100+ Proven Marketing Case Studies That Went Viral

1. Liquid Death – "Murder Your Thirst"

  • What They Did: Branded canned water like an edgy, punk rock energy drink. Used dark humor and rebellion as their marketing angle.

  • Why It Worked: Stood out in a crowded market by rejecting traditional health and wellness branding. Leveraged viral content, merch, and controversy.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Find a disruptive angle to position your brand against industry norms.

2. Tesla – "$0 Ad Spend, Maximum Attention"

  • What They Did: Relied on Elon Musk’s personal brand, viral tweets, and stunts like launching a car into space.

  • Why It Worked: Created word-of-mouth marketing at scale. Newsworthy PR stunts keep Tesla in the spotlight without traditional advertising.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Storytelling and controversy drive free marketing. A strong personal brand can replace millions in ad spend.

3. Apple – "The iPhone Line Strategy"

  • What They Did: Instead of just selling a phone, they made waiting in line an experience. Early adopters lined up for hours, creating media buzz.

  • Why It Worked: Social proof made it look like a must-have product. The scarcity effect made people want it more.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Exclusivity and anticipation can turn launches into viral events.

4. Old Spice – "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like"

  • What They Did: Launched a humorous, fast-paced ad campaign featuring a charismatic spokesman addressing viewers directly.

  • Why It Worked: Engaged both male and female audiences, making it highly shareable. Followed up with real-time personalized video responses.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Entertainment and engagement can transform an old brand into a viral sensation.

5. Nike – "Colin Kaepernick Controversy"

  • What They Did: Featured Kaepernick in an ad campaign after his controversial NFL protests, sparking debates worldwide.

  • Why It Worked: Tapped into cultural conversations and brand loyalty. Despite initial backlash, sales surged by 31%.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Taking a stand on social issues can strengthen brand identity and attract passionate customers.

6. Burger King – "Whopper Detour"

  • What They Did: Offered a 1-cent Whopper to customers who ordered it while standing near a McDonald's location.

  • Why It Worked: Clever use of geolocation technology turned McDonald's locations into marketing tools for Burger King.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Creative digital activations can drive engagement and steal competitors’ customers.

7. McDonald’s – "The Travis Scott Meal"

  • What They Did: Partnered with rapper Travis Scott to create a limited-edition meal, leading to social media frenzy.

  • Why It Worked: Leveraged celebrity influence and fan culture to create a viral, must-try product.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Pop culture collaborations can drive massive engagement and sales.

8. IKEA – "Brainwashing You to Buy More"

  • What They Did: Designed stores like a maze, subtly guiding customers through every section before checkout.

  • Why It Worked: Increased exposure to more products and impulse purchases.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Strategic store layouts and psychological triggers can increase sales without customers realizing it.

9. Red Bull – "Stratos Jump"

  • What They Did: Sponsored Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking space jump, watched by millions worldwide.

  • Why It Worked: Created a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled spectacle that aligned perfectly with Red Bull’s brand identity.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Extreme stunts and world records can generate global media coverage and brand credibility.

10. Airbnb – "Breaking Into the Travel Industry Without Owning Property"

  • What They Did: Used user-generated content, influencer partnerships, and digital marketing to promote unique stays.

  • Why It Worked: Created trust through storytelling and social proof, allowing people to experience destinations through the eyes of locals.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Building a community around your brand can drive growth faster than traditional advertising.

11. Coca-Cola – "Share a Coke"

  • What They Did: Personalized Coke bottles with common names to encourage social sharing.

  • Why It Worked: Tapped into personalization and social engagement, making it a viral trend.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Personalization and social interaction drive engagement and sales.

12. Dove – "Real Beauty Campaign"

  • What They Did: Focused on real women rather than models to redefine beauty standards.

  • Why It Worked: Created emotional connections and positive brand association.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Authenticity and inclusivity build brand loyalty.

13. Wendy’s – "Twitter Roast Strategy"

  • What They Did: Used witty and savage tweets to interact with customers and competitors.

  • Why It Worked: Made the brand fun and relatable, increasing engagement.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Bold and engaging social media strategies can boost brand personality.

14. GoPro – "User-Generated Content Revolution"

  • What They Did: Encouraged users to share videos shot with GoPro cameras.

  • Why It Worked: Created an organic marketing loop where customers became promoters.

  • Marketing Takeaway: User-generated content can be an extremely powerful marketing tool.

15. Spotify – "Wrapped Campaign"

  • What They Did: Personalized year-in-review music stats for users to share online.

  • Why It Worked: Leveraged data-driven insights and social sharing.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Data-driven personalization can create a viral effect.

16. Google – "Parisian Love Super Bowl Ad"

  • What They Did: Told a love story through Google search queries.

  • Why It Worked: Emotionally resonant and relatable storytelling.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Emotional narratives can make a lasting impact.

17. Dollar Shave Club – "Disrupting the Razor Industry"

  • What They Did: Released a low-budget, hilarious ad that mocked overpriced razors.

  • Why It Worked: Authenticity and humor made it go viral, disrupting a billion-dollar industry.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Simple yet bold messaging can shake up an entire industry.

18. LEGO – "The LEGO Movie as a Marketing Strategy"

  • What They Did: Created a feature film centered around their product.

  • Why It Worked: Blended storytelling with advertising in a seamless way.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Branded entertainment can create deep audience engagement.

19. Fenty Beauty – "Inclusive Beauty Movement"

  • What They Did: Launched a foundation line with 40+ shades.

  • Why It Worked: Addressed a major gap in the beauty industry, earning widespread praise.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Addressing underserved markets can create instant brand loyalty.

20. ALS Association – "Ice Bucket Challenge"

  • What They Did: Encouraged participants to pour a bucket of ice water over themselves and challenge others to do the same while donating to ALS research.

  • Why It Worked: Combined virality, social proof, and a cause-driven mission, leading to millions of social media shares and over $115 million in donations.

  • Marketing Takeaway: User participation and social media challenges can create global brand awareness and massive engagement.

21. Barbie – "Barbenheimer Crossover Hype"

  • What They Did: Leveraged an unexpected internet trend pairing the Barbie and Oppenheimer movie releases into an ironic, viral movement.

  • Why It Worked: Encouraged organic meme culture and user-generated content, turning two vastly different films into must-watch experiences.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Embracing pop culture trends can fuel organic word-of-mouth marketing and increase audience reach.

22. Popeyes – "Chicken Sandwich Wars"

  • What They Did: Introduced a new chicken sandwich, sparking a social media battle with Chick-fil-A.

  • Why It Worked: Fueled FOMO (fear of missing out) and urgency as demand exceeded supply, making the sandwich a cultural moment.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Scarcity and social media buzz can drive massive product demand and brand loyalty.

23. Netflix – "Squid Game Global Phenomenon"

  • What They Did: Released a foreign-language show with gripping storytelling, amplified by social media memes and challenges.

  • Why It Worked: Organic virality led to record-breaking views, and Netflix capitalized on trending moments with clever digital marketing.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Leveraging audience-generated content can significantly extend a campaign’s impact.

24. Dollar General – "Dew it with Dew"

  • What They Did: Collaborated with Mountain Dew to create exclusive flavors available only at Dollar General locations.

  • Why It Worked: Exclusivity and limited-time availability drove foot traffic to stores and increased brand loyalty.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Strategic brand partnerships can elevate customer engagement and expand audience reach.

25. Heinz & Ed Sheeran – "Tattoo Bottle Campaign"

  • What They Did: Created a limited-edition Heinz bottle inspired by Ed Sheeran’s tattoo of the Heinz logo.

  • Why It Worked: Combined celebrity influence and limited-edition scarcity, making the product highly sought after.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Celebrity partnerships and personal storytelling can create a powerful emotional connection with consumers.

26. Tesla – "Cybertruck Window Fail"

  • What They Did: During the live unveiling of the Cybertruck, its “shatterproof” window unexpectedly broke.

  • Why It Worked: The mishap generated massive viral attention, with memes and discussions dominating social media.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Unexpected moments can be turned into marketing wins when handled strategically.

27. Balenciaga – "Trash Bag Luxury"

  • What They Did: Released a $1,790 luxury trash bag as a fashion statement.

  • Why It Worked: Controversial pricing and unique design choices led to worldwide media coverage and debate.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Pushing boundaries and creating controversy can drive brand awareness and cultural conversations.

28. Wendy’s – "Breakfast Battle with McDonald’s"

  • What They Did: Launched a cheeky marketing campaign roasting McDonald’s in preparation for Wendy’s new breakfast menu launch.

  • Why It Worked: Played into Wendy’s strong social media brand voice, creating engagement and humor-driven virality.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Bold, competitive positioning can create buzz and challenge industry leaders.

29. Apple – "Shot on iPhone Campaign"

  • What They Did: Showcased high-quality user-generated content shot on iPhones, proving camera capabilities.

  • Why It Worked: Built credibility through real-world examples and customer storytelling.

  • Marketing Takeaway: User-generated content can act as an authentic testimonial for brand quality.

30. Gucci – "Virtual Sneakers"

  • What They Did: Sold digital-only sneakers that could be worn in augmented reality and online games.

  • Why It Worked: Tapped into the growing NFT and digital fashion trend, expanding their brand presence in virtual spaces.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Innovative digital experiences can attract younger, tech-savvy audiences and create new revenue streams.

31. Oreo – "Dunk in the Dark"

  • What They Did: Tweeted “You can still dunk in the dark” during the 2013 Super Bowl blackout.

  • Why It Worked: Real-time marketing captured the audience’s attention, making it one of the most memorable brand tweets.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Timely, witty content can make a lasting impact and boost brand relevance.

32. Starbucks – "Red Cup Controversy"

  • What They Did: Released plain red holiday cups instead of traditional holiday-themed designs, sparking debates.

  • Why It Worked: Controversy drove conversation and brand awareness, making Starbucks a trending topic.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Sometimes, minimalism and subtle changes can generate mass engagement.

33. Amazon – "Prime Day Hype"

  • What They Did: Created an exclusive shopping holiday for Prime members with massive discounts.

  • Why It Worked: FOMO (fear of missing out) and exclusivity led to record-breaking sales.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Artificial scarcity and exclusive access can drive customer urgency and loyalty.

34. Pepsi – "Pepsi Challenge"

  • What They Did: Conducted blind taste tests between Pepsi and Coke, often favoring Pepsi.

  • Why It Worked: Gave consumers an interactive experience and challenged brand loyalty.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Challenging competitors directly can create strong brand differentiation.

35. TikTok – "Hashtag Challenges"

  • What They Did: Encouraged users to create and share content around branded challenges.

  • Why It Worked: User-generated content led to organic virality and massive engagement.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Leveraging user participation can exponentially grow brand awareness.

36. Tesla – "Referral Program Success"

  • What They Did: Offered free Supercharging miles and even a free Tesla for referring customers.

  • Why It Worked: Turned customers into brand ambassadors, reducing marketing costs while boosting sales.

  • Marketing Takeaway: A strong referral program can drive cost-effective customer acquisition.

37. McDonald’s – "Monopoly Game Promotion"

  • What They Did: Launched a Monopoly-themed sweepstakes where customers could win prizes.

  • Why It Worked: Created a fun, addictive buying experience that increased customer retention.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Gamification can drive repeat purchases and deepen customer engagement.

38. Nintendo – "Pokémon GO Craze"

  • What They Did: Released an augmented reality (AR) mobile game that encouraged real-world exploration.

  • Why It Worked: Nostalgia, interactive experiences, and social aspects led to massive global adoption.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Merging technology with real-world experiences can create unparalleled engagement.

39. L’Oreal – "Try Before You Buy AR"

  • What They Did: Introduced augmented reality (AR) technology to allow users to virtually try on makeup.

  • Why It Worked: Removed barriers to online beauty shopping, increasing confidence in purchases.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Innovative tech can enhance the customer experience and drive sales.

40. Kylie Cosmetics – "Limited Edition Drops"

  • What They Did: Released Kylie Lip Kits in small batches, creating instant sellouts.

  • Why It Worked: Scarcity marketing and influencer branding drove immense demand.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Exclusive, limited-edition products fuel hype and urgency to buy.

41. Chipotle – "Boorito Halloween Promo"

  • What They Did: Offered discounts for customers who dressed up in Halloween costumes.

  • Why It Worked: Encouraged user participation and in-store foot traffic.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Seasonal promotions with interactive elements can boost brand engagement.

42. Fyre Festival – "The Greatest Party That Never Happened"

  • What They Did: Marketed a luxury music festival using influencer hype, but failed to deliver.

  • Why It Worked: Influencer marketing proved its effectiveness, despite the festival’s ultimate failure.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Hype and influencer endorsements can drive major interest—if backed by execution.

43. Peloton – "Pandemic Boom"

  • What They Did: Capitalized on home fitness demand during COVID-19 with compelling digital content.

  • Why It Worked: Created a community-driven brand experience that resonated with a locked-down audience.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Adapting quickly to shifting consumer behavior can position a brand for success.

44. Samsung – "iTest for iPhone Users"

  • What They Did: Created a website mimicking the Android experience for iPhone users to try.

  • Why It Worked: Playful, hands-on engagement encouraged potential switchers to explore Samsung products.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Interactive comparisons can challenge consumer loyalty and drive conversions.

45. Netflix – "Bird Box Challenge"

  • What They Did: Encouraged viewers to engage with the thriller Bird Box by recreating blindfolded challenges.

  • Why It Worked: Social media participation turned a movie release into a viral phenomenon.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Encouraging safe user interaction can amplify a brand’s reach exponentially.

46. Apple - "Think Different Campaign"

  • What They Did: A minimalist campaign showcasing visionary figures like Steve Jobs and Albert Einstein.

  • Why It Worked: Reinforced Apple’s brand as a leader in creativity and innovation.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Strong branding with emotional resonance creates lasting brand identity.

47. Louis Vuitton – "Luxury NFTs"

  • What They Did: Launched exclusive digital NFT collectibles as part of a brand extension.

  • Why It Worked: Merged luxury fashion with blockchain technology, appealing to digital-savvy consumers.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Luxury brands can embrace technology to stay ahead in emerging markets.

48. Budweiser – "Whassup?"

  • What They Did: Released an ad featuring friends saying “Whassup?” in a comedic tone.

  • Why It Worked: Catchy, relatable catchphrases became part of pop culture.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Simple, memorable slogans can create a cultural moment and long-term brand impact.

49. Adidas – "Run for the Oceans"

  • What They Did: Organized a global running event to promote ocean conservation and sustainable shoes.

  • Why It Worked: Aligned brand messaging with a social cause, boosting credibility and customer engagement.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Cause-driven marketing can build community and strengthen brand loyalty.

50. Airbnb – "Belong Anywhere Campaign"

  • What They Did: Focused on storytelling that highlighted the emotional side of travel.

  • Why It Worked: Created a deeper emotional connection with travelers looking for unique experiences.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Storytelling is a powerful tool for creating brand differentiation and loyalty.

51. Wendy’s – "#NuggsForCarter"

  • What They Did: A Twitter user asked Wendy’s how many retweets he needed for free nuggets for a year. Wendy’s set the bar at 18 million.

  • Why It Worked: The challenge became a viral internet moment, earning the most retweets in Twitter history at the time.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Engaging directly with users can turn simple interactions into global viral events.

52. Tesla – "Dog Mode Feature"

  • What They Did: Introduced a mode that keeps the car cool for pets with a display message reassuring passersby.

  • Why It Worked: Went viral for prioritizing pet safety and addressing a common concern for pet owners.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Solving everyday problems through product innovation enhances brand loyalty and virality.

53. Nike – "You Can’t Stop Us"

  • What They Did: Released a split-screen video featuring athletes overcoming challenges.

  • Why It Worked: Emotional storytelling resonated with audiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Inspiring, high-production storytelling can create a powerful brand message.

54. Barbie – "Inspiring Women Series"

  • What They Did: Released a new line of dolls modeled after influential female figures.

  • Why It Worked: Empowered young girls and tapped into the cultural conversation on representation.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Tying products to social movements can create emotional connections and brand loyalty.

55. IKEA – "Stay Home Campaign"

  • What They Did: Launched a campaign showing the home as a place of love, safety, and comfort.

  • Why It Worked: Timely messaging resonated with consumers adjusting to life during lockdowns.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Relatable messaging that aligns with current global events can deepen customer relationships.

56. Guinness – "St. Patrick’s Day Without Pubs"

  • What They Did: Created a heartwarming ad acknowledging canceled St. Patrick’s Day celebrations due to COVID-19.

  • Why It Worked: Built strong brand affinity by showing empathy and celebrating the spirit of the occasion.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Acknowledging real-world struggles while staying true to brand identity can resonate with audiences.

57. Doritos – "No Logo Campaign"

  • What They Did: Ran ads removing their name and logo, relying only on recognizable colors and packaging.

  • Why It Worked: Engaged consumers by making them recognize the brand without explicit branding.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Minimalist branding can reinforce brand strength and intrigue consumers.

58. Coca-Cola – "Hug Me Vending Machine"

  • What They Did: Installed vending machines that dispensed free Coke when people hugged them.

  • Why It Worked: Encouraged real-world engagement and viral social sharing.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Interactive brand experiences drive positive sentiment and shareability.

59. Netflix – "Spoiler Billboards"

  • What They Did: Threatened to post spoilers for popular shows on billboards to encourage people to stay home during lockdowns.

  • Why It Worked: Played on humor and fear of spoilers to keep audiences engaged.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Leveraging pop culture moments can create impactful campaigns with minimal ad spend.

60. Heinz – "Ketchup Puzzle"

  • What They Did: Released a completely red jigsaw puzzle during lockdown to engage people at home.

  • Why It Worked: The challenge of assembling an all-red puzzle intrigued customers and created social buzz.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Unique, limited-edition products can generate excitement and consumer engagement.

61. Disney+ – "The Mandalorian & Baby Yoda Phenomenon"

  • What They Did: Released The Mandalorian without initially promoting Baby Yoda.

  • Why It Worked: The surprise reveal sparked massive organic conversation and merchandising success.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Strategic storytelling can create unexpected, viral cultural moments.

62. Lego – "Rebuild the World"

  • What They Did: Launched a campaign encouraging creativity and imagination with Lego.

  • Why It Worked: Emotional storytelling connected with families and creative professionals.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Brand storytelling that encourages audience participation fosters deeper engagement.

63. Apple – "Shot on iPhone Challenge"

  • What They Did: Invited users to submit stunning photos taken on their iPhones for a global campaign.

  • Why It Worked: Leveraged user-generated content to showcase product capabilities.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Highlighting customer experiences through UGC builds credibility and trust.

64. Skittles – "Exclusive Broadway Musical"

  • What They Did: Produced a one-time-only Broadway musical ad instead of a Super Bowl commercial.

  • Why It Worked: The unconventional approach generated curiosity and viral discussion.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Breaking the norm with unique advertising formats can drive engagement.

65. Uber – "Thank You For Not Riding"

  • What They Did: Encouraged people to stay home during the pandemic rather than use Uber rides.

  • Why It Worked: Showed corporate responsibility, building brand goodwill.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Prioritizing social good over short-term profits can strengthen brand reputation.

66. Snickers – "You’re Not You When You’re Hungry"

  • What They Did: Launched an ad series featuring people acting out of character until they eat a Snickers.

  • Why It Worked: Humor and relatability made it a long-standing, successful campaign.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Consistent, humorous branding can make a campaign timeless and memorable.

67. Adidas – "Futurecraft Loop"

  • What They Did: Designed a fully recyclable running shoe to support sustainability.

  • Why It Worked: Aligned with eco-conscious consumer values and sustainability trends.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Sustainable innovations can create strong brand loyalty among conscious consumers.

68. TikTok – "It Starts on TikTok"

  • What They Did: Highlighted viral trends that originated on TikTok, reinforcing its role as a culture driver.

  • Why It Worked: Positioned the platform as the epicenter of internet culture.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Owning cultural moments can solidify brand relevance and authority.

69. GoPro – "Million Dollar Challenge"

  • What They Did: Offered a $1M prize pool for the best GoPro user-generated content submissions.

  • Why It Worked: Motivated consumers to create high-quality content while promoting the product.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Cash incentives and competitions can drive massive consumer participation.

70. Burger King – "Moldy Whopper"

  • What They Did: Released images of a decaying Whopper to highlight the absence of artificial preservatives.

  • Why It Worked: Shock factor drew attention to Burger King’s commitment to cleaner ingredients.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Bold transparency can differentiate a brand in a competitive space.

71. Spotify – "Wrapped Personalized Playlists"

  • What They Did: Created an annual recap of users' most listened-to songs and artists, packaged in a shareable format.

  • Why It Worked: Encouraged users to share their music habits, turning them into brand ambassadors.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Personalized, shareable content drives organic social engagement.

72. Airbnb – "Live Anywhere for a Year"

  • What They Did: Offered people the opportunity to live in Airbnb properties worldwide for free.

  • Why It Worked: Created aspirational content and highlighted the flexibility of Airbnb stays.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Experiential campaigns generate massive media coverage and brand exposure.

73. KFC – "11 Herbs & Spices Twitter Stunt"

  • What They Did: Followed only 11 people on Twitter (five Spice Girls and six people named Herb), subtly referencing their secret recipe.

  • Why It Worked: The clever stunt generated viral engagement when fans discovered it.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Clever, low-cost marketing moves can create massive brand buzz.

74. Pepsi – "Crystal Pepsi Comeback"

  • What They Did: Brought back Crystal Pepsi as a nostalgia-driven limited-time product.

  • Why It Worked: Leveraged 90s nostalgia to create demand and excitement.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Tapping into nostalgia can revive consumer interest in a brand.

75. Reddit – "Super Bowl 5-Second Ad"

  • What They Did: Aired a five-second ad during the Super Bowl featuring a cryptic message that drove viewers to Reddit.

  • Why It Worked: The unexpected format stood out and drove massive online searches.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Disruptive advertising can outperform traditional formats in engagement.

76. McDonald's – "Travis Scott & BTS Meal Collaborations"

  • What They Did: Partnered with celebrities to create special meal collaborations.

  • Why It Worked: Engaged fan bases and boosted sales while making McDonald's part of pop culture.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Leveraging celebrities with dedicated fan bases can drive brand loyalty.

77. Tesla – "No Traditional Advertising Approach"

  • What They Did: Relied on word-of-mouth, social media, and Elon Musk’s Twitter presence instead of paid ads.

  • Why It Worked: Created exclusivity and maximized media coverage without traditional ad spend.

  • Marketing Takeaway: A strong brand voice and word-of-mouth can replace traditional advertising.

78. Dove – "Courage Is Beautiful"

  • What They Did: Created an emotional ad campaign featuring frontline healthcare workers during the pandemic.

  • Why It Worked: Built a strong emotional connection with audiences through authenticity.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Emotionally charged marketing creates long-lasting brand loyalty.

79. Old Spice – "Responses Campaign"

  • What They Did: Created personalized video responses to fans who commented on their viral ads.

  • Why It Worked: Drove further engagement by making fans feel directly connected to the brand.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Personalized interactions can amplify viral success.

  • What They Did: Released an annual video highlighting the most searched moments of the year.

  • Why It Worked: Evoked emotions and nostalgia, making it widely shared.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Reflecting on shared human experiences can strengthen brand affinity.

81. Balenciaga – "The Simpsons Crossover"

  • What They Did: Partnered with The Simpsons to create a fashion show episode instead of a traditional runway event.

  • Why It Worked: Blended high fashion with humor, reaching new audiences.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Unexpected brand collaborations can attract diverse audiences.

82. Patagonia – "Don’t Buy This Jacket"

  • What They Did: Ran an ad urging customers not to buy their product to highlight sustainability.

  • Why It Worked: Reinforced Patagonia’s environmental values and increased customer loyalty.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Counterintuitive marketing can differentiate a brand and build trust.

  • What They Did: Released limited-edition Game of Thrones-themed Oreos.

  • Why It Worked: Capitalized on a major pop culture moment and fandom engagement.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Aligning with major cultural events can generate buzz and sales.

84. Apple – "Privacy Matters Campaign"

  • What They Did: Highlighted iPhone’s privacy features in a simple yet impactful campaign.

  • Why It Worked: Addressed growing consumer concerns about digital privacy.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Aligning marketing with consumer trust concerns can build brand credibility.

85. Burger King – "Burn That Ad"

  • What They Did: Encouraged customers to scan competitors’ ads with the BK app to see them digitally burn and get a free Whopper.

  • Why It Worked: Playful and interactive, positioning Burger King as bold and innovative.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Gamification can make brand engagement more compelling.

86. Lego – "Lego Braille Bricks"

  • What They Did: Created educational Lego bricks featuring Braille to promote inclusivity.

  • Why It Worked: Strengthened brand image by making a real social impact.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Purpose-driven initiatives can elevate a brand’s reputation and reach.

87. Microsoft – "Xbox Adaptive Controller"

  • What They Did: Designed a controller for gamers with disabilities.

  • Why It Worked: Demonstrated inclusivity and positioned Microsoft as a socially responsible company.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Designing for accessibility can create goodwill and customer loyalty.

88. Pringles – "Rick and Morty Commercial"

  • What They Did: Created a surreal, meta-ad featuring Rick and Morty characters promoting Pringles.

  • Why It Worked: Engaged a niche, passionate audience in an unconventional way.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Targeting subcultures can lead to highly engaged fan-driven marketing.

89. Uber Eats – "Wayne’s World & Cardi B Crossover"

  • What They Did: Revived the Wayne’s World characters alongside Cardi B in a humorous Super Bowl ad.

  • Why It Worked: Appealed to both nostalgic fans and a younger generation through influencer marketing.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Combining nostalgia with modern pop culture can bridge generational gaps.

90. Chipotle – "TikTok Lid Flip Challenge"

  • What They Did: Launched a challenge where customers had to flip a Chipotle lid and land it successfully.

  • Why It Worked: Engaged younger audiences and boosted brand visibility through TikTok.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Encouraging social media challenges can drive mass user participation and engagement.

91. Samsung – "Try Galaxy on iPhone"

  • What They Did: Created an app that allows iPhone users to experience the Samsung Galaxy interface.

  • Why It Worked: Let potential customers try the product without switching devices.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Giving consumers a risk-free way to experience your product can drive conversions.

92. Nike – "Nothing Beats a Londoner"

  • What They Did: Launched a campaign showcasing real London athletes and their daily struggles.

  • Why It Worked: Hyper-localized storytelling resonated deeply with the audience.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Understanding and celebrating local culture can strengthen brand affinity.

93. Wendy’s – "Fortnite Roasting Campaign"

  • What They Did: Created a Fortnite gaming avatar that destroyed frozen beef in the game, aligning with their "fresh, never frozen" slogan.

  • Why It Worked: Engaged younger gaming audiences in an interactive and playful way.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Gamification and in-game marketing can effectively reach new demographics.

94. Heinz – "Ketchup Puzzle"

  • What They Did: Launched a 570-piece all-red jigsaw puzzle during the COVID-19 lockdown.

  • Why It Worked: Encouraged brand engagement while staying relevant to the pandemic context.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Timely, fun product releases can boost brand interactions and media attention.

95. Tesla – "Full Self-Driving Beta"

  • What They Did: Allowed a select group of Tesla owners to beta test autonomous driving software.

  • Why It Worked: Created a sense of exclusivity and high-tech innovation, increasing brand loyalty.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Early-access programs can drive consumer excitement and brand advocacy.

96. IKEA – "Buy Back & Resell Program"

  • What They Did: Launched a furniture buy-back initiative to encourage sustainability.

  • Why It Worked: Aligned with global sustainability trends while keeping customers engaged with the brand.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Sustainability-driven marketing can enhance brand reputation and attract eco-conscious consumers.

97. TikTok – "Learn on TikTok Initiative"

  • What They Did: Encouraged creators to post educational content, positioning TikTok as more than just entertainment.

  • Why It Worked: Expanded platform perception, increasing engagement from new demographics.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Broadening content categories can expand a platform's audience reach.

98. Coca-Cola – "Share a Coke 2.0 (Virtual Edition)"

  • What They Did: Allowed consumers to create personalized virtual Coke bottles to share online.

  • Why It Worked: Combined nostalgia with digital engagement for a modernized campaign.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Reinventing past successes through digital platforms can re-engage audiences.

99. Apple – "Shot on iPhone Film Festival"

  • What They Did: Hosted a global short film festival encouraging users to submit films shot on iPhones.

  • Why It Worked: Highlighted product capabilities while fostering creativity in the community.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Encouraging user-generated content can boost brand credibility and engagement.

100. Burger King – "Whopper Sacrifice"

  • What They Did: Launched a Facebook campaign that rewarded users with a free Whopper for deleting 10 friends.

  • Why It Worked: Created controversy and buzz, leading to major social media engagement.

  • Marketing Takeaway: Controversial and edgy campaigns can generate strong word-of-mouth marketing.