music video, is tangled yet entrancing in its romantic conviction. “There exists this fine line on either side of it pain and beauty,” she sings, invoking Leonard Cohen. “I don’t want anyone else/ Please stay in my heart just like an arrow.” Check it out below.
“This is one of my only love songs,” Seabird said of the new song. “It’s been really fun to play this one in the band and I like how it sounds on the recording, but I also really love to play this song on an acoustic guitar.”
“The whole concept for this music video was hatched from the brain of my pal Noah Lenker, who also directed and edited it!” she added. “He called me up and when he first told me the concept I thought that it was awesome but definitely ambitious—I just put my faith in him and the magic of the day and we captured it all in a late February afternoon. The video features some puppets my friend Dre let us borrow. The ‘puppet world’ takes place in my apartment, and the ‘fantasy world’ is just an hour away in Vermont from where I live.”
Sufjan Stevens is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Carrie & Lowell with a deluxe 2-LP edition, arriving May 30 via Asthmatic Kitty. Along with an expanded double-LP album that features seven previously unreleased bonus tracks, it includes a 40-page art book and a new essay by Stevens. Listen to a never-before-heard demo of ‘Mystery of Love’ below.
The anniversary edition also presents an alternative album cover: the original Polaroid zoomed out to reveal a child’s handwriting (Sufjan’s sister Djamilahin) in the photo’s caption. The 40-page booklet was designed by Stevens and contains various collages of vintage family photos spanning four generations, interspersed with artwork and drawings as well as landscape photos Sufjan took while traveling across the western United States.
While disc one preserves the original album, disc two offers 40 minutes of extras, including demo versions of ‘Death With Dignity’, ‘Should Have Known Better’, ‘The Only Thing’, and ‘Eugene’, as well as expansive outtakes of ‘Fourth of July’ and ‘Wallowa Lake Monster’ featuring “a more cinematic mood.”
Stevens released his most recent album, Javelin, in 2023. Last year, he reissued his fourth album, Seven Swans, for its 20th anniversary.
1. Death with Dignity
2. Should Have Known Better
3. All of Me Wants All of You
4. Drawn To the Blood
5. Eugene
6. Fourth of July
7. The Only Thing
8. Carrie & Lowell
9. John My Beloved
10. No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross
11. Blue Bucket of Gold
Disc 2:
1. Death with Dignity (Demo)
2. Should Have Known Better (Demo)
3. Eugene (Demo)
4. The Only Thing (Demo)
5. Mystery Of Love (Demo)
6. Wallowa Lake Monster (Version 2)
7. Fourth of July (Version 4)
Ever wonder how influencers and dermatologists achieve that flawless, glass-like glow? The secret is usually retinol: it’s a key ingredient in their skincare routines. It’s the secret weapon in many skincare regimens, an ingredient that works to smooth fine lines, even out skin tone, and keep acne at bay.
If you want to add retinol to your skincare routine or are looking to up your game, finding the right serum is the first step to achieving that radiant glow. Here’s a list of some of the best retinol serums that deliver real results without irritating your skin.
How to Choose the Right Retinol Strength
Before getting a retinol serum, it’s important to find the right strength for your skin. Retinol comes in different concentrations, and starting with the wrong one can irritate the skin.
Beginners (0.1%–0.3% Retinol or Retinal) – If you’re new to retinol, start low. Milder concentrations help your skin adjust without dryness or peeling. Look for formulas with added hydrating ingredients like peptides.
Intermediate (0.3%–0.5% Retinol or Retinal) – Once your skin builds tolerance, you can move up to a moderate strength. This range is more effective with lower irritation and is great for improving skin texture and fading discoloration.
Advanced (0.5%–1%+ Retinol or Retinal) – If your skin is used to retinol and you want to target deeper wrinkles, stubborn acne, or uneven skin tone, choose a higher strength. Use it with care and always follow up with sunscreen.
Our Favorite Retinol Serums Now:
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
RoC’s Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream has become a classic. It’s a good cream, even for those just starting with retinol, as it helps smooth wrinkles and improves skin texture while you sleep. It’s gentle and effective, plus it hydrates overnight, so you wake up with refreshed skin.
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5
Geek & Gorgeous makes it easy to find the right retinol strength with its A-Game line, offering three different concentrations of retinal (a more potent but less irritating form of retinol). It improves skin texture, fades dark spots, and reduces fine lines. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and is formulated with soothing ingredients.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
You can’t use skincare without hearing about The Ordinary products. It has become a go-to for affordable yet effective skincare. At 0.5%, its retinol serum is strong enough to show results but gentle if you have sensitive skin. It’s blended with squalane, so your skin stays hydrated while the retinol does its work. It’s a simple product that gets the job done.
Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment
If your skin isn’t new to retinol and you want to kick it up a notch, Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment is a top choice. This potent formula targets wrinkles, fine lines, and skin texture, offering visible results without irritation. It’s a safe serum, but always be sure to introduce it slowly into your routine.
SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
A new favorite of dermatologists and skincare lovers, the SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum is finally getting the recognition it deserves. It combines retinol, retinal, and bakuchiol—a plant-based alternative—to target fine lines, uneven skin tone, and dullness. The addition of ceramides and hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin perfectly hydrated. It’s an amazing way to introduce retinol into your routine.
Final Thoughts Retinol is one of the most versatile ingredients in skincare. Just remember to be patient and always use sunscreen, as retinol can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. With the right formula and a bit of time, that luminous, glass-like glow isn’t so far away as it seems.
Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe it’s the need for something softer in a world that feels too sharp. We’re craving the things that once made us feel light – silky ribbons, soft silhouettes, the simple joy of twirling in the mirror. Even if we forgot how ballet flats made our souls sparkle, they are starting to slip into our wardrobes again under the reign of ballet-core.
In 2025, they bring a fresh perspective on their timeless silhouette. If you can see yourself wearing a pair during meetings, indulging in a long brunch, or swapping out your heels after the dance floor, keep reading to find your perfect match of ballet flats.
1. Everlane The Italian Leather Day Glove
Soft-as-butter Italian leather that molds to your feet? Check. A sleek, modern silhouette that works with everything? Double-check. It won’t get simpler than this. Everlane’s Day Glove is the shoe equivalent of your favorite white tee: basic, chic, and reliable.
Credit: Everlane – The Italian Leather Day Glove
2. Margaux The Demi
If you like your flats with a side of luxury, Margaux’s Demi is the brand you are looking for. They are designed for a custom fit and a plush memory foam insole, proof that elegance and comfort don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Their prices start at $255.
Credit: Margaux – The Demi
3. Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flat
A forever favorite, the Minnie flat folds up neatly for travel, but you’ll want to wear them all the time. Soft leather, a flexible sole, and the signature Tory Burch logo make these an easy go-to for work, weekends, and everything in between.
Credit: Tory Burch – Minnie Travel Ballet Flat
4. ASOS Aldo Studded Ballet Flats
If you’re in the mood for some edge, ALDO Marylina Studded Ballet flats are the it pair. The metallic studs add just the right amount of rock ‘n’ roll, but they are still very chic and wearable. You’re not stepping too far from the classic ballet flat form but just adding a bit of drama to your fit.
Credit: ASOS – Aldo Studded Ballet Flats
5. Miu Miu Satin Ballerinas
If you’re ready to lean into the full balletcore moment, Miu Miu’s satin flats with delicate ribbon ties are a dream. Pair them with a breezy dress, or make a bold choice and wear them with oversized denim, and you will get the best harmony between feminine and modern.
Credit: Miu Miu – Satin Ballerinas
6. Zara Ballet Flats
Minimalist and easy on the wallet, Zara’s ballet flats offer a high-end look without the luxury price tag. They still have that soft faux leather look and refined silhouette that make them a staple for those who love style.
Credit: Zara – Double-strap ballet flats
JW Pey Ballet Sneakers
Thinking shoes couldn’t get any more fun? The JW Pey ballet sneakers blend the best of both worlds: graceful ballet vibes with sporty sneakers. You either hate them or love them, but they will absolutely win some hearts over with their quirky looks.
Credit: JW Pei – Flavia Ballerina Sneakers
The Verdict
Going from one of the most nostalgic childhood shoes to a new staple in a woman’s wardrobe isn’t an easy job, but ballet flats are putting in the work. So give them a chance, and they might surprise you this year.
In one of the finest moments in Jerry Rees’s animated film The Brave Little Toaster (1987), a young man bound for college returns to the summer cottage he hasn’t visited since childhood. Hoping to collect a few appliances for his dormitory, he instead finds the place in ruins and the items he wants missing. Before leaving, the young man repairs the cottage’s wrecked air conditioner and gives it a farewell pat. The camera lingers on the appliance as its corner vents lift upward, revealing a pair of eyes. (As in the Toy Story series, the objects in this film come alive when their human companions aren’t looking; and their happiness is dictated by how often they’re used.) The air conditioner, which resented his owner for never having been played with during the latter’s youth, is touched by the new life he’s been given and silently cries. The result is a genuine pure cinema moment wherein a story and all accompanying emotions are conveyed through visuals.
Based on the novella by Thomas M. Disch, The Brave Little Toaster was one of my favorite movies growing up. As a kid who liked to pretend his toys had feelings and loved me as I loved them, I was enthralled by the film’s anthropomorphism of inanimate objects. Looking back as a (still-sentimental) adult, the movie continues to work its magic on me. The central plot revolves around five old-fashioned appliances—the eponymous toaster, a grouchy vacuum, a dimwitted desk lamp, a tube radio prone to theatrics, and an emotional electric blanket—who leave the aforementioned cottage in search of the young man, whom they refer to as “the master.” Their polarizing personalities create occasional clashes, and they encounter numerous obstacles—some natural (a thunderstorm), others specifically dangerous to them (one of the film’s most nightmarish scenes is set in a used parts store). Along the way, there are also sweet moments of camaraderie: the characters learn to cooperate and be kind to one another as they traverse through beautifully drawn settings.
Nostalgia is not the only reason The Brave Little Toaster continues to warm my heart. In some ways, my appreciation for the film has deepened because it connects to broader thoughts and experiences one attains in adulthood. To begin with, the screenplay—co-written by director Rees and Joe Ranft—is chock-full of references to history and pop culture. What the younger me assumed to be a mere snappy line of dialogue I now recognize as a salute to Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest (1959). A ceiling lamp with distinct facial features and a Hungarian accent is now an instantly identifiable homage to Peter Lorre. (Said ceiling lamp is voiced by the late Phil Hartman, who also plays the air conditioner—in the latter’s case via an obvious Jack Nicholson impersonation.) Elsewhere in the film, one finds references to Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Houdini, Vincent Price, and a slew of other names more resonant with adults than kids.
But perhaps most interesting of all: The Brave Little Toaster leaves the adult me nostalgic for the charmingly simple appliances of yesteryear. As mentioned before, the five central characters are outmoded even in their world. The toaster’s been replaced by microwave ovens; the radio is dated thanks to massive stereos and other elaborate home entertainment systems; even the blanket is obsolete compared to what the latest sewing apparatus can put together. All of this is visualized in a key third-act scene wherein the protagonists reach the master’s city apartment, only to be confronted by a mob of modern appliances. The hostile machines demonstrate their ‘superiority’ via a song about “the cutting edge.” They flash their many lights, show off their many functions, and proclaim how they offer consumers “More! More! More!”
And yet, it is the anachronistic toaster and its companions that—like their real-life equivalents—remain appealing to me (and to the master, who chooses them over their modern counterparts). As someone who grew up in the 1990s—before the smartphone, social media, and AI epidemics—I have nostalgia for at-home devices whose value wasn’t based on limitless bells and whistles. I remember, for instance, my grandparents’ wall-mounted telephone, complete with a spinning dial and a hook that one tapped to connect to an operator. I remember the plastic musical radio I’d play for my childhood dog Copper (yes, named after The Fox and the Hound); said radio merely featured an on/off switch and a wind-up dial—no various modes or ability to connect to the internet. Much like the characters in The Brave Little Toaster, these items each performed a single function and did so efficiently. As such, they felt like individual characters and not variations of one another.
The heroes in The Brave Little Toaster remain appealing for the same reason. They are uniquely different, yet simple in function and simple in design: the toaster is pleasing to look at with its reflective surface and black handles; the radio with its adjustable antenna, clock-like face, and blocky on/off button; the electric blanket with its knob-nose; and so on. Simplicity is part of their visual character and outshines the excess “buttons and knobs and dials” that define their “cutting edge” counterparts. The latter, by contrast, are ornate to the point of lacking appeal. And whereas the five protagonists each have a distinct personality, the modern appliances—fittingly—are one and the same: pretentious, self-entitled, and gossipy.
Arguably the film’s most memorable sequence—and the one that most fervently generates empathy for old objects—is the climax. Set in a junkyard, the scene features the protagonists fleeing from a giant electromagnet: a great villain who lacks speech but whose menace is manifest through expression and action. Before the chase begins, the sequence focuses on automobiles that have been left to rot by their owners. In a song titled “Worthless,” the cars recall their time on the road and how they no longer “have the heart to live in the fast lane.” A race car remembers participating in the Indy 500. A pickup truck remembers being abandoned while its owners took a bus to Santa Fe. All the while, the electromagnet tosses the vehicles onto a conveyor belt to be pulverized by a crusher. Admittedly, cars have never been my favorite machines; I’ve always considered them a means of getting from Point A to Point B and would be content to get by in life without one. Nevertheless, this sequence makes me think today about my past vehicles and what they would say about their journeys across the United States.
I have countless childhood memories of watching The Brave Little Toaster. A television broadcast was taped for me, and I watched the film so often that, in hindsight, I’m surprised the VHS didn’t become scratchy and wear out. The qualities I admire and appreciate about this animated gem only multiply with age. I remain transfixed by the lovable characters, the mix of wonder and terror that defines their adventure, and the catchy songs. But the adult me now takes pleasure in recognizing things designed for adults to notice (“North by northwest! Watch out for low-flying aircraft!” says the radio when homaging Hitchcock) and is reminded how much he misses those charming old-fashioned appliances that were once part of daily life.
Postscript: I wish to acknowledge that the topic of this article originated from conversations with my friend and budding essayist Alyssa Charpentier, to whom I give full credit for sharpening my awareness to how the character of objects has changed with time. Thanks to our talks about how automobiles, appliances, and general technology have “improved” in making life even more convenient than it already was—at the expense of one’s sensibilities and the character of objects—I have a greater appreciation for one of my favorite animated movies.
Digital as a whole is probably the most rapidly-changing business sphere around, and marketing is no exception. To demonstrate this, let us transport you back in time, to the bygone age of 2015, when fidget spinners were at their peak, Facebook seemed unstoppable in the realm of social media, Siri and Alexa were still novelties, and “Doge” was only a Shiba Inu from a meme. Here are some of the biggest changes in digital marketing to have happened since then:
The Voice Search/Smart Device Fad
Speaking of Siri and Alexa – these two “game-chaning technologies” of yesteryear never really lived up to the hype. When the Amazon Echo launched in 2014 and Google Home followed in 2016, predictions were bold: “50% of all searches will be voice searches by 2020” predicted Andrew Ng of Chinese search engine Baidu, in 2014. Smart speakers flew off shelves, and brands scrambled to develop voice strategies.
And then… No seismic shift occurred. Though that 50% figure was still bandied around until the pandemic, voice technology just took its place in our lives alongside everything else. It certainly wasn’t the game-changer everyone expected.
Speaking of the Pandemic:
The eCommerce Explosion
Online shopping jumped ahead by 5 years in just 3 months during 2020. eCommerce sales grew by 77% versus 2019, and even brands that had always held with traditional strategies and never considered digital sales suddenly needed online stores overnight. Physical retailers faced a stark choice: go digital or go dark. Those who moved quickly captured market share. Those who waited often didn’t survive.
This wasn’t some temporary shift, either. Despite falling slightly from its peak in January 2021, as a proportion of total retail sales, eCommerce has consistently remained above 25%. Pre-pandemic, the highest it had ever been was 21.6%, in November 2018 (boosted by Black Friday and Cyber Monday)
Personalisation and Authenticity
With everyone shut up in their homes for long stretches of 2020 and 2021, people were dying for some personal connection, and nowhere was this more influential than in digital marketing. Screen time skyrocketed, social media usage surged, and big video shoots with high production values became impossible, giving way to more low-key, relatable marketing efforts, often filmed on smartphones.
Brands that thrived showed up as they really were:
CEOs speaking from their kitchens
Staff showcasing products from their apartments
User-generated content replacing studio photography
This wasn’t just out of necessity—it worked better. Engagement rates for authentic content jumped, and this further bolstered the trend of mobile devices becoming dominant in the digital marketing game.
Mobile Dominance
Between 2015 and 2025, mobile went from “important” to “everything.” In 2015, mobile-friendly was a bonus. Today, it’s the baseline. Smartphone usage skyrocketed, making mobile-first design and marketing essential for any business hoping to compete. When over 60% of all internet use is on mobile devices, choosing to neglect phone users with your marketing is throwing away the majority of your audience.
With how ever-present mobile phones had become in peoples’ lives throughout the world came the rise of influencer marketing.
The Micro-Influencer Revolution
The influencer landscape has completely transformed since 2015. What began as brands chasing celebrities with millions of followers has evolved into something far more effective: partnerships with creators who speak directly to exactly the right audience.
In 2015, marketing teams measured success by follower count alone. A celebrity with 5 million followers seemed like a better investment than someone with 50,000. But the power of smaller creators comes from relationship quality. Their followers see them as trusted friends rather than distant celebrities. When a beauty micro-influencer recommends a skincare product, their recommendation carries the weight of personal advice from someone who knows your specific concerns.
And speaking of trusted friends…
Social Media Evolution
Social platforms, already well into their ascendence in 2015, took centre stage in the following decade, transforming from simple connection tools to full marketing ecosystems. Instagram embraced visual commerce, TikTok created short-form video dominance, and Facebook (rather infamously in 2016) became embroiled in political controversy that forever changed how we view social media’s role in shaping public opinion and consumer behaviour.
Which brings us perfectly to our next point:
Privacy Changes & First-Party Data
The public backlash following the Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018 resulted in many governments (and brands) introducing laws to curb the data-collection free-for-all that had been building up. This led to the data landscape transforming dramatically with GDPR, CCPA, and Apple’s privacy changes disrupting tracking capabilities. No longer could data be collected indiscriminately and held indefinitely. The reasons for data being collected had to be started, and users given the ability to opt out. This completely shifted how brands approached targeting, moving from a largely outward-focusing strategy based on customer characteristics, and towards building direct relationships and first-party data collection strategies.
And finally, on the subject of data:
AI & Automation
While the biggest talking point around AI in recent years has been generative AI, machine learning and automation has been steadily transforming how digital marketing is performed for a while now.
AI bid management can analyse thousands of signals in milliseconds to place ads exactly when your ideal customer is ready to buy, shift budgets automatically to your best-performing channels, and even predict what your best creative will be, just based on the data you provide.
Chatbots can now handle the majority of routine customer enquiries while also collecting valuable first-party data, qualifying leads and working 24/7. This trend will only continue, and is likely to be the driving force behind the next wave of digital marketing innovation.
The New Digital Marketing Reality
The digital landscape has transformed beyond recognition in the last decade. The companies thriving today understand that digital marketing isn’t just about being present online—it’s about creating meaningful connections in the spaces where customers actually spend their time.
At Invanity Marketing, we are at the forefront of digital marketing’s evolution, using the latest and most powerful tools available to create campaigns that deliver measurable results. We’re not interested in vanity metrics that look impressive in reports but fail to generate actual revenue. We focus on creating digital campaigns that drive towards a single result – achieving your business goals.
