Top Viral Ads of All Time

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    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.

    1. 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.
    2. 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?
    3. 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