Ever seen a video campaign so wild you had to stop everything and hit “share”? That’s the magic of a viral campaign—content that spreads not because it’s boosted, but because it’s unforgettable. And while luck plays a part, the best viral marketing examples are no accident. They’re engineered for emotion, attention, and brand power.
Below are seven video campaigns that didn’t just go viral—they took over the internet. Even better? We’ll break down what you can learn (and steal) from each.
1. KFC’s Space-Faring Chicken Bucket
This video campaign launched lunch into orbit—literally.
KFC teamed up with a private aerospace company to send a chicken sandwich into the stratosphere. It was random. It was hilarious. And it was so perfectly “KFC” that people couldn’t stop watching.
What you can steal from this viral campaign:
- Embrace the absurd. If it aligns with your tone, strange can be strategic. Audiences crave novelty, and absurdity often creates share-worthy moments.
- Partner smart. KFC leveraged a space company to gain credibility and reach, proving that the right collaboration can amplify storytelling.
2. IHOP Becomes IHOb: The Burger Rebrand
This viral campaign flipped breakfast on its head—and sparked a national food fight.
For one summer, IHOP became IHOb to promote burgers. The internet exploded. People debated, joked, even got mad. But they were talking—and that’s gold.
What you can steal:
- Use curiosity as a hook. Teasing a major change gets people to pay attention—just make sure you’ve got substance behind the surprise.
- Be ready for the backlash. IHOP leaned into the online jokes, showing that self-awareness keeps a campaign fun and engaging.
3. Tesla’s Cybertruck Reveal: A “Broken” Success
One broken window. One viral moment. Millions of memes.
When Tesla tried to show off its “shatterproof” windows, they accidentally broke them. But instead of hiding it, Elon Musk leaned in. It became one of the most talked-about launches in tech history.
Takeaway from this video campaign:
- Roll with the punches. Not every glitch is a failure; authenticity often wins more attention than perfection.
- Make a moment. Even flops can fuel the narrative if you own them with confidence and humor.
4. Burger King’s Whopper Detour: A Geo-Targeted Masterpiece
This viral campaign used location data to hijack the competition.
Burger King let customers order a Whopper for one cent—but only if they were near a McDonald’s. It was bold, cheeky, and brilliantly executed through the BK app.
Why it worked:
- Get clever with tech. Geo-targeting added urgency and made people feel like they were part of an inside joke.
- Be bold. A playful dig at a competitor can be powerful when done with creativity and good humor.
5. Red Bull Stratos: Jumping from the Edge of Space
This was more than a video campaign—it was history.
Red Bull literally pushed the limits of human potential by sending skydiver Felix Baumgartner 128,000 feet above Earth for a free fall jump. It was a historic event, broadcast live on YouTube, and it broke multiple world records. But more than that, it was a masterclass in brand alignment. Red Bull didn’t just sponsor the event—they owned the narrative.
Your takeaway:
- Go big on brand alignment. Red Bull is about pushing limits, and this campaign showed how a brand can live its values on a global stage.
- Use live video for real-time impact. It builds suspense and invites millions to watch—and feel—the moment together.
6. Liquid Death: Murder Your Thirst with Metal Mayhem
Not your average water commercial.
Liquid Death’s viral campaigns are over-the-top, punk rock, and totally unfiltered. They know exactly who they’re talking to—and who they’re not. Their fans? Obsessed.
What to learn from this viral campaign:
- Embrace a clear, bold identity. Liquid Death doesn’t dilute its message, which makes it stand out in a saturated market.
- Break format. If weird fits your audience, don’t shy away from it—lean in and own it.
7. Ryan Reynolds and Aviation Gin: Pop Culture Sniper
Real-time reactions. Real funny. Really effective.
After the controversial Peloton ad aired, Reynolds quickly filmed a spoof starring the same actress—now sipping gin with friends. The internet loved it. Timing was everything.
What made this video campaign go viral:
- Move fast. Cultural moments move quickly—being first (and clever) often beats being polished.
- Add a personal touch. Ryan Reynolds’ humor and charm gave the campaign a relatable, human edge that felt unscripted.
What Every Viral Campaign Has in Common
Across all these viral marketing examples, three truths stand out:
They took risks. Playing it safe never goes viral.
They knew their brand. Each campaign was unmistakably “them.”
They made people feel. Whether it was awe, laughter, or pure curiosity.
Want Your Next Video Campaign to Go Viral?
Here’s your starting checklist:
- Know your audience—and surprise them.
- Keep the story clear and bold.
- Move fast. Culture waits for no one.
- Use tools that let you test, track, and tweak.
Ready to launch your own viral campaign? Start with the bold idea—and build your video campaign around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to make a campaign viral?
A viral campaign often starts with a bold idea that sparks an emotional reaction—humor, surprise, or awe. You need strong storytelling, share-worthy visuals, and a distribution strategy that includes social media and influencers. Partnering with a digital marketing agency can also boost your reach.
- What is a viral marketing video?
A viral marketing video is content designed to be so engaging or unexpected that people feel compelled to share it. Think of it as a conversation-starter that travels fast—like Red Bull’s space jump or the Cybertruck window failure.
- How to create a viral brand?
To build a viral brand, you need consistency, courage, and character. Be clear about what you stand for, take creative risks, and don’t try to please everyone. Viral brands often polarize—but their fans are fiercely loyal.
- What is the most successful marketing campaign?
That depends on how you measure success, but Red Bull’s Stratos jump is a top contender. It combined science, spectacle, and perfect brand alignment, making it one of the most iconic viral marketing examples to date.
- How to start a campaign?
Start with your goal—brand awareness, engagement, conversions—and work backwards. Define your audience, message, and platform. Then build a compelling video campaign around a hook they can’t ignore. If you need help, a digital marketing agency can guide you from strategy to execution.
