The marketing gurus of today have hit upon a novel idea to spread the message of their clients via new means which is through social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter etc. This marketing stunt, which is known as viral advertising is the art of identifying and alluring certain internet users who match the marketing gurusâ profile as well as who have a social networking profile. This is not only cheap, fastest and effective means, but also cost effective for the company promoting their brand, make and not to forget, its sales. Here are the 10 chosen best viral ads of 2011, which hit the worldwide market in a matter of few days.
1. Volkswagen: The force
Created by Deutsch agency of Los Angeles, this ad was launched on February 3, 2011. Though this ad so far has had 62.7 million views, the initial views spiraled to a whopping 1 million the very next day of its launch. This ad features a little boy who wears a ‘Vader’ (of Star Wars) regalia and is desperately attempting to use ‘The Force’ on a washer and dryer, peanut butter sandwich, his dog and a doll. In the end he uses his extreme force to start up his dadâs car Volkswagen Passat, which in reality is done by his dad using the carâs remote control.
2. T-Mobile: Royal wedding
Created by Saatchi & Saatchi agency, London, this ad takes its inspiration from the 2009 Jill and Kevin bridal video wherein the bridal party greeted their guests with a memorable choreographed dance routine with the song ‘Forever’ by Chris Brown being played in the background. Launched on April 12, this ad features uncanny lookalikes of the British royals sashaying down the Westminister Abbeyâs aisle to the song ‘House of Love’ by British boy band East 17. The royal sashayers include The Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince Harry, the bride and the groom; Kate Middleton and Prince William. This ad which had view of 28.4 million was created to honor the royal wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William.
3. Apple iPhone 4s
Adam and Eve might have been banned from eating the apple but certainly not banned from using one. Launched on October 5, this ad, which was created by TBWA Media Arts Lab agency attracted 27.8 million views that year. This ad marked the release of Apple iPhone 4s wherein the unique features of this phone were introduced. Among the various incredible features that were displayed in this ad, the feature which lured the net users most was the fully integrated voice control service called âSiriâ; The Assistant which listens and understands its users and accomplish tasks for them.
4. Fiat: ‘Life is best when driven’
Tagged as Fiat- âLife is best when drivenâ, this ad was created by Doner ad agency. Launched on September 12 2011, this ad shows Jennifer Lopez driving in her Fiat 500 from the street of Manhattan to the Bronx; a place where she grew up giving the viewers a glimpse or two of the ragtop Fiat. Though this theme reminds us of the Chrysler brand’s ‘Born in Detroit’ ad and even though the Fiat failed to create an impression in the mind of car users, this ad drew a cool 27.4 million views on the web.
5. Dirt Devil: ‘You know when it’s the devil’
Did you know that this ad made it to the shortlist at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity in 2011? Created by Filmakademie Baden-Wurttemberg Agency, this ad is the perfect example to prove how powerful the art of storytelling can be. This ad attracted 26.4 million views was one of the best commercials of 2011. This 90 seconds ad, which was launched on April 29 is a very clever parody; a clever spoof of William Peter Blatty’s, ‘The Exorcist’. Promoting the ‘Dirt Devil’ brand of vacuum cleaner, it opens with a spooky scene and closes with a scene which shows a girl being tossed around. Unknown to the priest, the girl being tossed around is because of the old lady who is cleaning her house with her vacuum cleaner.
6. Old Spice: ‘New Old Spice guy Fabio’
Launched on July 14, this ad was created by Wieden & Kennedy agency, Portland. In an attempt to recreate the magic of ‘Old Spice’, it brought out the ‘New Old Spice’ i.e., Fabio Lanzoni, an Italian fashion model who appeared on the cover of hundreds of romance novels. This ad which garnered about 26.3 million views feature Fabio popping out of a mountain top hood and promoting the ‘Old Spice Matternhorn’. Though this video was an attempt to replace the original Old Spice model Isaiah Mustafa, this ad evoked mixed reactions from the public. Regardless of this, the company generated 200 short videos and made Fabio to reply to tweets.
7. Chrysler: ‘Imported from Detroit’
This is one of the buzziest ads compeered by Wieden & Kennedy agency. Portland. Launched on February 6, this ad features rapper Eminem promoting Chrysler 200. This ad made a statement at the Super bowl as it juxtaposed with the passion of the company and the city of Detroit as well as the Eminemâs ability to overcome. This 2 minute ad starts with the voice over question, ‘I got a question for ya, what does this city know about luxury?’, done by Kevin Yon; a Michigan native and actor. Pat comes the reply ‘it’s the hottest fires that make the hardest steel.’ At that moment Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’ song plays in the background along with a shiny black Chrysler 200 that comes into the scene. At the end of the ad Eminem steps out of his black Chrysler and enters a theater where a choir is singing. Turning towards the camera he tells ‘This is the Motor City and this is what we do.’ This ad is said to have garnered 22.3 million views.
8. Google: ‘The web is what you make of it’
Launched on May 2, 2011 by Google Creative Lab agency, this advert features Lady Gaga as usual in her weird outfit reaching out to her fans via social network Google Chrome. Tag lined as Google Chrome ‘the web is what you make of it’, it shows Lady Gaga who is wearing a black leather bra, bandana on the forehead and a stage regalia is seen jogging on the Brooklyn Bridge throwing punches in the air ala Rocky Balboa while her song ‘Edge of Glory’ is being played in the background. In the next scene Lady Gaga aka ‘Mother Monster’ is encouraging and tweeting with her fans aka ‘Little Monsters’ to enhance and promote their creativity via Google Chrome with her words of support and encouragement. The next scene shows Lady Gagaâs fans singing her songs and donning the same kind of attires and uploading the same on YouTube. Garnering 21.2 million views, this ad closes with Lady Gaga giving mini statements such as ‘Unleash your inner monster’ and ‘This is our moment’ via the web.
9. Adidas: ‘All in’
This 2 minute ad, created by Montreal based agency Sid Lee in collaboration with Adidas, was launched on May 1. This ad which talks about passion, gives glimpses of Silas Baxter-Neal, Lem Villemin who are skateboarders, soccer stars like David Beckham and Lionel Messi, point guard of Chicago Bulls and MVP candidate Derrick Rose, B.o.B; the hip hop sensation, pop icon Katy Perry and more. This ad which attracted19.9 million viewers is based on the concept of bringing together the diversity of the brand under one strong roof. This ad which has the tag line ‘Adidas is all in’ has been directed by Romain Gavras and has the song, ‘Civilization’ from synth electronic band Justice, as its background music.
10. Old Spice: ‘Old Spice man is back’
Launched on January 20, 2011 and crafted by Wieden & Kennedy agency, Portland brings back Isaiah Mustafa after a short hiatus. Promoting Old Spiceâs new Fresh Collection which features a new deodorant and body spray, it shows Isaiah Mustafa standing topless in front of a shower with a towel wrapped around his waist. This ad, which attracted 18.6 million viewers, has Mustafa explaining that he is back and tells people that they or their man can use Old Spice to smell as fresh as the freshest smelling places on earth.
