10 Times Brands Nailed Their Social Media Game and Went Viral
30 Dec 2024
Read Time: 4 min read

In the fast-paced world of social media, brands that achieve viral success often do so through a blend of creativity, timing, and strategy. Going viral can elevate a brand’s visibility and drive significant engagement. Here are ten notable instances where brands nailed their social media game and went viral.
1. Oreo’s Super Bowl Blackout TweetDuring the 2013 Super Bowl, the stadium experienced a power outage, and Oreo took advantage by tweeting, “You can still dunk in the dark.” This quick, clever response went viral, demonstrating Oreo’s ability to seize the moment and engage with its audience in real time.
2. ALS Ice Bucket ChallengeThe ALS Ice Bucket Challenge of 2014 became a global phenomenon. Participants filmed themselves pouring ice water over their heads and challenged others to do the same to raise awareness and funds for ALS. The challenge’s viral nature significantly increased donations and awareness for the cause.
Dove’s 2013 Real Beauty Sketches campaign featured a forensic artist drawing women based on their own descriptions versus how others described them. The emotional impact of the campaign and its message about beauty resonated widely, sparking shares and discussions across social media.
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Wendy’s Twitter account gained fame for its witty and sometimes savage roasts of competitors and users. The brand’s humorous and bold approach to social media engagement attracted attention and increased its follower count, showcasing a distinctive brand personality.
5. Nike’s Colin Kaepernick AdNike’s 2018 ad featuring Colin Kaepernick, known for his protest during the national anthem, generated substantial attention and controversy. The campaign’s bold stance on social issues drove significant discussion and engagement, reinforcing Nike’s brand values and resonating with many consumers.
6. Airbnb’s #WeAccept CampaignIn 2017, Airbnb launched the #WeAccept campaign in response to a travel ban, emphasizing its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The campaign’s powerful message and timely launch garnered widespread support and went viral, highlighting Airbnb’s values and increasing brand visibility.
7. Taco Bell’s “The Bell” RebrandIn 2021, Taco Bell rebranded its fast-food concept to “The Bell” with a humorous and nostalgic campaign. The creative approach and effective use of social media and influencer partnerships helped the campaign go viral, driving significant engagement and brand awareness.
8. Spotify WrappedSpotify Wrapped, an annual feature that provides users with personalized insights into their listening habits, consistently drives viral engagement. The visually appealing and shareable summaries encourage users to post their results, amplifying Spotify’s presence on social media.
9. Chipotle’s #GuacDance ChallengeChipotle’s #GuacDance challenge in 2019 invited users to showcase their best dance moves in celebration of National Avocado Day. The fun and engaging campaign led to a surge in user participation and social media mentions, driving brand visibility and customer engagement.
10. Tesla’s Model 3 UnveilingTesla’s unveiling of the Model 3 in 2016 generated massive social media buzz. The event was streamed live and heavily discussed online, reflecting Tesla’s ability to create excitement and engage its audience effectively. The viral success of the launch bolstered Tesla’s brand image and customer interest.
ConclusionThese examples illustrate how creative and strategic social media efforts can lead to viral success. By leveraging current trends, seizing timely opportunities, and crafting engaging content, brands can achieve significant visibility and foster strong connections with their audience. Emulating these successful strategies can help elevate your own social media game and drive impactful results.
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Emily Brooks
An insightful voice in the industry, crafting content that informs, inspires, and connects with readers.
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