10 Creative Advertising Campaigns That Went Viral

Jun 30, 2025By Jesse B Lucero
Jesse B Lucero

Advertising campaigns are an essential part of any marketing strategy. They help brands reach a wider audience and create a lasting impression. However, not all campaigns are successful in capturing the attention of the masses. In this blog post, we will explore 10 creative advertising campaigns that not only caught people's attention but also went viral.

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge took the world by storm in 2014. It involved individuals pouring a bucket of ice water over their heads to raise awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research. The campaign went viral on social media, with celebrities and ordinary people alike participating and challenging others to do the same.

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Dove's Real Beauty Sketches

Dove's Real Beauty Sketches campaign aimed to challenge societal perceptions of beauty. The campaign featured a forensic artist sketching women based on their descriptions of themselves and then based on descriptions from strangers. The stark difference between the two sketches highlighted how women tend to be overly critical of their own appearance. The emotional video went viral and sparked important conversations about self-image.

Dove Real Beauty Sketches

Old Spice: The Man Your Man Could Smell Like

Old Spice's "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like" campaign was a huge success. The humorous and memorable commercials featured a confident and charismatic spokesman, Isaiah Mustafa, who showcased the brand's range of products. The campaign became an internet sensation, with parodies and spoofs adding to its popularity.

Old Spice The Man Your Man Could Smell Like

Share a Coke

Coca-Cola's "Share a Coke" campaign personalized their iconic bottles by replacing the brand name with popular names. The campaign encouraged people to find bottles with their names or the names of loved ones and share them on social media. This simple yet effective idea created a sense of personal connection with the brand and sparked a global trend.

Share a Coke

Always: Like a Girl

Always' "Like a Girl" campaign aimed to empower girls and challenge gender stereotypes. The campaign featured a social experiment where individuals were asked to demonstrate what it means to do something "like a girl." The results showed the negative connotations associated with the phrase and encouraged viewers to redefine its meaning.

Always Like a Girl

Nike: Just Do It

Nike's "Just Do It" campaign has become one of the most iconic and enduring advertising campaigns. The slogan, accompanied by powerful visuals and inspiring stories, motivates individuals to push their limits and pursue their dreams. The campaign has resonated with people from all walks of life and continues to inspire millions around the world.

Nike Just Do It

Apple: Get a Mac

Apple's "Get a Mac" campaign featured a series of commercials showcasing the differences between Mac computers and PCs. The campaign used a humorous approach, with two characters representing the two types of computers. The ads not only highlighted the benefits of using a Mac but also positioned Apple as a cooler and more innovative brand.

Apple Get a Mac

Red Bull: Stratos

Red Bull's "Stratos" campaign pushed the boundaries of extreme sports. The campaign featured Felix Baumgartner's record-breaking freefall from the edge of space. The live stream of the event captivated millions of viewers worldwide, showcasing Red Bull's association with adrenaline-pumping adventures.

Red Bull Stratos

Burger King: The Whopper Detour

Burger King's "The Whopper Detour" campaign combined mobile technology with a clever marketing strategy. The campaign offered customers a one-cent Whopper if they ordered it through the Burger King app while being within 600 feet of a McDonald's restaurant. The campaign not only drove foot traffic to Burger King but also generated significant buzz and media coverage.

Burger King The Whopper Detour

Pepsi: Kendall Jenner's "Live for Now Moments"

Pepsi's controversial campaign featuring Kendall Jenner aimed to promote unity and social activism. The commercial depicted Jenner joining a protest and offering a Pepsi to a police officer, seemingly solving tensions. However, the campaign received backlash for trivializing serious social issues. While it may not have achieved its intended message, it certainly generated a significant amount of attention and discussion.

Pepsi Kendall Jenner Live for Now Moments