9 of My Favorite Viral Marketing Videos

Creating a viral marketing video is not easy, but it is not impossible. Furthermore, viral video marketing doesn’t always require high-budget video as more and more consumers begin to value authenticity over staged content.

If you want to go viral in 2025 but aren’t sure how, you’ve come to the right blog. Here are some of my favorite viral marketing videos and why they were so successful.

And if by the end of this list you’re still doubting your ability to create viral content, remember that HubSpot’s Clip Creator is a free AI-powered video creator that can help you create memorable marketing videos regardless of your skill level.

9 examples of viral videos

1. Cecred

Views: 2.1 million

Megastar Beyonce released her new line of hair care products called Cecred, and her marketing was very Gen Z-friendly.

Instead of glossy, highly produced videos of models flaunting shiny, beautiful hair and bouncy curls, Beyonce took her phone and filmed herself using the products. She then walked viewers through her washing routine and explained the products she uses.

So what makes it Gen-Z coded? It’s an authentic and unpolished marketing approach that younger consumers often prefer. Studies show that 62% of generation Z consumers they prefer brands that create authentic and relatable content.

Beyonce is also known for being a private person who rarely gives fans a glimpse of her personal life, so the video where she candidly shares her hair care routine feels exclusive.

55% of Gen Z say brands are more engaging when they create exclusive content such as behind-the-scenes videos or guides.

What I like: For one thing, Beyonce is speaking directly to her fans. And if you’re a member of the BeyHive like me, then you know how rare that is.

2. Duolingo

Views: 8.1 million

Duolingo has viral marketing videos down to a science on TikTok. It seems like every time I log into the app, a new Duolingo video goes viral, with millions of views and likes.

The secret of a language learning company is that it always has a pulse on trending topics and what its audience is saying about the brand.

For example, Dress to Impress is a popular multiplayer dress-up video game created by Roblox. The game is popular among streamers and gamers, and Dress to Impress tutorials and gameplays often go viral on TikTok.

A common joke among Duolingo users is that the language learning app is pretty consistent and playfully aggressive when it comes to reminding users to log in and learn.

So, Duolingo released a TikTok avatar of its mascot floating through the game and jokingly wrote that the awesome bird was on its way to remind users not to break their learning streak.

What I like: Duolingo’s approach to video marketing shows that the brand has tapped into what its audience is saying and the biggest trends. So, in your own quest for virality, listen carefully to what your audience is saying about you and try to relate it to a popular trend.

3. Scrub the dad

Views: 30.7 million

I never thought a video about something as mundane as a sponge would make it into my top 10 favorite viral marketing videos, but Scrub Daddy is here. This video went viral on TikTok in 2023, and it’s easy to see why.

The video features a witty yet identical script that doesn’t sound overly rehearsed, giving TikTok an air of authenticity.

It also explains how the product works and answers a frequently asked consumer question: “Why is my Scrub Daddy moist anther dry when left outdoors?”

What I like: Scrub Daddy injects just the right amount of humor to keep this video interesting while still showing and explaining how the product works.

4. REM Beauty

Views: 1.8 million

Even though I’m a huge fan of Ariana Grande, I promise I’m not biased when I say that the movie Wicked and Grande’s REM Beauty had one of the best joint marketing campaigns I’ve seen.

Although this TikTok is only 16 seconds long, it’s still effective video marketing as it shows Ariana Grande speaking authentically and passionately about REM inspired by Wicked

Beauty palette. Grande doesn’t sound rehearsed and even shows off how the product looks on her skin.

What I like: Ariana Grande is the founder of REM Beauty and one of the stars of Wicked, and this video connects her passion for both projects while appealing to a variety of consumers, from Ariana Stans to Wicked lovers to makeup users.

5. City Pups – Jeremy, manager

Views: 1.8 million

Jeremy is a stern-faced black cat who “runs” City Pups, a pet store in New York. City Pups employees record Jeremy’s daily shenanigans and dub the video with a British AI-generated voice delivering sarcastic quips.

The cat has become so popular that people from all over the world visit City Pups to meet the furry manager and often leave with a new puppy.

What I like: Well, I just love cats, so it’s inevitable that I would love Jeremy’s videos. Even so, videos like the one above are great because they’re funny, smart, and show candid footage of the business and customers.

6. Gibson Guitar – Jason Mamoa

Likes: 74,700+

I predict celebrity marketing it will still be profitable in 2025, even though influencer marketing continues to grow, and this video supports my theory. Game of Thrones and Justice League actor Jason Momoa helped achieve a viral Instagram moment for the Gibson Guitar brand.

Momoa gave his son, a guitarist and metal fan, a guitar that was handcrafted by the CEO of the iconic Gibson Guitar brand.

The process was documented on Instagram, and Momoa captured the touching moment when he finally received his child’s unique instrument.

What I like: Once again, I love authenticity and candid moments.

7. Deadpool and Kidpool help SickKids

Views: 1.7 million

Speaking of celebrity marketing, Ryan Reynolds donned his iconic Deadpool gear and teamed up with Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman) to promote the Sick Kids Foundation, a Canadian organization dedicated to the health and well-being of children.

The video exceeded one million views in just a few days.

What I like: The video uses Deadpool’s signature humor to explain the organization’s purpose. He is also current with his story on the theme of the holidays. And, of course, it taps into the large celebrity fan base of Ryan Reynolds and Lynda Carter.

8. Anthropologie – #unwrapanthro

Views: 1.4 million

Anthropologie kicked off its holiday giveaway with a viral TikTok video announcing the event and how audiences can participate. The video is simple and features volume accompanied by footage of Anthropologie employees happily wrapping holiday gifts to be sent to sweepstakes winners.

What I like: Anthropologie’s viral video shows that you don’t need a big production or budget to create viral content. The video is simple and does a great job of explaining gift giving and creating excitement.

9. Nike – Vinicius Junior

Even though I don’t play sports, I love watching videos of athletes being goofy and having fun. So it’s no surprise that I really enjoyed this viral Nike video of Brazilian soccer player Vinicius Junior dancing in his Nike football boots.

What I like: This viral video is a great example of thinking outside the box.

Instead of showing Vinicius Junior using the shoes in a soccer match or showcasing his skills as an athlete, the brand used Vinicius’ unique personality and culture to create a unique ad that showcases the comfort and durability of Nike products.

So what did we learn? Well, in this current age of video marketing, it’s less about shiny, highly stylized images and more about authenticity, humor and clear messages. Keep this in mind as you create your next viral hit. Good luck!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in September 2010 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy and comprehensiveness.