As of 2020, 85% of businesses use video as a marketing tool, according to Wyzowl. And why wouldn’t they? Users love video content, and 54% of them want to see more of it! With such a large number of brands putting videos out there daily, it’s only a matter of time before some go viral. Oh, and there have been many over the years! In that honor, we decided to look at the ten best viral marketing videos of recent years and what made them so successful!
So if you’re interested in learning from the best or are just looking to enjoy yourself with some of these advertising gems, you’re in the right place! Here are our picks for the ten best viral marketing videos of recent times in no particular order.
10 Best Viral Marketing Videos
Blendtec
Let us start on a fun note! Even if you’ve never heard of this company, you must have seen this or some other of their “Will It Blend?” video series. These are a perfect mix of shock factor and humor! We don’t know about you, but we loved all of them! By today, Blendtec has successfully blended thousands of dollars worth of tech equipment.
The recipe for success here is simple — make a cheesy and shocking video, and you’ve got yourself a winner! And guess what? It worked like a charm!
Gotstyle
We bet you didn’t see that coming, did you? We won’t spoil the ending if you haven’t seen this ad yet, but oh, boy. This one is a mouthful.
The obscenity of the naked man is not the only thing that stands out, though. Both characters are incredibly charming, and their dialogue is as funny as it is absurd! This commercial is over the top in every aspect, and that’s what made it so successful!
Oh, and successful might be an understatement. This ad was so popular that Toronto-based Gotstyle saw a massive increase in popularity that the company even opened a second retail store in the city.
You Might Also Like: How to Make a Viral Video: Make Content That Spreads Like Wildfire
Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys
This commercial was first aired in 2014, during the annual Super Bowl, and it soon became one of the best viral marketing videos of recent years. However, it quickly became notorious for its mixed reception. Merely saying this ad is a mixed bag would be an understatement. But regardless of your opinion on it, you can’t disagree on one thing — it is epic!
- A movie-like opening scene with a quote from the bible.
- A film-like plot (hubris, tragedy, revenge, redemption).
- Epic metal music accompanied by a sledgehammer scene.
Frankly, you need nothing else to stir one’s emotions… whatever they are!
Alibaba
This ad is an excellent example of how a video marketing campaign can use a heartfelt personal story and connect it to a brand. This commercial is so inspirational and touching because it tells a story of an ice hockey team from Kenya dreaming of participating in the Winter Olympic Games. The ad ends with an empowering note from the brand, which links the company’s values with those presented in the commercial. Overall, the ad strikes all the right chords, so it should serve as an example for all aspiring advertisers out there.
Android
What is cuter than animals? Even more animals! This ad from Android takes the idea of animals in commercials to the next level. Also, it proves the company’s dominance on the market as neither the brand’s name nor logo appears anywhere in the ad save for a few seconds in the end.
This ad was constructed to appeal to the viewers’ love for animals by including over two minutes of many different species playing together. The accompanying soundtrack is exceptionally soothing, and you can’t help but go “Awww” every step of the way.
The secret behind this low-budget viral video is straightforward — emotions, and plenty of them! So the next time you’re looking to create a successful video ad, keep that in mind.
Dollar Shave Club
One of the best viral marketing videos by far is the Dollar Shave Club’s brand launch ad. Who says you need a huge marketing budget to make a masterpiece? This advertising gem should be proof enough you can even make do with pocket change!
But what is the primary reason behind this commercial’s success? Isn’t it obvious already? Humor! Telling your brand’s story in an entertaining way is what every business should strive toward, and Dollar Shave Club is a prime example of how you can do it!
Nike Women
Talking about funny, here’s another entertaining take on an advertisement. This commercial has a humoristic take on a serious topic, and it nails it! It focuses on women’s insecurities and how debilitating they can be. It gives us an insight into several women’s thoughts in different exercise or sports scenarios and ends on an empowering note that resonates with everyone!
These types of ads are harder to pull off, but if you do, they can be extremely rewarding!
Volvo Trucks
This ad must have been a hell of expensive, but you can’t say that it isn’t a mind-blowing experience! And where did all the ad budget go? On Jean-Claude Van Damme, of course! This Belgian martial artist and movie star does an awe-inspiring stunt on camera — a split while standing on two moving Volvo trucks!
This commercial has it all:
- A famous person
- A daring stunt
- Epic build-up and even better music
- Breathtaking filmmaking
So let these inspire you when making your next ad (if you have the budget for them, that is).
PooPourri
Here’s the sh***iest best marketing video of them all, pun intended. And we’re not the only punny ones here, judging by this brand’s name!
The reason this ad found so much success should be evident for anyone who’s watched it; it takes a widely embarrassing situation that plagues most viewers and mockingly offers a solution. So even if you haven’t been bought by the product itself, the adorable but slightly awkward commercial will likely be a dealbreaker here!
We don’t know about you, but we sure are tempted to buy a few for ourselves!
Old Spice
Old Spice Man is a must-include in every viral marketing video list as this ad has become a worldwide phenomenon. This commercial has taken the world by storm with its humor, fast-paced delivery, and brand message. The man your man could smell like quickly became an icon in the online world, so Old Spice didn’t end it there!
That’s right; the company took their campaign to a whole other level by making a series of new personalized videos. Talk about dedication!
Did You Find the Inspiration You Were Looking For?
How did you like our list? Did you find some of these ads inspiring? Are there any other ads you’d place on this list? Let us know on social media! We’d love to hear your thoughts. Good luck with your video content marketing strategy, and may your ads go viral!
