Imagine you’re scrolling through your feed, minding your own business, when BAM!

A post so clever, witty, and downright entertaining that you stop in your tracks...

You’re not the only one.

Soon, everyone’s talking about it, sharing it, and suddenly, it’s viral. That's social media magic at its finest.

For ecommerce brands, social media is the ultimate platform where creativity meets opportunity. One viral marketing move can send your brand soaring from “meh” to “must-have” status in the blink of an eye.

Now, with Black Friday coming up, the timing couldn’t be better. This is your chance to take some notes from the pros and cook up a viral social media campaign that will have your audience buzzing.

In this article, we'll share five viral content examples showing that when it comes to social media, a little creativity can go a very long way.

‍

1. Lip Gloss Phone Case: Hailey Bieber's Viral Sensation

It all started with a simple mirror selfie, but Hailey Bieber’s marketing magic quickly turned it into something much bigger. Her makeup line, Rhode, introduced a phone case that holds lip gloss, a combination of style and function that took the internet by storm, becoming one of the best viral advertising campaigns of the year.

Who doesn’t love a practical product that’s also fashionable?

Taking advantage of her massive social media following, Hailey casually showcased the product in an Instagram post, and her fans went crazyyy!

Within hours, what started as a post turned into a viral phenomenon. Celebrities and influencers jumped on the bandwagon, posting their own selfies with the product, and soon, Rhode’s lip gloss phone case became the must-have accessory of 2024.

This example shows how influencer marketing can/ be highly effective, especially when it feels organic. People weren’t just buying a phone case; they were buying into a fashion trend.

Introducing a new product around BFCM and leveraging influencer marketing is a smart strategy to generate buzz and drive sales during this peak shopping season.

‍

‍

2. Dove's #DetoxCampaign: Promoting Real Beauty

Dove has long championed real beauty, and their #DetoxCampaign elevated this message to new heights. In a world filled with unrealistic beauty standards, Dove launched a heartfelt social media campaign centered on self-love and self-confidence, becoming one of the most impactful viral ad campaigns in recent years.

Instead of focusing on product promotion, the campaign emphasized a powerful message that resonated with millions.

A key component was a YouTube video that sparked meaningful conversations about body image and beauty, encouraging viewers to reconsider the content they engage with on social media.

By prioritizing a deeper connection with its audience over immediate sales, Dove transformed its marketing into a movement that captured attention and inspired change.

‍

3. Old Spice: The Man Your Man Could Smell Like

Old Spice’s 2010 campaign, "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like," reinvented the brand with a clever mix of humor and real-time engagement. Featuring the suave “Old Spice Guy,” the campaign began as a TV advertisement but quickly expanded across multiple platforms, especially social media.

The campaign directly addressed women by framing the ad as if it were speaking to them about their partners. Isaiah Mustafa, as the suave "Old Spice Guy," begins the commercial by addressing the female audience, saying, "Hello, ladies," before contrasting what their man currently smells like with what he could smell like. With a playful message like your man could smell better with Old Spice.

It wasn’t just the humor that made this campaign a hit, it was the interactive approach. The "Old Spice Guy" responded to comments and playful questions in real time across social media, making the audience feel directly involved in the fun.

The campaign didn’t just entertain, it was an instant viral sensation, racking up over 60 million views on YouTube. This made it one of the most memorable viral social media campaigns of its time. More importantly, it drove a s/ignificant boost in sales, proving that humor, when combined with direct engagement, can reshape a brand’s image.

Old Spice showed that even a classic brand could use digital platforms to reach younger audiences in an engaging, fresh way, setting a new standard for how brands connect with consumers.

‍

‍

4. The Barbie Movie: Nostalgia Meets Social Media

Barbie has been an iconic figure for generations, and when The Barbie Movie hit theatres, it brought a tidal wave of nostalgia with it. But it wasn’t just nostalgia that made the movie a hit — it was the clever marketing tactics.

Before/after the movie hit the cinemas, Barbie's marketing team introduced an AI-powered Barbie Selfie Generator which allowed fans to create their personalized character posters and share them on social media. Almost instantly, platforms like TikTok and Instagram were flooded with Barbie transformations, and everyone from celebrities to everyday users joined in.

This campaign worked because it was interactive and hit that sweet spot between nostalgia and fun. It wasn’t just about selling tickets to the movie; it was about letting fans interact with the franchise in a way that felt personal.

Whether it’s an interactive quiz, a fun AR experience, or a social media filter, creating something that lets your audience engage directly with your brand can lead to increased shares and exposure. When people feel connected to your brand, they’re more likely to spread the word.

‍

5. The “In My Tabby” Coach Campaign: Storytelling at Its Best

Coach's “In My Tabby” campaign took the traditional "What's in my bag?" concept and gave it a heartfelt twist.

The usual What's in my bag campaigns feature people showing off the physical items they carry in their bags, but in the Coach's campaign featured stars like Lil Nas X, Camila Mendes, and Kōki share the emotions, memories, and experiences they “carry” with them. It quickly became one of the most touching viral examples of storytelling in recent fashion marketing.

What made this campaign so effective was its relatability. Everyone carries more than just physical items; we all have emotional baggage, memories, and moments that define us. Coach’s focus on individuality and self-expression struck a chord with people all over the world.

Think about how you can tell a story through your campaign. It can feature your customers’ personal journeys or highlight the unique experiences of your brand ambassadors, storytelling creates a deeper connection with your audience.

And in a season where every brand is pushing sales, with heavy discounts a little storytelling can set you apart from the competition.

‍

‍

Frequently Asked Questions about Viral Social Campaigns

1. How do I make a campaign go viral?

Tapping into trending topics, teaming up with influencers, and keeping your content authentic and relatable. When people see themselves in your brand, they’ll want to share it with everyone.

2. What are some TikTok viral campaign ideas?‍

TikTok is all about quick, fun, and interactive content. Think hashtag challenges, user-generated content, or duets with influencers. If it's catchy, creative, and easy to join in on, you're on the right track.

3. What are some viral campaign marketing ideas?

From nostalgia-driven campaigns that tug at the heartstrings to clever memes and interactive polls, viral marketing ideas run the gamut. Just remember: creativity and shareability are your best friends!

4. What role does interactivity play in viral campaigns?‍

People love getting involved! Interactive content like polls, challenges, and contests give them a reason to engage and share. Plus, algorithms boost posts with high engagement, increasing their visibility and helping your campaign spread like wildfire.

‍

Wrapping It Up

The key to going viral isn’t just about selling a product; it’s about creating a moment, a feeling, or an experience that resonates with people.

So, as you gear up for the biggest shopping event of the year, remember: the most memorable viral marketing campaigns are the ones that speak to your audience’s heart, not just their wallets.

With Black Friday on the horizon, now is the perfect time to think outside the box and craft a viral social media campaign. Whether you’re taking a page out of Hailey Bieber’s playbook with influencer marketing or tapping into pop culture moments, the possibilities for creating viral ad campaigns are endless. Follow DIGITORM for more marketing tips!