Viral Video: Jeff Gordon: Test Drive 2 | Pepsi Max | Prank

Pepsi Max see great ROI with Sponsorship

Pepsi and Jeff Gordon teamed up to conduct two prank videos that went viral. Their basic premise is that Gordon dresses up so others won't recognize him and then takes them on a ride they will never forget. There was a series of two ads/videos created. After the first one about a test drive at a car dealer went viral, a journalist questioned whether they were real or not. So they set him up as their next victim and of course they got it all on camera.


The ads have a very simple premise and most people like the suspense of not only knowing if the person, or victim, can figure out who is behind the wheel. There is an unexpected change in the video when all of a sudden a regular cab ride turns into a car chase worthy of any great action film.


Emotions, credibility, a great storyline and a car chase keeps you watching for the full length of the video. Everyone is in on the gag except the unknowing victim. While the video is not a direct sell for Pepsi, they are mentioned as teaming up to create the video. It gave Pepsi Max some market exposure over their main competitor and the campaign says essentially "Pepsi Max is an exciting product".

Viral Ad: Apple "Misunderstood" Christmas 2013

Posted by: Shannon Nicolson



The concept is simple - a family is gathering for the holidays and enjoying various activities while the stereotypical teenager has his face buried in his iPhone.

Then the ad hits you with the unexpected: the teen was actually gathering footage for a touching family video. Cue the waterworks.

The ad received extra media attention in Alberta because it was shot here in Edmonton and showcased the beauty of our winter city...even if it is cold!

It was a great way to spread holiday spirit and show the "real life" use of the iPhone 5S video while playing off pop culture attitudes - and misunderstandings - regarding teens and their devices.

The ad also won a Creative Arts Emmy Award.

Viral Ad - "Unsung Hero" by Thai Life Insurance

I really enjoy this ad from Thai Life Insurance, event though I don't live there or speak (or read) the language. I do believe that this is a great video ad to analysis, especially with the reading of 6 sticky principles from "Made to Stick".

Simplicity and Stories
Although the video ad is long, but it is very simple through and through. There are very minimal words displayed and it carries the same message over and over again. Basically, the message is told through a lot of short stories piece together about 1 person's action to do give without expecting return.

Unexpectedness and Concreteness
The video portray doing good things in life, but it brings that idea to the next level. Seeing the main character doing the good things, one after another, different person or people every time.

Credibility
Can't really speak to credibility about Thai Life Insurance for I know absolutely nothing about them. Even the video itself doesn't tell me much about the company. But I don't think this is the purpose of this video; it is a ad that generate interest and develop and elevate its brand image by associating with "Believe in Good".

Emotions
The video definitely target people's emotion, especially when you see that this main character is not a wealthy person to begin with and still strive to do good every day. (The part that strikes home for me is when I see the little girl in school uniform.)