Video ads have become one of the most effective ways to reach and engage with your target audience. With platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, viral video ads can go from zero to millions of views in no time. But what makes some video ads go viral while others don’t quite cut it?
In this article, we’ll explore five viral video ad examples and break down exactly why they worked. By looking at key factors like emotional appeal, creativity, timing, and audience engagement, we’ll uncover the elements that turned these ads into viral sensations.
What Makes a Video Ad Go Viral?
Before diving into the examples, let’s take a step back and understand what makes a video ad go viral. These key elements work together to create content that resonates with viewers and encourages them to share it with their social circles:
- Emotional Triggers: Whether it’s humor, empathy, or surprise, viral video ads often evoke strong emotional reactions from viewers.
- Audience Engagement: High levels of interaction, like likes, shares, and comments, are a strong indicator of virality.
- Platform-Specific Strategies: Each social media platform has its unique audience. Ads that understand this and tailor content accordingly are more likely to go viral.
- Timing: A well-timed video that aligns with trends or current events stands a higher chance of going viral.
- Influencer and Celebrity Support: Many viral video ads feature influencers or celebrities, which helps amplify the content’s reach.
- Shareability: Ads that are easy to share and encourage user-generated content (UGC) tend to spread quickly.
- Clear Call to Action: A strong call to action (CTA) guides viewers to take the next step, whether it’s making a purchase, subscribing, or sharing the video.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive into five viral video ad examples that nailed these factors and became massive successes.
Old Spice – “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”
Ad Overview
Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” is one of the most iconic viral ads. Released in 2010, this ad featured actor Isaiah Mustafa delivering a humorous monologue while engaging in increasingly absurd and over-the-top scenarios. It quickly became a sensation on YouTube.
Why It Worked
- Humor: The fast-paced humor and absurdity of the scenarios made it unforgettable. It caught viewers off guard, and that’s what made it shareable.
- Engagement: The ad turned into a social media phenomenon, generating millions of shares, likes, and comments. Old Spice took it a step further by creating personalized responses to fans’ comments, making it even more interactive.
- Timing: Launched just before the Super Bowl, the ad took advantage of high-traffic periods, capitalizing on the growing trend of unexpected humor in advertising.
- Influencer Support: The campaign included interactions with celebrities and influencers, boosting its reach and making it even more viral.
Engagement and Impact
The ad garnered millions of views and increased Old Spice sales by over 125%. It solidified Old Spice as a leader in humorous, creative advertising.
Always – “#LikeAGirl”
Ad Overview
Always’ “#LikeAGirl” campaign, launched in 2014, challenged the societal perception of doing something “like a girl.” Featuring a mix of young girls, teens, and adults performing tasks, the ad showed that doing something “like a girl” should be empowering, not an insult.
Why It Worked
- Emotional Appeal: The campaign resonated deeply with viewers, addressing gender stereotypes and encouraging confidence. It empowered women and young girls everywhere.
- Timing: Launched at a time when the conversation around gender equality was gaining momentum, it tapped into the cultural moment and gave the brand a voice on social issues.
- Shareability: The ad encouraged viewers to use the hashtag #LikeAGirl, leading to user-generated content that fueled the viral nature of the campaign.
- Celebrity Support: The campaign featured prominent figures supporting the message, amplifying its reach on social media.
Engagement and Impact
The campaign went on to generate over 90 million views and sparked important conversations about gender equality. It became a prime example of how brands can use their platform for social change, driving engagement and loyalty.
Nike – “Dream Crazy”
Ad Overview
Nike’s “Dream Crazy” campaign, released in 2018, featured athletes like Colin Kaepernick, LeBron James, and Serena Williams. The ad’s message was simple: “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.” It encouraged viewers to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Why It Worked
- Emotional Appeal: The ad’s message of perseverance, bravery, and social justice struck an emotional chord with many viewers.
- Controversy: Featuring Colin Kaepernick, who had become a polarizing figure due to his protests during the national anthem, added controversy to the campaign. While some criticized Nike, the buzz generated by the ad only fueled discussions, helping it go viral.
- Timing: Released during a period of political and social unrest, it aligned perfectly with the conversations happening in the U.S., making it relevant and thought-provoking.
- Celebrity Endorsement: Featuring powerful athletes like Kaepernick and Serena Williams added credibility and star power to the campaign.
Engagement and Impact
The ad went viral, generating millions of views and social media mentions. Despite some backlash, Nike saw a boost in sales and brand loyalty, showing how standing up for social issues can drive both engagement and profitability.
Dove – “Real Beauty Sketches”
Ad Overview
Dove’s “Real Beauty Sketches,” released in 2013, featured a forensic artist drawing women based on their descriptions and then based on the descriptions of others. The contrast highlighted how women often see themselves as less beautiful than others perceive them.
Why It Worked
- Emotional Appeal: The ad tapped into women’s insecurities about their appearance while promoting self-love and confidence, resonating with a wide audience.
- Social Proof: By using real women rather than models, Dove made the campaign feel authentic and relatable, building trust with the audience.
- Timing: The ad was released at a time when there was growing criticism of unrealistic beauty standards, aligning perfectly with the call for more diverse beauty representations.
- Shareability: Its heartwarming message encouraged people to share the video on their social media profiles to spread the positive message.
Engagement and Impact
The ad became one of the most-watched video ads of all time, garnering millions of views. It sparked wider conversations around beauty standards and self-esteem, positioning Dove as a brand that celebrates real beauty.
Apple – “Welcome Home”
Ad Overview
Apple’s “Welcome Home” ad, created for the launch of the HomePod in 2018, featured an immersive visual experience. Directed by Spike Jonze and starring FKA Twigs, it showcased a woman returning home and being enveloped by vibrant colors and sounds, symbolizing the immersive experience of the HomePod.
Why It Worked
- Creative Approach: The ad’s surreal and visually stunning production sets it apart from traditional tech ads. Its artistic style and emotional undertones captured viewers’ attention.
- Storytelling: Instead of focusing on the technical features of the HomePod, the ad told a story, conveying the emotional experience it offers.
- Platform-Specific Strategy: Apple knows how to leverage its aesthetic and loyal customer base. The ad was designed to fit seamlessly into the visual culture of platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
- Influencer Effect: With Spike Jonze directing and FKA Twigs starring, the ad attracted attention from both the music and film communities, adding credibility.
Engagement and Impact
While it didn’t rack up the same numbers as some of the other ads, it still created a buzz in the tech and design communities, positioning the HomePod as a premium product.
Common Traits of Successful Viral Video Ads
Looking at these five examples, several key traits stand out:
- Emotional Resonance: These ads connected with viewers emotionally, whether through humor, inspiration, or empowerment, making them more likely to share.
- Timeliness: Many of these ads were released at the right moment, tapping into current trends, events, or social issues.
- Engagement: High levels of interaction, from likes and shares to user-generated content, helped these ads achieve viral status.
- Clear Call to Action: Whether it was making a purchase, using a hashtag, or sharing the content, effective CTAs guided viewers to take action.
Final Thoughts on Top 5 Viral Video Ad Examples (And Why They Worked)
Creating viral video content requires mastering emotional triggers, strategic timing, and authentic storytelling that resonates with audiences. These five examples demonstrate how powerful video advertising becomes when creative execution meets strategic distribution.
The common thread among viral successes? They prioritize audience connection over product promotion, leverage current trends, and create content worth sharing organically across social platforms.
Study these proven examples, identify the underlying patterns, and apply these viral principles to your campaigns. Your next video ad could be the one that breaks the internet.