I have always enjoyed looking at different viral marketing campaigns of companies. It is interesting to see how creative and unique brands can get to capture the interests of its consumers. I believe it is that perfect mix of humor and wit which creates a lasting impact and makes viewers want to hit that ‘share’ button. Jonah Berger, an assistant marketing professor at the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania and New York Times bestselling author of Contagious: Why Things Catch On believes that viral marketing’s success is based on 6 key principles namely STEPPS (Social Currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public, Practical Value, and Stories). I agree that Triggers and Emotion are significant factors which make viral videos instant hits. I am a sucker for the Dove series of advertisements which focus on inner beauty and loving every part of your body. It is empowering as an individual and as a woman.
Below is a list of my top 3 for best viral videos in no particular order:
1. Dove Real Beauty Sketches
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XpaOjMXyJGk
Dove conducted a social experiment wherein they hired a forensic artist to sketch people. It explored how women view their own beauty in contrast to what others see them as.
2. Child of the 90’s Microsoft Explorer
Microsoft Explorer made a beautiful video of all the childhood memories of Generation Y from playing with the trolls, Tamagochi keychains, yoyos to water guns and those plastic hippos. It is a great short clip which makes you reminisce about the old days.
3. How It Feels through Google Glass
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=v1uyQZNg2vE
Google created a short video of how people would use Google Glass in their daily lives. It demonstrated how videos and pictures can be taken in the most intimate and spectacular moments of any individual’s life. I especially liked the part in the end where the Google Glass user shared his majestic view of the air balloons to his girlfriend.
What are some of your favorite viral videos? Feel free to share them and comment below!
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