10 Viral Social Media Campaigns That Dominated the Internet This Year
In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. This year, several social media campaigns not only captured the attention of millions but also set new benchmarks for virality. As Softtechz Digital Marketing Agency, we’ve analyzed the most impactful campaigns that dominated the internet. In this post, we’ll explore what made these campaigns go viral and how they can inspire your next marketing strategy.
1. Nike’s “Dream Crazy” Campaign
Nike’s “Dream Crazy” campaign, featuring Colin Kaepernick, struck a chord with audiences worldwide. This powerful message of standing up for beliefs and social justice went viral, generating millions of views and shares. The campaign’s success lies in its emotional appeal and strong stance on a significant social issue.
2. YearChallenge by Facebook
The #10YearChallenge encouraged users to post photos from a decade ago alongside current ones, showcasing personal transformations. This simple yet engaging concept spread like wildfire across social media, with millions participating and brands jumping on the trend to showcase their evolution.
3. Old Town Road by Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” became a cultural phenomenon thanks to TikTok. The catchy tune and the “Yeehaw Challenge” spurred countless user-generated videos, catapulting the song to the top of the charts and making it a viral sensation.
4. Dove’s ShowUs Campaign
Dove partnered with Getty Images and Girlgaze for the #ShowUs campaign, which aimed to create a more inclusive vision of beauty. By encouraging women to share unretouched photos of themselves, Dove created a powerful movement that resonated deeply with their audience, leading to widespread viral engagement.
5. Popeyes vs. Chick-fil-A Twitter Feud
The Twitter feud between Popeyes and Chick-fil-A over who had the better chicken sandwich captured the internet’s attention. The playful yet competitive banter between the brands, coupled with the engaging content from users, turned this into a viral marketing goldmine.
6. InMyFeelings Challenge by Drake
Drake’s “In My Feelings” challenge, sparked by comedian Shiggy, took over social media. Users danced to the song in creative ways, sharing their videos with the hashtag #InMyFeelingsChallenge. This user-generated content helped the song dominate charts and social media feeds.
7. Wendy’s National Roast Day
Wendy’s National Roast Day saw the brand invite users to get “roasted” on Twitter. The witty and humorous responses from Wendy’s generated massive engagement, making the campaign a viral success and solidifying Wendy’s reputation for clever social media presence.
8. Gillette’s “The Best Men Can Be” Ad
Gillette’s “The Best Men Can Be” campaign took on toxic masculinity and encouraged men to be better role models. The ad sparked widespread discussion and debate, going viral as it tapped into a critical social conversation.
9. Starbucks WhatsYourName Campaign
Starbucks’ #WhatsYourName campaign supported the transgender community by encouraging people to share their stories of being recognized by their chosen name. This heartwarming and inclusive message resonated with many, driving viral engagement and positive brand sentiment.
10. The Egg That Broke Instagram
A simple photo of an egg posted by the account @world_record_egg aimed to become the most-liked photo on Instagram, surpassing Kylie Jenner. This quirky and unexpected campaign went viral, achieving its goal and highlighting the power of social media virality.