Years ago, people used to gather around the TV set to watchCandid Camera. Then, a couple of decades later, Punk’d.
Nowadays, as evinced by October’s most-shared ads list on the Mashable Global Ads Chart, advertisers are addressing our need to see people get victimized by practical jokes. Case in point: Contrex, a Nestle mineral water that’s marketed in France. Contrex got some French men and women (mostly women) to interact with some stationery bikes that powered a 3-D image of a male stripper. And that was the most-shared ad of October.
Also showing up high on the list was Carlsberg, which punk’d some theatergoers in Belgium with the help of a few dozen burly bikers.
Is this the new trend in viral ads? It remains to be seen, but marketers would be smart to start thinking of ways to channel their inner Ashton Kutcher. Otherwise, we have a bumper crop of viral ads this week including a man getting reverse tattoos, two iPhone 4S ads and a PSA from New Zealand that will make you wonder “Is this a joke?” even though it appears to be quite serious.
As usual, we thank our friends at Unruly for compiling this month’s list.
Note: The list below does not include music videos, user-generated content or movie trailers. Unruly Media’s Viral Video Chart tracks 18 million shares a day through third-party APIs.
Nestle hit upon an inspired way to market its Contrex mineral water. The premise? A row of exercise bikes appear on the stairs of an edifice somewhere in France (if you know the exact location, let us know.) The bikes, it is soon discovered, power a 3D Projection Mapping display of a male stripper. Does he go all the way? Watch and find out.
"Michael" (Sony PlayStation 3)
In a setup that owes much to the bar scene in the original Star Wars, a group of warriors assemble to trade war stories. A World War II vet breaks in with a seemingly impromptu tribute to "Michael," whom everyone agrees is the sine qua non of any successful battle. Who is Michael? Some geeky teenager who has a PS3.
"Stunts with Bikers in Cinema" (Carlsberg)
In another instance of marketing disguised as a practical joke, various couples enter a movie theater filled with burly, tattooed bikers. Those that overcome their initial trepidation and actually take a seat are rewarded with hearty applause from said bikers along with an invitation to enjoy a Carlsberg. This popular video is a brilliant example of attaching a brand with a feeling, in this case, pride mixed with relief.
"Introducing Siri' (Apple)
If you're reading Mashable, you probably don't need an introduction to Siri, but here's one anyway, in Apple's first ad for the iPhone 4S and it's first since the passing of Steve Jobs.
"Go Beyond The Cover" (Dermablend)
Speaking of tattoos, in this amazing video, a normal-looking man sitting before the camera. Slowly, it is revealed that he is actually Lady Gaga's pal Zombie Boy who has been done up with Dermablend. What's interesting about the video is that it reverses our expectations by showing a guy who starts out looking scary and ends up appearing unremarkable.
" Introducing iPhone 4S" (Apple)
Released in conjunction with Apple's iPhone 4S announcement on Oct. 6, the new phone gets the "this-is-so-amazing-it's-going-to-blow-your-mind-and revolutionize-the-way-you-do-everything treatment.
"Official Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 - Redemption Single Player Trailer" (Activision)
It's the world's darkest hour. Are you ready to do what's necessary? Yes, that means abandoning your real-world duties and relationships for Activision's latest time suck.
"Ken Block's Gymkhana Four: The Hollywood Megamercial" (DC Shoes)
Ken Block pulls out all the stops in this over-the-top nine-minute video featuring flesh-eating zombies, fake sharks, a guy in a gorilla suit on a Segway, and of course, lots of dangerous "don't try this at home" automobile maneuvers.
"The Force" (Volkswagen)
Still going strong after eight months, VW's "The Force" Super Bowl ad once again makes an appearance. Is there anyone out there who hasn't seen this yet?
"Party Rock Anthem" (Kia)
Those lovable Kia hamsters are back and they’re dancing to LMFAO”s “Party Rock Anthem.” Somehow this will get you to buy one of the company’s cars.
"D Rose: adiZero Rose 2 -- The Bull" (Adidas)
A bunch of matadors are no match for the Chicago Bulls's Derrick Rose, a.k.a. D-Rose. Olé!
"Honey Badger" (Wonderful Pistachios)
Wonderful Pistachios harnesses the Honey Badger Internet meme for fun and, we presume, profit.
"Weetabix Chocolate Spoonsize Advert" (Weetabix)
This is what happens when you give kids sugary cereal: They start dancing like adults with their stuffed animals in front of their stunned peers.
Legend (New Zealand Transport Agency)
A drunk driving PSA comes off as a fair -to-middling Flight of the Conchords skit. Maybe it's the kiwi accents.
"The Cat Haz Swagger" (Puss in Boots)
Old Spice gets its umpteenth parody from Antonio Banderas/Puss in Boots in this viral video promoting DreamWorks Animations's latest pic.
"Danny MacAskill - Way Back Home" (Red Bull)
Way Back Home is sort of the Dark Side of the Moon of viral ads, not for its content, but for its staying power. DSOTM was on the Billboard charts for 741 weeks, from 1973 to 1988. Way Back Home's only been around since last November, but it seems to enjoy the same kind of steady popularity.
"World Gone Sour (The Lost Kids)" (Cadbury Schweppes)
Method Man raps about and to some Sour Patch Kids. Next up: The Wu-Tang Clan's paean to Reese's Pieces.
"Angry Birds Seasons Ham'O'Ween" (Rovio)
There's a new Angry Bird in town. Nuff said.
"The HD HERO2: 2x as Powerful in Every Way" (GoPro)
More stylized photography and stunts from GoPro. Don't try this at home.
"Taylor Swift Wonderstruck" (Elizabeth Arden)
Elizabeth Arden hitches a ride with Taylor Swift's brand equity.
online video ads and marketing for a small business
Your marketing approach can become more dynamic when you use online video ads to being your products or services to the people. Using videos online for your company's marketing is getting easier to accomplish, since you can produce them at cheaper prices now, and still keep them looking like a professional recorded them. Sites with video content, like YouTube and Video Jug, receive more traffic every day, and since nearly everyone multi-tasks these days, media that doesn't require reading is getting more attention.
You can put together a video today using techniques for inexpensive digital cameras, or you may opt to rent or lease more expensive equipment, since that is certainly more accessible now. Video can be embedded into your business emails and e-newsletters. They can be placed on your site, and they serve as a valuable means of marketing for a small business. Using videos on your blog will make it more dynamic and attractive, and you can insert links to your videos in forums where issues pertinent to your business are discussed. Possibly the most effective use of online video ads is placement at content sites, and also free video sites. These will get your company more traffic, and more potential customers.
This is a moment of opportunity for managers seeking new ways of marketing for a small business. Medium sized businesses as well may wish to make a commitment to develop a marketing and business plan, rather than waiting for the market to make a positive turn.
Small company managers and owners no longer need to shy away from the planning process, in contrast to those in larger businesses. Small business owners may feel that they are too busy in running their businesses, and they choose to ignore the advertising options available to them. They may feel that the process of marketing for a small business takes too much time, and that it isn't “that important” for a business their size.
There is, in actuality, a compelling reason for small business owners to begin to plan their marketing process now. These owners need to listen carefully and seriously, and learn how to better compare vendors, to research, and to make important decisions. Many advertising decisions are of more importance now, due to the recession.
In order for small businesses to compete in the global marketplace, they must have a marketing plan that is built on a strategy that will redefine the mission of their business model. They will need to use proper competitive strategies that will turn their businesses around, and help them to grow to the next level. They need to create innovative strategies so that their business can grow and develop into niche markets. Using newer advertising methods like online video ads will increase their stream of revenue, improve their return on investment, increase their share of the market, and provide greater customer value. In taking on a process to create a new marketing plan, small business owners will make better decisions, since planning, in effect, deals with how their decisions will affect them in the future.
It makes excellent business sense to use video ads to promote your business. They will give you a chance to generate more interest in all of your products and services, which can convert leads into customers. It's one of the best ways to introduce people to your business.
Promotion by using videos is essentially putting short commercials online. They will give potential customers valuable information about the products or services you offer, by acting as your online marketer. Using videos in marketing harnesses visual messages that will serve to drive traffic to your site in a much more memorable way than conventional banner or text ads. Use the type of online video marketing that best showcases your company to the market, in order that it will be the most effective.
When you promote your company through the use of videos, you'll need to keep a few things in mind. Make sure your ads are short and simple, and only use information that is pertinent to your business. Promote the benefits that people will receive when they deal with your company. Video ads should show your potential customers the appropriate message about your company with clean and simple photography, to grab peoples' attention. Only utilize videos that truly show the services and products your company specializes in. When consumers are problem-solving, and then they see your video, showing a solution through the use of the services or products you provide, they will be much more likely to consider dealing with you.
The internet-savvy audience of today will appreciate online video marketing that gives them information they can use, regarding the products or services that your company provides. Many people are more inclined to watch something as opposed to reading something, so utilizing videos plays into that. It is also easier to evoke an emotional response through a video than can be done with written words. Promoting your company through online video marketing will enhance the appreciation of your potential customers, while giving them valid information about your services or products. This will also spread your company's brand online.
Video ads will locate new customers and result in more sales, which is the obvious goal for your company. Effective marketing will depend on your using ads that let people learn about your business by viewing helpful, informative videos. Online videos can use the Internet to connect you with many potential customers everywhere in the world, and it doesn't take a lot of effort on your part.
Utilizing the power of online video marketing, you will be able to attract many leads, with nothing more than the click of a mouse. Anyone online will have access to your videos, so make yours stand out, to gain the most exposure. Video ads will put your brand out for everyone to see, and they are one of the most effective means of advertising today. Creative videos will draw people in, and entice them to learn more about your business. Using videos to deliver the message of your company will give potential visitors a means to remember you that will be retained better than audio or print ads.
What Powerful Video Content Can Do For Your Business Reputation
A large percentage of companies are now trying different techniques to attract visitors to their website. For most companies, just staying in business will require big outlays of money and might not even take into account advertising costs. However in today’s world of fierce competition companies are having to invest money in advertising. Whilst advertising is important it also needs to be targeted around the needs of the company. This article will help to explain What a Good Corporate Video Do Can For Your Business.
Advertising needs to stand out from the crowd and attract visitors to the website. It is not just large companies that need corporate media either small companies need it too. Small and large companies could only see gains in sales by investing in corporate video advertising.
It is easier to put a message across using a video than it is to use words that people might just skim over. A person is more likely to watch a video clip than they are to read a lot of written content. Making visual content is still to a large degree, an art and that is why it is far better to invest in the services of a professional filming company.
It is important to create a film that stands out from the rest. Putting across the message of your individual brand is extremely important for attracting more customers. Thanks to the fact that it is less expensive to make audio entertainment, smaller firms are finding the benefits with it too.
Visual filming can be an extremely powerful tool in today’s business world of fierce competition. Investing in a professional company can certainly increase your chances of more business. A professional company will also have a wide range of editing experience to bring your production to life. They will know exactly how to get your message across in the best way.
A professional company will have a good knowledge of how to promote your business using video production and music. No matter what the size of your company is, using visual recording can be a great way to train your staff, sell your products and promote your organisation. For the best possible video then you need to find a company that not only delivers value, but also quality.
Finding an organisation with an excellent reputation for producing high quality programmes and multimedia projects is important to how successful your video will be. Your main aim is to get your message across and get people to visit your website. If people are impressed with your visual content then they will visit your website and purchase your products.
Did you find this article helpful? You can get more information and details about the advantages of incorporating corporate video into your business plan today! When you use video production professionals, you can expand the scope of your business fast!
