Brands That Have Gone Viral on TikTok

TikTok has rapidly become one of the most influential social media platforms, especially for brands seeking to capture the attention of younger audiences. With its short-form video format, TikTok provides a unique opportunity for brands to create engaging content that resonates with users and has the potential to go viral. Here, we explore some of the most notable brands that have gone viral on TikTok and the strategies they used to achieve their success.

1. Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice

One of the most iconic brand moments on TikTok was when Nathan Apodaca, known as @420doggface208, went viral for a video of himself skateboarding while drinking Ocean Spray cranberry juice and lip-syncing to Fleetwood Mac’s "Dreams." This spontaneous and authentic moment led to a massive surge in popularity for both the song and Ocean Spray. The brand quickly capitalized on the trend by gifting Apodaca a new truck filled with their products and launching their own TikTok account to engage with the trend. This example highlights the power of authentic, user-generated content in driving brand awareness.

2. Chipotle

Chipotle has consistently been one of the most successful brands on TikTok, using the platform to engage with its audience through challenges and memes. Their "Lid Flip Challenge" and "Guac Dance Challenge" went viral, encouraging users to create their own versions of these challenges. Chipotle's success on TikTok is attributed to their ability to tap into current trends, engage with users through interactive content, and maintain a fun and relatable brand persona. By aligning with TikTok’s culture and trends, Chipotle has effectively built a strong presence on the platform.

3. Elf Cosmetics

Elf Cosmetics made history with their #EyesLipsFace challenge, which became one of the most viral campaigns on TikTok. The brand partnered with influencers and even created a custom song for the campaign, encouraging users to showcase their makeup looks. The hashtag has amassed billions of views, demonstrating the effectiveness of a well-executed TikTok campaign. Elf Cosmetics’ success on TikTok underscores the importance of creativity, collaboration with influencers, and leveraging music to engage with users.

4. Duolingo

Duolingo, the language learning app, has become a TikTok sensation thanks to its quirky and humorous content featuring the brand's mascot, Duo the Owl. Duolingo’s TikTok strategy focuses on entertaining and relatable content that often plays on internet culture and memes, making the brand incredibly popular among younger audiences. Their videos regularly go viral, proving that even brands in more serious industries can succeed on TikTok by embracing a fun and playful approach.

5. Ryanair

The low-cost airline Ryanair has also gained significant traction on TikTok by embracing a humorous and self-deprecating tone in their videos. Ryanair’s content often features trending sounds and memes, paired with witty captions that poke fun at the brand’s own reputation. This strategy has resonated with TikTok users, leading to viral videos and increased brand visibility. Ryanair’s success on TikTok demonstrates the value of humor and authenticity in connecting with audiences on the platform.

6. The Washington Post

The Washington Post has taken a unique approach to TikTok by using the platform to showcase behind-the-scenes content and humorous takes on current events. Their TikTok account is managed by Dave Jorgenson, who has become a recognizable face on the platform. The Washington Post’s content is a mix of news-related humor, memes, and educational videos, which has helped the brand engage with a younger audience in a new and innovative way. This success shows that even traditional media outlets can thrive on TikTok by adapting their content to suit the platform’s style and audience.

7. Guess

Fashion brand Guess was one of the first brands to collaborate with TikTok on an official campaign. Their #InMyDenim challenge encouraged users to showcase their style transformations using Guess denim, set to the tune of Bebe Rexha’s "I’m a Mess." The campaign was a huge success, generating millions of views and helping to boost the brand’s presence on TikTok. Guess’s early adoption of TikTok and collaboration with the platform itself played a key role in their viral success.

8. Fenty Beauty

Fenty Beauty, founded by Rihanna, has also made a significant impact on TikTok. The brand leverages influencer partnerships and user-generated content to showcase their products in an authentic and relatable way. By encouraging users to share their makeup routines and looks using Fenty products, the brand has built a strong and engaged community on TikTok. Fenty Beauty’s success is a testament to the power of influencer marketing and user-generated content on the platform.

Conclusion

TikTok has proven to be a powerful tool for brands looking to connect with a younger audience and go viral. The brands mentioned above have successfully leveraged the platform’s unique features, such as challenges, user-generated content, and humor, to engage with users and create memorable campaigns. As TikTok continues to grow, brands that can adapt their strategies to align with the platform’s culture and trends will likely continue to see success.