Creating a viral marketing video is not easy, but not impossible. Additionally, viral video marketing doesn’t always require a big-budget video as more consumers value authenticity over staged content.
If you want to go viral in 2025 but aren’t sure how, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of my favorite viral marketing videos and why they were such a success.
And if at the end of this list you still have doubts about your ability to create viral content, keep this in mind Clip Creator by HubSpot is a free AI-powered video creator that can help you create memorable marketing videos, regardless of your skill level.
9 viral video examples
1. Cecred
Views: 2.1 million
Mega-celebrity Beyonce launched her new hair care line called Cecred and her marketing was heavily targeted towards Generation Z.
Instead of highly produced, glossy videos of models flaunting shiny, gorgeous hair and bouncy curls, Beyoncé took her phone and filmed herself using the products. She then walked viewers through her daily washing routine and explained the products she uses.
So what makes it coded for Gen-Z? It’s an authentic and raw marketing approach that younger consumers often prefer. Studies show this 62% of Gen Z consumers prefer brands that create authentic and relatable content.
Beyoncé is also known for being a private person, rarely allowing fans insight into her personal life. Therefore, a video in which she candidly shares her hair care routine feels exclusive.
55% of Gen Z say brands are more attractive when they create exclusive content like behind-the-scenes videos or tutorials.
What I like: For one thing, Beyoncé speaks directly to her fans. And if you’re a member of the BeyHive like me, you know how rare that is.
2. Duolingo
Views: 8.1 million
Duolingo has viral marketing videos on TikTok down to a science. It feels like every time I log into the app, a new Duolingo video goes viral, with millions of views and likes.
The secret of the language learning company is that it is always up to date with current topics and what its target group is saying about the brand.
For example, Dress to Impress is a popular multiplayer dress-up video game from Roblox. The game is popular among streamers and gamers, and Dress to Impress tutorials and playthroughs 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 posted a TikTok showing its mascot’s avatar floating around the game, jokingly writing that the souped-up bird was on its way to remind users not to interrupt their learning streak.
What I like: Duolingo’s video marketing approach shows that the brand has listened to what its target 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 tie it to a popular trend.
3. Scrub Daddy
Views: 30.7 million
I never thought a video about something as common 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 humorous yet relatable script that doesn’t sound overly rehearsed and gives the TikTok a touch of authenticity.
It also explains how the product works and answers a frequently asked question from consumers: “Why is my Scrub Daddy Damp Duster dry when left outside?”
What I like: Scrub Daddy brings just the right amount of humor to keep this video exciting while showing and explaining how the product works.
4. REM beauty
Views: 1.8 million
Although 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 collaborative marketing campaigns I’ve ever seen.
Even though this TikTok is only 16 seconds long, it’s still effective video marketing as it shows Ariana Grande speaking authentically and passionately about the Wicked-inspired REM
Beauty palette. Grande doesn’t seem rehearsed and even shows how the product works on her skin.
What I like: Ariana Grande is the founder of REM Beauty and one of the stars of Wicked. This video combines her passion for both projects while appealing to diverse consumers, from Ariana stans to Wicked lovers to makeup users.
5. City Pups – Jeremy, the manager
Views: 1.8 million
Jeremy is a stern-faced black cat who “runs” City Pups, a pet store in New York City. City Pups employees film Jeremy’s everyday shenanigans and dub the video with an AI-generated British voice that delivers sarcastic jokes.
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. However, videos like the one above are great because they are funny, clever, and show authentic footage of the company and customers.
6. Gibson Guitar – Jason Mamoa
Likes: 74,700+
I expect celebrity marketing to still be profitable in 2025 even as influencer marketing continues to grow, and this video supports my theory. Game of Thrones and Justice League actor Jason Momoa created a viral moment on Instagram for the Gibson Guitar brand.
Momoa gave his son, a guitarist and metal fan, a handmade guitar from the CEO of the legendary Gibson Guitar brand.
The process was documented on Instagram and Momoa filmed the heartwarming moment when he was finally able to gift his child the unique instrument.
What I like: Once again, I’m a fan of authenticity and honest moments.
7. Deadpool and Kidpool help sick children
Views: 1.7 million
Speaking of celebrity marketing, Ryan Reynolds launched his iconic Deadpool gear and teamed up with Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman) to promote the Sick Kids Foundation, a Canadian organization dedicated to children’s health and well-being .
The video was viewed more than a million times within a few days.
What I like: The video uses Deadpool’s trademark humor to explain the organization’s purpose. It’s also contemporary with its holiday-themed plot. And of course, it benefits from the huge fan base of celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Lynda Carter.
8. Anthropology – #unwrapanthro
Views: 1.4 million
Anthropologie launched its holiday giveaway with a viral TikTok video announcing the event and explaining how the audience can enter. The video is simple and features a voiceover accompanied by footage of Anthropologie employees cheerfully wrapping Christmas gifts to be sent to the raffle winners.
What I like: Anthropologie’s viral video shows that you don’t need a big production or a big budget to create viral content. The video is uncomplicated and explains the competition excellently and creates excitement.
9. Nike – Vinicius Junior
While I’m not interested in sports, I enjoy watching videos of athletes being silly 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 cleats.
What I like: This viral video is a great example of thinking outside the box.
Instead of showing Vinicius Junior wearing the shoes at a soccer game or showcasing his skills as an athlete, the brand leveraged Vinicius Junior’s unique personality and culture to create a unique advertisement that showcases the comfort and durability of Nike products.
So what have we learned? Well, in today’s age of video marketing, it’s less about glossy, highly stylized images and more about authenticity, humor and clear messaging. 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 relevance, accuracy and completeness.