Fascinating! One of the most fun and challenging aspects of marketing – now exposed. Ad Age magazine just published their professional look at successful viral ads.
According to Ad Age reporter Michael Learmonth, 100 million views is the top tier of viral. The very top of the top is, “Will it Blend?” by Blendtec. It’s a brilliant creative that’s been around for four years. The company found a winning formula and stuck with it.
Interested in tracking the top viral ads? Keep this link among your favorites and enjoy the wonder of those who achieve the top viral distinction – against all odds: Ad Age’s Viral Chart.
The Top 10 Viral Videos of All Time
| Brand | Campaign | Agency | All Time Views* | Launch Date | ||
| Blendtec | Will It Blend? | In-house | 134,256,499 | 10/30/06 | ||
| Evian | Live Young | BETC Euro RSCG | 103,867,704 | 6/4/09 | ||
| Old Spice | Responses | Wieden & Kennedy | 57,132,669 | 7/12/10 | ||
| Pepsi | Gladiator | AMV BBDO | 46,742,892 | 1/1/04 | ||
| Microsoft | Xbox Project Natal | World Famous | 42,698,599 | 6/1/09 | ||
| Dove | Evolution | Ogilvy & Mather | 41,100,418 | 10/1/06 | ||
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile Dance | Saatchi & Saatchi | 35,487,575 | 1/15/09 | ||
| Doritos | Crash The Super Bowl 2010 | Goodby Silverstein & Partners | 34,168,845 | 1/5/10 | ||
| Old Spice | Odor Blocker | Wieden & Kennedy | 33,986,750 | 3/31/10 | ||
| DC Shoes | Gymkhana Two | In-house | 32,872,531 | 9/3/09 | ||
| Source: Visible Measures | ||||||
For the full Ad Age article, see The Top 10 Viral Videos of All Time
How to make an ad go viral
Your marketing message doesn’t have to be a video to go viral – but it helps. Basically, several common elements are essential to launch your ad to viral status.
- It’s emotional. Both positive and negative emotional experiences are ripe for passing around. In fact, the more emotionally intense, the greater likelihood that it will travel.
- It performs a public service. “Just click here and this sponsor will donate a can of dog food to the rescue shelter. Then forward to six friends.” Awwww. Who can hit delete?
- It’s funny. We all need an ear-to-ear feel-good during our harried and overwhelming schedules.
What’s your favorite viral ad? Why?
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ABOUT Lisa M. Chapman: With offices in Nashville Tennessee, but working virtually with international clients, Lisa M. Chapman serves her clients as a business and marketing coach, business planning consultant and social media consultant. As a Founder of iBrand Masters, a social media consulting firm, Lisa Chapman helps clients to establish and enhance their online brand, attract their target market, engage them in meaningful social media conversations, and convert online traffic into revenues. Email: Lisa @ LisaChapman.com