Viral marketing example - Micheal Jackson

Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist, entertainer and businessman. He was referred to as the King of Pop. His popularity in all over the world was contributed by viral marketing that increases his exposure to people around the world.

The pioneer of Viral Marketing-Michael Jackson

Before "viral marketing" was even a term in our social media vocabulary. Michael Jackson was definitely the first artist to produce music video that was able to come across the world like the buzz since 1982 by his single--Thriller. This song disseminate over the world virally as most of the audiences were attracted by his unique dancing style in such music video.

In addition, the most representative production by Michael Jackson is in 1985--We Are the World. It is a meaningful charitable single written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and recorded by a group of popular musicians in USA. The principle of this single is to encourage the world to concern about AIDS patients. Once this single released, it is widely spread out in USA and it helped to rise over $63 million to fight AIDS globally. Such great responses were mainly induced by the meaningful lyrics, memorable melody of the songs and the influence of the famous singers. This song can be penetrated the whole society effectively instead of advertising solely.

We Are the World


Upon today, We Are the World still very popular always re-recorded with different languages and singers. Recently, we can often hear this song from many charitable event regarding tsunami in Thailand and 5.12 Sichuan Earthquake.

Ray Ban Guy Catches Sunglasses with face-Viral Video

Ray Ban create this sunglass trick viral marketing video. Over 4 million views up to date. Although it is a fake, it looks really real. Many people are talking about how the skinny guys can catch the sunglass with face. Some people are trying to learn and practice to catch the sunglasses with face. The video is very successful.

The Dark Knight - Viral Recap....

The Dark Knight Viral Phone Message

The viral marketing campaigns online for The Dark Knight are absolutely brilliant, it expand awareness. The online version of the fictional newspaper arrived and was follows by numerous websites, including a defaced Joker version called "The Ha Ha Ha Times" it has a large awareness of the city. Few of the hardcore fans have been keeping track and they've got one hell of reward - they're members of Joker's army.

Dark Knight - Viral Marketing Campaign

Why So Serious?
Gave comic book fans and mainstream movie goers the chance to live in the world of The Dark Knight. Creating social media campaigns allowing users to interact with the buzz will create more viral mania than ever for future movies.

This viral marketing for The Dark Knight is really getting quite "real" and that's mean that it is really picking up and getting tangible and it's a brilliant way to nurture fan loyalty and gain immense buzz.

Viral Marketing Example: Cadbury Dairy Milk-brand chocolate

This example is a British advertising campaign launched by Cadbury Schweppes in 2007 to promote Cadbury Dairy Milk-brand chocolate. The campaign itself, which comprised appearances on billboards, print newspapers and magazines, television and cinema spots, event sponsorships and an internet presence.

The result was very success, it was well-received by the British public. The commercial was uploaded to video sharing website YouTube shortly after it first aired, and was viewed over 500, 000 times in the first week. As of November 2007, it has been viewed over six million times across a large number of video sharing webhosts.70 Facebook groups appreciating the ad have been set up, with one, named "We love the Cadbury's drumming gorilla", boasting 200 members.

This advertistment imporved their reputation, according to the polling company YouGov reported that public perception of the brand had noticeably improved in the period following the launch, reversing the decline experienced in the first half of 2007.


The orginal video of the advertisment


The video that made by other 3rd party

Power of word-of-mouth turned simple everyday thing into Viral Marketing - Rapping Southwest Flight Attendant

Like the spreading of the epidemic Swine Flu H1N1, viral marketing spreads through viral processes to reach a large number of people rapidly. It is word-of-mouth delivered and enhanced online. (Ref.: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viral_marketing)

Below video - A Southwest flight attendant rapped his announcement in March this year, I think is a good example to reflect the power of word-of-mouth.

A passenger on the flight took this video and posted it on Utube. The great number of views made in a short period induced CNN to report it (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbR_0hGxfZI&feature=related).
Knowing how famous this staff had become, Southwest grabbed this opportunity to launch its viral marketing campaign with this famous staff. It invites this famous rapping flight attendant to attend and rap in the company's activities, such as the shareholders' meeting . All his rappings were recorded and posted on Utube. Both Southwest and this flight attendant had become famous in the US.

This example points out two important attributes of viral marketing: 1) Simple everyday things can result in viral marketing, once they are made into something unusual and interesting to draw people's attention as to create word-of-mouth. 2) The power of word-of-mouth can bring out a great effect from a simple thing. This was totally started by an ordinary staff who did something a little bit special, but had caused a great impact. It has acted as free publicity and has raised awareness of Southwest. This positive viral marketing effect works better than any multi-million dollar commercial.